January

  • UNOOSA publishes the “Space2030” Agenda, Space as a driver of sustainable development.
  • Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal market, indicates the top 5 space priorities for 2024 and beyond.
  • The 16th European Space Conference takes place in Brussels.
  • The European Commission, the EIB and ESA sign a collaborative agreement with the goal of strengthening the European space sector.
  • DG DEFIS formally executes contracts with two consortia selected to conduct studies on "Potential EU Earth-Observation Services for Governmental Use."
  • Galileo meets international standards to guide civil aviation from take-off to landing.
  • The 2024 Commission Staff Working Document on Common European Data Spaces is issued.
  • Spain inaugurates new Space Command (MESPA).
  • Netherlands releases new space agenda.
  • Liechtenstein Space Act enters into force.
  • Belgium signs the Artemis Accords.
  • Luxembourg Space Agency joins ESPI as a new member.
  • UK Space Agency closes the consultation on orbital liabilities, insurance, charging and space sustainability.
  • US FCC reaffirms orbital debris mitigation rules.
  • The U.S. Army publishes the Army Space Vision.
  • ANGOSAT-2 provides communications services to the Luanda Maritime Surveillance Center.
  • Rwandan Space Agency plans to unveil its teleport facility.
  • Oman lays out plans for the development of the first Middle East spaceport.
  • Djibouti signs memorandum of understanding with Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group to develop an international commercial spaceport.
  • Japan lands on the Moon.
  • South Korea approves bill to establish aerospace agency.

 

February

  • The EU Space Programme Security Accreditation Board and EASA sign a non-binding Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at ensuring effective oversight of the EGNOS system and operations.
  • ESA signs a first Boost! contract with PLD Space supporting the development of the company’s Miura 5 launch service.
  • Portugal publishes Decree-Law 20/2024 amending the regime for access to and exercise of space activities.
  • Greece and Uruguay sign the Artemis Accords.
  • The UK Space Agency funds projects for space exploration.
  • Polish and Rwandan Space Agencies sign agreement on cooperation on the space sector.
  • The US introduces the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2024.
  • The US proposes in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing licensing.
  • The US returns to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years.
  • African Union elects the first African Space Council to advance the operationalization of the African Space Agency.
  • Equatorial Guinea studies  the possibility of having its own satellite.
  • Egypt launches experimental satellite Nexsat-1.
  • Nigeria launches Project 774 LG Connectivity to provide local governments with reliable Internet access.
  • Algeria reveals planned updates to its Space Programme.
  • China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation releases Blue Book of China's Aerospace Science and Technology Activities (2023).
  • Beijing’s municipal government releases commercial space action plan.

 

March

  • The European Commission adopts the fourth annual Work Programme of the European Defence Fund and launches the corresponding calls for proposals.
  • The European Union Satellite Centre and the European Defence Agency sign bilateral agreement on Maritime Surveillance (MARSUR).
  • The EU AI Act is formally approved by the European Parliament.
  • EUSPA launches new EGNOS Safety of Life Assisted Service for Maritime Users.
  • Portugal launches its second satellite, the Aeros MH-1.
  • Portugal rectifies  Decree-Law 20/2024, which amended the Portuguese space law.
  • Portugal approves the setup of a consortium for agriculture data space (AGRISPACE).
  • US FCC approves direct-to-smartphone regulatory framework.
  • Zimbabwe indicates  its intention to launch three new satellites.
  • Egypt and China sign  space protocol for operation of the MisrSat-2.
  • China outlines position on use of space resources.