Europe has been a leading global actor in space policy for decades, developing almost all major space capabilities except human spaceflight. What was once a technical domain dominated by engineers, specialists and dedicated enthusiasts has become a significant field of European public policy. This plenary examines the evolution of European space policy through landmark initiatives such as Galileo and considers how these programmes have shaped contemporary European politics. Panellists will assess the strategic, regulatory and geopolitical implications of Europe’s growing capabilities in space in line with wider EU policy priorities. The session will also reflect on the future of humankind in space, the growing importance of space-based infrastructures for life on Earth and the analytical frameworks through which scholars can interpret Europe’s role in an increasingly competitive global space environment. At its heart, this plenary asks how Europe understands its place beyond the planet and how space, in turn, shapes Europe. With: Dr Harald Köpping Athanasopoulos (2b AHEAD) Rodrigo Da Costa (Executive Director of EUSPA) Dr Sarah Lieberman (Canterbury Christ Church University) Dr Kai-Uwe Schrogl (DG ESA) Dr Pieter van Nes (EU*Asia Institute of ESSCA School of Management)