It is with great pleasure that we present the inaugural Yearbook of the European Space Defence Academy (ESDA). Established in response to the rapidly evolving strategic landscape of outer space, ESDA represents Europe’s commitment to advancing knowledge, operational expertise, and collaborative leadership in the space domain.

The Academy was conceived to address the growing need for a dedicated institution capable of preparing Europe’s future space leaders. By integrating technical proficiency, operational experience, legal understanding, and strategic awareness, ESDA equips its participants to navigate the complexities of space security and ensure the resilience of Europe’s space-based assets.

The Academy’s creation comes at a time of heightened geopolitical competition and increasing recognition of space as a critical operational domain. From satellite constellations enabling global communications and navigation, to the emerging challenges posed by orbital congestion and contested environments, Europe faces both unprecedented opportunities and responsibilities in space. ESDA stands at the forefront of this endeavor, fostering a new generation of leaders capable of making informed decisions in a dynamic, multi-domain landscape.

The Yearbook captures the first steps of our journey — documenting the courses, exercises, and milestones that define ESDA’s mission to educate, innovate, and secure Europe’s presence in space. We hope it provides readers with insight into our Academy’s vision and the dedication of its instructors and participants.

If you are interested in our Yearbook do not hesitate to contact us.

Welcome to the European Space Defence Academy, where Europe’s space security and operational excellence are shaped for the future.