Alden Orrery – Regulatory Briefing – April 2026
INTERNATIONAL
COSPAR and Open Lunar Foundation sign Memorandum of Understanding
On 20 March, the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and the Open Lunar Foundation announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster scientific engagement and broader information exchange related to lunar missions and activities.
Under the MoU, the two organisations will build on existing initiatives in lunar governance to:
- promote scientific priorities in lunar exploration and data exchange;
- strengthen information sharing as lunar activity increases;
- encourage dialogue between the scientific community, international organisations, and other stakeholders; and
- support the integration of scientific perspectives into the voluntary lunar information infrastructure, including the Lunar Ledger.
Commenting on the MoU, Mehak Sarang, Director of Industry Integration at the Open Lunar Foundation, said: “COSPAR has been building bridges and promoting transparency and information sharing internationally since the beginning of the space age. We’re thrilled to work together to promote coordination mechanisms that enable us to continue advancing our scientific understanding of the Moon and better steward the lunar environment.”
EUROPE
European Space Agency
ESA and Canada sign General Security of Information Agreement
On 14 April, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Government of Canada signed a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA), establishing a legally binding framework for the exchange of classified information between the two parties.
The agreement will facilitate closer collaboration in strategic domains including space-based surveillance, disaster response, dual-use capabilities and emerging security-related technologies.
Commenting on the GSOIA, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said: “This agreement marks an important step in the evolution of our long-standing partnership with Canada. In today’s geopolitical context, secure and trusted cooperation is not only essential – it is strategic. By enabling the exchange of classified information, we are unlocking new opportunities to advance critical technologies, strengthen our industrial ecosystems and reinforce our collective capacity to act.”
Cyprus becomes Associate Member of ESA
On 17 March, the Republic of Cyprus became an Associate Member of ESA. Associate Membership allows Cyprus to participate in ESA optional programmes, enabling national industry, research institutions and start-ups to engage more closely with the European space sector.
Cyprus will participate in several optional programmes across key strategic areas, including Future Earth Observation (FutureEO), Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES), the General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) and Accelerating Commercialisation and Competitiveness of the European Space Sector (ACCESS). The membership will open new opportunities for Cypriot entities to access ESA’s expertise and industrial network, supporting innovation, economic growth and deeper collaboration with ESA Member States.
European Union
Norway and Iceland join EU GOVSATCOM and IRIS² programmes
On 26 March, the European Union (EU) signed an agreement with Norway and Iceland allowing both countries to participate in the EU Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) programme and the Secure Connectivity Programme, IRIS².
EU GOVSATCOM, which became operational in January 2026, pools existing satellite communications resources and makes them available to authorised European governmental actors, providing secure, resilient and cost-effective connectivity for security-critical missions and infrastructure. IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) combines low Earth orbit (LEO), geostationary orbit (GEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite capabilities to deliver secure communications and broadband connectivity to EU Member States, governments, businesses and citizens.
Norway and Iceland’s participation will strengthen their connectivity and enhance their capabilities in areas including crisis management, secure government operations, disaster response and environmental monitoring, in line with the Space Strategy for Europe.
United Kingdom
Royal Air Force and United States Space Force sign Statement of Intent
On 16 April, the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF) and the United States Space Force (USSF) signed a Statement of Intent affirming both nations’ commitment to space collaboration. The Statement highlights the imperative for military cooperation in the current threat environment to avoid operational surprise and deny adversaries hostile use of the space domain. The RAF and USSF will continue to advance information sharing and collaboration efforts to maintain the stability and security of space.
UK Space Agency and Ukraine sign Memorandum of Understanding
On 18 March, the UK Space Agency (UKSA) and the State Space Agency of Ukraine (SSAU) signed a MoU on civil and commercial space cooperation. The agreement is the first agency-to-agency MoU between the two organisations, building on the ambitions set out in the UK-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership agreed in January 2025.
Commenting on the MoU, Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UKSA, said: “By working together, we can support innovation, unlock new commercial opportunities for UK and Ukrainian organisations, and harness space technologies to deliver real-world benefits for our citizens.”
Astroscale UK completes Critical Design Review for Orpheus mission
On 8 April, Astroscale UK successfully completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Orpheus mission. Designed to develop space weather intelligence capabilities, Orpheus will support the safeguarding of defence communications, navigation and operations, as well as critical national infrastructure.
The completion of the CDR marks a significant milestone in delivering new UK capability in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), strengthening the UK’s long-term resilience in space.
Poland
Poland’s Act on Space Activities comes into effect
On 18 April, Poland’s Act on Space Activities came into effect, having been adopted by the Polish Parliament on 13 February 2026. The Act establishes a coherent regulatory framework for the space sector, governing both the evaluation of licence applications and the ongoing supervision of operators.
Operators are required to consider the long-term sustainable use of outer space for peaceful purposes and to eliminate or minimise negative impacts on the natural environment of Earth and outer space, including the prevention of space debris. The Act also establishes a National Register of Space Objects and creates a legal regime for the operation of the National Satellite Information System and the Space Security System.
The full Act can be read here.
Latvia
Latvia signs Artemis Accords
Latvia became the 62nd state to sign the Artemis Accords on 20 April. The Artemis Accords are a US-led initiative to establish a common vision for countries looking to participate in NASA’s 21st century lunar exploration plans.
Commenting on the signature, Latvia’s Minister for Education and Science Dace Melbārde, said: “Latvia already contributes to the global space ecosystem through its industry and research, and we look forward to the opportunity to deepen cooperation with the United States and NASA, contributing to future space activities under the Artemis framework. Participation in the Artemis Accords is also an investment in the development of our students, researchers, and innovators.”
AFRICA
Kenya
Kenya launches Earth Observation Data Sharing Framework
On 23 March, the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), in collaboration with the British High Commission in Kenya, the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) and VIFFA Consult, launched the Kenya Earth Observation Data Sharing Framework 2026. The Framework promotes the development and implementation of data governance standards for Earth observation (EO) data, and forms a key pillar of the Kenya Space Agency Strategic Plan 2023–2027.
To support implementation, the Framework establishes the National Earth Observation Data Council (NEODC) as the central body responsible for the coordination, oversight and strategic direction of EO data management in Kenya.
Nigeria
Nigeria announces plans for next-generation communications satellites
On 30 March, the Nigerian Government announced plans to launch two new communications satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, in 2028 and 2029 respectively. The satellites are designed to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance and connectivity across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, with a particular focus on supporting security operations.
The satellites will replace and complement the country’s existing orbital asset, NigComSat-1R, which has been in operation since 2011.
NORTH AMERICA
United States
United States issues National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power
On 14 April, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued National Science and Technology Memorandum 3 (NSTM-3), establishing the National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power. The memorandum implements President Trump’s 18 December 2025 Executive Order “Ensuring American Space Superiority”, directing federal agencies to coordinate the development and deployment of space nuclear power systems.
The Initiative sets ambitious near-term milestones, including: a lunar surface reactor ready for launch by 2030; an in-orbit nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) demonstration; and a high-power reactor (at least 100 kWe) targeted for the 2030s.
The NSTM-3 can be read here.
NASA’s Artemis II crew returns to Earth after record-setting lunar mission
On 10 April, NASA’s Orion spacecraft splashed down at 5:07 p.m. PDT, completing a nearly 10-day mission that took its four-person crew around the Moon and back. The crew comprised NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, as well as Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
The mission set a new distance record for human spaceflight, with the crew travelling 252,756 miles from Earth at their farthest point. Launching on 1 April aboard NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) from Kennedy Space Center, the crew conducted a full in-flight evaluation of the Orion spacecraft “Integrity”, testing life support systems, manual piloting, emergency procedures and crew survival suits.
With Artemis II complete, NASA will now turn its attention to Artemis III, scheduled for next year, when a new Orion crew will test integrated operations with commercially built Moon landers in low Earth orbit.
Canada
Canada introduces Canadian Space Launch Act (Bill C-28)
On 21 April, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon introduced the Canadian Space Launch Act (Bill C-28) in the House of Commons. Formally titled ‘An Act to amend the Aeronautics Act and other Acts’, the legislation would establish a regulatory framework for commercial space launch and re-entry activities conducted from Canadian territory, providing regulatory certainty to industry, supporting investment and infrastructure development and strengthening Canada’s ability to meet its international obligations.
Commenting on the introduction of the Bill, Minister MacKinnon said: “Canada has a long and important history in space, and we are taking another major step toward securing our future in the rapidly evolving space domain. A long-term Canadian commercial space launch and re-entry regulatory framework would help make our space sector more competitive, create lasting economic opportunity for the Canadian space sector, encourage innovation and research, and support national security.”
OCEANIA
Australia
Australia releases 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program
On 16 April, the Australian Government released the 2026 National Defence Strategy (NDS) and the accompanying 2026 Integrated Investment Program (IIP). The NDS identifies space and cyber capabilities as priorities for Australia’s integrated force, with a focus on strengthening situational awareness, force projection and decision advantage.
The IIP further commits $27–$38 billion over the decade to resilient space, cyber and electronic warfare capabilities. Of this, $9–$12 billion is allocated specifically to enhanced space capabilities across three priority areas: resilient communications; SDA; and space control. Key investments include:
- delivery of a resilient, multi-orbit Australian Defence Satellite Communications (SATCOM) capability optimised for operations across the Indo-Pacific, including satellites, ground stations, operations centres and an integrated SATCOM management system;
- enhanced SDA capabilities, including collaboration with the United Kingdom and the United States on the Deep-space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), providing continuous global detection, tracking and identification of satellites and other space objects;
- enhanced space control measures to protect and defend Australia’s access to the space domain and deny attempts to interfere with or attack Australian space capabilities; and
- delivery of an advanced geospatial intelligence satellite capability.
The full 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Plan can be read here.
New Zealand
New Zealand and United States issue Joint Statement on Space Dialogue
On 27 March, the Governments of New Zealand and the United States issued a Joint Statement on the second bilateral US-New Zealand Space Dialogue. Discussions focused on the evolving role of the commercial space sector in supporting economic growth and shared security interests, including the changing role of government in enabling commercial activity.
Both sides expressed their intent to continue cooperation on spaceflight safety, launch, payloads, science and innovation, and associated technology security measures. The Dialogue also addressed opportunities for further cooperation on space-related security threats, including military space cooperation and the protection of ground-based space infrastructure, with both countries committing to explore further avenues for strengthening bilateral commercial and strategic ties.
LATIN AMERICA
Mexico and the Caribbean
Eutelsat announces broadcast agreements in Mexico and the Caribbean
On 21 April, Eutelsat announced three new broadcast agreements in Mexico and the Caribbean. Eutelsat will partner with Co-op Cable to introduce an expanded direct-to-home (DTH) and connectivity offering across the Caribbean using the Eutelsat 65 West A (E65WA) satellite, addressing demand for entertainment and broadband services in areas where traditional infrastructure remains limited.
In Mexico, Eutelsat also renewed its agreement with PCTV (Productora y Comercializadora de Televisión), a content aggregation and distribution company, for continued distribution of video services via the Eutelsat 117 West A (E117WA) satellite, and signed a new agreement with Cadena Tres (Mexico’s third-largest national television network) for distribution over the same satellite.
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