Alden Orrery – Regulatory Briefing – February 2026
EUROPE
United Kingdom
United Kingdom introduces long-awaited launch liability cap
On 18 February, the Space Industry (Indemnities) Act 2025 (Act) came into force. The legislation introduces a long-anticipated statutory cap on liability to the Space Industry Act 2018 for loss or damage caused by spaceflight operators. A liability cap was already in force in relation to the Outer Space Act 1986.
The cap is intended to provide greater certainty to insurers and the financial community, supporting a more predictable and stable regulatory environment and encouraging investment and growth in the national space sector.
Reacting to the Act coming into force, Alden Managing Partner, Joanne Wheeler MBE said: “This statutory cap on liability for damage and loss caused by spaceflight operators is long overdue – as one of the few spacefaring nations without one covering all activities from the UK until now, the UK has long been at a significant competitive disadvantage.
“As well as operators, it will provide insurers and the finance community with clarity and peace of mind.
“It is the first of what I expect will be a series of regulatory changes in the coming months. The UK government is taking space seriously and its work should position the UK as a continued leader in space regulation and insurance. We have ground to make up internationally and this is a very positive start.”
European Union
European Union launches GOVSATCOM
On 27 January, it was announced that the European Union’s new government satellite communications program (GOVSATCOM) had begun operations. The program pools capacity from eight existing satellites from five EU Member States (France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Luxembourg) with the aim of providing secure communications capabilities to the EU.
The entry into service of GOVSATCOM provides all EU Member States with access to sovereign, Europe-operated satellite communications capabilities, strengthening the security and resilience of critical governmental and public-sector communications across the EU.
France
Astroscale France and Exotrail partner to de-orbit satellites
On 28 January, Astroscale France and the French company Exotrail announced a strategic partnership to develop deorbiting capabilities in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The initiative is a response to the urgent need to address congestion in LEO by enabling operators to safely deorbit satellites at their end-of-life, supporting the long-term safety and sustainability of space operations. The partners aim to provide these services through an initial demonstration mission, planned to take place before 2030.
Beyond the initial demonstration which will target a commercial satellite, Astroscale France and Exotrail have committed to a long-term collaboration and shared roadmap to develop European rendezvous and docking-based solutions for in-orbit servicing and debris mitigation.
France selects Loft for its first space-based radar imaging program
On 21 January, the French Space Agency (CNES) and the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) awarded Loft a contract to develop and operate France’s Sovereign Radar Imaging Elements Demonstration (DESIR) programme.
Loft will act as prime contractor for this sovereign space-based imaging capability, leading a consortium that includes Thales Alenia Space and TEKEVER France. The programme will deliver France’s first sovereign space-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capability and represents a significant step in strengthening France’s strategic autonomy.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg authorises GovSat-2 program
On 21 January, Luxembourg’s Chamber of Deputies authorised its government to finance the acquisition, launch and operation of the GovSat-2 government and defence satellite. GovSat-2 will be a 50/50 joint venture between the Luxembourg government and SES, providing secure communications capabilities to Luxembourg Defence, the EU, NATO and partner countries.
Commenting on the announcement, Luxembourg’s Minister of Defence, Yuriko Backes, said: “GovSat-2 is a strategic project that enables Luxembourg Defence to make a significant contribution to collective security and defence efforts at EU and NATO level, while offering a significant economic return for Luxembourg.”
AFRICA
African Space Agency
African Space Agency and CNES sign Memorandum of Understanding
On 22 January, the African Space Agency (AfSA) and CNES reinforced their longstanding cooperation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Under the agreement, AfSA and CNES commit to jointly co-developing and implementing space-based solutions. The agreement identifies several priority areas for collaboration, including:
- the development of Earth observation applications;
- capacity building and training; and
- the creation of opportunities for public–private collaboration.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, AfSA described the agreement as “a strong step forward, for Africa, for France, and for the future of space cooperation.”
Chad
The Republic of Chad and Azercosmos sign Memorandum of Understanding
On 29 January, the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (ARCEP) of the Republic of Chad announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Azercosmos).
Under the agreement, ARCEP and Azercosmos plan to cooperate on regulatory and technical matters related to space ecosystem development. Areas of cooperation include strategic consulting, radio frequency management, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, satellite communications, satellite control and ground-based systems, as well as broader space activities and satellite services.
NORTH AMERICA
United States
Senate Committee approves Satellite and Telecommunications (SAT) Streamlining Act
On 12 February, the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved the Satellite and Telecommunications (SAT) Streamlining Act. The legislation aims to modernise satellite licensing processes while safeguarding federal spectrum operations and national security.
The Act directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish criteria for automatic approvals, replacing the previous approach of applying expedited procedures to all applications. These criteria will consider factors such as constellation size, orbital shells, spectrum bands, interference potential, novel architectures and waiver request.
Welcoming the approval, Senator Maria Cantwell said: “I’m glad we were able to come to an agreement that improves satellite approval processes so the US can compete aggressively.”
ASIA
Singapore
Singapore to establish national space agency
On 2 February, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry announced that the National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) will be established from 1 April 2026. Operating under the aegis of the Ministry, NSAS will lead Singapore’s national space ambitions and drive efforts to harness opportunities in the growing global space economy.
NSAS will assume and build on the existing functions of the Office of Space Technology & Industry, Singapore (OSTIn) to strengthen the country’s research and development ecosystem, develop the domestic space industry and advance international partnerships. The agency will also take on new responsibilities, including developing and operating national space capabilities and enacting national space legislation.
MIDDLE EAST
Oman
Oman signs Artemis Accords
Oman became the 61st state to sign the Artemis Accords on 26 January. 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 signing, Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator, said: “Oman joins the US and our other partners on ensuring the peaceful exploration of space for generations to come. We are returning humans to the Moon and laying the groundwork for future missions. A community of like-minded nations will be the foundation of our success.”
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
ELT Group and D-Orbit establish framework supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
On 10 February, it was announced that ELT Group, a global leader in electronic warfare (EW) systems, and D-Orbit, a leading space logistics and in-orbit services company, have established a strategic cooperation framework. The framework was formalised within the context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.
The agreement sets out a joint commitment to explore and pursue business development opportunities while strengthening industrial and technological cooperation in key capability areas. These include radio-frequency spectrum monitoring, cyber capabilities, satellite platforms and in-orbit services, with a particular focus on supporting the Kingdom’s priorities for technological development, industrial growth and localisation.
OCEANIA
Australia
Varda W-5 Capsule successfully re-enters at Koonibba Test Range
On 30 January, Australia marked the re-entry of Varda Space Industries’ W-5 capsule at Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range in South Australia.
The return follows the signing of a landmark agreement between Southern Launch and Varda Space Industries at the International Astronautical Congress 2025. Under the agreement, a further 19 Varda return missions are planned for the Koonibba Test Range, representing a significant boost to Australia’s sovereign space capability and regional innovation ecosystem.
Commenting on the mission, Lloyd Damp, CEO of Southern Launch, said: “Every spacecraft return strengthens Australia’s reputation as a trusted global destination for safe, reliable orbital reentries. The W5 mission reinforces our ongoing collaboration with Varda and highlights just how much capability, and awe, we can deliver right here in South Australia.”
French Polynesia
Look Up to install and operate radars in French Polynesia
On 4 February, Look Up, a European space surveillance and security company, announced the signing of a strategic contract with Tahiti Nui Telecom (TNT) for the installation and operation of two new-generation radars in French Polynesia. The SORASYS 2A and SORASYS 2B radars are scheduled to become operational in September 2026 and March 2027, respectively.
The new radars will enhance Europe’s ability to detect and track objects in orbit, supporting the safety and monitoring of space activities amid increasing orbital congestion. Both projects have been selected under the European Commission’s EU Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST) programme, operated by CNES.
Commenting on the agreement, Philippe Baptiste, French Minister of Higher Education, Research and Space, said: “The installation of these two space surveillance radars in French Polynesia is a major step forward for the space security and sovereignty of France and Europe. In a context of increasing orbital congestion, this partnership between Tahiti Nui Telecom and Look Up Space concretely strengthens our capabilities for detecting, alerting, and protecting our satellites.”
LATIN AMERICA
Brazil
Brazil awards launch contract for Amazonia-1B Earth observation satellite
On 27 January, Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) confirmed the award of a contract to US-based SpaceLaunch to launch the Amazonia-1B Earth observation satellite next year, aboard a Vega C rocket.
Amazonia-1B forms part of INPE’s Amazonia programme, which supports the monitoring of deforestation in the Amazon region and agricultural activity across Brazil.
The mission follows the launch of Amazonia-1 in February 2021, Brazil’s first fully domestically developed Earth observation satellite. A third Earth observation satellite, Amazonia-2, is also planned to join the constellation in due course.
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