Alden Orrery – Regulatory Briefing – January 2026
EUROPE
European Space Agency
European Space Agency and ClearSpace announce PRELUDE mission
On 12 January, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Switzerland’s ClearSpace announced their PRELUDE mission. It will involve two small spacecraft designed to test close-proximity operations and could eventually enable in-orbit servicing and active debris removal (ADR) missions.
The mission, due to launch next year, underscores Europe’s leadership in safer and more sustainable operations in orbit and marks a key step towards keeping outer space safe for all.
Commenting on the announcement, Tiago Soares, Head of ESA’s Clean Space and Circular Economy Office said, “This mission shows how European partnerships can effectively demonstrate breakthrough technology in orbit and turn ambition into action.”
European Union
European Defence Fund launches PRECISE project
On 19 January, the European Defence Fund (EDF) officially launched its research project, PRECISE (Prediction and Response of Effectors on Critical Infrastructure and Structural Environments). Coordinated by GMV, PRECISE is a four-year research action involving nine partners and two affiliated entities from five EU Member States: Belgium; France; Greece; Italy; and Spain.
The project brings together the European consortium to develop advanced technologies for automated modelling of critical infrastructure and to predict the effects of different physical threats, particularly in built-up and urban environments.
The project will use satellite, aerial, and ground-based data – including Earth observation (EO), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and other sensors – to automatically generate detailed 3D structural models and simulate how different physical effectors interact with them.
United Kingdom
ESA awards Astroscale UK IRUS contract to advance in-orbit refurbishment
On 13 January, Astroscale UK was awarded a €399,000 Phase A contract by ESA to lead the design of the In-Orbit Refurbishment and Upgrading Service (IRUS), a mission that will enable satellites to be upgraded, repaired and extended in orbit. This will support ESA’s Space Safety Programme and demonstrate in-orbit upgrades on a BAE Systems modular satellite platform.
The mission reinforces Europe’s commitment to reducing orbital risks and ensuring safe operations for future generations.
Commenting on the announcement, Nick Shave, Managing Director of Astroscale UK, said: “By exploring how satellites can be upgraded and enhanced in orbit, we are helping to shape a sustainable future for space – one that delivers long-term value for operators, governments, and society in general. This study is an important milestone for Astroscale, our industrial partners, and for the UK’s growing strength in in-orbit servicing and dual-use technologies that will support both civil and defence space activities.”
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein awards spectrum filings to Open Cosmos
On 14 January, it was announced that the Principality of Liechtenstein had awarded its high priority Ka-band spectrum filings to Open Cosmos. Following the grant of the final frequency allocation order, Open Cosmos plans to deploy a sovereign low-Earth orbit (LEO) broadband satellite constellation for Europe, designed to provide high quality, high security communication capabilities to government and enterprise customers.
In a statement, Liechtenstein’s Minister for Home Affairs, Economy and Sport, Hubert Büchel, said: “This decision underscores Liechtenstein’s commitment to making use of the frequencies allocated to us. We are pleased that through this filing with Open Cosmos, we are putting them to good and effective use.”
Montenegro
Montenegro launches its first satellite
On 28 December 2025, Montenegro Space Research (MSR) successfully launched “Luča”, Montenegro’s first satellite, from Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russia. The 1U CubeSat is equipped with sensors, solar panels, advanced hardware and software, and a high-resolution camera.
Commenting on the launch, Nikola Perovic, Chief Engineer at MSR, said: “The data will help scholars and students to understand the orbital conditions and to learn how to design and use satellites. Luca is a small satellite but a huge step forward for Montenegro.”
Portugal
Portugal signs Artemis Accords
Portugal became the 60th state to sign the Artemis Accords on 11 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, Hugo Costa, Executive Director of the Portuguese Space Agency, said, “As a nation that approaches space sustainability with great care and responsibility, Portugal and the Portuguese Space Agency are proud to join the Artemis Accords and contribute to the sustainable, beneficial, and peaceful use of space for all humankind.”
AFRICA
Algeria
Algeria launches Earth observation satellite ALSAT-3A
On 15 January, Algeria successfully launched its sixth EO satellite, ALSAT-3A, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, China, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s expanding space capabilities. The mission also marks one of many planned missions under the Algeria-China space cooperation agreement.
The satellite will operate in sun-synchronous orbit and is specifically designed to support Algeria’s land-use planning initiatives while significantly enhancing the country’s capabilities in disaster prevention and mitigation.
Egypt
Egypt launches second domestically developed satellite
On 10 December 2025, Egypt successfully launched its SPNEX satellite from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone in China. SPNEX is Egypt’s second domestically developed satellite in recent years, developed jointly by the Egyptian Space Agency and the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT).
The satellite’s two-year mission will focus on monitoring climate change impacts and ionospheric variations, representing a significant advance in Egypt’s sovereign data collection capabilities.
Nigeria
Amazon Leo secures Nigerian landing permit
Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, has received a landing permit from Nigeria’s Communications Commission (NCC) to operate nationwide. The permit, effective from 28 February 2026 for a seven-year term, allows the company to deploy its 3,236-satellite Ka-band LEO constellation across Nigeria.
The NCC noted that the licences form part of the government’s efforts to expand broadband coverage, particularly in underserved and remote areas where fibre and mobile networks remain limited.
NORTH AMERICA
United States
NASA provides update on Artemis II mission
NASA has provided an update on Artemis II, the first crewed test flight in the Artemis program. The mission will carry four astronauts aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft on a 10-day flight around the Moon, marking the first human journey to the Moon’s vicinity since December 1972. The Artemis program aims to eventually return humans to the lunar surface.
NASA has indicated that Artemis II could launch as early as 6 February this year.
President Trump signs new space policy Executive Order
On 18 December 2025, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, signed an Executive Order outlining a new US Space policy. In particular, the Order calls for a return to the Moon by 2028; the deployment of nuclear reactors on the Moon and in orbit; the capability to detect, characterise, and counter the full range of security threats to US space interests; and the development of a commercial replacement for the International Space Station by 2030.
The Order highlights that “growing a vibrant commercial space economy through the power of American free enterprise will build prosperity and open new economic opportunities.” It also directs the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology to coordinate national space policy efforts and requires federal departments and agencies to work collaboratively on the Order’s implementation.
Slingshot Aerospace awarded $27 million United States Space Force contract
On 15 January, Slingshot Aerospace announced that it had been awarded a $27 million contract to advance the United States Space Force’s (USSF) Operation Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) programme. In particular, Slingshot Aerospace will integrate its existing training enterprise capabilities with AI-native technology to realistically simulate today’s congested orbital environment. The aim is to modernise the USSF’s scenario training and, according to Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace provide “the ability to train against adaptive, AI-driven threats that behave like real adversaries – not pre-programmed scenarios”.
OCEANIA
Australia
Southern Launch and Lux Aeterna sign agreement for reusable satellite re-entries
On 17 December 2025, Southern Launch, an Australian launch provider, announced a contract with US-based Lux Aeterna to conduct orbital re-entries of Lux Aeterna’s reusable satellite infrastructure at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia.
Lux Aeterna is developing what could become the world’s first fully reusable satellite platform, designed for low-Earth orbit operations and capable of supporting defence, intelligence and commercial missions, including technology demonstrations, hypersonic and materials testing, in-orbit servicing and in-space manufacturing. Under the agreement, two of Lux Aeterna’s Delphi satellites will be returned from orbit to Koonibba, with the first re-entry mission scheduled for 2027.
The collaboration represents a significant step toward a more circular space economy. South Australian Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Joe Szakacs, commented: “This is a great result for South Australia and our burgeoning space industry. I congratulate Southern Launch and Lux Aeterna on reaching this agreement, which will see future operations exclusively locked in for South Australia. Our government remains committed to attracting investment and delivering outcomes in industries that we see as being pivotal to our future economy.”
Gilmour Space Technologies secures AUD $217 million to boost Australia’s domestic space capability
On 20 January, Gilmour Space Technologies announced that it has secured AUD $217 million in private equity investment to support the next phase of growth in Australia’s domestic space capability.
The company is developing an end-to-end space capability, encompassing the design, manufacture, testing, and launch of rockets and satellites in Australia. The Series E funding round was jointly led by the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation and Hostplus, with participation from Future Fund, Blackbird, Funds SA, HESTA, NGS Super, Main Sequence, QIC and Brighter Super.
Co-founder and CEO Adam Gilmour said: “This investment reflects strong investor confidence in our team and in Australia’s ability to build and operate critical space infrastructure at home. We’ve reached important technical and business milestones. Our focus now is on delivering reliable and regular access to space for customers both at home and abroad.”
New Zealand
New Zealand launches national Space Activator programme
On 12 December 2025, New Zealand’s Space Minister, Judith Collins, launched the Kiwi Space Activator, a NZD $1.8 million pilot programme enabling Kiwi space companies to develop technologies which could ultimately support New Zealand’s national space capabilities.
Announcing the programme, Collins said, “The Kiwi Space Activator will help more Kiwi businesses and universities move novel space technology and concepts from the laboratory to the skies, further boosting New Zealand’s reputation as a hub for space innovation.”
If you would like more information on any topics in this Orrery Regulatory Briefing, please contact orrery@wearealden.com.
