GEO is one of the most strategically important regions of space
While the focus of innovation has increasingly shifted toward low Earth orbit, the geostationary orbit (GEO) continues to represent one of the most strategically important regions of space. With its unique ability to provide persistent coverage over fixed geographic areas, GEO remains indispensable for a range of civil, institutional, and defense missions.
Today, more than 500 active satellites operate in GEO—accounting for approximately 6% of the global satellite population. Among these are around 25 European institutional assets, including those serving secure communications (Athena-Fidus, Syracuse) or for meteorological observation (Meteosat).
GEO platforms are characterized by high cost and long operational lifespans. Average unit costs exceed $100 million, with some strategic and military systems valued well above $1 billion. Even if the new generation of GEO satellites are designed with shorter operational lifetimes reducing overall costs, many satellites remain in service for 15 to 20 years or more (Galaxy 23, Galaxy 11, Intelsat 901…), making them both capital-intensive and operationally critical.
However, managing assets in GEO presents unique challenges. Just like any space object, intervention capabilities are limited in the case of an anomaly. Operators often face uncertainty in diagnosing failures, while insurers are confronted with significant risk exposure and insufficient event data to support claim validation. This is exemplified by past anomalies such as Telkom-1 (2017), where limited transparency complicated post-incident assessment.
Compounding these technical challenges is a growing need for enhanced space domain awareness. Between 2020 and 2023, over 30 close approaches were reported in GEO, some involving proximity operations by satellites such as Luch/Olymp-K, raising concerns over inspection activities near commercial and institutional assets.
While objects in GEO may gradually drift or naturally deorbit from the strictly defined geostationary slot over extended timescales, GEO remains a single, functionally shared orbit. Maintaining it clear of non-operational satellites with sufficient spacing margins is essential to preserve its long-term viability—especially as the proliferation of smaller, more agile GEO missions introduces new traffic and operational complexity.
In this context, in-orbit servicing capabilities—notably on-orbit inspection, life extension, and relocation—are emerging as essential infrastructure. Demonstrated missions such as MEV-1’s servicing of Intelsat-901 have shown the feasibility and value of direct interventions. These services can support failure diagnostics, enhance operational decision-making, contribute to insurance verification processes, and reinforce transparency in space operations.
For Europe, investing in GEO resilience aligns with broader goals of strategic autonomy, space security, and long-term operational sustainability. As the geopolitical and operational dynamics of space continue to evolve, ensuring robust capabilities in GEO will remain a central pillar of space policy and infrastructure planning.
