Aerospace & defence ecosystem : space system

Space systems technologies, specifically space launchers and satellites, allow the EU to protect its space assets, defend its interests, deter hostile activities in space and strengthen its strategic posture and autonomy. Today, more than 65 countries in the world are involved in space activities, but only a few of these states (mainly the US, China, Russia, Western Europe, Japan and India) have the industrial and technical capacity to manufacture their satellites and launchers and operate them. The competitors of the EU in this field are, at the same time, also the main suppliers of critical and strategic (raw) materials and components for space systems.