New regulations could lead to further development of Poland's space industry

For World Space Week 2025, DLA Piper is exploring how the space industry is evolving in jurisdictions around the world. To read about developments in other countries, including in relation to the European Union (EU) Space Act, see the firm’s landing page.

In May 2025, the Polish government released draft regulation for its Space Activities Act, designed to align with the requirements set forth in the EU Space Act. The Space Activities Act stipulates that space activities in Poland, whether scientific or economic in purpose, will only be allowed after obtaining a permit from the President of the Polish Space Agency. Among others, the Act would include the creation of a national register of space objects, by which Poland would be a so-called “launching state” under international law. 

The regulations cover space activities conducted within the territory of Poland, as well as within the territories of other countries and international space if such activities are carried out by Polish citizens or entities established in Poland. In addition, the regulations cover space activities onboard maritime vessels or aircraft registered within the country.

Notably, the Space Activities Act also applies when a space object is launched from outside the territory of the Republic of Poland (eg, from a foreign spaceport, the International Space Station, or other spacecraft), provided the launch is on behalf of a Polish operator and the object is entered in the National Space Objects Register (KROK).

Poland’s space sector 

The domestic space sector has developed rapidly since Poland joined the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2012. According to a report by the Polish Space Agency, companies and scientific institutes participated in nearly 700 projects between 2012 and 2023, accounting for a total value of more than EUR320 million. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for approximately 60 percent of companies operating in the industry.

The dynamic expansion of the sector aligns with the EU Space Act, which aims to support innovation and create a stable, predictable, and competitive business environment. It also aligns with the Polish Space Strategy, which sets the directions for the development of the space sector in Poland and offers support instruments for the development of the industry.

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