OBSERVER: The EU Space Networks General Assembly 2024

The EU Space Programme has been marked by many "firsts". In the winter of 2005, we witnessed the launch of the first Galileo test satellite. Almost a decade later, Sentinel-1A, the first Copernicus satellite, was safely launched into orbit. 

In this week's Observer, we look at another notable "first" that brought together stakeholders from around the world to explore a deepened collaboration across the components of the EU Space Programme: the first EU Space Networks General Assembly.

Participants at the EU Space Networks General Assembly, which took place on 24 January in Brussels. 

Building on the success of the Copernicus Networks

Since early 2017, the Copernicus Networks have made remarkable progress in promoting the use of space data and fostering collaboration across Europe and beyond. As part of the European Commission's efforts to promote user adoption, the Copernicus Networks - both the Copernicus Academy and the Copernicus Relays - have increased the visibility and uptake of Copernicus open data, products, services and applications. The networks started with 88 Academy members and 78 Relays. We now have 224 Academy members and 115 Relays from 53 countries. For seven years, the networks have been spreading information and knowledge to potential users, supporting them in their countries and regions, and in their disciplines and industries.

"We are very proud of the achievements of the Copernicus Networks and how they have stimulated innovation and growth in the space sector," said Julien Turpin, Head of Sector for Communication at DG DEFIS. "These networks can help us take on challenges that transcend countries and borders, such as such as climate change or space traffic management."

The Copernicus Networks have increased the visibility and uptake of Copernicus open data, products, services and applications around the world.

But now, as the EU Space strategy has evolved, so have the networks. As the EU Space Programme integrates the various space components - Copernicus, Galileo, EGNOS, IRIS², SSA and GOVSATCOM - under a single umbrella, the Copernicus Networks are likewise becoming the EU Space Networks. This will improve the overall impact and reach of the networks and support the objectives of the EU Space Programme. "Our goal is to improve on what we have worked so hard to create with the Copernicus Networks," added Theodora Antoniou, who co-leads the EU Space Networks development at DG DEFIS with Valentin Lupetti. "This is about improving what we have built over the last decade." Speaking to the audience, Valentin Lupetti added: "It's your commitment to promoting the EU Space Programme that will put us at the forefront of innovation in European cooperation.”

Theodora Antoniou and Valentin Lupetti closed the Assembly by addressing the audience with a forward-looking message on the evolution of the Networks.

And so, what was formerly known as the Copernicus Networks General Assembly became the EU Space Networks Assembly, an event where institutions, government representatives, companies and scientists can meet, network and attend informative sessions that address all components of the EU Space Programme.

Conversations on the global reach and benefits of EU Space

At this week's Assembly in Brussels, many spoke of the global reach and benefits of the EU Space Programme. The usual figures featured in many of the presentations: Copernicus delivers 25 terabytes of open data to users every day. Around 7% of the EU economy depends on the availability of global navigation satellite signals. And there are more than 3 billion Galileo-compatible smartphones. But the impact of the EU Space Programme goes far beyond numbers.

Miguel Exposito Verdejo, Deputy Head of Unit at DG INTPA, showcased just how far the Programme can go. He mentioned that, thanks to the Copernicus Networks, partners in Africa and Latin America have benefited from the opportunities and bridges provided by the EU's Space Programme. And while Copernicus and Galileo tend to get the limelight, other components will also play an international role. IRIS², for example, will provide secure connectivity to underserved regions and communities across Africa. Meanwhile, new data centres will soon be built in Panama and the Philippines. They'll help gather and centralise information to prevent natural disasters.

Although the EU Space Programme starts in the EU, its impact goes far beyond the region. During the Assembly, several speakers talked about the global dimension of the Programme, while also mentioning the impact it has on people's lives.

Special Guest: Lewis Pugh – UN Patron of the Oceans

A major highlight of the event was an inspirational speech from endurance swimmer and UN Patron of the Oceans, Lewis Pugh. Pugh is a user of Copernicus and has relied on Copernicus data and images for several of his swims to help him safely navigate obstacles along his path. Lewis shared with the audience the inspiring story of his record-breaking swim at the North Pole— how we can overcome challenges that may seem insurmountable, and the importance of compelling storytelling and data sharing to communicate impactful messages and tackle big social or environmental problems such as the melting of the Artic ice. The sharing of EU Space data, particularly data and images from Copernicus, has been instrumental in telling an impactful story about climate change by showing melting sea ice, rising global temperatures, and unprecedented extreme weather events.

Lewis Pugh delivered an inspirational speech on the importance of data sharing and storytelling to deliver impactful messages.

Spotlight on the Thematic Hubs

As one of the newest and most exciting additions to the Copernicus Ecosystem, the Thematic Hubs were also on the agenda at the General Assembly.  Stijn Vermoote, Head of User Outreach and Engagement Section at ECMWF and Tina Silović, Market Development Officer at Mercator Ocean International presented the hubs and answered questions from the audience. 

Vermoote explained that the hubs serve as user-friendly access points to existing products relevant to specific user communities. They aim to bridge scientific knowledge and technical expertise with specific user needs. A key aspect of this initiative is managing user expectations and showcasing how Copernicus data can be integrated with other data sources. The hubs also intend to leverage collaboration with other entrusted entities and external stakeholders, emphasising the importance of collaboration in enhancing the hubs' effectiveness.

Stijn Vermoote and Tina Silović each gave a presentation of the Thematic Hubs, implemented by their respective organisations, ECMWF and Mercator Ocean International.

Silović further elaborated on the two newly introduced hubs, the Coastal and Arctic hubs, led by the Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS). These hubs were developed as a proof of concept, gathering data across different Copernicus services into easily accessible web portals. The collaboration among entrusted entities is a crucial aspect, aiming to combine forces for a more effective data dissemination. Silović highlighted the importance of user engagement programs, mentioning the upcoming call for tenders that will fund projects focusing on downstream application services in the coastal and Arctic sectors.

You can find more information about the Thematic Hubs in our Observer article.

Copernicus and EU Space: Enablers of Innovation

Dinka Dinkova, Deputy Head of Unit at DG DEFIS, gave a compelling speech on the role of the EU Space Programme in fostering innovation. Central to her address was the Cassini Space Entrepreneurship Initiative, launched in 2020. She highlighted the importance of matchmaking events and venture capital sensitisation to the unique prospects of space investment. 

She mentioned the Cassini Seed and Growth Facility, a collaboration with the European Investment Fund, which has successfully attracted venture capital to space ventures. This initiative, through modest investment from the space programme and leveraging the European Investment Fund, has mobilised over €1 billion, benefitting companies in the Cassini ecosystem.

Another important aspect of her speech addressed the looming skills gap in the space sector. She pointed out the declining interest in STEM fields and the competition for skilled labour. To counter these challenges, the Commission is exploring various initiatives, including a job placement scheme akin to Erasmus Plus, focusing on space sector vacancies for students and internships. This scheme aims to spark interest in space careers and is accompanied by an outreach campaign featuring successful space entrepreneurs. The Commission is also planning Cassini summer school camps for secondary school students, to immerse them in the exciting world of space and direct their career aspirations toward the space sector.

Synergies between the components of the EU Space Programme

While Copernicus, Galileo, EGNOS, IRIS², SSA and GOVSATCOM may address different needs, fostering synergies between the use of all components can greatly benefit the EU Space ecosystem.

Some of these synergies already exist. In agriculture, for example, Copernicus provides Earth Observation (EO) data which then turns into useful information on crop health, soil moisture and other key indicators, while Galileo can provide high-precision positioning data. Together, EU Space data and services can help farmers better target irrigation, fertilisation and other treatments where they are most needed, enabling precision farming solutions.

In terms of urban planning, EO data can be used to monitor urban growth, urban green spaces and land use and its evolution over time, while navigation data can be used to understand mobility patterns in urban areas and optimise the location of key utilities and infrastructure. Combined, this data enables local authorities and urban planners to design smarter cities, define new urban corridors and infrastructure projects, and monitor compliance with environmental legislation.

Fiammetta Diani, Head of Market Downstream and Innovation at EUSPA highlighted the importance of EGNSS-EO convergence in her talk on synergies in the EU Space Programme. In their latest report on EO and GNSS, EUSPA analysed and categorised synergies of more than 180 specific applications in EO and GNSS which reveals the sheer magnitude of potential across these two components alone. 

Fostering bridges and interactions between users of all EU Space components around the world is important, and the EU Space Networks aim to support this effort.

During the EU Space Networks General Assembly, government representatives, companies, stakeholders and scientists met, networked and participated in informative sessions. 

EU Space Networks – strengthening existing bridges and building new ones

The discussions and interactions at the EU Space Networks General Assembly were some of the first steps in laying the foundations for a more cohesive and effective EU Space community, with a shared understanding of the expanded scope and potential of the EU Space Programme.

The first General Assembly of the EU Space Networks has set the stage for a transformative era in space cooperation. As the Copernicus Networks evolve into the EU Space Networks, there's more potential for impact and outreach than ever before. The General Assembly not only celebrated the successes of the past, but also laid the foundations for a cohesive and forward-looking EU Space community. The future of EU Space Networks is promising and brings a shared vision for an interconnected and impactful space future.