Unveiling Space Opportunities for Romania

MM-SPACE Archive. Originally published July 5th, 2025, on LAWinSPACE.com, a Mararu & Mararu SCA Space Law Blog.

Hello, Romanian space pioneers and global cosmic visionaries! This week, from June 29 to July 4, 2025, we are witnessing significant developments in space. In this digest, we'll explore the most exciting news and opportunities that our community should not miss. Each story includes Romania-specific insights, packed with actionable ideas for our vibrant space community.

Download a copy of this article in Romanian

Key Points

• The EU Space Act may create a unified legal framework for space activities, impacting Romania’s space laws and offering opportunities for companies.
• Increased EU space funding could strongly benefit Romanian defense-aligned companies, boosting the national space industry.
• NATO’s Commercial Space Strategy is expected to enhance Romania’s role in space initiatives, opening new markets.
• The U.S.'s search for alternative launch providers could stimulate Romanian investment in launch technologies.
• Increased Space Force funding from the U.S. Defense Bill could lead to enhanced international collaborations involving Romania.
• Romania’s leadership role at the UN’s COPUOS enhances its global governance in space, potentially attracting partnerships.
• ESA's DRACO mission offers collaboration for Romania’s materials science expertise.
• SpaceX’s Starship success might lower launch costs and benefit Romania’s CubeSat programs.
• Morocco's advocacy at COPUOS aligns with Romania’s goals regarding equitable space access.
• Planet Labs’ contract in Germany highlights a growing geospatial intelligence market that Romanian firms could enter.
• The Northrop Grumman–ROMARM radar production agreement boosts Romania’s defense sector with potential space technology applications.
• Romania’s expansion of its F-16 fleet enhances aerospace infrastructure, promoting dual-use technologies for space.

EU Space Act and Regulatory Framework

The EU Space Act, unveiled on June 25, 2025, aims to harmonize space activity regulations across EU member states. It focuses on safety, resilience, and sustainability.

Key Provisions of the EU Space Act

• Safety: Involves tracking space objects and preventing debris.
• Resilience: Emphasizes cybersecurity for space operators.
• Sustainability: Aims to minimize environmental impacts.

For Romania, being part of the EU means aligning national laws with these regulations beginning in 2030. While this could simplify operations for Romanian companies, compliance will come with challenges, especially for smaller firms. Nonetheless, it opens doors to new market opportunities. [EU Space Act: Enhancing Market Access and Space Safety]

EU Funding Boost for Space

The EU secured a remarkable €1.5 billion in space funding in 2024, a 56% increase. This increase is driven by public-private partnerships, with 40% allocated to defense-aligned companies.

This surge could greatly benefit Romanian firms, particularly those involved in defense and satellite technology. Access to increased funding may support research, development, and potential partnerships, ultimately enhancing Romania’s role in the EU space sector. [Space Law, Regulation and Policy Update - June 2025]

NATO’s Commercial Space Strategy

On June 24, 2025, NATO released its first Commercial Space Strategy, focusing on integrating commercial solutions for dual-use capabilities.

Key Objectives

• Ensures continuous access to space.
• Focuses on satellite communications and logistics.

With this strategy, Romania can enhance its role as a NATO ally, contributing to the alliance's space initiatives. This could involve providing services or technologies in satellite communications and space situational awareness, aligning with defense and security priorities. [NATO Releases Updated Defence Production Action Plan, Commercial Space Strategy, and Rapid Adoption Action Plan]

U.S. Diversifying Launch Providers

The U.S. Pentagon and NASA are diversifying their launch providers, seeking alternatives to SpaceX.This initiative is aimed at reducing reliance on any single company, nurturing competition within the space industry.

These policies could encourage investment in launch technologies within Romania, positioning it to become a significant player in the global market with potential collaborations with U.S. partners. [Space Law, Regulation and Policy Update - June 2025]

U.S. FY 2026 Defense Bill

The U.S. House has passed the FY 2026 Defense Bill, allocating $29 billion to the Space Force, exceeding initial requests by $2.7 billion.

This increased funding may lead to potential constructive collaborations with Romania, particularly within areas involving space situational awareness or satellite communications. This aligns Romania’s interests with international partners in defense projects. [Space Law, Regulation and Policy Update - June 2025]

Detailed Stories and Their Implications

• EU Space Act: Harmonizing Space Regulations Across the EU: The EU's Space Act aims to unify space regulations across member states, enhancing operational safety and sustainability in space activities from January 1, 2030. As an EU member, Romania must align with this act, allowing better access to the unified market but bringing compliance challenges, particularly for smaller firms.
• EU Space Funding Reaches Record Highs: With €1.5 billion in space funding, significant opportunities arise for Romanian companies in defense and satellite technology sectors.
• NATO Releases First Commercial Space Strategy: NATO's first commercial strategy focuses on integrating commercial space capabilities. This opens new markets for Romanian companies, reinforcing their position in defense and security.
• Pentagon Seeks Alternative Launch Providers: The U.S. policy shifts to diversify providers could stimulate Romania's investment in its launch technology sector, expanding its market access.
• U.S. House Approves FY 2026 Defense Bill: The U.S. increased budget allocations could present opportunities for Romania through projects focusing on joint cooperation in areas of defense and security.
• Romania Presents STSC–COPUOS 62nd Session Conclusions at UN: Romania's leadership at COPUOS enhances its international space law, likely to attract partnerships and funding opportunities
• ESA’s DRACO Mission to Study Satellite Reentry: This research mission could positively impact Romania by allowing collaboration in developing materials suitable for satellite reentry operations.
• SpaceX’s Starship Achieves Full Orbital Test: This success can significantly reduce launch costs, benefiting Romania’s satellite programs and making space more accessible for upcoming projects.
• Morocco’s Call for Developing Nations at COPUOS: Morocco’s focus on collaboration for equitable access aligns with Romania’s own space strategies, offering scope for joint projects.‍
• Planet Labs’ €240M German Contract for Geospatial Intelligence: The rising demand for geospatial intelligence and satellite data in Romania suggests potential growth trajectories for local firms to pursue.‍
• Northrop Grumman–ROMARM Radar Production MoU: This partnership enhances Romania’s defense capabilities and has the potential to catalyze advanced space technologies.‍
• Romanian F-16 Fleet Expansion: The expansion creates defense and aerospace infrastructural opportunities, significantly benefiting Romania's dual-use technology development.

Mararu & Mararu's Key Takeaways for Romania’s Space Sector and Landscape

• EU Space Act: Romania must implement new EU regulations by 2030, balancing opportunities and compliance challenges.
• EU Funding: Increased funding could boost the space industry, particularly in defense.
• NATO Strategy: Romania's role can be strengthened within NATO initiatives.
• U.S. Launch Opportunities: Potential for Romanian companies to become involved in the U.S. space market.
• Defense Collaborations: Increased funding could lead to joint projects with Romania.
• STSC Leadership: Romania’s leadership reinforces its global governance position.
• Sustainability Focus: The DRACO mission emphasizes Romania’s role in sustainable space practices.
• Cost Benefits: Lower launch costs benefit CubeSat programs across Romania.
• International Partnerships: Collaborations with Morocco may enhance Romania's influence.
• Geospatial Market Entry: Opportunities for Romanian firms in emerging markets.
• Defense Manufacturing Boost: The MoU enhances Romania’s position in defense and technology.
• Aerospace Infrastructure Growth: The F-16 fleet expansion supports potential for dual-use technologies.

Questions?

We’re happy to answer them! Please contact senior partner Amala Mararu at amala.mararu@mararu.com or at +40-31-421-5150.