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Despite existing cooperation, fragmented efforts between the United States and the European Union are limiting space security and sustainability. A stronger, unified approach is needed to tackle these growing challenges, as climate change, and emerging security threats are reshaping the world faster than ever. As these challenges grow, space is no longer just about exploration — it has become a critical arena for global security, economic stability and environmental protection. From satellite-based climate monitoring to planetary defense and cybersecurity, space technology plays an essential role in safeguarding the future. However, no single country can effectively manage these risks alone. Strengthening collaboration between the U.S. and the E.U. is essential to ensure that space remains a secure, accessible and well-regulated domain.
Space security is Earth security
We depend on satellites for essential services such as navigation, communication, financial transactions and disaster response. However, the rapid increase in the number of and dependence on satellites — both commercial and governmental — brings new risks. Cyberattacks on space infrastructure, increasing amounts of space debris and the absence of unified traffic management regulations threaten the long-term sustainability of space operations.
Both the U.S. and Europe have systems in place to monitor these risks. The U.S. Space Surveillance Network tracks over 47,000 objects in orbit, while the E.U.’s Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST) program provides collision warnings for critical satellites. Additionally, the E.U. and the U.S. engage in policy discussions through the E.U.-U.S. Dialogue on Space Cooperation. However, these efforts remain fragmented. Establishing shared standards for space traffic management and creating a unified satellite security framework would help reduce vulnerabilities and ensure the long-term stability of space operations.
The path forward: strengthening cooperation in space
To fully harness the potential of space technology, the U.S. and Europe must move beyond existing partnerships and pursue a more coordinated approach. Future cooperation should focus on:
- A unified space traffic management system – With more than 11,000 active satellites and millions of pieces of debris in orbit, shared tracking standards are necessary to prevent collisions and ensure safe operations.
- Stronger cybersecurity for space assets – Space infrastructure faces increasing cyber threats. A joint cybersecurity framework can protect critical satellites from hacking and electronic warfare.
- Integrated climate monitoring networks – A real-time data-sharing system between NASA, NOAA and Copernicus would lead to more accurate climate predictions and better disaster preparedness.
- Joint investments in space innovation – Coordinating funding for advancements in AI-driven satellite analysis, sustainable propulsion and deep-space exploration will ensure continued leadership in space technology.
In some regards, cooperation between the U.S. and Europe is already providing inspiration for how to move forward.
The HERA Mission: A step toward stronger planetary defense
Security in space is not just about protecting satellites — it also involves defending Earth from external threats. One such risk is asteroid impacts. While the probability of a catastrophic event is low, the consequences could be devastating. Preparation is key.
In 2022, NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) successfully altered the trajectory of an asteroid moonlet, proving that deflection strategies could work. Now, Europe’s HERA mission has been building on this success by closely studying the impact site to refine asteroid deflection techniques. The mission, led by the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with NASA, represents a major step forward in planetary defense.
Satellites: a critical tool for climate action
Europe’s Copernicus Earth observation program collaborates with NASA and NOAA to track environmental shifts. Despite this progress, much of the data remains underutilized due to separate analysis methods and limited real-time integration.
Bringing together European and American satellite data in a more coordinated manner would improve climate models, provide faster disaster warnings, and enhance decision-making processes. By integrating data streams and leveraging AI-driven analytics, cooperation could unlock new ways to combat global warming more effectively.
Both the U.S. and Europe bring unique strengths to the table — technological innovation, operational capacity and regulatory frameworks. To lead in space security and sustainability, these strengths must be better integrated. Policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic must prioritize binding agreements on space security, traffic management and climate monitoring to ensure a safer and more sustainable future. If we want to protect our planet, both from threats from space and climate change, we must act now.
Günther Lackner is Senior Vice President at Terma Space.
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