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European Spaceflight • Andrew Parsonson

Hisdesat confirms SpainSat NG II sustained non-recoverable damage

Hisdesat has confirmed that SpainSat NG II, a recently launched Spanish military communications satellite, sustained non-recoverable damage and is now a total loss in orbit. The operator said the spacecraft cannot be recovered and has declared the mission failed publicly.

2026-01-17T22:18:21.979446-08:00

ch-aviation

Virgin Atlantic names new chief executive officer

2026-01-17T18:07:21.896310-08:00

Aviation Week

EASA warns EU carriers to avoid Iranian airspace amid 'high risk' of misidentification after US strike threats

2026-01-16T09:54:35.625643-08:00

Space Intel Report

SpainSat NG_2 Likely Total Loss; Indra/Hisdesat Readies Replacement Tender (Insured $400M)

2026-01-16T08:26:02.399342-08:00

News Timeline

Financial Times

European defence stocks jump ~15% as Greenland tensions fuel bets on higher military spending European defence stocks have surged nearly 15% this month as mounting geopolitical tensions over Greenland prompt investors to expect sustained rises in national military spending. The rally signals growing market anticipation of accelerated procurement and orders for European defence contractors and suppliers.

2026-01-17T22:52:19.486826-08:00

European defence stocks jump ~15% as Greenland tensions fuel bets on higher military spending

European Spaceflight

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Hisdesat confirms SpainSat NG II sustained non-recoverable damage Hisdesat has confirmed that SpainSat NG II, a recently launched Spanish military communications satellite, sustained non-recoverable damage and is now a total loss in orbit. The operator said the spacecraft cannot be recovered and has declared the mission failed publicly.

2026-01-17T22:18:21.979446-08:00

Hisdesat confirms SpainSat NG II sustained non-recoverable damage

ch-aviation

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Virgin Atlantic names new chief executive officer Virgin Atlantic has named a new chief executive officer, the airline announced. The initial report provided the headline appointment but did not include the individual's name, start date, remit, or further details about the leadership transition, and no biography or background on the appointee was provided.

2026-01-17T18:07:21.896310-08:00

Virgin Atlantic names new chief executive officer

Aviation Week

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EASA warns EU carriers to avoid Iranian airspace amid 'high risk' of misidentification after US strike threats The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin on Jan. 16 recommending EU airlines avoid Iranian airspace. EASA warned that threats of US military action have left Iranian air defences on heightened alert, significantly increasing the likelihood civilian flights could be misidentified.

2026-01-16T09:54:35.625643-08:00

EASA warns EU carriers to avoid Iranian airspace amid 'high risk' of misidentification after US strike threats

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

ECJ rules airlines must refund third‑party OTA booking commissions The European Court of Justice has ruled that airlines must refund third‑party online travel agency commissions to passengers when reimbursing cancelled or refunded bookings, settling a long dispute prompted by KLM passengers who booked via Opodo. The judgment requires carriers to include OTA commissions in full refund calculations.

2026-01-16T09:14:23.985103-08:00

ECJ rules airlines must refund third‑party OTA booking commissions

Space Intel Report

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SpainSat NG_2 Likely Total Loss; Indra/Hisdesat Readies Replacement Tender (Insured $400M) SpainSat NG_2, a large military telecommunications satellite launched in October, now appears to be a total loss following its deployment attempts. The craft is insured for about $400 million, and operator Indra/Hisdesat is preparing a replacement tender to restore the capability.

2026-01-16T08:26:02.399342-08:00

SpainSat NG_2 Likely Total Loss; Indra/Hisdesat Readies Replacement Tender (Insured $400M)

AeroTime

Czech president signals possible transfer of L-159 jets to Ukraine for drone interception Czech President Petr Pavel said the Czech Republic can soon supply Ukraine with combat aircraft to intercept hostile drones, naming the Aero L‑159 light-attack jet as the most likely candidate. The move would add a manned kinetic option to Kyiv’s defences against persistent UAS threats.

2026-01-16T07:15:44.008068-08:00

Czech president signals possible transfer of L-159 jets to Ukraine for drone interception

FlightGlobal

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Windracers doubles ULTRA cargo drone range to 2,000 km with 200 kg payload as Mk2 production ramps Windracers says its ULTRA heavy‑lift UAS can now fly 2,000 km carrying a 200 kg (441 lb) payload, extending reach for long‑distance cargo and logistics. The UK firm plans to build more than 100 Ultra Mk2s in 2026 and is pressing regulators to approve scheduled drone cargo services.

2026-01-16T05:27:55.817925-08:00

Windracers doubles ULTRA cargo drone range to 2,000 km with 200 kg payload as Mk2 production ramps

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Europe News

Hisdesat confirms SpainSat NG II sustained non-recoverable damage

Virgin Atlantic names new chief executive officer

EASA warns EU carriers to avoid Iranian airspace amid 'high risk' of misidentification after US strike threats

SpainSat NG_2 Likely Total Loss; Indra/Hisdesat Readies Replacement Tender (Insured $400M)

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