Alden Orrery – Regulatory Briefing – May 2026
EUROPE
European Space Agency
ESA and CAS launch joint SMILE mission
On 19 May, the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission was successfully launched from the European Space Agency (ESA) launch facility in French Guiana. A joint mission between ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), SMILE aims to study the Earth’s magnetosphere, examining solar wind–magnetosphere interaction, investigating magnetospheric dynamics and forecasting space weather.
SMILE uses X-ray imaging, ultraviolet observations and in-situ plasma measurements to study interactions between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere. Over its three-year primary mission, SMILE will spend approximately 40 hours of each two-day orbit observing the impacts of the solar wind and coronal mass ejections on Earth’s magnetosphere, and the knock-on effects in the ionosphere, bringing new insights into how the Sun and Earth interact.
The SMILE mission marks the first time that ESA and CAS have jointly designed, implemented, launched and operated a mission.
ESA and JAXA sign Memorandum of Understanding on Planetary Defence
On 7 May, ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in planetary defence, including an agreement to cooperate on the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES) to the near-Earth asteroid Apophis.
RAMSES will launch in 2028 and rendezvous with Apophis ahead of its close flyby of Earth in April 2029, observing how Earth’s gravity alters the asteroid’s shape, surface and motion. The flyby is extraordinarily rare, occurring only once every 5,000 to 10,000 years for an object of this size.
The MoU builds on a joint statement signed in 2024, in which ESA and JAXA committed to expanding large-scale cooperation.
Commenting on the MoU, Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General said: “With today’s signatures, ESA and JAXA are moving decisively from shared intention to concrete implementation, translating commitment into mission‑level cooperation. This partnership builds on trust, technical excellence and a shared determination to protect our planet.”
United Kingdom
UK Space Agency launches Project NOVA
On 5 May, His Majesty King Charles III visited Bermuda to mark the first site in the UK Space Agency’s new global network of optical telescopes, known as Project NOVA. The network will comprise 13 telescopes across five countries, designed to give the UK an independent sovereign capability to monitor satellites, orbital debris and near-Earth objects.
The project responds to rapidly increasing orbital congestion. With approximately 14,000 active satellites currently in orbit and as many as 100,000 anticipated by 2030, the risk of collision and cascading debris is growing significantly. Project NOVA sensors will provide early warnings of such events and improve predictions of atmospheric re-entry, reducing risk to life and property on the ground.
During the visit, His Majesty unveiled a commemorative plaque and an Astra Carta Seal. The Astra Carta, launched by His Majesty in 2023, is a framework designed to convene the private sector around creating and accelerating sustainable practices across the global space industry.
Commenting on the launch, Liz Lloyd, UK Space Minister said: “This network will allow us to protect UK and allied interests and assets, guard against potential collisions, and ensure that the decisions we make are based on the best possible data. The UK is committed to keeping orbit safe and sustainable, and this investment demonstrates that commitment.”
Switzerland
Switzerland and the European Union Sign Bilateral Agreements Including on Space
On 27 April, Switzerland and the European Union (EU) signed a broad package of bilateral agreements, including an agreement enabling Switzerland’s participation in the EU Space Programme, with a particular focus on the Galileo and European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) navigation systems.
This agreement will open up opportunities for Swiss stakeholders to engage with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) activities and will allow Swiss citizens to apply for vacancies at EUSPA and to serve as seconded national experts within the agency.
Ireland
Ireland signs Artemis Accords
Ireland became the 66th state to sign the Artemis Accords on 4 May. 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, Peter Burke, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said: “From an island shaped by the sea, whose people have always looked beyond the horizon and journeyed across the world, forging connections far beyond our shores, Ireland is proud to bring that same spirit to a new frontier and to join a global community committed to the peaceful exploration of space.”
Malta
Malta signs Artemis Accords
The Republic of Malta became the 65th state to sign the Artemis Accords on 4 May.
Commenting on the signature, Clifton Grima, Malta’s Minister for Education, Youth, Sports, Research and Innovation said: “This initiative strengthens our governance framework, enhances Malta’s international credibility and creates new opportunities to attract investment, build expertise and generate quality employment within the space economy.”
Poland
Polish Company Eyecore Launches SAR Satellite
On 3 May, Polish space company Eyecore became the second privately-owned business in Europe to own a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, following the successful launch of Eyecore-1, an Earth observation satellite equipped with SAR technology.
Eyecore-1 is the first Polish satellite to employ domestically developed SAR technology. The satellite’s primary objectives include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) for European and NATO users, as well as civilian Earth observation tasks requiring all-weather, day-and-night imaging capability. The launch notably accelerates the development of the Polish military radar constellation POLSARIS, which aims to provide Poland’s armed forces with Earth monitoring capabilities.
Greece
Greece and OroraTech Launch the World’s First National Wildfire Satellite System
On 4 May, German space-based wildfire intelligence company OroraTech announced the successful launch and deployment of the Hellenic Fire System (HFS), the world’s first national satellite system designed exclusively for wildfire detection and tracking. The HFS consists of four wildfire monitoring satellites providing continuous, real-time wildfire intelligence across Greek territory.
Developed in partnership with the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, the Hellenic Space Center and ESA, the system enables the rapid detection and tracking of wildfires across the country.
Commenting on the launch, Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence said: “Today marks a major step forward in strengthening Greece’s national resilience against wildfires…By integrating space-based capabilities into our emergency response systems, we are equipping our fire services with the tools they need to respond faster, act more effectively, and protect lives, property and the environment.”
AFRICA
Ethiopia
African Meteorological Satellite Application Facility Launched in Addis Ababa
On 18 May, the African Meteorological Satellite Application Facility (AMSAF) was officially launched in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
AMSAF will enable national meteorological and hydrological services across Africa to improve short-term forecasts, making them more robust and better tailored to regional hazards and national priorities. The facility will directly support weather alert systems, enhance climate resilience and strengthen disaster preparedness across the continent.
AMSAF is established by the African Union Commission under the EU-funded Space for Early Warning in Africa (SEWA) project, part of the European Commission’s Global Gateway Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme running until 2028. SEWA is jointly implemented by EUMETSAT, the African Union Commission and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).
Russia and Ethiopia Reaffirm Space Cooperation, Including Plans for Satellite Assembly Centre
On 15 April, Russia reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with Ethiopia in space science and technology, including advancing plans for the establishment of a satellite assembly, integration and testing (AIT) centre in Ethiopia.
The centre is expected to be developed in cooperation with the Russian government, with ongoing discussions between the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (ESGI) and Roscosmos focused on the technical and financial arrangements.
Morocco
Morocco signs Artemis Accords
On 29 April, the Kingdom of Morocco became the 64th state to sign the Artemis Accords, becoming the fifth state in Africa to do so.
Commenting on the signature, Christopher Landau, US Deputy Secretary of State said: “We are delighted to see our alliance extend to space.” The signing took place during Landau’s broader North Africa tour and coincided with the 250th anniversary of US-Moroccan diplomatic relations.
NORTH AMERICA
United States
United States Federal Communications Commission Adopts New Spectrum Sharing Framework
On 30 April, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to adopt a new framework for Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD), governing spectrum sharing between geostationary orbit (GEO) and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems.
According to the FCC, the changes could allow a sevenfold increase in capacity for space-based broadband, enabling faster speeds and lower costs for consumers. The new framework moves beyond rigid EPFD limits in the Ku- and Ka-band downlink frequencies, adopting performance-based protection criteria for GEO systems and promoting good faith coordination between satellite operators to exchange technical information. The order establishes clear short- and long-term protection criteria, better balancing the need for NGSO systems to expand capacity with appropriate safeguards for ongoing GEO operations.
ASIA
Pakistan
China Launches Pakistan’s First Domestically Built Earth Observation Satellite
On 25 April, Pakistan successfully launched its PRSC-EO3 electro-optical Earth observation satellite from China, marking the first domestically built Pakistani satellite to reach orbit and a significant step towards sovereign Earth observation capability.
PRSC-EO3 becomes the third and final node in Pakistan’s PRSC-EOS constellation, completing a three-satellite electro-optical architecture designed to support disaster response, land management, agricultural monitoring, environmental security and national surveillance requirements.
MIDDLE EAST
Jordan
Jordan signs Artemis Accords
The Kingdom of Jordan became the 63rd state to sign the Artemis Accords on 23 April.
Commenting on the signature, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said: “By signing the accords today, Jordan brings valuable perspective and capabilities that will help expand the Golden Age of exploration for all mankind. They join at a pivotal moment, as we take the accords principles and put them into practice with humanity’s return to the Moon. Through Artemis, we’re going back to the lunar surface, with contributions from our international partners, to build a Moon Base and to stay.”
OCEANIA
Australia
Southern Launch Successfully Returns Fourth Varda Capsule at Koonibba Test Range
On 20 May, Australian launch provider Southern Launch announced the successful re-entry of Varda Space Industries’ W-6 capsule at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia, marking the fourth capsule to land at the range within 12 months.
The W-6 capsule carried payloads from NASA and other US government partners, with a focus on next-generation thermal protection systems.
Commenting on the re-entry, Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said: “Four capsules safely returned in just over 12 months is a proven, repeatable capability. Southern Launch has built the infrastructure and the expertise to make orbital re-entry as routine as launch, and the W-6 mission is further proof of that.”
If you would like more information on any topics in this Orrery Regulatory Briefing, please contact orrery@wearealden.com.
