GSA becomes EUSPA: for a new EU space trajectory

Last 27 April, the EU approved the space programme with a total budget of €14.8 billion for the period 2021-2027. The bulk of the €14.8 billion budget will be allocated to Galileo and EGNOS, the EU’s global and regional satellite navigation systems, and to the EU’s Earth observation programme Copernicus. 

On that previous basis, and as of the 12 May, The European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency (GSA) is succeeded by the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). Based in Prague (Czech Republic), the EUSPA will take on more responsibilities, managing the exploitation of Galileo and EGNOS.

Building on the legacy of the GSA, the EUSPA will have additional responsibilities to encourage Europe’s space enterprises and to create even more opportunities from space for European Union citizens and its economy.

EUSPA will coordinate the user-related aspects of government satellite communication in close collaboration with Member States and other entities.

“Europe has incredible opportunities ahead that cannot be missed. By creating EUSPA, the European Union will further increase the return on investment made by EU citizens in the EU Space Program by strengthening its contribution to the priorities of the Union. We will achieve this primarily by leveraging synergies between the various program components — particularly navigation, Earth observation and secure communications — to drive innovation across a broad range of sectors.” Rodrigo da Costa, EUSPA Executive Director, Former Director of GSA.