SpaceNews.com
• Jason Rainbow
Luxembourg-based ClearSpace will help the European Space Agency mature technologies for Phoenix, an in-orbit servicing mission designed to extend the operating life of a geostationary satellite otherwise due to retire between 2028 and 2030. The contract marks a development step for commercial satellite servicing capabilities.
UK Defence Journal
Europe
Latest source-backed stories
The European Union is allocating $494 million in sustainable aviation fuel allowances to carriers for 2025. The funding provides direct support for airline SAF adoption while underscoring the growing role of policy mechanisms in meeting Europe’s aviation decarbonization objectives.
Luxembourg-based ClearSpace will help the European Space Agency mature technologies for Phoenix, an in-orbit servicing mission designed to extend the operating life of a geostationary satellite otherwise due to retire between 2028 and 2030. The contract marks a development step for commercial satellite servicing capabilities.
The Royal Air Force has formed No. III Space Effects Squadron, the UK’s first military unit dedicated to disrupting, degrading and denying hostile activity in space. The squadron will protect satellites supporting missile-warning, communications and maritime navigation missions.
Estonian cybersecurity company CybExer will play a key role in testing the security of IRIS², the European Union’s future secure satellite connectivity system. The appointment highlights the cybersecurity requirements attached to the EU’s planned space-based communications infrastructure as the program moves toward implementation.
Europe’s launch sector will convene in Brussels on Sept. 23 for the second EU Access to Space Conference, where Ariane 6’s path to higher annual flight rates is expected to take center stage. The meeting highlights the policy and industrial decisions needed to expand Europe’s launch capacity.
The European Union’s antitrust chief said a proposed satellite venture intended to provide a regional answer to SpaceX will face normal scrutiny from competition authorities. The warning contrasts with strong political support from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and signals that strategic importance will not override competition rules.
High activity
A U.S. Air Force F-16 assigned to Spangdahlem Air Base in western Germany crashed Tuesday while attempting to land after a routine training or local mission. The pilot ejected safely before impact and was receiving medical treatment; the base’s F-16CM fleet supports the “Wild Weasel” mission.
TUI lowered the top end of its full-year profit guidance, citing weaker booked revenue at its airlines business as travelers delay purchasing decisions amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. The company’s comments point to continued demand visibility challenges for leisure carriers heading into the remainder of the year.
Create a free account to see more recent Europe stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
