Space and higher airspace operations

About

The EUROCONTROL Network Manager operations role is pivotal in addressing the rapid growth of space transport and high-altitude operations in European aviation. We ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable integration of new entrants into the air traffic management network, aligning with the Single European Sky (SES2+) regulation. Acting as the central coordination point, we facilitate cross-border cooperation among civil and military authorities, air navigation services, and global stakeholders, enhancing tools and procedures for strategic capacity planning and operational efficiency. Our mission is to maintain a safe and resilient European ATM network in this evolving landscape.

Focus

EUROCONTROL’s operational work ensures the safe and efficient integration of high-altitude and space operations into European airspace. We manage network capacity, crisis response, and real-time coordination to support growing demand from space launches, HAPS, and high-speed transport. We facilitate civil-military cooperation by coordinating airspace restrictions, and provide real-time monitoring and contingency planning for unplanned re-entries or space debris events, ensuring operational stability and safety. EUROCONTROL also provides data-driven solutions and harmonised cross-border operations that safeguard the stability and predictability of the European ATM network.

Ensuring consistency with global regulatory frameworks and coordinating with international partners to promote best practices for high-altitude and space operations. We play a key role in bridging civil-military efforts and aligning operational requirements at the European and global levels.

EUROCONTROL drives innovative research and validation efforts to support the integration of high-altitude and space operations into European airspace. Through collaboration with global partners and initiatives, such as the European Concept for Higher Altitude Operations, we focus on developing operational concepts, communication and surveillance standards, and separation protocols. Our work on airspace design & utilisation and long-term forecasting and data analysis helps shape the future of ATM, ensuring sustainable growth and harmonised operations across Europe.

EUROCONTROL is shaping the future of air traffic management by expanding its capabilities to meet the demands of space transport and high-altitude operations (HAO). Central to this vision is the development of a dedicated Space Desk, which will act as a single-entry point for operational coordination and real-time monitoring of space activities. This ensures seamless integration, situational awareness, and effective crisis response for both space operators and airspace users.

As part of this evolution, the integrated Network Manager system (iNM) will be enhanced to incorporate space transport operations requirements, providing advanced tools for predictive analysis, data collection, and dynamic airspace management. These developments will support cross-border coordination and optimised airspace usage, ensuring the future resilience and adaptability of the European airspace network.

The iNEO (Integration of New Entrants into Network Operations) Project is EUROCONTROL’s key initiative to prepare European airspace for the next generation of airspace users, including space vehicles, high-altitude platforms (HAPS), and supersonic/hypersonic transport. iNEO ensures these new entrants are safely and efficiently integrated into the existing air traffic management (ATM) framework through proactive planning, cross-border coordination, and real-time monitoring.

By developing new operational concepts and monitoring tools, iNEO strengthens Europe’s readiness for high-altitude and space operations. The project promotes early engagement with operators, helping them navigate the regulatory and operational complexities of European airspace while ensuring safe and sustainable growth.

Seamlessly integrate your space transportation operations into European airspace with EUROCONTROL. Our experts are here to guide you through the complexities of air traffic management, offering tailored coordination, operational support, and monitoring to ensure your mission’s success.

Get in touch with our Space Desk today to start planning your operation!

Bring your High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS) operations into European airspace with confidence. EUROCONTROL is your central coordination hub, providing airspace planning, operational support, and monitoring to ensure your mission aligns seamlessly with air traffic management requirements.

Get in touch with our experts today to start planning your high-altitude operations!

EUROCONTROL offers a comprehensive suite of services and advanced tools to support high-altitude and space operations (HAO/STO) integration into the European ATM network. These services help stakeholders manage airspace planning, real-time coordination, data-driven decision-making, and operational improvements, ensuring the network remains safe, efficient, and future-ready.

Key services and tools include: