SpaceWatch Global
• Gilles Rabin
The European Commission and project partners have agreed key parameters for Europe’s future telecommunications satellite constellation, adding a new industrial participant and reinforcing Iris². The agreement also points to faster operationalization as Europe reassesses its space leadership and strategic position in satellite manufacturing.
Europe
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COSPAR has re-elected Dr. Pascale Ehrenfreund as president following its 2026 assembly in Florence, which drew approximately 3,000 attendees. The event covered a broad range of space research and operations, from planetary science to human spaceflight, underscoring the organization’s role as a convening forum for the sector.
Italy has appointed career diplomat Mario Cospito as extraordinary commissioner of the Italian Space Agency, placing a senior government representative in charge of the agency. The appointment marks a leadership change at a key European institution overseeing Italy’s national space activities.
Vertical Aerospace has secured approximately $100 million in financing commitments to advance certification and commercial production of its four-passenger Valo eVTOL. Separately, Cambridge Aerospace closed a $300 million Series C led by DFJ Growth, valuing the drone- and missile-defense startup at $3.4 billion.
The European Commission and project partners have agreed key parameters for Europe’s future telecommunications satellite constellation, adding a new industrial participant and reinforcing Iris². The agreement also points to faster operationalization as Europe reassesses its space leadership and strategic position in satellite manufacturing.
Ryanair plans to end its operations at Niš Airport in Serbia from early fourth quarter 2026, removing the low-cost carrier from the airport’s network. The move will affect Niš’s airline capacity and require passengers, the airport and regional stakeholders to adjust plans.
Belarusian carrier Belavia has confirmed the purchase of three Boeing 737-800s, validating an earlier report that the same aircraft had been delivered through registration in The Gambia. The acquisition expands Belavia’s narrowbody fleet amid continued restrictions affecting Belarusian aviation.
Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr says a potential minority investment in TAP Air Portugal could generate synergies with ITA Airways, strengthen the group’s position in southern Europe and improve its competitive standing in transatlantic and Latin American markets.
High activity
Rocket Lab says the window to launch its Neutron rocket for the first time before year-end is narrowing, raising the prospect that the debut will move into 2027. The schedule represents a key milestone for the company’s planned expansion into larger launch vehicles and commercial orbital services.
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