Space traffic managing or coordinating? UNOOSA and European Commission discuss what the difference is and why it matters

On 6 May 2025, DG DEFIS participated in an insightful side-event organised by the United Nations for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in the margins of COPUOS Legal Sub-Committee meeting.  

After opening words by UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini, UNOOSA delegates heard from DG DEFIS what the difference is between ‘managing’ and ‘coordinating’ space traffic, why that difference is important, and what impact either ‘managing’ or ‘coordinating’ space traffic has on space operations. During the following panel discussion, UNOOSA delegates learned directly from space operators what is needed at the operational level to continue providing space-based services that so many of us rely on every day. During the closing remarks, participants shared their thoughts on next steps to ensure the development of a rapid and concrete system of technical coordination to the benefit of all space actors. 

This side event follows up on the first-ever UN Space Sustainability Days 2025 co-organised by UNOOSA and DG DEFIS in January 2025 in the margins of the COPUOS Scientific and Technical Subcommittee meeting, and further shapes ongoing exchanges on international level on how we can maintain access to and activities in space for current and future generations. 

Background 

DG DEFIS’ participation in this event supports the implementation of avenue four on ‘promoting the EU STM approach globally’ of the EU approach on STM.  

More information  

• Space Traffic Managing vs Coordinating - Side Event Flyer.pdf
• Space Traffic Managing vs Coordinating – Side Event Presentation
• Joint Communication on an EU approach to Space Traffic Management 
• Space Traffic Management – safeguarding space operations 
• STM_Factsheet 
• STM_Leaflet