Alden Orrery – Regulatory Briefing – March 2025
EUROPE
European Space Agency (ESA)
ESA and ITU Strengthen Cooperation to Optimise Satellite Communications
On 4 March 2025, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) signed an agreement to enhance mitigation measures against harmful interference in satellite systems. The agreement formalises plans for closer collaboration on key issues in global digital communications.
Under this partnership, ESA and the ITU will focus on:
- sustainable and efficient spectrum use;
- the development of space-based monitoring technologies;
- the exchange of information and expertise.
Commenting on the agreement, Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau, stated: “This agreement marks the first step in a series of joint ESA-ITU efforts to ensure the sustainability of space radiocommunication systems.”
ESA and Red Cross Partner to Enhance Space-Enabled Crisis Management
On 21 February 2025, ESA announced the signature of a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to advance the development and use of space-enabled solutions for humanitarian assistance worldwide.
This initiative aligns with ESA’s Civil Security from Space (CSS) programme and supports its Rapid and Resilient Crisis Response (R3) Accelerator, which aims to provide inclusive and accessible space-based solutions for crisis management, including humanitarian operations.
The ESA-ICRC partnership focuses on developing a space-enabled system that integrates satellite and terrestrial data sources, transforming this data into real-time, actionable information. This capability allows first responders and humanitarian workers to stay informed and respond swiftly, signifying a significant step forward in applying space technology to humanitarian challenges.
Commenting on the MoI, Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, stated: “Working with the International Committee of the Red Cross enables ESA to play a pivotal role in ensuring humanitarian organisations have the tools needed to assist people and communities, even in the most challenging scenarios. The CSS programme will ensure these systems are developed to deliver maximum impact for aid workers and the communities they serve.”
United Kingdom
UK CAA Grants Space Forge Launch Licence for ForgeStar-1 ISAM Mission
On 13 March 2025, Space Forge announced that the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has awarded a launch licence for ForgeStar-1, the UK’s first In-Space Advanced Manufacturing (ISAM) satellite. This approval allows Welsh-based Space Forge to proceed with its first in-orbit demonstration mission.
ForgeStar-1 will also test the Pridwen shield, an innovative heat shield designed to facilitate safe and reusable satellite re-entry.
Commenting on the milestone, Colin Macleod, Head of UK Space Regulation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, stated: “This is a groundbreaking licence for the UK space sector that paves the way for in-orbit manufacturing and the amazing potential of this new industry.”
UK Space Agency Awards £1.8 million contract to SatixFy to accelerate in-orbit satellite reconfiguration
On 5 March 2025, SatixFy, a satellite communications systems developer, announced that it has been awarded £1.8 million by the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to support the development of advanced regenerative and digital beamforming software. The project aims to address the increasing demand for software-reconfigurable satellite payloads.
The new software will enable “self-adaptive” payloads, preconfigured for multiple operational scenarios without requiring hardware reprogramming. This advancement is expected to play a crucial role in creating flexible, adaptive, and intelligent satellite networks.
Commenting on the award, Dr. Craig Brown, Investment Director at UKSA, stated: “This new project with SatixFy will develop advanced software that is flexible and adaptable to the evolving demands of new satellite systems. It is a key part of our plans to ensure the UK continues to benefit from the rapid growth of the global space sector.”
France
Arianespace’s Ariane 6 Completes First Commercial Flight
On 6 March 2025, Arianespace’s Ariane 6, successfully completed its first commercial flight, deploying the Airbus Defence and Space-built CSO-3 Earth observation satellite into sun-synchronous orbit. The satellite was launched on behalf of the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and the French Space Agency (CNES) for the French Air and Space Force’s Space Command (CDE).
CSO-3 is the third and final satellite in the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) system, an advanced Earth observation constellation designed for defence and security applications.
This launch completes the CSO programme, enhancing France’s strategic space-based surveillance capabilities.
Commenting on the mission, David Cavaillolès, CEO of Arianespace, stated: “The successful launch of CSO-3 is a great day for European space and marks the beginning of Ariane 6’s commercial operations. With this success, we are consolidating our independent access to space and helping to guarantee sovereignty on behalf of our citizens.”
Norway
Norwegian CAA Grants First Commercial Launch Permit to Isar Aerospace
On 14 March 2025, the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a launch permit to Isar Aerospace for its Spectrum rocket, set to launch from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. The approved launch window runs from 20-31 March 2025.
This marks the first time the Norwegian CAA has granted a launch permit to a commercial operator. The approval process followed the Norwegian Space Act and was based on regulatory standards from the United States Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 450 launch licensing framework. The upcoming launch will not only be Isar Aerospace’s maiden flight, but also the first vertical orbital launch attempt from Europe, excluding Russia.
Commenting on the approval, Daniel Metzler, Chief Executive and Co-founder of Isar Aerospace, stated: “In the next days, Isar Aerospace will lay the foundations to regain much-needed independent and competitive access to space from Europe.”
NORTH AMERICA
United States
U.S. Space Force Releases Data and AI Strategic Action Plan
On 19 March 2025, the U.S. Space Force published its Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fiscal Year 2025 Strategic Action Plan, detailing its approach to integrating AI into operations and enhancing AI literacy among personnel.
The strategy focuses on four key Lines of Effort (LOEs) to ensure the U.S. Space Force continues to secure national interests in, from and to space. These LOEs aim to:
- mature enterprise-wide data and AI governance;
- advance a data-driven and AI-enabled culture;
- rapidly adopt data, advanced analytics and AI technologies; and
- strengthen government, academic, industry and international partnerships.
The plan provides a clear, actionable roadmap to develop a data-driven, AI-enabled force that supports the US Department of Defense’s mission to deter war.
SOUTH AMERICA
Ecuador
Ecuador has acceded to the UN Registration Convention as of 17 March 2025.
The Registration Convention requires countries to establish a national registry of space objects and also register their national space objects in the UN Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space. Such registration helps identify objects which states bear international responsibility and liability for.
According to the UN, approximately 88% of all objects launched into space have been registered with the UN Secretary-General.
ASIA
China
CNSA Opens Tianwen-3 Mars Sample Return Mission to International Cooperation
On 11 March 2025, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) issued an announcement of opportunities, formally inviting international collaboration on the Tianwen-3 mission. Scheduled for launch in 2028, Tianwen-3 aims to become the first mission to collect and return samples from Mars to Earth.
CNSA’s announcement emphasised that the opportunity is open to the global community, welcoming international partners to contribute at the system or payload level. Proposals must align with the mission’s scientific objectives or offer complementary value, demonstrating strong innovation in science and engineering.
Interested parties must submit expressions of interest by 30 June 2025, after which shortlisted teams will be invited to submit full proposals. The final selection is expected in October 2025.
Japan
Astroscale Japan Secures ¥7.27 Billion Contract for Responsive Space System Prototype
On 27 February 2025, Astroscale Japan announced it has been awarded a ¥7.27 billion contract by Japan’s Ministry of Defence to develop a responsive space system demonstration satellite prototype. The project, scheduled to run from March 2025 to March 2028, involves developing and testing a proto-flight model for a small geostationary demonstration satellite.
This contract marks Astroscale Japan’s entry into the security and defence sector, as governments worldwide increasingly recognise the value of on-orbit servicing and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) in monitoring threats, deterring adversaries and securing satellite operations.
Commenting on the award, Eddie Kato, Managing Director of Astroscale Japan, stated: “This contract marks a significant milestone as Astroscale Japan expands into the security and defence sector,” establishing it as the company’s third pillar of operations, alongside its existing government and commercial business.
MIDDLE EAST
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
UAE and Italy Strengthen Space Cooperation with Two New MoUs
During the State Visit of the President of the United Arab Emirates to Italy on 23-24 February 2025, the Italian Space Agency (ASI) signed two MoUs with the UAE Space Agency and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre to advance collaboration on upcoming space missions. Among the 40 agreements signed between the two nations, the two MoUs concerning the space sector focus on:
- Rashid Rover 3, part of the Emirates Lunar Mission, targeting exploration of the lunar South Pole;
- The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt.
These agreements build on Italy’s technological expertise and the UAE’s expanding space ambitions. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing scientific, technological and innovation-driven cooperation in space exploration.
OCEANIA
Australia
Varda Space Industries Achieves First Commercial Space Return on Australian Soil
On 27 February 2025, Varda Space Industries successfully returned its Winnebago-2 (W-2) capsule to Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. This achievement marks both the first commercial spacecraft return on Australian soil and the first commercial re-entry to a commercial spaceport anywhere in the world.
The California-based company, which specialises in manufacturing products in space, designed the W-2 capsule to advance research into high-speed re-entry conditions. The successful re-entry and landing represent a major milestone for Varda Space Industries and underscore Australia’s growing role in commercial space operations. Notably, this was the first commercial space return authorised under Australia’s Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018.
Commenting on the return, Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, stated: “This return highlights the opportunity for Australia to become a responsible launch and return hub for the global space community – capitalising on the geographic advantages of our expansive continent.”
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