Safe access to space depends on rules and practices that protect people, infrastructure, launch vehicles, payloads and surrounding environments throughout the full launch cycle. For spaceport operators, launch providers and regulators, safety and security are not only compliance requirements: they are the foundation for reliable, repeatable and trusted launch operations.

Why it matters

Spaceport activities involve complex operational risks, from ground infrastructure and launch equipment to emergency planning, cybersecurity, anomaly detection and response procedures. As European spaceports develop and launch providers operate across multiple sites, safety requirements need to be robust enough to protect critical systems, while remaining practical and proportionate for different types of missions and operators.

What AEAAS is looking at

AEAAS examines how safety and security requirements can support common regulatory practices for European spaceports. The project looks at risk assessment, infrastructure protection, operational readiness, cybersecurity and the ability to prevent, detect and respond to incidents affecting spaceport systems, vehicles, payloads and ground equipment.

Key questions for stakeholders

• Which safety requirements are essential for all European spaceports?
• Where do current safety or security procedures create operational uncertainty or duplication?
• How should regulators and operators assess risks across different mission profiles?
• What cybersecurity requirements are needed for spaceport and ground control systems?
• Which incident prevention, anomaly detection or emergency response practices should be shared across Europe?

Stakeholder input

AEAAS invites stakeholders to share practical experience on safety requirements, infrastructure protection, cybersecurity risks and operational procedures. This input will help identify safety practices that are both technically credible and workable for European spaceport and launch operations.