January

  • The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (Legal Subcommittee) publishes the document Bringing the benefits of space to all countries: a guidance document on the legal framework for space activities.
  • The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space issues its Report on activities carried out in 2021 in the framework of the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER).
  • The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (Scientific and Technical Subcommittee) issues Draft terms of reference, methods of work and workplan of the Working Group on the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities.
  • NATO’S issues its first public space policy.
  • Proposal for a Council Decision on the extension of the Agreement on the promotion, provision and use of Galileo and GPS satellite-based navigation systems and related applications between the European Community and its Member States and the United States of America is published.
  • The European Commission launches the first calls for proposals under the digital part of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital) programme.
  • EUSPA publishes EO and GNSS Market Report.
  • The 14th EU Space Conference takes place.
  • Joint commitment from the European Commission, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund for the “Cassini Seed and Growth Funding Facility” is concluded.
  • A proposal for developing a project for a Distributed Centre for EO in Portuguese speaking countries (CPLP) is presented at IX Meeting of the Ministers of Science and Technology of CPLP.
  • The new catalogue of Portugal Space, "Portugal Space 2021-22" is presented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education.
  • The UK Space Agency and the Saudi Space Commission sign a memorandum of understanding on the peaceful uses of outer space, covering also EO as one of the six areas of cooperation. 
  • The Government of Canada announces Canada’s Strategy for Satellite Earth Observation.
  • Andøya Spaceport and Innospace sign launch MoU.
  • Israel signs Artemis Accords.
  • The Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) and the Regional African Satellite Communication Organization (RASCOM) in Abidjan sign the membership form welcoming ASECNA to the pan-African organization.
  • The European Parliament approves the text of the Digital Services Act.
  • Trilogue negotiations aiming to reach a compromise text for the Digital Markets Act begin.
  • ENISA publishes report on data protection engineering.
  • The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China publishes a white paper titled "China's Space Program: A 2021 Perspective".
  • Australia’s Defence Space Command is established.


February

  • Report on the implementation of the Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities in the European Space Agency is issued.
  • International organisation AIR Centre, based in Portugal, requests observer status with the UN-COPUOS.
  • International Astronomical Union launches new centre to fight satellite mega-constellation threat.
  • The Combined Space Operations Vision 2031 is issued.
  • The European Union issues Joint Communication on an EU approach for Space Traffic Management.
  • The European Union publishes the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Secure Connectivity Programme for the period 2023-2027.
  • The European Union publishes the Proposal for a Regulation on harmonised rules on fair access to and use of data (Data Act).
  • The European Commission publishes an overview of the state of play of the common European data spaces that are being developed in various fields.
  • The European Space Summit takes place.
  • The European Commission unveils actions to contribute to European Defence.
  • Copernicus Horizon 2035 conference takes place, highlighting the role and goals of Copernicus.
  • The 6th European Union-Africa Union Summit takes place.
  • Russia invades Ukraine and cooperation in space is affected.
  • The United Kingdom publishes its Defence Space Strategy: Operationalising the Space Domain and updates its National Space Policy.
  • Wales issues its National Space Strategy.
  • UK’s spaceport Cornwall sets up facilities for smallsat services.
  • Spain approves creation of a space agency in a new law on science presented to the Council of Ministers.
  • The Azores launches a public consultation on the proposal for a Space Strategy, with a deadline of end of march 2022.
  • African Union second continental report on the implementation of Agenda 2063 is issued.
  • India launches Earth-observing satellite and 2 others in first space mission of 2022.
  • The EU presents new study monitoring data flows in Europe.
  • The EU proposes Chips Act to address semiconductor shortages and strengthen EU technological leadership, which is open to public consultation until 9 May 2022.
  • The European Commission adopts a proposal for a Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence.
  • Air Centre, together with the Municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, promoted the Atlantic Innovation Week, which included a workshop on Technological Free Zones.


March


April

  • The Portuguese Autonomous Region of the Azores approves the opening of the procedure for the construction, financing, operation and exploitation of a space port in the island of Santa Maria.
  • European Parliament approves the Data Governance Act.
  • Provisional political agreement between the Council and the European Parliament on the Digital Services Act is reached.
  • NADPA and Smart Africa Sign MoU to Enhance Harmonisation of Data Protection Laws Across Africa.
  • NewSpace Africa Conference takes place.
  • ESA announces suspension of cooperation with Russia on lunar missions, with the outcome of the ESA Council extraordinary meeting being shared.
  • DG Defence Industry and Space (DEFIS) launches the European Union Industry and Start-ups Forum on STM (EUISF).
  • New ESA Space Safety Centre is inaugurated.
  • Brazilian Space Agency provides access to the National Programme for Space Activities.
  • NASA, UAE Mars missions agree to share science data.
  • NASA releases Equity Action Plan to make space more accessible to all.
  • US announces it will ban ASAT missile tests.
  • Rwanda announces it will launch satellite constellation by 2023.