Main Events JANUARY-MARCH 2024

January

• UNOOSA publishes the “Space2030” Agenda, Space as a driver of sustainable development.
• Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal market, indicates the top 5 space priorities for 2024 and beyond.
• The 16th European Space Conference takes place in Brussels.
• The European Commission, the EIB and ESA sign a collaborative agreement with the goal of strengthening the European space sector.
• DG DEFIS formally executes contracts with two consortia selected to conduct studies on "Potential EU Earth-Observation Services for Governmental Use."
• Galileo meets international standards to guide civil aviation from take-off to landing.
• The 2024 Commission Staff Working Document on Common European Data Spaces is issued.
• Spain inaugurates new Space Command (MESPA).
• Netherlands releases new space agenda.
• Liechtenstein Space Act enters into force.
• Belgium signs the Artemis Accords.
• Luxembourg Space Agency joins ESPI as a new member.
• UK Space Agency closes the consultation on orbital liabilities, insurance, charging and space sustainability.
• US FCC reaffirms orbital debris mitigation rules.
• The U.S. Army publishes the Army Space Vision.
• ANGOSAT-2 provides communications services to the Luanda Maritime Surveillance Center.
• Rwandan Space Agency plans to unveil its teleport facility.
• Oman lays out plans for the development of the first Middle East spaceport.
• Djibouti signs memorandum of understanding with Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group to develop an international commercial spaceport.
• Japan lands on the Moon.
• South Korea approves bill to establish aerospace agency.

February

• The EU Space Programme Security Accreditation Board and EASA sign a non-binding Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at ensuring effective oversight of the EGNOS system and operations.
• ESA signs a first Boost! contract with PLD Space supporting the development of the company’s Miura 5 launch service.
• Portugal publishes Decree-Law 20/2024 amending the regime for access to and exercise of space activities.
• Greece and Uruguay sign the Artemis Accords.
• The UK Space Agency funds projects for space exploration.
• Polish and Rwandan Space Agencies sign agreement on cooperation on the space sector.
• The US introduces the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2024.
• The US proposes in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing licensing.
• The US returns to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years.
• African Union elects the first African Space Council to advance the operationalization of the African Space Agency.
• Equatorial Guinea studies  the possibility of having its own satellite.
• Egypt launches experimental satellite Nexsat-1.
• Nigeria launches Project 774 LG Connectivity to provide local governments with reliable Internet access.
• Algeria reveals planned updates to its Space Programme.
• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation releases Blue Book of China's Aerospace Science and Technology Activities (2023).
• Beijing’s municipal government releases commercial space action plan.

March

• The European Commission adopts the fourth annual Work Programme of the European Defence Fund and launches the corresponding calls for proposals.
• The European Union Satellite Centre and the European Defence Agency sign bilateral agreement on Maritime Surveillance (MARSUR).
• The EU AI Act is formally approved by the European Parliament.
• EUSPA launches new EGNOS Safety of Life Assisted Service for Maritime Users.
• Portugal launches its second satellite, the Aeros MH-1.
• Portugal rectifies  Decree-Law 20/2024, which amended the Portuguese space law.
• Portugal approves the setup of a consortium for agriculture data space (AGRISPACE).
• US FCC approves direct-to-smartphone regulatory framework.
• Zimbabwe indicates  its intention to launch three new satellites.
• Egypt and China sign  space protocol for operation of the MisrSat-2.
• China outlines position on use of space resources.