Europe launches space programme to boost secure connections

The European Union unveiled several programmes aimed at boosting the bloc’s civil, space and defense industries; including a low-earth orbit satellite infrastructure to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink network.

The push will aim to provide reliable, secure and cost-effective connectivity for governmental and commercial communications; as well as high-speed broadband throughout Europe, the European Commission said on Monday.

 

 

The commission said it was currently carrying out a feasibility study to specify the project’s scope and associated costs.

 

Key Points

• Other EU programs announced Monday are designed to manage satellite traffic in space to avoid collisions and to further develop European drone capabilities.

 

• The action plan also includes measures for efficient investments in the space and defense sectors to ensure there’s no overlap.

 

• Officials also call for technological developments in the space and defense sectors to benefit the civil sector, and vice versa