Universe Today
• Matthew Williams
The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer will pass close to Earth on September 28, using the encounter to change its speed and trajectory as it continues toward Jupiter. The maneuver is a key step in the spacecraft’s ongoing interplanetary journey.
Europe
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The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer will pass close to Earth on September 28, using the encounter to change its speed and trajectory as it continues toward Jupiter. The maneuver is a key step in the spacecraft’s ongoing interplanetary journey.
Anduril Industries has appointed David Arthurton to lead its UK business on an interim basis following the departure of general manager Rich Drake, who is pursuing an opportunity outside the company. The defense firm is now searching for a permanent UK leader.
High activity
Iberia will mark its 100th anniversary on June 28, 2027, with a special livery for multiple aircraft and a centerpiece event at La Muñoza. The Spanish flag carrier also plans to begin refurbishing its long-haul cabins and hold an airshow as part of the celebrations.
Dassault Aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding with AED Cluster Portugal to identify potential industrial cooperation opportunities tied to the future renewal of the Portuguese Air Force’s fighter fleet. The agreement strengthens Dassault’s positioning as Portugal considers options to replace its F-16s.
The Royal Air Force is investigating the crash of a BAE Systems Hawk T2 shortly after departing RAF Valley on a training mission. Both trainee pilots ejected and parachuted to safety, marking the first loss of the T2-standard trainer amid scrutiny of the fleet’s technical issues.
The State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of three Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and associated support equipment to Denmark. Valued at an estimated $425 million, the package is intended to strengthen Denmark’s maritime defense, homeland security and protection of critical infrastructure.
European Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said government launch demand is expected to exceed Europe’s available capacity within five years. EU governments are projected to require 14 Ariane 6 missions in 2031, while production is currently limited to 10 rockets annually, highlighting an emerging launch-capacity gap.
European countries are accelerating efforts to reduce reliance on U.S. satellite data after access restrictions during recent crises exposed strategic vulnerabilities. The shift is driving demand for sovereign space-based intelligence and defense capabilities, with implications for market competition, procurement priorities and transatlantic dependencies.
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