The EU and five countries signed a joint declaration on 10 June 2026 in support of the pilot mission In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin, Germany.
The European Commission states that the declaration was signed together with Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway. ISOS is described as a step towards a European infrastructure for in-orbit services. Norway joined two other EU satellite programmes earlier this year, as NDS reported. In May, the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) also launched the first Swedish military satellite into orbit.
Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, commented on the signing:
"Europe maintains its leading role in space activities by taking the first step towards building new capabilities for space operations and space services, creating new business opportunities for European talent in the growing in-orbit economy."
The Commission states that ISOS is intended to provide Europe with capabilities for in-orbit tasks, including the capture and repositioning of satellites, satellite inspection and repair, in-space logistics, in-space manufacturing, and the removal of space debris. According to the Commission, the mission will help reduce the costs of satellite replacement and ensure the long-term use of European space assets.
Immediately following the signing, a ceremony was held with representatives from industry and research. The ceremony marked the start of the implementation of the ISOS pilot mission through the launch of six Horizon Europe projects. The projects are coordinated by Thales Alenia Space (France), Leonardo (Italy), The Exploration Company (Germany), ArianeGroup (Germany), Planetek (Italy), and RWTH Aachen University (Germany).