Alden Orrery – Regulatory Briefing – January 2025
INTERNATIONAL
Zero Debris Technical Booklet published
The Zero Debris Technical Booklet, published by the Zero Debris Community on 15 January 2025, outlines key technical solutions essential for achieving a Zero Debris future. The Booklet complements the Zero Debris Charter, finalised in October 2023, which has since gathered over 150 signatories, including companies, research institutions, international organisations, and states.
The Booklet details critical technical developments necessary to meet the Charter’s ambitious goals, providing a roadmap for innovation and collaboration in space sustainability.
The full Booklet is available here
EUROPE
Finland
Finland signs Artemis Accords
Finland became the 53rd state to sign the Artemis Accords on 21 January 2025. 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 milestone, NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free stated: “Today, Finland is joining a community of nations that want to share scientific data freely, operate safely, and preserve the space environment for the Artemis Generation. Forging strong partnerships between our nations and among the international community is critical for advancing our shared space exploration goals.”
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein signs Artemis Accords
The Principality of Liechtenstein became the 52nd state to sign the Artemis Accords on 20 December 2024. Speaking on the signing, Georg Sparber, Liechtenstein’s ambassador to the United States, said: “With its participation in the Artemis Accords, Liechtenstein looks forward to advancing space exploration among a strong group of like-minded countries committed to the peaceful use of space for the benefit of all humanity.”
Luxembourg
Luxembourg Authorises First Mission
Under 2017 Space Resources Law, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Economy has granted its first mission authorisation under the 2017 Space Resources Law, approving ispace-EUROPE S.A. to operate the TENACIOUS Micro Rover as part of Mission 2 by ispace inc., scheduled for launch in January 2025.
This marks the first commercial mission authorised under Luxembourg’s legal framework for space resource activities.
Julien Lamamy, CEO of ispace-EUROPE, commented: “This authorisation marks a historic moment for space exploration in Europe, as it is the first of its kind to enable commercial space resource activities. Missions like ours depend not only on technical capabilities, but they also require a strong legal framework to guide, support, and authorise commercial operations in space.”
Slovenia
Slovenia Joins European Space Agency as 23rd Member State
As of 1 January 2025, Slovenia has officially become the 23rd Member State of the European Space Agency (ESA), following its accession to the ESA Convention on 18 June 2024. This milestone builds on Slovenia’s associate membership, which began in December 2016, and marks a significant step forward in the nation’s space sector development.
Full ESA membership grants Slovenia voting rights, the ability to participate in key ESA programmes, and expanded opportunities for technological development and international collaboration. The full membership follows the rapid growth of Slovenia’s dynamic space sector, encompassing more than 40 companies, research institutes, and three universities.
Dr. Robert Golob, Prime Minister of Slovenia, commented, “In space activities we invest in our future, in research and development, and growth of business opportunities as well… Slovenia is determined that it will be great in the universe, as the potential is great.”
United Kingdom
Civil Aviation Authority Grants First Vertical Launch Licence in the UK
On 16 January 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued its first licence for a vertical orbital launch from the UK to Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA). The licence permits the launch of RFA’s RFA ONE rocket from the SaxaVord Spaceport in Unst, Shetland Islands. This milestone not only marks the UK’s first licensed vertical orbital launch, but Europe’s first privately developed vertical orbital launch.
Jörn Spurmann, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of RFA, hailed the achievement as “Europe’s bold step toward independent, competitive, and sustainable space access.”
UK Government Funds Consortium to Advance RPO Regulation
The British government has announced funding for a consortium of in-orbit servicing ventures aimed at improving regulations for rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). The consortium, comprising the UK subsidiaries of Japan-based Astroscale, Switzerland’s ClearSpace, and Italy’s D-Orbit, confirmed on 23 December 2024 that they have jointly secured £690,000 from the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) for the initial “regulatory sandbox” phase of the initiative.
This phase will involve collaboration with the British government and independent regulators, including the CAA, to identify key regulatory bottlenecks and address uncertainties in licensing innovative RPO activities. This initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering a robust regulatory framework for emerging space technologies.
NORTH AMERICA
United States
Federal Communications Commission Allocates Additional Spectrum for Launch Applications
On 31 December 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially allocated new radio spectrum for use in commercial space launches and re-entries, fulfilling a requirement in the Launch Communications Act (LCA) of 2024.
The FCC announced that it has designated the 2360-2395 MHz band for secondary use by commercial launch and re-entry vehicles. This spectrum is currently used primarily for aircraft and missile testing.
The allocation meets the LCA’s mandate, which was signed into law by President Biden on 26 September 2024. The law required the FCC to allocate specific frequency bands for commercial launches and re-entries within 90 days of its enactment. This decision is expected to support the growing commercial space industry by ensuring reliable communications during launch operations.
US Government Updates Missile Technology Export Policy
On 3 January 2025, President Biden issued a National Security Memorandum (NSM) to update US policy guidance on implementing the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
The MTCR, established in 1987, is a voluntary agreement aimed at limiting the proliferation of nuclear-capable missile technology. It imposes strict export controls on rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles capable of delivering a payload of at least 500 kg over a range of 300 km, as well as related equipment, software, and technology, particularly to non-member states.
The updated guidance is intended to help US partners and allies strengthen their space and missile capabilities. The policy revision will ease the export of space launch vehicles, precision-guided munitions, and related technology, enabling allies to develop advanced missile systems.
The full text of the NSM is expected to be released shortly.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Completes First National Security Space Launch
On 16 January 2025, Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket to orbit, carrying the company’s Blue Ring Pathfinder payload.
This mission marks New Glenn’s first flight under its National Security Space Launch certification, a significant milestone for Blue Origin in securing its role in US national security space missions.
ASIA
India
India Completes On-Orbit Docking Test
On 15 January 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully docked two spacecraft in orbit, a significant milestone for India’s robotic lunar and human spaceflight programs. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), launched on 30 December 2024, positions India as the fourth country – following the United States, Soviet Union/Russia, and China – to achieve this capability.
The SpaDeX mission supports India’s goal of developing independent human spaceflight capabilities through its Gaganyaan program, which aims to conduct its first crewed mission in 2026. This achievement highlights India’s progress in advancing its space exploration capabilities.
OCEANIA
Australia
Australian Ministry Selects ELO2 Consortium for Nation’s First Lunar Rover
The Australian Ministry for Science and Industry has selected the ELO2 Consortium, to deliver Australia’s first lunar rover, nicknamed “Roo-ver.”
The consortium comprises 21 organisations, including Australian space start-ups, small businesses, major resource companies, universities, and research partners. One of Australia’s most advanced robotics projects to date, the semiautonomous rover will collect lunar soil and contribute to key capabilities supporting a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Commenting on the mission, Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, stated, “Roo-ver demonstrates the cutting-edge capability Australia can offer to major international space missions…This project is as much about the journey as the destination. Australia is gaining valuable knowledge and technical skill just from developing Roo-ver, creating opportunity to become an even bigger part of the global space sector.”
AFRICA
Angola
Angola Signs Financing Agreement with France for ANGEO-1 Satellite System
During Angolan President João Lourenço’s diplomatic visit to France on 15–16 January 2025, the Angolan Ministry of Finance signed a financing agreement with the French government to support the construction of ANGEO-1, Angola’s first high-resolution Earth observation satellite system. This landmark initiative signifies a major step forward in Angola’s technological advancement and space capabilities.
Once launched and operational, ANGEO-1 will bolster Angola’s space infrastructure, providing critical Earth observation capabilities to address key challenges across Africa. The satellite system will support agricultural productivity, environmental monitoring and disaster management, playing a pivotal role in driving socio-economic development throughout the region.
If you would like more information on any topics in this Orrery Regulatory Briefing, please contact orrery@wearealden.com.
