SpaceWatch Global
• Joshua Faleti
Under the European Space Agency’s NAVISP Element 2 Programme, UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía is researching whether signals of opportunity from low Earth orbit communications constellations can support resilient navigation for unmanned aircraft systems. The work explores an alternative navigation input for UAS operations.
ESA
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Under the European Space Agency’s NAVISP Element 2 Programme, UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía is researching whether signals of opportunity from low Earth orbit communications constellations can support resilient navigation for unmanned aircraft systems. The work explores an alternative navigation input for UAS operations.
Telespazio Belgium will lead a consortium building ground infrastructure for the European Space Agency’s PROSPECT mission, scheduled for 2027. The mission will search for water ice and other volatiles on the Moon, making the supporting ground systems a key part of its exploration effort.
Officials from Poland and Spain say participation in the 23-member European Space Agency helps their governments build autonomy and resilience while remaining part of a broader European effort. Their account frames ESA collaboration as a means of reinforcing national capabilities, rather than surrendering control to shared institutions.
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The studies are intended to address key questions about living on the lunar surface, including whether underground caves could shelter astronauts from radiation, micrometeorites and temperature extremes. Related efforts spotlight the communications and navigation network, robotics and exploration capabilities needed to support sustained lunar activity.
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A European Space Agency study concludes that developing a heavy-lift reusable rocket is technically and financially feasible for Europe. The finding moves the concept from an open question toward a viable development option, though the study summary provides no program timetable, cost estimate or commitment to proceed.
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NASA is keen to pursue at least one joint science mission with Europe, according to the report. A source described LISA as “a very good deal for the US,” framing the prospective partnership as attractive to NASA as well as its European counterpart.
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ArianeGroup has completed a second wet dress rehearsal of Themis, the European Space Agency’s reusable rocket demonstrator, at Esrange in Sweden. The rehearsal marks another test campaign milestone for the vehicle, though the available report provides no further details on test results or next steps.
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Türkiye used the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya to promote its space ambitions and international partnerships. Roketsan is seeking cooperation on launch systems and orbital technologies, while Turkish Aerospace Industries plans to launch its first optical Earth-observation satellite, Hursat-1, in mid-2027; ESA also held high-level meetings with partners.
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