INTERNATIONAL

Regional space agencies hold first joint meeting

On 12 and 13 May, the European Space Agency (ESA) hosted the first Workshop on Institutional Regional Space Cooperation at its ESTEC offices in the Netherlands, welcoming representatives from the African Space Agency (AfSA), the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE) and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO). It was the first time that the four regional intergovernmental space organisations had convened in such a format.

The workshop featured four thematic sessions, each led by one of the agencies. AfSA led discussions on regional strategies and flagship programmes; APSCO chaired a session on technology development; ALCE moderated the space-for-public-value segment; and ESA concluded with a session on legal frameworks and inter-regional cooperation, covering space governance, regulatory harmonisation, data sharing and international best practices. Across all sessions, discussions centred on capacity building, joint projects, talent development and sustainable space practices.

At the close of the workshop, the four agencies signed a Joint Statement and agreed to continue the dialogue, with the next meeting planned for the 2026 International Astronautical Congress.

EUROPE

European Union

EU partners with Member States to advance European in-orbit service infrastructure

On 10 June, the European Union (EU), together with Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway, signed a joint declaration in support of the In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) pilot mission. Germany, France, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain had already signed the declaration the previous year, and both the European Commission and ESA also signed it, cementing their in-space cooperation. The declaration remains open to further signatories.

ISOS is intended to establish a European in-orbit service infrastructure with capabilities spanning satellite capture and repositioning, inspection and repair, in-space logistics, manufacturing and debris removal.

Commenting on the signatures, Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, said: “Europe maintains its leadership role for action in space by taking the first step towards building a new capacity for in-space operations and services, creating new business opportunities for European talents in the thriving orbital economy.”

European Space Agency

ESA and EBRD sign Earth observation agreement

On 6 June, ESA signed an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to advance the use of Earth observation (EO) data and services for development and impact finance initiatives. The agreement establishes a framework for exploring areas of mutual interest, including the use of space-based data to improve the efficiency and impact of EBRD operations. It will also promote joint knowledge sharing, capacity building, resource mobilisation and outreach to strengthen the application of EO for sustainable development.

Commenting on the agreement, ESA Director of Earth Observation Programmes Simonetta Cheli said: “This partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development reflects the strength of European cooperation in addressing global challenges. By working together, we can further unlock the potential of Earth observation data and services, ensuring they are fully integrated into development initiatives that deliver real-world impact.” 

United Kingdom

UK Space Agency and Vast sign Memorandum of Understanding to support John McFall mission

On 2 June, the UK Space Agency (UKSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with US commercial space company Vast to explore sponsorship opportunities for a mission by ESA Reserve Astronaut John McFall to Vast’s Haven-1 space station as early as 2027.

The agreement could see McFall become the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit, conducting research into human physiology, prosthetics in microgravity and movement in space, with potential benefits for millions of people on Earth. He would also be the first British astronaut to reach space in over a decade, following Tim Peake’s Principia mission in 2015–16.

Commenting on the MoU, John McFall said: “Signing this agreement with Vast is incredibly exciting. If we can make this mission happen, it won’t just be a milestone for human spaceflight, it will send a powerful message about what people with disabilities are capable of, and that there should be no limit to what you can achieve – on Earth or in space.”

UK Government publishes updated Space Domain Awareness requirements

On 16 June, the UK Government published its third iteration of the UK Government Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Requirements. First established in May 2024 and updated annually, the SDA Requirements inform the development of the SDA System of Systems (SoS), spanning the full SDA chain from sensors and data processing through to readouts for policymakers. They provide transparency on the current operational vision for the UK SDA SoS and inform industry and academia of potential future needs across government.

The updated Requirements can be read here.

Orbit Fab and Thales Alenia Space partner on satellite refuelling demonstrator

On 26 May, Orbit Fab and Thales Alenia Space UK announced a partnership to develop REEF (Refuellable Electric Engine Flatsat), a ground-based demonstrator designed to validate new architecture for refuellable satellite propulsion systems.

The project adapts Orbit Fab’s RAFTI port for Thales Alenia’s electric propulsion systems to improve the sustainability and resilience of future space operations and is supported by the UKSA’s National Space Innovation Programme.

REEF will test fluid interfaces and operational procedures for in-orbit refuelling using electric propulsion, with the aim of enabling satellites to be designed from the outset for servicing, upgrading and refuelling in orbit, supporting a circular economy in space and extending mission lifetimes.

Commenting on the partnership, Jacob Geer, Managing Director of Orbit Fab in Europe, said “Integrating our RAFTI technology with their electric propulsion expertise is a natural combination, and one that will help demonstrate the viability of refuellable satellites for the next generation of missions.”

UK Ministry of Defence launches Borealis SDA software

On 22 May, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that Borealis, its new Space Domain Awareness (SDA) software, is now operational. Deployed within the National Space Operations Centre, Borealis enhances the tracking of satellites and space debris for both the MoD and the UKSA, strengthening the UK’s space surveillance and protection mission.

Commenting on the launch, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard said: “Space is now a contested domain. Protecting our satellites from adversaries keeps our economy moving and keeps us all safe. As we increase defence spending we are investing in new defensive capabilities in all domains, including UK space-based capabilities.”

Ofcom launches consultation on the future use of 2GHz Mobile Satellite Service

On 16 June, Ofcom published a consultation proposing a short-term authorisation for the current 2GHz Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) licensees, EchoStar and Viasat, while seeking stakeholder options for the band’s longer-term UK authorisation.

The existing authorisations for the 2GHz MSS band expire in May 2027. Rather than leaving the band unused while Ofcom determines the UK’s longer-term approach to the band, Ofcom is proposing to continue authorising the licensees for a further three to five years under a new Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 licence, permitting the continued operation of the existing Complementary Ground Component network, alongside retaining the relevant Licence Exemption Regulations.

The full consultation can be read here. Responses to the consultation should be submitted by 5pm on 18 August 2026.

Germany

OHB and Rheinmetall establish joint venture for German military satellite communications

On 11 June, German aerospace company OHB and defence systems supplier Rheinmetall established a joint venture, OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks GmbH, to provide the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) with a secure, high-performance and continuously available communications architecture under the SATCOMBw Level 4 programme. The venture aims to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty and Germany’s strategic autonomy in defence.

Commenting on the establishment of the joint venture, Timo Haas, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems division, said: “Secure space-based communication is now essential for success on the battlefield. OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks will enable us to provide the Bundeswehr with a technologically leading, crisis-resilient communications architecture. The digitalization of the armed forces demands secure, seamless connectivity across all command levels – reliable even under extreme conditions. Our partnership combines military systems expertise with leading space capabilities in Germany.”

France

Vast announces agreement with France for two missions involving French astronauts

On 1 June, US commercial space company Vast announced an agreement with the French Government for two missions involving French astronauts, both planned for 2027 and expected to last approximately two weeks.

Subject to review and approval by the International Space Station’s Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), ESA Astronaut Thomas Pesquet will serve as Commander for Vast’s sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), in partnership with NASA. ESA Reserve Astronaut Arnaud Prost is intended to serve as flight test engineer on the first crewed mission to Haven-1, Vast’s commercial space station. Both missions will carry experiments from French industry and academic institutions, focusing on scientific research, technology demonstrations and educational outreach.

Czech Republic

Vast and ESA announce Czech astronaut mission to the International Space Station

On 8 June, US commercial space company Vast announced a partnership with ESA, on behalf of the Czech Republic, to fly an ESA Reserve Astronaut to the ISS, building on a MoU signed between Vast and the Czech Republic in 2024. Subject to review and approval by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), Aleš Svoboda will become the first Czech astronaut to visit the ISS, joining Thomas Pesquet, who has been named Commander for the mission.

Commenting on the announcement, Václav Kobera, Director of New Technologies and the Czech Space Agency at the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade, said: “This mission demonstrates the strong and long-term partnership between the Czech Republic and the European Space Agency. Thanks to ESA’s expertise and international cooperation framework, Czech research institutions, universities, and companies will gain valuable experience and new opportunities to participate in advanced space activities. The mission is also an important step in strengthening the Czech Republic’s position within the European space ecosystem.”

Lithuania and Luxembourg

Lithuania and Luxembourg sign Letter of Intent on military satellite communications

On 10 June, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Government of Luxembourg to strengthen military satellite communications capabilities for the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The LoI was signed at a meeting between Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas and Luxembourg’s Minister of Defence Yuriko Backes, at which discussions also covered NATO deterrence, European security policy and broader defence cooperation.

Commenting on the signature, Minister Kaunas said: “We value Luxembourg’s leadership in the space sector and the opportunity to develop the capabilities which will contribute to an improved efficiency and resilience of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.”

AFRICA

Kenya

Amazon Leo selects Kenya for first African satellite gateway

On 5 June, Amazon Leo announced that Kenya will host its first African satellite gateway, serving as a ground-based link between Amazon Leo’s low Earth orbit satellites and terrestrial internet networks. Through its local subsidiary Amazon Kuiper Kenya Limited, the company has applied to Kenya’s Communications Authority for a 15-year international gateway operator licence, which would authorise the establishment of a satellite earth station and network control centre. Regulatory approval would pave the way for Amazon Leo to launch satellite broadband services in Kenya. The location of the proposed ground station has not been disclosed.

Rwanda

Rwanda Space Agency joins African satellite navigation programme

On 7 May, the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) signed an MoU with the Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) to join the Augmented Navigation for Africa (ANGA) programme, Africa’s satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS). Under the MoU, Rwanda will host an ANGA Mission Control Centre and support the adoption of ANGA services within its territory, placing Rwanda within the programme’s operational infrastructure rather than as a peripheral user.

ANGA, led by ASECNA and recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), enhances the accuracy of signals from global navigation satellite systems such as GPS and Galileo, improving positioning accuracy from several metres to approximately one metre. This level of precision supports safety-critical applications including aviation precision approaches, as well as agriculture, maritime navigation and disaster management. The programme aims to provide full SBAS services across the African and Indian Ocean region by 2030.

ASIA

India

Indian Parliamentary Committee calls for national space law

On 25 March, India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology tabled its 410th Report on the Department of Space, calling for a comprehensive legal framework to regulate, authorise and oversee space activities in India. The Committee noted that India’s space sector is currently governed by policy documents and mission guidelines rather than legislation; a gap it described as increasingly untenable given the rapid expansion of space activities, their growing strategic and security implications, and rising private sector participation.

The Committee welcomed the Department of Space’s initiative in drafting a Space Activities Bill, recommending that it focus primarily on regulating non-governmental entities and that the requirement for government agencies such as ISRO to seek authorisation from IN-SPACe, itself part of the Department of Space, be phased out to avoid unnecessary procedural duplication.

OCEANIA

Australia

Southern Launch signs re-entry agreement with SpaceWorks Enterprises

On 5 June, Australian launch provider Southern Launch announced an agreement with US-based SpaceWorks Enterprises to host multiple re-entry missions at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. Under the agreement, Southern Launch will provide end-to-end range services for SpaceWorks’ atmospheric Re-Entry Devices (RED), including regulatory approvals, range operations, airspace and maritime coordination, tracking and recovery.

Commenting on the agreement, SpaceWorks CEO Dr John Bradford said: “This partnership with Southern Launch represents an important step forward in the commercialisation of our RED reentry systems.”

Australia and United States sign Statement of Intent on military space cooperation

On 3 June, it was announced that Australia and the United States had signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) to deepen cooperation in military space operations, recognising space-based capabilities as foundational to modern conflict and critical to maintaining a resilient and operationally effective space domain. The SoI was signed during a visit to Canberra by United States Space Force Chief of Space Operations General B. Chance Saltzman, who met with Australian Chief of Space and Cyber Lieutenant General Susan Coyle for a series of space-related engagements.

Commenting on the SoI, Lieutenant General Coyle said: “Both nations understand the importance of building a trusted and integrated partnership in the space domain.”

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