A U-Space is a defined geozone within an existing airspace structure in which additional digital services enable the safe and coordinated operation of drones. Put simply, U-Space is the digital traffic management system for unmanned aviation. It does not mandate new types of aircraft, but rather organizes access to airspace through services—registration, visibility, clearance, and monitoring. This allows many drones to operate safely at the same time without endangering each other or manned aviation.
U-Space in a Nutshell
Why We Need U-Space
The number of drone flights is growing—for inspection, surveying, transportation, and agriculture. Without a coordinating authority, this leads to conflicts in airspace and makes sophisticated applications (such as flights beyond visual line of sight) virtually impossible to approve. U-Space establishes the framework that makes such operations predictable, safe, and legally compliant. The key principle here is not to create special exceptions, but to use proven, standardized procedures that integrate into existing air traffic.
The Six U-Space Services
EU Regulation 2021/664 distinguishes between four mandatory services and two supplementary services.
Four Mandatory Services
Network identification (continuous identity and position), geo-awareness (information on airspace restrictions and geozones), UAS flight authorization (unique authorization for each flight, including deconfliction), and traffic information (notifications about other traffic in the vicinity). These four services form the foundation of every U-Space.
Two Additional Services
The weather service provides flight-related meteorological data, and the compliance monitoring team continuously verifies whether a flight complies with its approval. These services complement the mandatory services and enhance safety and reliability.
Who is involved
A U-Space is a collaboration among several roles.
U-Space Service Provider (USSP)
The USSP provides U-Space services to drone operators—ranging from network identification and flight authorization to traffic information. b.r.m. IT & Aerospace is establishing this very role with the UAS Control Center in Bremen and will act as the USSP in the future.
Single Common Information Service
The shared information service provides all stakeholders with the basic data for a U-Space in a non-discriminatory manner: the boundaries of the U-Space airspace, requirements, relevant geozones, and static and dynamic restrictions.
Air Traffic Control and Government Agencies
Within controlled airspace, U-Space and traditional air traffic management (ATM/ATC) coordinate through established procedures; national authorities define geozones and oversee the framework.
Legal basis: EU 2021/664, 665, and 666
U-Space is based on three coordinated EU regulations: 2021/664 defines the regulatory framework and services of U-Space, 2021/665 adapts the requirements for air traffic management and air navigation services (ATM/ANS) in U-Space, and 2021/666 governs the behavior of manned aircraft in U-Space airspace. Together, they create a unified European framework for the integration of unmanned aviation.
U-Space Levels U1 through U4
U-Space is being developed in stages: from basic services such as registration and identification (U1), through initial operational support with flight authorization and traffic information (U2) and advanced, higher-density operations (U3), to fully integrated operations with a high degree of automation (U4). This phased approach allows services and capabilities to be expanded step by step.
Status of Implementation in Germany
The European framework is in place, and national implementation is currently moving forward. We are continuously assessing the current status.