On 29 September 2026, the Alliance for European Autonomous Access to Space (AEAAS) took part in Toulouse Space Forum at the Cité de l'Espace. At stand B12, we presented our work on European spaceport regulation, shared our first comparative findings and made new connections through B2B meetings and exchanges with industry professionals.
The AEAAS team at stand B12 during Toulouse Space Forum on 29 September 2026.
Regulation that supports European launch operations
Organised by La Tribune, the Forum brought together the space community to discuss Europe's industrial ambitions and the challenges of a fragmented sector. AEAAS contributed a practical regulatory perspective: how clearer licensing and better coordination can support European launch operations. These questions connect directly to our mission to help make access to space from European soil more predictable and competitive.
Comparing spaceport regulation worldwide
We also presented our Three-Part Explanatory Report (D2), which compares spaceport regulation across more than 40 jurisdictions and 31 regulatory elements. The report maps existing practices, identifies patterns of convergence and divergence, and examines technical and regulatory challenges. Its scope includes licensing, safety, environmental requirements, liability, insurance and export controls.
This gives the project a common basis for examining which approaches could work for European spaceports. The next stages of AEAAS will assess these practices and develop regulatory pathways and a proposal for common European practices.
PDF in English | Three-Part Explanatory Report | August 2026
Practical questions for European spaceports
The report helps frame practical questions that matter to spaceport and launch operators. Three areas illustrate why international comparison is useful for Europe.
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Predictable licensing |
How can operators navigate authorisation requirements with greater clarity? Comparing licensing procedures helps identify where responsibilities and approval processes differ.
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Clear responsibilities |
How are safety obligations, liability and insurance requirements allocated? The report examines the different approaches that spaceports and launch providers must work with.
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Coordination across jurisdictions |
How can regulatory systems work together when launch activities involve several countries? International coordination and interoperability are central to the AEAAS analysis.
The team behind our participation
Our participation was coordinated by ASTech Paris Region and Abreu Advogados, with the expertise and commitment of Borie Conseils Exports and Alpha Impulsion. We thank them for making the event possible, and everyone who visited stand B12 to exchange ideas and learn more about AEAAS.
Continue the conversation with AEAAS
Our exchanges in Toulouse established new contacts around the project and its findings. As AEAAS moves from regulatory mapping towards assessment and recommendations, we will continue the dialogue with industry, regulators and institutions. Follow AEAAS for our latest results, upcoming events and opportunities to contribute.
Funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101295883. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.