Alden Orrery – Regulatory Briefing – September 2026
INTERNATIONAL
UNOOSA launches global satellite operator contact hub
On 7 September, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) launched the UN Satellite Operator Contact Hub (UNSOCH), a secure, global directory enabling satellite operators to share contact details and coordinate operations.
The directory supports coordination across all mission lifecycle phases, including pre-deployment planning, in-orbit operations and 24/7 emergency escalation, enabling timely and reliable communication between operators, Member States and UN partners.
Access to the new UNSOCH can be found here.
EUROPE
European Space Agency
ESA signs first European Launcher Challenge contracts
On 27 August, the European Space Agency (ESA) signed the first contracts under the European Launcher Challenge with a series of launch providers, including PLD Space, MaiaSpace, Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and Isar Aerospace. The European Launcher Challenge is ESA’s initiative to expand European launch service supply and strengthen the resilience of Europe’s access to space.
Germany-based RFA is developing its three-stage RFA One orbital vehicle, which is set to launch from a SaxaVord launch pad in the UK. Spanish company PLD Space will launch its Miura 5 vehicle from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana, while Isar Aerospace, also based in Germany, will launch its Spectrum vehicle from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. MaiaSpace’s contract award process is nearing completion.
Commenting on the development, Géraldine Naja, ESA’s Director of Space Transportation said: “This milestone kicks off the European Launcher Challenge, encouraging competition among European launch providers… Through this funding, ESA is supporting the development of European launch capabilities, helping to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and broaden the range of launch services available to institutional and commercial customers.
ESA publishes annual Space Environment Report
On 14 September, ESA published its Space Environment Report 2026, which highlights that the number and scale of commercial satellite constellations continues to increase each year, with ten new payloads now being launched daily.
Notably, a new metric has been introduced this year: the “on-ground casualty risk of re-entries” (section 2.10 of the Report). The metric shows that the risk of casualty has increased in recent years due to rising traffic in orbit.
The Report further highlights that interest in, and adherence to, space debris mitigation measures is on the rise, but that adherence needs to become faster, more consistent and more reliable.
The full Report can be read here.
United Kingdom
UK Government publishes new UK Space Strategy
On 8 September, the UK Government published its new UK Space Strategy. The Strategy sets out a vision built around two headline outcomes: defence and national security; and the growth of the UK economy. It is delivered through four foundations:
- Industrialising the Space Ecosystem;
- Building Partnerships and Shaping Rules;
- Pro-Growth Regulation; and
- Strengthening Security, Sustainability and Resilience.
Four subsectors have been named for faster, more focused development: satellite communications; in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM); space domain awareness; and assured access to space.
The Strategy is underpinned by a new Space Regulatory Financial Tools Package, reducing cost and liability barriers for operators and de-risking investment in novel activities such as ISAM and lunar missions. Key measures include:
- world-first variable liability limits for orbital licence applications received after 1 December 2026, structured across three tiers (£50 million, £20 million and £0), depending on compliance with security and sustainability criteria;
- waived operator liability for novel ISAM and lunar missions until 2030; and
- abolition of mandatory decommissioning funds for large constellation operators, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), instead applying a proportionate, risk-based approach to deposit and security requirements.
Commenting on the publication, Joanne Wheeler MBE, Managing Partner at Alden Legal and Director of the Earth & Space Sustainability Initiative, said: “In addition to enhancing UK security and defence, the UK Space Strategy brings together world-leading innovative regulation and insurance opportunities to enable and drive growth and investment, whilst encouraging responsible and sustainable operations.”
The full Strategy can be read here, and further details on the Space Regulatory Financial Tools Package can be read here.
UK Space Agency invites ideas for future regulatory sandboxes
The UK Space Agency has announced that it is inviting ideas to help identify priorities for future regulatory sandboxes and other innovative regulatory tools and approaches. This follows the success of the Rendezvous and Proximity Operations regulatory sandbox, which concluded this year, and builds on the UK Government’s implementation of the Space Regulatory Review, which highlighted the UK’s commitment to ensuring its regulatory regime continues to enable innovation, investment and growth in the sector.
A regulatory sandbox is a structured environment that brings together industry, government and regulators to explore how regulation applies to emerging technologies and novel mission concepts.
The deadline for submissions is 30 September. More information, including a link to the submission form, can be found here.
UK Space Agency announces £13 million investment in satellite technology for rail, agriculture and communications
On 18 August, the UK Space Agency announced £13 million in government funding for 16 projects, supporting companies and workers developing satellite communications systems that bring the benefits of space technology into everyday life. Projects include developing more reliable broadband for remote Scottish railways and affordable sensors to help farmers grow more food.
Commenting on the announcement, UK Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: “This investment shows the true breadth of UK space innovation and how innovations in the UK’s satellite sector can improve lives, with better connectivity delivering internet access for more train journeys, and smarter farming.”
France
Eutelsat and Infinite Orbits announce collaboration on GEO life extension mission
On 9 September, Infinite Orbits announced a partnership with Eutelsat on a life-extension mission for one of Eutelsat’s satellites.
Building on Infinite Orbits’ experience from its first commercial missions, the collaboration also aims to prepare a mission capable of servicing satellites built on different platforms.
Commenting on the partnership, Frédéric Piro, Chief Engineering Officer at Eutelsat, said: “Extending the operational life of our GEO satellites will enable greater flexibility in managing our fleet, helping to maintain continuity of service for our customers and maximise the value of assets already in orbit. We are delighted to work with Infinite Orbits to explore how in-orbit servicing can advance more sustainable and efficient satellite operations.”
Exotrail selected to lead France 2030 in-orbit servicing demonstration mission
On 10 September, Exotrail announced it has been selected under the France 2030 “In-Orbit Services – Mobility” programme to lead a demonstration mission with Eutelsat and Astroscale France. The mission will demonstrate the end-to-end deorbiting of a Eutelsat OneWeb satellite between 2029 and 2030.
Bringing together Exotrail, Astroscale France and Eutelsat, with the support of France 2030 and CNES, the programme creates a French industrial team spanning the servicing vehicle, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) and docking technologies, through to constellation operations.
Airbus to build 299 additional satellites for Eutelsat OneWeb constellation
On 10 September, Eutelsat announced it had ordered 299 additional satellites from Airbus Defence and Space to strengthen its OneWeb constellation.
The constellation, which currently comprises more than 600 satellites, brings high-speed internet access across the Earth. The new batch will ensure full operational continuity for customers, replacing early satellites reaching the end of their operational life.
Commenting on the announcement, Jean-François Fallacher, Eutelsat Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is an exciting next step for OneWeb and for Eutelsat’s LEO strategy. With the first satellites from the 440 due for delivery and launch soon, our replenishment programme is moving forward. The planned addition of 229 more satellites will further strengthen OneWeb, while IRIS² will bring significant new capacity and capabilities.”
Greece
ESA and Vast agreement advances Greece’s first crewed spaceflight mission
On 9 September, it was announced that ESA, on behalf of Greece, has signed an agreement with Vast, facilitating Greece’s first crewed mission to space and sending the first Greek astronaut to orbit.
Subject to Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP) review and approval, Dr Adrianos Golemis will serve as Mission Specialist aboard the Vast-PAM-1 mission to the International Space Station, in partnership with NASA, planned to launch in 2027.
Norway and Germany
Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum reaches orbit in first launch from continental Europe
On 5 September, German company Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum launcher successfully reached orbit after taking off from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, marking the first orbital launch conducted from continental Europe.
Commenting on the milestone, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said: “Spectrum quite literally rose to the challenge and delivered its payloads in low Earth orbit. An astounding achievement by German company Isar Aerospace, founded only eight years ago, and backed by the European Space Agency. This is yet another step towards a more diverse autonomous European launch service sector, and I am excited for what is still to come!”
Belgium
Aerospacelab secures prime satellite contract for EU’s IRIS² connectivity programme
On 10 September, it was announced that Belgian company Aerospacelab has secured the prime satellite contract to construct the low-Earth orbit (LEO) segment for the European Union’s (EU) flagship secure connectivity programme, IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite). Under the agreement, Aerospacelab will construct 264 satellite platforms and deliver fully integrated satellites.
Benoît Deper, CEO of Aerospacelab, said: “The selection of Aerospacelab for IRIS² reflects a deliberate industrial choice, a defining moment for Europe as a whole.”
AFRICA
Djibouti
Djibouti signs Artemis Accords
Djibouti became the 72nd state to sign the Artemis Accords on 14 September. 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, Siad Douale, Ambassador of Djibouti to the US said: “By joining the Artemis Accords, Djibouti seeks to deepen its partnership with the United States and with the growing community of nations committed to peaceful space cooperation… We look forward to building partnerships in scientific research, satellite applications, education, and technical training, while creating new opportunities for Djibouti students, researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs.”
Angola
Angola joins Space4Ocean Alliance
On 9 September, Angola formalised its entry into the Space4Ocean Alliance at a signing ceremony in Paris, becoming the 31st entity and fifth African institution to join.
The Space4Ocean Alliance, initiated by the French space agency CNES, connects space actors with marine and maritime stakeholders to advocate for new missions that close observation gaps and widen access to satellite and in situ data. Angola joins Gabon, Kenya, Djibouti and Senegal as the fifth African signatory.
Tanzania
Tanzania and Kenya deepen regulatory cooperation on satellite communications
On 26 August, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) undertook a two-day benchmarking visit to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to improve cooperation and coordination on the regulation of satellite communications, with a particular focus on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services.
Discussions covered regulatory and licensing frameworks, spectrum management, compliance mechanisms and emerging policy considerations for integrating satellite broadband services into national telecommunications ecosystems.
The visit follows a similar benchmarking visit to Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) in June, where the TCRA studied Ghana’s approach to licensing emerging satellite services, including LEO and MEO constellations. As global satellite operators continue to expand across Africa, these engagements highlight the need for coordination and interoperability in facilitating the application of these technologies.
Liberia
Liberia adopts inaugural Satellite Communications Guidelines
On 19 August, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) adopted its inaugural Satellite Communications Guidelines, establishing a regulatory framework for geostationary and non-geostationary satellite service providers operating in Liberia’s terrestrial, maritime and aeronautical territory.
Providers wishing to transmit signals to and from satellite Earth terminals in Liberia must obtain a Landing Rights Authorisation from the LTA, which notably prohibits transmitting directly to mobile devices. Fees are set at USD 10,000 (10-year tenure) for geostationary operators and USD 5,000 (5-year tenure) for non-geostationary operators, plus a USD 1,000 application fee. Separately, satellite operators registering Liberia as their home country must obtain a Satellite Network Operator Licence, with annual fees of USD 5,000 (geostationary) and USD 2,500 (non-geostationary).
NORTH AMERICA
United States
President Trump signs executive order establishing commission to design United States Space Academy
On 28 August, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy, chaired by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, with NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson as executive director. The Commission will advise the President on establishing the Academy, a proposed NASA-led federal academy dedicated to combining rigorous technical education with leadership development to advance American interests in the space domain. The Commission is due to report back within 120 days with recommendations on governance, service obligations for graduates, the Academy’s physical location and any legislative requirements.
Commenting on the announcement, Jared Isaacman said: “President Trump’s vision for a new academy is a transformational step to educate the engineers, scientists, technicians, operators and even the astronauts who will be necessary for the inspiring future we are pursuing in space.”
President Trump signs National Space Transportation Policy memorandum
On 20 August, US President Donald Trump signed National Security Presidential Memorandum 17 (NSPM-17), setting out the National Space Transportation Policy and superseding the 2013 National Space Transportation Policy directive. The Memorandum sets a target for US space transportation capacity to support more than 1,000 launches and re-entries annually by 2030, spanning orbital regimes from very-low Earth orbit to the lunar surface, Lagrange points and deep space.
Key measures include: expediting facility permitting and environmental reviews for launch and re-entry infrastructure; directing the Secretary of War and NASA to develop Federal range scheduling criteria and publish range schedules within 180 days; identifying additional Federal land for a designated re-entry site within 90 days; and developing a space transportation industrial base strategy, reviewed every two years, to strengthen workforce development and US competitiveness.
The Memorandum also directs relevant agencies to favour commercial space transportation services for US Government needs, requires US Government payloads to launch on US-manufactured vehicles (subject to limited exceptions for international and cooperative missions) and tasks NASA with developing a lunar logistics architecture and exploring commercial architectures for robotic and crewed missions to Mars.
US Department of War awards initial contracts for Deorbit-as-a-Service project
On 13 August, the United States Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit and Space Development Agency awarded three initial contracts for its Deorbit-as-a-Service (DaaS) project, signed with D-Orbit, Firefly Aerospace and Katalyst Space.
Through this effort, the US aims to develop a scalable commercial capability to safely rendezvous with, capture and de-orbit unprepared or non-cooperative satellites.
US Space Command conducts inaugural “Apollo Maneuvers 2026” live-fly exercise
On 8 September, US Space Command (USSPACECOM) announced it had conducted “Apollo Maneuvers 2026”, its inaugural live-fly exercise designed to demonstrate dynamic on-orbit operations, validate contested logistics and advance collective space manoeuvre doctrine.
The exercise focused on three primary tasks: conducting coordinated manoeuvres across low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO) and geosynchronous orbit (GEO); refining manoeuvre warfare concepts to improve future operational planning; and integrating participating nations from Multinational Force-Operation OLYMPIC DEFENDER.
NASA launches Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to map the universe at unprecedented scale
On 30 August, NASA successfully launched the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from the Kennedy Space Center. The telescope has begun a three-month journey to the Sun–Earth Lagrange point 2, where it will conduct rapid surveys of wide swaths of the universe, offering broad views of cosmic ecosystems while pinpointing rare objects, with a field of view at least 100 times larger than that of the Hubble Space Telescope.
House Subcommittee advances six bills to strengthen communications networks and modernise satellite regulations
On 1 September, Congressman Richard Hudson, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, advanced six bills to strengthen communications networks and modernise satellite regulations. Each was forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote:
- H.R. 8255, the Satellite and Telecommunications (SAT) Streamlining Act;
- H.R. 9129, the GUARD Act;
- H.R. 6152, the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act;
- H.R. 7294, the AI for Secure Networks Act;
- H.R. 2805, the PLAN for Broadband Act; and
- H.R. 4950, the Data BRIDGE Act.
Notably, the SAT Streamlining Act would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to act on satellite licence applications within set timeframes: 180 days for standard applications; and one year for more complex ones, with an application deemed granted if the FCC misses the deadline following written notice from the applicant.
ASIA
Kazakhstan
Hydrosat and Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary sign MoU on thermal infrared satellite constellation
On 7 September, it was announced that Hydrosat and Kazakhstan’s national space company, Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary (KGS), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore developing a dedicated thermal infrared satellite constellation to strengthen national Earth observation capabilities.
The proposed collaboration combines Hydrosat’s thermal infrared payload technology and AI-powered analytics with KGS’s spacecraft expertise and regional operational capabilities, to evaluate a dedicated national satellite capability that would give governments independent access to thermal data supporting water and food security, and critical infrastructure planning.
India
ISRO successfully launches EOS-05 aboard GSLV-F17, India’s first geosynchronous imaging satellite
On 4 September, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that GSLV-F17, India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, had successfully placed the EOS-05 satellite into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The launch marks India’s first-ever imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit.
China
Galactic Energy successfully launches reusable Pallas-1 rocket on maiden flight
On 1 September, Chinese company Galactic Energy successfully launched its medium-to-large, reusable, liquid-propellant Pallas-1 carrier rocket on its maiden flight, marking a significant step forward for China’s reusable launch industry and its commercial space sector.
GalaxySpace satellites launched aboard Long March 6C, marking first full-service satellite export to Southeast Asia
On 25 August, China launched seven commercial satellites aboard a Long March 6C rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. Three of the satellites: AirSat 14: AirSat 15; and the Lingzhi-09 Thai CubeSat, were developed and built by Beijing-based commercial space firm GalaxySpace.
The Lingzhi-09 Thai CubeSat, developed for Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), marks the first time a Chinese commercial space enterprise has delivered a full-service package to a Southeast Asian nation, according to GalaxySpace, covering satellite development, launch and in-orbit delivery.
MIDDLE EAST
Türkiye
Türkiye signs the Artemis Accords
On 31 August, Türkiye became the 71st state to sign the Artemis Accords.
Commenting on the signature, Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Türkiye will continue to support international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space, and to contribute to efforts in the fields of space technologies and exploration through an inclusive and innovative approach grounded in international law.”
OCEANIA
Australia
Inovor Technologies selects Neumann Space’s electric propulsion system for Hyperion constellation
On 24 August, Australian company Inovor Technologies announced that it had selected Neumann Space’s Neumann Drive electric propulsion system for its Hyperion satellite constellation, building on a long-standing collaboration between the two Australian space companies and following the success of their earlier work on the SpIRIT mission.
Hyperion is Inovor Technologies’ emerging Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) satellite constellation, with the first Hyperion satellite targeted for launch in late 2027.
Commenting on the announcement, Dr Matt Tetlow, CEO of Inovor Technologies, said: “Inovor and Neumann Space have already demonstrated that our technologies can work successfully together in orbit through the SpIRIT mission. Hyperion allows us to build on that experience and take the partnership into an operational constellation.”
HEO completes second Rendezvous and Proximity Operations campaign around non-cooperative rocket body
On 14 September, HEO announced that it had successfully completed a second RPO campaign around a non-cooperative rocket body. Images were captured by the camera aboard Continuum-1, the spacecraft HEO acquired in orbit from Satellogic earlier this year.
The mission was conducted in partnership with Satellogic, which supported mission operations, and the University of New South Wales Canberra Space, which supported manoeuvre planning and ground-based tracking.
New Zealand
RNZAF and ADF Space Command endorse shared Space Vision Statement
On 1 September, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Space Command formally endorsed a shared Space Vision Statement, signed by Space Command’s Major General Greg Novak and RNZAF Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott. The Statement reinforces the long-standing Anzac partnership and reflects a shared commitment to delivering practical outcomes through closer cooperation in the space domain.
Key objectives set out in the Statement include building personnel interchangeability, capability integration, operational readiness and a shared approach to space operations. Its endorsement follows the inaugural Australia-New Zealand space talks held in New Zealand in the previous month.
If you would like more information on any topics in this Orrery Regulatory Briefing, please contact orrery@wearealden.com.
