Planned launches, and controlled re-entry and especially debris events can have major cross-border airspace effects – and in recent years, the number of space transport operations (STO) across the European aviation network has steadily grown. This is why EUROCONTROL as the Network Manager (NM) has created a Space Desk within its NM Operations Centre (NMOC) to manage such events safely and predictably.
NM coordinates STO demand, capacity and disruptions across European airspace using the well-established collaborative decision-making (CDM) process with States, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), airports, airspace users and military partners.
The Space Desk situated within the NMOC is the operational focal point of activities for:
- coordinating planned launches and known re-entries with all affected operational actors
- supporting the timely restriction and/or release of airspace supported by airspace risk and impact assessments
- ensuring the network can respond rapidly and coherently to any unplanned emergencies
- balancing safety, efficiency and resilience to support the network through timely information and coordinated decisions.
Through this collaborative work, EUROCONTROL as the NM aims to:
- integrate safely STO, keeping network disruptions to a minimum
- provide all actors with clearer information, refine hazard areas where applicable, and deliver improved network impact assessments for daily operations.
