INTERNATIONAL

Eight NATO nations launch HALO initiative

On 7 July, eight NATO nations launched a new multilateral initiative, the Hybrid Alliance Layered Operations in Space (HALO). HALO will focus on improving the connectivity and integration of sovereign, nationally owned and controlled military satellites into a networked large constellation.

The initiative aims to strengthen NATO resilience and military advantage in space, enabling high-speed communications, intelligence gathering and missile tracking across participating states.

The eight participating nations are: Canada; Denmark; Finland; Germany; The Netherlands; Norway; Sweden; and Turkey.

Africa-Europe Space Partnership Programme launches new Earth observation initiative

On 6 July, the Africa-Europe Space Partnership Programme (AESPP) announced the New Space Partnership for Earth Observation (EO) Mission, intended to support decision-making in areas such as agriculture, water resource management, land use planning and climate resilience across Africa.

The mission is funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), managed by the European Space Agency (ESA), and implemented with the support of the African Space Agency (AfSA). The AESPP is a joint African Union–European Union initiative aimed at strengthening space cooperation between the two continents, supporting the development of Africa’s space capabilities and advancing climate resilience, sustainable development and economic growth through Earth observation and New Space technologies.

Preliminary design of the mission will be carried out by the EURAFREO consortium, coordinated by GMV together with its Spanish subsidiary Alén Space, alongside Astrofica Technologies, Space in Africa and LocateIT. The consortium combines expertise in Earth observation, New Space technologies and mission development to design a scalable mission tailored to Africa’s needs.

 

EUROPE

European Union

EU Satellite Centre signs CISE Cooperation Agreement

On 22 June, the European Union (EU) Satellite Centre (SatCen) signed the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) Cooperation Agreement. CISE connects the systems of European and EU/European Economic Area Member State authorities responsible for maritime surveillance.

The agreement establishes a framework between CISE and Maritime Surveillance Networking (MARSUR), facilitating future operational information exchange and enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness for the EU, SatCen and Member States.

United Kingdom

King Charles III officially opens UK Space and Defence Gateway

On 10 July, His Majesty King Charles III officially opened the UK Space and Defence Gateway at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.

The Gateway will act as a dedicated hub for the space and defence sectors, driving national and international collaboration between government, academia, innovators and industry. It will focus on helping businesses secure investment and enabling UK start-ups to refine and scale up their operations.

Commenting on the opening of the Gateway, UK Space Minister Liz Lloyd said “The opening of the Space and Defence Gateway is a significant moment for the UK’s space sector, and His Majesty The King’s visit to Harwell underlines the vital contribution this cluster makes to our economy. His Majesty’s leadership through the Astra Carta has set a clear course for a sustainable and ambitious future for the industry. We are committed to building the national capabilities that deliver better space services and create global export opportunities.”

UK publishes Defence Investment Plan with £3.2 billion for space domain

On 30 June, the UK Government published its Defence Investment Plan (DIP), setting out £298 billion of defence investment over the next four years.

The DIP highlights that assured access to operate in, from and through space underpins the UK’s security, prosperity and Integrated Force. The Plan allocates £3.2 billion to the space domain between FY2026/27 and FY2029/30, across five major areas of investment:

• sovereign space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR);
• a Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability, developed jointly with the US and Australia;
• new Space Control capabilities to protect UK satellites;
• a new Integrated Air, Space and Missile Defence Operations Centre (IASMDOC), backed by an initial £40 million investment; and
• continued investment in SKYNET, including a £50 million extension to SKYNET 5 ahead of SKYNET 6A entering service in 2027, alongside a decision not to proceed with the SKYNET 6 Narrowband Satellite System.

The full DIP can be read here.

UK announces £62 million to develop homegrown satellite communications and space technologies

On 20 July, UK Space Minister Liz Lloyd announced £62 million to develop homegrown satellite communications and space technologies. The investment is intended to strengthen the UK’s ability to monitor and protect assets in orbit and to support space-based services such as broadband for remote communities and mobile connectivity on rail, in the air and at sea.

The funding comprises £42 million for the third round of the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) Programme, which supports UK businesses, universities and research organisations developing satellite communications technologies across on-board processing, active antennas, optical links, networking and routing and user terminals. This round brings total C-LEO funding to up to £77 million. The remaining £20 million will fund a new call under the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP), supporting early-stage and growth-stage space technology projects across industry and academia, with up to 40% of the budget focused on Space Domain Awareness and In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing.

Commenting on the announcement, Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: “Space is not just a scientific frontier, it is a strategic one. If we do not build national capabilities at home, we become overly dependent on others for technologies we cannot afford to be without.”

The Netherlands

Netherlands to establish dedicated Space Command

On 30 June, the Dutch Ministry of Defence announced the establishment of a dedicated Space Command under the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force. The announcement reflects the Netherlands’ growing commitment to space power, marking a significant step in the development of its national defence and security capabilities.

The Command will be formed through the transformation of the existing Defence Space Security Centre and is expected to become operational by 2028. It will direct and protect Dutch space capabilities and provide space-derived products in support of joint operations.

Serbia

Serbia signs Artemis Accords

Serbia became the 69th state to sign the Artemis Accords on 16 July. 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, the Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Đurić said: “The great beyond has always inspired humanity to achieve its greatest feats – from the Roman ‘per aspera ad astra’ to Norman Vincent Peale’s belief that if we aim for the Moon, we will at least land among the stars. Those words feel especially fitting today.”

Poland

ESA and Poland announce new ESA Centre in Warsaw

On 13 July, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Republic of Poland announced that a new ESA Centre will be located in Warsaw. The Centre will focus on civil security and resilience, supporting the efficient and coordinated development of European capabilities in these fields.

Announcing the Centre, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said: “The new ESA Centre will mark a new chapter for ESA and a major step for Poland which has rapidly become one of the driving forces in Europe’s space sector. As Europe continues to strengthen its resilience in an increasingly challenging environment, the Centre will help build the capabilities we need to protect our interests, support our citizens and act with confidence. This new ESA centre in Warsaw will contribute to that ambition, while building on Poland’s growing expertise and commitment to space.” 

Austria

Austria announces first fully domestic commercial satellite

On 23 June, Austrian NewSpace company R-Space announced AT-Astra, the first fully developed satellite mission and first commercial satellite to be designed and built entirely in Austria.

AT-Astra will carry three in-orbit demonstration experiments: one from Austrian company ENPULSION; one from Austrian company SunBooster; and one from Portuguese company Synopsis Planet. The satellite is scheduled to launch in Autumn 2026 aboard Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket from the spaceport in Andøya, Norway.

 

AFRICA

The Republic of Botswana

The Republic of Botswana signs Artemis Accords

The Republic of Botswana became the 68th state to sign the Artemis Accords on 25 June, and the sixth African nation to join the US-led initiative.

Commenting on the signature, NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson, said: “It is my privilege to welcome Botswana as the newest signatory of the Artemis Accords…Today marks an important milestone in our international partnership and in the continued growth of the Artemis community. Botswana joins at an important moment.”

The Republic of Mauritius

The Republic of Mauritius signs Artemis Accords

The Republic of Mauritius became the 70th state to sign the Artemis Accords on 17 July.

Commenting on the signature, Navindsing Jugmohunsing, Permanent Secretary at the Mauritian Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research said: “The accession of Mauritius to the Artemis Accords marks a defining chapter in our New Space journey. As a Small Island Developing State in the Indian Ocean, we are committed to ensuring that space serves humanity by protecting our oceans and coastlines and amplifying the voices of nations like ours. Mauritius stands ready to help shape the future of space governance while unlocking new opportunities for innovation and partnership.”

Kenya

UNOOSA and Italy to hold Regional Space Law Mission in Malindi

On 8 June, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) announced a new partnership under UNOOSA’s Global Space Law Project, with a Regional Space Law Technical Advisory Mission planned for Malindi, Kenya in November.

The Mission aims to bring together officials and experts from across Africa to support the development of national space legislation and foster cooperation among space actors on the continent.

Commenting on the announcement, UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini said: “Space law is not abstract: it determines whether a country can participate in the space economy on equal terms. UNOOSA’s missions have a proven track record: states we have worked with have ratified treaties, established space agencies, and registered their satellites. Our partnership with Italy allows us to bring hands-on legal and regulatory expertise directly to African states, so they can engage in space on their own terms.”

 

NORTH AMERICA

United States

FCC adopts Order to overhaul and modernise space licensing process

On 22 July, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to adopt an Order overhauling and modernising its space and Earth station licensing process. The Order is intended to streamline licensing into a more predictable “licensing assembly line” and to enhance space safety.

The Order creates a new set of rules, called Part 100, which will replace the FCC’s existing space licensing rules (known as Part 25) and rewrite them from the ground up. The new rules cover matters such as surety bond requirements, how long licences last, the timing of processing rounds and how applications must be filed. The Order also sets out clearer criteria for determining when an application will be considered to serve the public interest, while providing clarity on the exceptional circumstances that will warrant more considered review.

Commenting on the Order, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said: “The new rules establish bright lines and eliminate fuzzy standards. They keep licensing focused on the FCC’s core statutory responsibilities: spectrum management; harmful interference; national security; and orbital debris.”

FCC approves new Upper C-Band auction to unlock 440 megahertz “super band”

On 22 July, the US’s FCC voted to approve a new Upper C-Band auction, clearing 160 megahertz of spectrum between 3.98 and 4.14 GHz. Combined with the previously cleared Lower C-Band (3.7–3.98 GHz), this creates a harmonised 440 megahertz block of mid-band spectrum for next-generation wireless services.

The approval is implemented by the FCC’s Order, entitled “Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band,” which reallocates the 3.98-4.14 GHz band for terrestrial wireless use in the US, creating 3,248 new flexible-use licences. The auction itself is required to take place by July 2027.

 

ASIA

Japan and Singapore

NSAS and JAXA sign Memorandum of Cooperation

On 6 July, the National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to strengthen space cooperation between the two agencies.

The MoC will facilitate the exchange of information between NSAS and JAXA, as well as deepen cooperation in areas such as space technology development and applications, space science and exploration, industry development, education and outreach and policy and regulatory exchanges on the safe and sustainable use of the orbital environment.

 

OCEANIA

Australia

Australia-US Space Framework Agreement tabled in Parliament

On 22 June, the Australia-United States Space Framework Agreement was tabled in the Australian Parliament, marking a step towards bringing the Agreement into force by the end of 2026. The Agreement will establish an overarching treaty-level framework for civil space cooperation between the two countries, building on long-standing collaboration between them.

Commenting on the development, Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, said: “Tabling the Space Framework Agreement reinforces our position as a trusted space partner and opens a new chapter in Australia-US space cooperation. The Agreement will bring several scientific and economic benefits to Australia by unlocking new opportunities for governments, businesses and researchers.”

Australian Government publishes Statement on Space

On 21 July, the Australian Government published its Statement on Space, identifying five focus areas where Australia’s space capability differentiates globally, has market potential and supports national resilience:

• trusted space services, such as Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT), communications, Earth observation (EO) and space monitoring;
• the spaceflight ecosystem, including launch, re-entry and ground segment activities;
• space platforms, including satellites and multi-orbit constellations;
• the microgravity ecosystem, including in-space manufacturing and biotechnology development; and
• exploration technologies, such as remote operations and lunar applications.

The Statement also sets out five actions Australia will take to enable conditions for investment, coordination and delivery in the space sector:

• promoting Australia’s strengths in space;
• coordinating demand signals;
• shaping capability development;
• deepening and harnessing international partnerships; and
• advancing regulation and international governance.

The full Statement can be read here.

If you would like more information on any topics in this Orrery Regulatory Briefing, please contact orrery@wearealden.com.