Alden Orrery – Regulatory Briefing – July 2025
INTERNATIONAL
NATO releases Updated Defence Production Action Plan, Rapid Adoption Action Plan and first Commercial Space Strategy
On 24 June 2025, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) released an Updated Defence Production Action Plan, its first Commercial Space Strategy and a new Rapid Adoption Action Plan.
The Updated Defence Production Plan, initially approved in February 2025, aims to help NATO deliver more capabilities, more quickly, in response to a shifting security environment.
The Rapid Adoption Action Plan, approved in June 2025, speeds up procurement, secures adequate resources and introduces real-world testing through the launch of NATO Innovation Ranges and the expansion of the Task Force X model. A summary of the plan can be read here.
The Commercial Space Strategy, also approved in June 2025, was developed in consultation with industry and is NATO’s first commercial strategy. The strategy simplifies how space companies engage with NATO, boosts commercial diversity and strengthens industry partnerships across NATO.
EUROPE
European Space Agency
ESA, Thales Alenia Space and Blue Origin sign Memorandum of Understanding
On 18 June 2025, it was announced that the European Space Agency (ESA), Thales Alenia Space and Blue Origin signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in areas such as human spaceflight, science, technology and commercial capabilities.
The key objective of the MoU is to foster and facilitate commercial and industrial advancements in the area of space exploration in low Earth orbit (LEO).
In particular, the MoU aims to open up opportunities for European payloads and crew to access Orbital Reef: a planned commercial space station offering end-to-end services, from crew and cargo transport to on-orbit operations and astronaut accommodation.
United Kingdom
Space Forge launches UK’s first in-space manufacturing satellite
On 27 June 2025, Space Forge confirmed the successful launch and in-orbit communication with ForgeStar-1, the UK’s first in-space manufacturing satellite, developed entirely in Wales.
ForgeStar-1 became the first UK satellite to receive an in-space manufacturing licence from the UK Civil Aviation Authority earlier this year. ForgeStar-1 was then shipped to the United States (US) where it was launched aboard the Transporter-14 rideshare mission from SpaceX’s facilities at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Commenting on the launch, Joshua Western, Space Forge CEO and Co-founder, said: “We’ve built and launched Britain’s first manufacturing satellite and it’s alive in orbit. That’s a massive technical achievement. Now, we take the next step: proving that we can create the right environment for manufacturing in space. This is the start of a new era for materials science and industrial capability.”
UK Space Agency launches tender for mission to tackle space debris
On 3 July, the UK Space Agency (UKSA) launched a major new procurement process to address the growing threat of space debris. The UKSA initiated a £75.6 million tender for an active debris removal (ADR) mission to remove defunct satellites from orbit.
The mission aims to use a specially designed spacecraft, equipped with advanced British robotic and autonomous navigation technology, to capture and safely de-orbit two non-functioning UK-licensed satellites from low Earth orbit. The ADR mission is to be scheduled to launch by the end of 2028.
Commenting on the tender, the UK’s Minister for Space, Sir Chris Bryant, said: “By tackling the growing threat of space debris head-on, we are protecting the infrastructure that supports everything from national security to everyday connectivity whilst also creating high-skilled jobs and securing the UK’s leadership in the growing space economy.”
Finland
Finland partners with ICEYE to boost space-based defence
On 27 June 2025, it was announced that the Finnish Ministry of Defence and ICEYE had signed a Letter of Intent, enabling the Finnish Defence Forces to acquire access to ICEYE’s Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations. The cooperation aims to strengthen the Defence Forces’ intelligence and surveillance capabilities from space.
Speaking on the cooperation, Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, said: “As space becomes increasingly critical, Finland is now taking a unique step forward in national defence. By acquiring our own satellites, we are strengthening our independent space-based intelligence and surveillance capabilities, and at the same time, we are supporting the domestic high-tech defence industry and creating new opportunities to deepen cooperation with allies and partners.”
NORTH AMERICA
United States
US Space Force releases International Partnership Strategy
On 8 July 2025, the US Space Force released its International Partnership Strategy. The Strategy outlines a plan for deepening collaboration with US allies and partners to ensure a secure, stable and sustainable space domain.
The Strategy focuses on three central goals:
- secure collective nations interests in, from and to space;
- communicate to ensure interoperable data, capabilities and activities whilst maximising information sharing; and
- integrate with allies across the full spectrum of Force Design, Force Development and Force Employment.
The Strategy also seeks to build upon the Commercial Space Strategy, released in 2024.
LATIN AMERICA
Argentina
CONAE and Jaguar Space partner to study Argentine crops in space
On 22 July 2025, it was announced that Argentina’s Space Agency (CONAE) and Jaguar Space had signed an MoU to explore the potential of applying space-based research to the monitoring of Argentinian crops.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. The initiative will study how space conditions – especially microgravity – affect key biological processes in plants. By including native Argentine species such as peanuts and potatoes, the research aims to advance the understanding of agricultural resilience and support long-term food production in space.
OCEANIA
Australia
Optus-led consortium announced to build Australian LEO satellite
On 14 July 2025, a new consortium led by telecom provider Optus was unveiled, along with plans to build and launch a new LEO satellite by 2028. The consortium comprises four Australian space sector organisations: iLAuNCH Trailblazer; HEO;
Inovor Technologies; and the Defence Science and Technology Group.
Commenting on the consortium, Nick Leake, Head of Satellite and Space Systems at Optus, said: “By collaborating with Australia’s industry leaders across the public, private and academic sectors, we are able to further advance the use of technology to solve problems, fuel growth and define what’s next for the telco industry while supporting Australian businesses and Australian workers.”
New Zealand
New Zealand regulates ground-based space infrastructure
The New Zealand government has passed the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Amendment Bill, introducing new rules for ground-based space infrastructure (GBSI). The legislation comes into effect on 29 July 2025, with a one-year transitional period ending on 29 July 2026.
Key features of the incoming legislation include requiring operators to have in place protective security and due diligence systems, as well as obtaining authorisation to operate the GBSI. These standards will be mandatory for all GBSI operators, including for existing GBSI operators, meaning GSBI such as satellite tracking stations will be subject to increased oversight and safeguards. However, the legislation specifically excludes personal, domestic and household users from these requirements.
Commenting on the legislation, New Zealand’s Space Minister, Judith Collins, said: “The Outer Space High Altitude Activities Amendment Bill is a significant milestone and enhances New Zealand’s national security with immediate effect.”
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