Alden Orrery – Regulatory Briefing – September 2025
INTERNATIONAL
The GSMA publishes public policy to support new direct-to-device satellite services
On 12 September 2025, the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) released a new public policy paper addressing spectrum considerations for direct-to-device (D2D) services. D2D refers to connectivity between satellites and mobile handsets. The paper provides guidance for governments on regulatory approaches as the mobile and satellite industries increasingly converge.
The GSMA recommends that governments developing early D2D regulations should:
- protect mobile networks by requiring D2D operations to prevent interference with existing mobile services domestically and across borders;
- support commercial partnerships between mobile network operators (MNOs) and satellite operators to benefit both industries and consumers;
- ensure regulatory consistency by updating any early national rules with forthcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) outcomes to avoid fragmentation; and
- recognise handset availability limits, especially for mobile satellite system-based D2D, when setting policy expectations.
View the full public policy paper
EUROPE
Finland
ICEYE signs contract with Finnish Defence Forces
On 8 September 2025, ICEYE announced that it had signed a contract with the Finnish Defence Forces for the procurement of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites. The contract follows a Letter of Intent signed with the Finnish Ministry of Defence in June 2025. The acquisition includes ICEYE’s SAR satellites and supporting systems, providing the Finnish Defence Forces with sovereign space-based surveillance and all-weather, high-resolution imagery.
Commenting on the new contract, Pekka Laurila, Co-founder and CSO at ICEYE, said: “This agreement is a testament to the trust and shared vision between ICEYE and the Finnish Defence Forces. It marks a pivotal moment, transitioning from intent to a tangible commitment that will equip Finland with a sovereign, space-based intelligence capability.”
Norway
Andøya Space and Astrobotic sign agreement for reusable rocket launches
On 4 September 2025, it was announced that Andøya Space, the owner of Andøya Spaceport in Norway, and US-based Astrobotic Technology, Inc. signed a Term Sheet for a Launch Site Agreement. The collaboration will see Astrobotic use Andøya Spaceport as one of its launch and landing sites for its Xodiac reusable rocket campaigns, beginning in 2026.
Speaking on the collaboration, Troels Sandreid, President of Andøya Space, said: “Partnering with Astrobotic brings launch reusability to Andøya for the first time, through reusable rocket operations, further establishing our spaceport as a key European site for innovative commercial space operations.”
Space Norway signs launch agreement with SpaceX
On 15 September 2025, Space Norway announced a contract with US-based SpaceX to launch its new communications satellite, THOR 8, into geostationary orbit (GEO). Operated from
Oslo, THOR 8 is a multi-purpose satellite providing capacity for both data services and broadcasting. The satellite is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 in 2027 and will expand Space Norway’s communications capacity for governmental and commercial clients.
LATIN AMERICA
Brazil
Brazil and Nigeria sign MoU on space cooperation
On 25 August 2025, Brazil and Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in space technology, science and research. The MoU – signed by Nigeria’s Minister Uche Geoffrey Nnaji and Brazil’s Minister Luciana Santos – is one of five recent agreements concluded between the two states. It covers joint initiatives in climate monitoring, national security, space vehicles, capacity building, artificial intelligence (AI) and technology transfer.
Commenting on the MoU, Minister Nnaji said: “The MoU represents a shared vision. Space technology offers Africa and Latin America a powerful tool to leapfrog into the future economy.”
Apogeo Space expands into Latin America with Telespazio Brasil
On 3 September 2025, it was announced that Italy-based Apogeo Space signed a strategic agreement with Telespazio Brasil, marking its expansion into the Latin American market. The agreement aims to deliver alternative, efficient and scalable satellite connectivity solutions to support the digitalisation of underserved areas.
“This agreement represents an important, solid and qualified gateway to South America for us,” said Guido Parissenti, CEO and co-founder of Apogeo Space, adding, “Satellite IoT services can offer concrete solutions in remote contexts, supporting sectors such as the environment, agriculture, energy and infrastructure.”
AFRICA
Senegal
Senegal joins Chinese-led International Deep Space Exploration Association
The Senegalese Agency for Space Studies (ASES) has joined the International Deep Space Exploration Association (IDSEA), as announced at the third Tiandu International Conference in Hefei, China, on 4–5 September 2025.
The Chinese-led IDSEA seeks to advance research and innovation in deep space exploration. This collaboration follows an MoU signed between ASES and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) in 2024, with a central focus on capacity building through a training programme to develop Senegal’s expertise in space science and engineering.
Ghana
Ghana and Japan sign MoU on space business cooperation
On 20 August 2025, Ghana and Japan signed a MoU on space business cooperation. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in satellite technology, knowledge transfer and space applications. It emphasises Ghana’s use of space-based technologies to support national priorities, including disaster risk reduction, precision agriculture, urban planning, infrastructure development and data-driven policymaking for sustainable growth.
At the signing ceremony, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, highlighted that the MoU builds on existing Ghana–Japan relations, expanding cooperation into emerging areas such as space science alongside partnerships in food security, industrialisation, transport and infrastructure.
ASIA
Japan
Astroscale Japan announces satellite refuelling mission “REFLEX-J”
On 1 September 2025, Astroscale Japan announced its upcoming satellite refuelling demonstration spacecraft, REFLEX-J, short for Refuelling for Extension and Flexibility. The mission is part of Japan’s Key and Advanced Technology R&D through Cross-Community Collaboration Program, led by the Cabinet Office and promoted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency.
Awarded to Astroscale in January 2025, the project aims to develop and demonstrate in-orbit refuelling technology to extend satellite lifespans and enhance operational flexibility. It will run for five years with an in-orbit demonstration planned around 2029.
MIDDLE EAST
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Somalia establish collaboration framework on AI and space cooperation
On 4 September 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Somalia agreed to establish a collaboration framework to strengthen cooperation in the regulation and development of AI and space technologies. The partnership focuses on knowledge exchange, capacity building and policy development to promote innovation while ensuring the responsible use of emerging technologies. A key element is the creation of regulatory systems to guide AI and space projects in delivering societal benefits and mitigating risks.
If you would like more information on any topics in this Orrery Regulatory Briefing, please contact orrery@wearealden.com.
