TÜV NORD advocates the accelerated introduction of an EU space law

This law is intended to ensure safety and sustainability in space and thus also improve the protection of the Earth. Both government institutions and a growing number of companies are sending satellites into space for communications, earth observation, scientific research and early disaster warning systems. In addition, the extraction of raw materials and energy outside the Earth is also being considered.

“The increasing number of satellites and the advancing plans for the extraction of space resources make uniform European guidelines essential,” explains Dr. Dirk Stenkamp, CEO of TÜV NORD AG, ”without these regulations, we face increased risks from collisions, space debris and cyber attacks, which could have serious consequences for our infrastructures and people on Earth.” The Space Act aims to protect EU infrastructure from security threats and to achieve the highest levels of security, resilience and sustainability in the use of space.

The European Commission has been working on the draft law for some time, and it has already been postponed twice. “It is critical that this law is passed quickly. We can use it to improve the operational security of our satellite infrastructure and strengthen Europe's role as a provider of space services,” emphasizes Dr. Stenkamp. In order to achieve the highest possible level of cyber security for satellites in space, the requirements set out in the EU Space Act should be harmonized with those of the defence and security systems of the member states. “The involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including start-ups and research institutions, in the legal requirements is crucial to achieve the highest level of security and efficiency,” says Dr. Stenkamp.

The TÜV NORD GROUP is supporting the development and implementation of the planned Space Act with its “Digital and Semiconductor Business Unit”. The Group companies ALTER and TÜVIT play a key role within this unit. ALTER analyzes the electronic components to ensure that they function properly throughout the entire service life of a space mission. TÜVIT supports manufacturers and operators in the area of cybersecurity, with a particular focus on the security of ground infrastructure as well as launch systems, satellites, payloads and their respective components and suppliers.

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