ENGLISH VERSION

DEFENCESPACESTRATEGY
2022

Responsible publisher:

Ministry of Foreign an European Affairs –Directorate of Defence
6, rue de l’Ancien Athenée
L-1144 Luxembourg

Publication:

Luxembourg | February 2022

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

Table of contents
Ministerial Foreword

4

1 Introduction

7

2 Luxembourg's long-term objective for space strategy

93 Strategic objectives

11

3.1 SO 1: Consolidate current space capacities, increase their resilience and develop
new systems

12

3.1.1 Sub-objective 1.1: Specific space capabilities in SATCOM, EO, PNT and SSA

123.1.2 Sub-objective 1.2: Operationalisation of assets

14

3.1.3 Sub-objective 1.3: Continuous mapping of future challenges and opportunities,
developments and technologies

14

3.2 SO 2: Supporting freedom of action in and from space15

3.2.1 Sub-objective 2.1: Cybersecurity in space and electromagnetic protection ofassets15

3.2.2 Sub-objective 2.2: Clean space15

3.2.3 Sub-objective 2.3: Ensuring access to space16

3.2.4 Sub-objective 2.4: Supporting a credible deterrent through international
alliances and partnerships

16

3.2.5 Sub-objective 2.5: Supporting the creation of norms and standards forresponsible and sustainable behaviour

16

3.3 SO 3: Foster national and international cooperation
3.3.1 Sub-objective 3.1: Strengthening
partnerships

cooperation

17
anddeveloping

new

17

3.3.2 Sub-objective 3.2: Coordination at EU and NATO frameworks

17

3.3.3 Sub-objective 3.3: Promotion of dual-use synergies to strengthen the
Luxembourg space sector

17

3.3.4 Sub-objective 3.4: Supporting research and exchange programmes

18

3.4 SO 4: Attract and secure a skilled and motivated workforce

19

3.4.1 Sub-objective 4.1: Strengthening the attractiveness of Defence as an
employer19

3.4.2 Sub-objective 4.2: Introduction of the 'space' career path within Defence

19

4 Monitoring and evaluation

21

4.1 Activities and programmes

21

4.2 Strategic objectives and sub-objectives

21

5 Glossary and definitions

223

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

Ministerial Foreword

Space offers unprecedented opportunities for development and progress thatenhance our daily lives. However, our societies increasingly depend on space assets
to run smoothly, which also increases ourvulnerabilities.
Defence is no exception, and space,along with cyber defence, has become areal national security issue. The Space
Treaty of 1960 and the various initiatives
taken at the level of the United Nations(UN) since then have thus far prevented anarms race in space by preserving on theuse of outer space for peaceful purposes.
Today, space has become an increasingly
contested, competitive and congested
environment. With morever more activities and actors in space, comes an increased
risk of conflict. Thus, ensuring respect ofinternational law and peaceful use of spaceremains a relevant challenge.
It is in this complex and evolving security
environment that the first Luxembourg
defence space strategy has beendeveloped.
This strategy is part of a global context.
On a national level, space has played an
important role in the diversification of the4

economy, which has strengthened thespace economic sector. Luxembourg has
been an incubator for various companies,
thus becoming a catalyst for cooperation,technological innovation and commercial
development in space. These efforts havecontributed to building Luxembourg’sinternational reputation as a centre of
excellence in the space sector.
At an international level, and as part ofits commitment to multilateralism,
Luxembourg defends the values promotedby the international organisations of which
it is a member, such as the European Union(EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation(NATO) and the United Nations. Given its
multilateral and unified security architecture, it is Luxembourg's responsibility tomeet its obligations as a reliable partner
within these international organisations
and to bear its burden of responsibility forthe efforts inherent in collective andcommon defence.
In this context, Luxembourg is contributing to the joint effort in defence and collective security by developing highvalue-added space capabilities, which will
be made available to our partners andSIP / Yves Kortum

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

allied countries. It should be stressed that
Luxembourg's contributions are part of the
global '3D' approach, promoting a coherent approach between Diplomacy,
Development and Defence. As an example,
I would like to mention our contribution to
the UN Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and to
the EU military training mission in
Mozambique, for which we have deployed
secure satellite communications.
The development of dual-use capabilities,
both civilian and military, and the use of
these capabilities in accordance with international law are of particular importance.
In addition to the protection and peaceful use of atmospheric space, the spacepolicy also aims to contribute to the elimination of satellite debris in space and to
the reduction of the carbon footprint of
space activities, in particular by accounting
for the carbon footprint of space activities,
by using energy-efficient solutions andtechnologies as far as possible and by reusing, at least partially, launch systems.
It may seem surprising that a country of
Luxembourg’s size develops its own
defence space strategy. Luxembourg has

its own national satellite and high-ranking
foreign representatives have characterized
Luxembourg's efforts in the space field as"Luxembourg is punching well above its
weight". This analogy with sport showsthat in the field of space, Luxembourg canhave an impact, and make its fair contribution to the global security and defence
efforts.
In the field of space, the challenge today
is not only to find partners to further
develop our ambitions, but also to implement them quickly in order to stay aheadof potential adversaries.
With this in mind, I present the first
Luxembourg "Defence Space Strategy",which will guide these efforts in the years
to come. I will work closely with my colleagues in the Government and the wider
public sector to ensure that this vision
becomes a reality.

François BAUSCH
Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of Defence5Launch of GovSat-1 communications
satellite by a Falcon 9 space launchvehicle on January 31, 2018from Cap canaveral

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

1 Introduction
Under the authority of the Minister responsible for Defence, the Directorate of Defence
and the Luxembourg Armed Forces coordinate
and implement Luxembourg's defence policy atboth national and international levels. Just as
the space sector has become more importantin Luxembourg, particularly due to its economic
development opportunities it provides, space
has become a crucial area for Defence.
While the day-to-day applications of spacetechnologies bring significant benefits tohumankind, such as for the economy, climatechange studies, agriculture or medicine, it isalso true that space is of key importance inwhich various States, civil and military actors, aswell as private and public entities are increasingly
active. The ever increasing risks and threats, lie
mainly in the destruction or disruption ofobservation or communication satellites bydebris or hostile attacks, with serious impacts
on the functioning of our society and on our
defence capabilities. Faced with this situation,
it is essential to continue to strengthen andprotect current capabilities, both military andcivilian, and to develop new space-based
resources.
Since 2019, NATO has adopted its own space
strategy and recognised space as an operational
domain. It inaugurated the NATO Space Centre
within the Allied Air Command in Ramstein (DE)and supported the creation of the Space Centreof Excellence in Toulouse (FR).
Space is also a major strategic priority at EU
level. For example, in January 2022, the EU
Ministers of Defence agreed on the need todevelop a European space strategy for security
and defence during their informal meeting in
Brest.
Defence welcomes the fact that increased
importance is attached to the field of space at
NATO and EU level for the years to come given

technological developments, and from the needto strengthen defence strategy and resilience incrisis response.
At the national level, Defence has been activein the space sector for more than ten years.
Through its participation in the American
Wideband Global SatCom (WGS) programme,
its involvement in the private-public partnership LUXGOVSAT or the implementation of its
own Earth observation space system LUXEOSys,
Defence has acquired significant experienceand built an international reputation as well as
developped in-depth competencies.
However, in view of future challenges, cooperation between countries sharing the same
principles and values will be a key factor. Thus,
the creation of cooperation and synergies
between different initiatives will be at the heartof this defence space strategy.
In addition to the collaborative aspect,increasing the resilience of space capabilities isalso one of the guiding principles of this strategy. Indeed, the risks arising from our dependence on space increase in cases where we have
only one capability without any redundancy.
Increasing resilience through access to multiple
systems or enhanced capacity protection willallow us to ensure the continuity of services andthe smooth functioning of our society in theevent of an attack, disruption or other problem
with the functioning of our space assets.
This space strategy aims to define concrete
objectives for Defence in order to consolidate
Luxembourg's role as a reliable reference partner in the field of space at both national andinternational level, by strengthening existing
capabilities and developing new ones.
7

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

2 L uxembourg's long-term objective
for space strategy
Willing to act in solidarity, Luxembourg Defence will consolidate its role as a reliablereference partner in the field of space by 2030.
Through development of space capabilities at national level or in cooperation with
NATO/EU partners, and by strengthening the resilience of these capabilities, Defence will
not only meet its national needs but also contribute these capabilities to internationalorganisations and allied countries.
By doing so, Defence will help to guarantee access and to preserve a peaceful and sustainable use of space, in full compliance with international law, while relying on the expertise of the Luxembourg space sector.
In order to achieve this long-term objective for space, Defence intends to rely on FOUR strategic
objectives, which will be detailed in the following chapter.

Aerial view of the satellite
communications ground station
at the Diekirch Military
Barracks – Luxembourg9National Earth observationsatellite LUXEOSys, scheduledfor launch in 2023-

Antennas of the satellite communications
ground station of the Diekirch Military
Barracks - LuxembourgLuxembourg Defence Space Strategy

3 Strategic objectives
The long-term goal requires useful, sustainable, efficient space capabilities governed by Defence
and, to the extent possible, implemented by the Luxembourg Armed Forces.
The achievement of the long-term objective relies on FOUR strategic objectives (SOs), which will
be further subdivided into several underlying sub-objectives:

SO 1: Consolidate current space capabilities, increase their resilience and develop new systems
Sub-objective 1.1: Specific space capabilities in SATCOM, EO, PNT and SSA
Sub-objective 1.2: Operationalisation of assets
Sub-objective 1.3: Continuous mapping of future challenges and opportunities, developments
and technologies
SO 2: Support freedom of action in and from space
Sub-objective 2.1: Cybersecurity in space and electromagnetic protection of assets
Sub-objective 2.2: Clean space
Sub-objective 2.3: Ensuring access to space
Sub-objective 2.4: Supporting a credible deterrent through international alliances andpartnerships
Sub-objective 2.5: Supporting the creation of norms and standards for responsible andsustainable behaviour
SO 3: Foster national and international cooperation
Sub-objective 3.1: Strengthening cooperation and developing new partnerships
Sub-objective 3.2: Coordination in the EU and NATO frameworks
Sub-objective 3.3: Promotion of dual-use synergies to strengthen the Luxembourg spacesectorSub-objective 3.4: Supporting research and exchange programmes
SO 4: Attract and secure a skilled and motivated workforce
Sub-objective 4.1: Strengthening the attractiveness of Defence as an employer
Sub-objective 4.2: Introduction of the 'space' career path within Defence
11

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

3.1 SO 1: C onsolidate current space capacities, increase their resilience anddevelop new systems
Luxembourg has its own space capabilities
and the provision of these high added-value
resources reinforces the reputation of Defence
as a respected partner within multinational
alliances and organisations, willing to act insolidarity with partners. Luxembourg canthereby make an effective contribution to thecommon effort.
It is thus essential that Defence maintains
and increases this reputation by continuallyparticipating in the military commitments of
the international organisations of which
Luxembourg is a member, and by pursuing atargeted development of its capabilities.
The services provided by space assets forsecurity and defence applications are generally
divided into 4 main categories: Satellite
Communication (SATCOM), Earth Observation(EO), Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and
Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT).
Bearing in mind the needs of Luxembourg
Armed Forces, those of international organisations and of our partners and allied countries,
Defence will structure its capacity building
according to the following principles: consolidation of existing capabilities, improvement of
their resilience and creation of new value-added
systems, using, if possible, technologies with alimited carbon footprint.
3.1.1

Sub-objective 1.1:
Specific space capabilities in
SATCOM, EO, PNT and SSA

3.1.1.1 Satellite communication (SATCOM)In the field of satellite communications,where Defence has been active for about ten
years, the focus will be on the resilience ofcommunication systems aimed at multi-orbit
access in order to ensure the continuity ofcommunications.
12

In addition to participation in the multinational WGS programme and the national
GovSat-1 satellite, Defence will deepen its
SATCOM capacity in the commercial (Ku and Kaband) and military (X and mil-Ka band) frequency bands through participation in various
programmes, giving preference dual-use (civil
and military) of these bands, where possible. In
order to achieve this and to ensure resilience,
Defence will invest in strategic systems in all
three satellite orbits (GEO, MEO, LEO).
Next to the strategic SATCOM systems mentioned above, Defence will also analyse theneeds and opportunities in the area of tacticalsatellite communications (UHF TacSat or equivalent system) and if necessary develop its own
assets.
Finally, Defence will develop a project toextend the current SATCOM hub station, allowing the anchoring of several links from different
satellite constellations. This extension should
improve the resilience of infrastructures on the
ground.
The development of new capabilities will beachieved as far as possible through participating in international programmes aimed atcooperation and system sharing.
Considering the increasing strategic importance of SATCOM coverage at the level of thePoles, special attention will be paid to this.
3.1.1.2 Earth Observation (EO)
Defence will continue to develop its Earth
Observation capacity, focusing initially on theimplementation of the national observation
satellite LUXEOSys, which will be equipped witha camera to take images of the Earth. Particularemphasis will be placed on maintaining theauthenticity and reliability of the images
produced by the LUXEOSys system. This new

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

system also meets a need for governmental
imagery among international organisations. In
addition, a dual use of the images is envisaged,
particularly in the field of disarmament andclimate change monitoring. Indeed, LUXEOSys
can be used to observe and monitor the effects
of major environmental changes, including
climate change, deforestation, desertificationand surface water pollution.
Defence will support initiatives of international organisations aiming to continuously
monitor the Earth through the integration ofdata from multiple sources, not only governmental but also commercial, and to accessthem as soon as the need for imagery arises.
Luxembourg will also support initiatives
aimed at developing analytical capabilities, inparticular through artificial intelligence, allowing the automated processing of the mass of
geospatial data produced.
The development of a Centre for the analysisof images from the LUXEOSys observation satellite and imagery from Defence's airborne systems (UAVs, on-board cameras, etc.) will befurther studied once LUXEOSys is operational.
3.1.1.3 Positioning, navigation and timing(PNT)
The use of and access to satellite-based positioning, navigation and timing systems has
become essential for most military activities.
Therefore, Defence will coordinate with thecompetent Luxembourg authorities to ensure
access to the American global positioning
system (GPS) for the Luxembourg Armed
Forces. Furthermore, Defence will closely
follow the development of the European global
satellite navigation system GALILEO in order toincrease the resilience and availability of positioning data.
3.1.1.4 Spatial situational awareness (SSA)
The increasing number of satellites andorbital debris, combined with the development,

testing and demonstration of anti-satellite
capabilities and complex orbital manoeuvres
have highlighted the need for a robust space
situational awareness. This will involve
detecting, characterising and determining the
trajectory of objects to avoid possible collisions
and to prevent potential future threats. The
objective is to contribute to the preservation of
freedom of action in the space environment
and the preservation of the peaceful use of
space in accordance with international law.
Space situational awareness, based on
appropriate and verified information, is essential for informed decision-making. Being able
to identify a threat early will allow decisions
makers to anticipate and respond to potential
consequences, particularly in cases which
may affect strategic space capabilities.
In this new area of activity, Defence will
put in place space situational awarenesscapabilities using ground and space-based
assets to detect a wide range of threats,
whether natural (e.g. asteroids) or man-made(debris, hostile actions). The challenge will beto ensure the detection of all objects down to
10 cm in size, or even smaller if feasible, in allorbits. Emphasis will be placed on characterising
space objects and determining their trajectories
to detect possible anomalies.
This capacity will not only serve to protect
Luxembourg's military, governmental and civilian systems, but will also contribute to thecommon effort to protect the systems of ourallies and partners and to limit the spread oforbital debris.
The development of such SSA capacity will
be realised with the objective of creatingsynergies with national as well as international
actors and complement the efforts undertaken
at the civilian level.
13

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

3.1.2

Sub-objective1.2:
Operationalisation of assets

While the development of capabilities allows
expansion portfolio of Luxembourg's assets,
the operationalisation of space capabilities
implies that Defence does not have these assets
exclusively at its disposal, but that the
Luxembourg Armed Forces are able to operatethem in a more or less autonomous manner. It
has to be noted that the Luxembourg Armed
Forces will not be able to operate all the systems developed, due to the lack of work force.
Therefore, this long-term sub-objective
will be limited in this strategy to theoperationalisation of the SATCOM and LUXEOSys
systems. Consequently, other capabilities will
be co-managed through partnerships withinternational agencies, allied countries andindustrial actors.
3.1.2.1 Satellite communication (SATCOM)
Currently the Luxembourg Armed Forces,
through their mobile SATCOM teams, implement
Defence's space communication resources, inparticular in the framework of Luxembourg's
contributions to the UN, the EU and NATO.
Defence will continue to do so and will ensure,within the limits of its available resources, anoperation by the Luxembourg Armed Forces ofthe deployed SATCOM systems.
In addition, Luxembourg Armed Forces willconsider taking over the management andoperation of the extension of the SATCOM
tracking station. This will permit the Luxembourg

Armed Forces to continue fostering thedevelopment of their own SATCOM expertise,
strengthen Defence’s strategic autonomy andcontribute to the creation of a competence
cluster within the Luxembourg Armed Forces.
3.1.2.2 Earth Observation (EO)
To operate the LUXEOSys Earth observation
satellite, an operational centre will be established to pilot the satellite and to manage
image requests and production. The management of this centre will be in part outsourced.
Luxembourg Armed Forces will continue theirefforts to strengthen this operational centre.
3.1.3

Sub-objective1.3:
Continuous mapping of futurechallenges and opportunities,
developments and technologies

Defence will undertake a regular horizon
scanning in order to identify the opportunities
that will potentially influence Luxembourg's
position in the field of space, including in thefield of Green Space. The results of this iterative exercise will allow the identification of
emerging technologies and programmes most
relevant to Defence. This mapping will be conducted in cooperation with national government partners, industry and higher education.
Defence will also map out future challenges
in order to identify threats and make the mostof technological developments to improve its
contribution in the field of space at national
and international level.

National Earth observationsatellite LUXEOSys,scheduled for launch in 2023-

14

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

3.2 S O 2: Supporting freedom of action in and from space

The concept of freedom of action can beextended to countries with their own spacesystems or dependent on these assets. Accessto space and the peaceful use of space mustbe guaranteed in accordance with internationallaw. As a corollary of peaceful use, theprotection of our satellites in space will
support the physical security of our troops
and, more generally, the good functioning of
our society.
The range of threats to satellites continues togrow, from neutralisation to complete destruction. The new challenges are manifold andinclude many types of civilian and military technologies, both space and ground-based, as well
as space debris and the increasing congestionof outer space. Lack of transparency can also
lead to misunderstandings and, potentially,
accidents and conflicts.
It is a priority to ensure the security andprotection of Luxembourg's space assets andthose of our allies against all types ofdisturbances, whether natural or man-made,threats of kinetic or non-kinetic or even cyber
actions, to guarantee our freedom of action inand from space. Therefore, it is important toencourage joint efforts towards the clarificationand further development of a normative
framework applicable to space.
3.2.1

S ub-objective 2.1:
Cybersecurity in space andelectromagnetic protectionof assets

The protection of systems in space includes theprotection of data sent to and from satellites inorbit and the cyber protection of ground terminals, docking stations and related computer
networks.
Defence will extend its cyber defence strategy
to military and dual-use space assets andparticipate in programmes to protect spaceassets from electromagnetic interference andmeddling.
Defence will support programmes to securesatellite communications. In this respect, an
integrated "multi-layered" security approach
will be required to meet operational requirements. To this end, the focus will be on systems
for waveform protection, ground equipment
security and anti-jamming technologies.
Particular attention will be paid to thecybersecurity of the networks covered by the
SATCOM services made available by Defence
and on the external secure links allowing accessto the LUXEOSys observation satellite.
3.2.2

S ub-objective 2.2:
Clean space

Space debris is the greatest environmental
hazard to space assets. With the amount ofdebris increasing with each launch or retirement of a spacecraft, and with the increase inactivities conducted in space, it is clear that therisk of collision or damage will increase significantly in the future. For example, in 2019, the
ESA counted 34,000 objects larger than 10 cm
and 900,000 objects larger than 1 centimetre,
representing more than 6,000 tons of debris
orbiting the Earth.
In addition, each nation is responsible fordamage caused directly or indirectly by its
space assets.
Defence will participate in "Clean space"programmes aiming to reduce debris and invest
in space clean-up initiatives. Furthermore, itwill also follow the evolution of emerging
technologies and Active Debris Removal (ADR)
systems, as well as the development of futuresystems to repair satellites in orbit.
15

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

3.2.3

Sub-objective 2.3:
Ensuring access to space

Access to space is essential for the functioningof our society, including military activities.
Therefore, such access must be ensured
through resilient satellite launch capabilities aswell as the implementation of procedures forspace traffic management.
Defence will participate in programmes toimplement new, more flexible and agile satellite launch procedures and techniques from
Europe. Launch access times will be taken into
account in order to facilitate a rapid and flexible
response to different threats.
In order to minimise the risk of collision
between satellite, Defence will contribute to
the evaluation of available and necessary
technologies and capabilities through initiatives
in the development of Space Traffic Management(STM).
3.2.4

be improved, particularly regarding the use of
space. Indeed, given the divergent interpretations of certain concepts and definitions, therisk of uncertainty and misunderstanding
caused by increasing use and interest in spaceis increasing.
Defence will continue to adopt a responsible
and sustainable behaviour in the development,
deployment and use of its satellite assets, inaccordance with its international commitments.
Defence will also support Luxembourg state
actors working towards the development of
norms and standards that promote responsible
and sustainable behaviour and the nonstationing of weapon systems in space.

Sub-objective 2.4:
Supporting a credible deterrent
through international alliances andpartnerships

Effective protection of space assets requires acredible deterrent posture towards potential
adversaries. Only partnerships and alliances
will enable Luxembourg to build up a real
deterrent capacity. Furthermore, the extensionof the collective defence principles of Article 5of the Washington Treaty (NATO) to the field ofspace is an important development in thisrespect.
To this end, Defence will seek to strengthen
existing alliances and partnerships in the spacedomain.
3.2.5

Sub-objective 2.5:
Supporting the creation of norms
and standards for responsible andsustainable behaviour

The current Corpus Juris Spatialis, including theOuter Space Treaty ratified by Luxembourg, can16

GovSat-1 communications satellite
configured for launchLuxembourg Defence Space Strategy

3.3 SO 3: F ostering national and international cooperation

By adopting its own space policy in 2019, NATOhas recognised space as an operational domain
on a par with land, air, sea and cyber.
On the EU side, ministers of Defence agreed in
January 2022 on the need to develop a
European space strategy for security anddefence.
Strengthening of existing cooperation and thedevelopment of new partnerships are crucial in
the field of space. Coordination and convergenceof individual approaches of member states orcountries of the Alliance across the major space
activity areas (SATCOM, EO, PNT and SSA), witha view to preparing the future spaceenvironment, will be major challenges. At thenational level, Defence supports dual-use
synergies and research programmes and willthus contribute to the strengthening of analready thriving space sector in Luxembourg.

3.3.1

Sub-objective 3.1:
Strengthening cooperationand developing
new partnerships

Luxembourg will not be able to act alone in thisarea and close coordination between partners
will therefore be essential.
For over 10 years, Defence has been providing
capabilities, mainly in the form of secure satellite communications, as national contributions
to NATO agencies, the EU and the UN. Future
images of the Earth, taken by the LUXEOSys
observation satellite, will also be made available to our partners and international organisations as in-kind contributions.

Defence will continue to offer, within its means,national in-kind contributions and identify
opportunities for cooperation that arise at theinternational level.
In addition to participating in various NATOand EU committees and working groups,
Defence will participate in space programmes
initiated within the framework of the EU's
Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO),
which are in line with this defence space
strategy.

3.3.2

S ub-Objective 3.2:
Coordination in the EU
and NATO frameworks

The Defence Space Strategy has been writtenin accordance with the reference documents at
EU and NATO level.
More concretely, capability development of
Defence in space should not rely solely on
national opportunities but should also partake
into account the rapidly changing international
context. In particular, Defence will have to
respond to the challenges and needs includedin the NATO and EU planning processes.
Defence will ensure the interoperability ofassets to avoid unnecessary duplication and to
maximise cost effectiveness.
Defence will support relevant European
Defence Fund (EDF) calls in order to support
the national economy, in particular small
and medium-sized enterprises, and todevelop initiatives that contribute to meeting current and future needs of Defence andthose of its partners.
17

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

3.3.3

Sub-objective 3.3:
Promotion of dual-use synergies
to strengthen the Luxembourg
space sector

The development of defence space capabilities
in collaboration with industry will contribute tostrengthening Luxembourg's attractiveness as alocation for companies and support further
innovative in this field. Developments supported
by Defence will thus contribute to reinforcing
Luxembourg's reputation as a leader and rolemodel, consolidating its reputation, visibility
and position as a centre of excellence in thisfield.
Furthermore, Defence will cooperate closelywith government space agencies to identify
synergies in the development of dual-use
capabilities, particularly in the area of space
situational awareness (SSA).

Set of deployable terminals
type HOLKIRK TP150 and VSAT 240
installed in the test area of theDiekirch Military Barracks - Luxembourg

18

3.3.4

Sub-objective 3.4:
Supporting research and exchange
programmes

Space is a fast-moving field where the pace ofinnovation will accelerate and where partnerships are crucial.
Defence will participate in programmes toexchange information with our partners' space
workstreams so that potential joint programmes
can be identified.
Defence will support research programmes,
including in the field of green space technologies,
to meet new requirements for military
operations or security purposes. These research
programmes will be undertaken with national
and international partners, in particular throughmultinational cooperation arrangements.

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

3.4 SO 4: A ttract and secure a skilled and motivated workforce

Defence attaches particular importance to thequality and relevance of the training of military
personnel. It is committed to offering attractive
career paths at all levels, developing highadded-value expertise. The establishment of apool of experts and the creation of an attractive
career path in the space sector within Defence
is a challenge.
Indeed, a military capacity building is moredemanding than creating an asset or service inthe private sector. It requires goal-orientedorganisation and operational principles.
Experienced personnel led by competent andknowledgeable leadership will be essential. The
real and sustainable benefit of military spacecapabilities will lie in the recruitment anddevelopment of the necessary technicalscientific skills and knowledge. Space domain
will provide an additional opportunity for
professional development within Defence,even if a "space" career path within Defencecannot be established in the short term.
The objective should be to attract a qualified
and motivated space workforce to both Defence
and the Luxembourg Armed Forces. An increase
to both, the Directorate of Defence and the
Luxembourg Armed Forces, the visibility of
Defence in the space domain will attract new
talent.
3.4.1

Sub-objective 4.1:
Strengthening the attractivenessof Defence as an employer

With an increase in space activities in the public
and private sectors, competition for spacetalent and profiles is growing. In this context,
Defence, like other employers, must remain
attractive.
An intensification of the scope and reach ofactivities in the space field will strengthen theattractiveness of Defence as an employer.

Defence will raise awareness through social
media, cooperation with the Luxembourg
education sector, and actively participate innational events to promote the recruitment ofyoung talent.
Closer cooperation with the University of
Luxembourg in the field of space will beconsidered.
Defence will also consider sending employees
to participate in national and international
space exercises and training.
3.4.2

S ub-objective 4.2:
Introduction of the space career
path within Defence

Given the scope of the Defence's activities andthe specific requirements for those working in
the military domain, it is essential to identify
concrete personnel requirements, to phase in
their introduction and to determine the corresponding profiles. The introduction of a "space"
profession as a career path within Defence
would strengthen space expertise over time.
In this context, Defence will undertake afeasibility study of the development of such a'space' career path.
However, it is not only a question of recruiting
the necessary personnel directly from thelabour market, but also of developing a
coherent career plan enabling personnel toacquire the necessary skills. Thus, the spacesector should also reap the rewards of a mixed
workforce of military and civilian personnel.
In the long term, Defence must be able toguarantee the sustainability of the projects andcapabilities developed, and be able to provide
qualified personnel to support the work of the
future NATO Centre of Excellence in Toulouseand the NATO Space Centre in Ramstein.
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Launch of GovSat-1 communicationssatellite by a Falcon 9 space launchvehicle on January 31, 2018from Cap Canaveral-Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

4 Monitoring and evaluation
4.1 A
 ctivities
and programmes
The activities and programmes underlying the strategic objectives and subobjectives will be subject to an annual
review to be presented to the Minister ofDefence. This review could potentiallylead to an adjustment of activities andprogrammes.

4.2 S trategic objectives
and sub-objectives
In the light of the review and adjustment of activities and programmes, thestrategic objectives and sub-objectives
will also be reassessed periodically.

Set of deployable terminals type HOLKIRK TP150
and VSAT 240 installed in the test areaof the Diekirch Military Barracks - Luxembourg21

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

5 Glossary and definitions
ADR

Active Debris Removal

Defence

Luxembourg Armed Forces and the Directorate of Defence of the Ministry ofForeign and European Affairs

EDF

European Defence Fund
The EDF is a fund originally proposed by the European Commission to provide
financial support to defence projects developed jointly at the European Unionlevel. More specifically, it is an industrial European funding programme designed
to finance innovative research and development (R&D) projects of interest to theEuropean defence sector. It differs from PESCO in that it aims to support theindustrial base by generating the broadest and most consensual multinational
projects possible, on identified technological capability areas.

EO

Earth Observation

EU

European Union

EUTM Mozambique European Union Military Training Mission in Mozambique

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GALILEO

Galileo is a highly accurate satellite positioning system. The programme wasinitiated by the European Union.

GEO

Geostationary Orbit
The Geostationary Orbit is located at an altitude of 35,786 km (commonlyrounded to 36,000 km) and has the particularity of remaining permanently
above the same point on the equator. The satellite is then stationary with respect
to the Earth.

GPS

Global Positioning System
American Satellite Navigation and Tracking System

LEO

Low Earth Orbit
A LEO orbit is a circular orbit located between 400 and 2,000 km in altitude. ThisLEO orbit is mainly used to place observation and telecommunication satellites
into orbit, but also for the International Space Station and other scientificmissions.

LUXEOSys

Luxembourg Earth Observation System

MEO

Medium Earth Orbit
The average Earth orbits are between 2,000 km and 35,786 km and are mainly
used to place radio navigation (GPS, Galileo) and communication satellites.

MINUSMA

United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in MaliMINSUMA is a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Mali. It operates dueto the war in Mali and is the main component of the military intervention in Mali.

Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Orbit

An orbit is the closed curve representing the path that a celestial object (satellite)
draws in space under the effect of gravitation and inertial forces.

PESCO

Permanent Structured Cooperation
PESCO is both an institutional process and a structuring framework enabling the
EU to develop the necessary defence capabilities and to make them available for
EU operations and missions, including the most demanding ones. The activationof UNESCO is part of the implementation of the EU Comprehensive Strategy andis part of a wider process aimed at strengthening the EU's Common Security and
Defence Policy (CSDP).

PNT

Positioning, navigation and synchronisation system

Resilience

Resilience in the context of space capabilities is the ability to continue to function
despite deficiencies or disruptions. A system will be resilient when the service
provided by the system in orbit can be guaranteed despite the failure of one ofits components.

R&D

Research and development

SATCOM

Satellite Communication system

SO

Strategic objective

SSA

Space Situational Awareness

STM

Space Traffic Management

Outer Space Treaty Treaty on the principles governing the activities of States in the exploration anduse of outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies.
It is an international treaty from 1967 (ratified by Luxembourg) on the exploration
and use of outer space. This treaty is a cornerstone of the Corpus Juris Spatialis
and, among other things, laid the legal foundations for the exploration of spaceat a time when both the United States and the USSR were engaged in the
exploration of space and the race to the Moon.
UHF TACSAT

Ultra High Frequency for tactical satellite communication
The ultra high frequency (UHF) band is the band of the radio spectrum between
300 MHz and 3 000 MHz. Carried on board a satellite, this frequency band has
the particularity of being able to allow communications using light tactical(radio) terminals.

WGS

Wideband Global SatCom
The WGS system is a constellation of geostationary satellites operated by theUnited States Defense Department. Through a cooperative agreement, theprogramme's partner countries have access to the secure military satellite
communications of the system.

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