As the European Union moves toward finalising its first-ever Space Act, India’s satellite and space industry has urged Brussels to ensure that the new framework remains open, predictable, and aligned with the aspirations of trusted international partners. The intervention comes at a strategic moment, just months before the India–EU Summit scheduled for early next year, where space cooperation is expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
The Space Industry Association of India (SIA-India), together with Belgium-based Grayspace Law & Policy Consulting, has submitted a detailed joint response to the European Commission’s public consultation on the Draft EU Space Act. The consultation, which closed on 7 November 2025, is part of Europe’s broader effort to establish a unified regulatory regime governing licensing, safety, sustainability, and operator responsibilities across the EU’s rapidly expanding space sector.
To deepen the dialogue, SIA-India hosted an international roundtable on earlier this week titled “EU Space Act: Perspectives from Non-EU Partner Countries.” The event brought together more than 100 participants, including European Commission officials, former EU ministers, experts from the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), and regulators and industry bodies from the United States, Australia, Japan, and India.
The roundtable marked one of the rare instances where non-EU industry voices were formally invited into Europe’s legislative process on space governance.
What’s at stake?
A unified EU-wide regulatory framework
The proposed Act aims to streamline licensing and operational rules across EU member states—an important shift in a sector where national regulations vary widely.
Stronger safety and sustainability norms
Major provisions focus on orbital debris mitigation, operator responsibility, end-of-life procedures for satellites, and safer practices for launch and in-orbit operations.
Rules for third-country operators
Non-EU companies seeking to operate in Europe would face new authorisation paths and compliance requirements, a key issue raised by Indian and global stakeholders.
Role of Qualified Technical Bodies (QTBs)
The Act envisions QTBs certifying compliance, but industry groups warn that limited capacity could create bottlenecks—especially for emerging space businesses.
International alignment and interoperability
The Act must coexist with global norms set by the ITU, UN-COPUOS, ISO, FCC, Ofcom, JAXA, and India’s IN-SPACe. Industry representatives cautioned against overlaps that could increase costs or slow innovation.
India and Global Partners Seek Balanced, Inclusive Rules
In its submission, SIA-India emphasised that the EU should avoid creating barriers for start-ups and SMEs—especially those operating in hybrid supply chains that stretch across multiple jurisdictions. The association urged the EU to adopt mutual recognition of standards, early-stage international cooperation, and clear pathways for third-country authorisation.
SIA-India Director General Anil Prakash called the exercise a milestone for India’s private space industry, “This is the first time India’s industry has directly contributed to an international regulatory initiative of this scale. Our engagement is not just commercial—it is about shaping an inclusive and equitable global space governance architecture.”
A European Commission representative stated that global partnership is central to the EU’s approach, “Cooperation, not competition, must guide the future of space governance. Inputs from partners such as SIA-India reflect the shared responsibility to build a safe and sustainable space environment.”
Grayspace Consulting Managing Partner Sagar Singamsetty noted that the EU’s ambition to lead in space sustainability and innovation will only succeed if the Act remains interoperable with the regulatory frameworks of emerging space powers.
Ahead of the India–EU Summit
The timing of the Draft EU Space Act coincides with deepening strategic cooperation between India and the European Union. With joint focus areas including secure satellite connectivity, resilient supply chains, and standards for space sustainability, the Act is likely to surface prominently in upcoming diplomatic negotiations.