Supporting standardisation in the field of Space Traffic Management (STM) : EU space label : executive summary of final study report

The significant increase of space activities and resulting consequences in a continuously more competitive environment highlight the need for the EU to take action and develop policies in the field of Space Traffic Management (STM). The Joint Communication on Space Traffic Management defines STM as "the means and rules to access, conduct activities in, and return from outer space safely, sustainably, and securely". It proposes an EU approach for STM as a means to contribute to addressing this global challenge. The EU's approach relies inter alia on regulatory aspects and soft-law measures such as standards and guidelines, and accompanying incentive measures. In this context, the overarching goal of this study was to contribute towards the policy aim of ensuring the long-term, open, sustainable, and safe use of space while fostering European space ecosystems and ensuring EU strategic autonomy. The study therefore consisted of three main tasks: a) assess the current landscape of standardisation, guidelines, and best practices; b) assess the feasibility of establishing a mechanism at the most suitable level to promote the use of standards, guidelines, and best practices; c) develop a blueprint and roadmap outlining necessary steps to set up a possible EU Space Label framework and specific labelling schemes.