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Space Intel Report • Peter B de Selding

ESA refers December data-breach to France’s public prosecutor, opening criminal investigation

The European Space Agency has referred a December cybersecurity data breach to France’s public prosecutor, triggering a criminal investigation into the incident. The referral marks an escalation of ESA’s response as authorities move to determine whether the intrusion amounts to criminal activity.

2026-01-08T08:26:52.394428-08:00

SpaceNews.com

2026 will clarify Europe’s new priorities for space

2026-01-08T08:06:50.640041-08:00

European Spaceflight

ESA 'waiting for spring' to attempt Themis reusable-rocket hop test from Esrange

2026-01-08T07:43:34.444717-08:00

European Spaceflight

ESA revises barter deal with NASA to use LEO Cargo Return Service for ISS CSOC commitments

2026-01-08T04:49:48.328352-08:00

News Timeline

Space Intel Report

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ESA refers December data-breach to France’s public prosecutor, opening criminal investigation The European Space Agency has referred a December cybersecurity data breach to France’s public prosecutor, triggering a criminal investigation into the incident. The referral marks an escalation of ESA’s response as authorities move to determine whether the intrusion amounts to criminal activity.

2026-01-08T08:26:52.394428-08:00

ESA refers December data-breach to France’s public prosecutor, opening criminal investigation

SpaceNews.com

2026 will clarify Europe’s new priorities for space 2026 will be the decisive year in which Europe defines its new space priorities, as member states, ESA and EU institutions crystallize funding, industrial and defence commitments. The decisions will set procurement, sovereign-capability and civil-versus-military programme trade-offs that shape the continent’s space posture.

2026-01-08T08:06:50.640041-08:00

2026 will clarify Europe’s new priorities for space

European Spaceflight

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ESA 'waiting for spring' to attempt Themis reusable-rocket hop test from Esrange ESA says it will attempt an initial 'hop' flight test of the Themis reusable first-stage demonstrator from Sweden's Esrange Space Centre in the spring, moving the programme from ground trials to an in‑flight validation campaign that informs Europe's reusable-launch roadmap.

2026-01-08T07:43:34.444717-08:00

ESA 'waiting for spring' to attempt Themis reusable-rocket hop test from Esrange

European Spaceflight

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ESA revises barter deal with NASA to use LEO Cargo Return Service for ISS CSOC commitments The European Space Agency has agreed a revised barter arrangement with NASA to use the agency’s LEO Cargo Return Service to satisfy its CSOC commitments aboard the International Space Station, securing Europe’s access to return logistics through an in‑kind exchange rather than direct procurement.

2026-01-08T04:49:48.328352-08:00

ESA revises barter deal with NASA to use LEO Cargo Return Service for ISS CSOC commitments

European Spaceflight

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ArianeGroup proposes Ariane 6 evolution using reusable MaiaSpace‑derived boosters under ESA BEST! ArianeGroup has proposed an Ariane 6 evolution under ESA’s BEST! initiative that replaces expendable strap‑on boosters with reusable MaiaSpace‑derived boosters, retaining the Ariane 6 core while adding recoverable side stages. The design was submitted to ESA for consideration within BEST!'s evolution studies.

2026-01-07T05:47:39.524542-08:00

ArianeGroup proposes Ariane 6 evolution using reusable MaiaSpace‑derived boosters under ESA BEST!

Space.com

Hubble confirms 'Cloud‑9' — first starless, hydrogen‑rich, dark‑matter‑dominated relic of galaxy formation Using Hubble, astronomers have confirmed the first starless, hydrogen‑rich object dominated by dark matter—nicknamed 'Cloud‑9' and identified as a RELHIC—a relic of early galaxy formation. The finding provides a novel laboratory to probe dark‑matter structures and the baryon physics that suppressed star formation in the young Universe.

2026-01-06T11:03:39.410202-08:00

Hubble confirms 'Cloud‑9' — first starless, hydrogen‑rich, dark‑matter‑dominated relic of galaxy formation

European Spaceflight

Europe's 2026 launch manifest: Ariane 6, Vega C, Spectrum, MaiaSpace and PLD Space Miura 5 A comprehensive rundown of Europe’s 2026 launch manifest, detailing planned flights for Ariane 6 and Vega C alongside commercial newcomers Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum, MaiaSpace and PLD Space’s Miura 5. The overview compiles launch dates, mission roles and operator status across national and private programmes.

2026-01-02T07:07:54.021157-08:00

Europe's 2026 launch manifest: Ariane 6, Vega C, Spectrum, MaiaSpace and PLD Space Miura 5

European Spaceflight

ESA approves development of Denmark’s first lunar mission; launch targeted for 2029 The European Space Agency has approved development of Denmark’s first mission to the Moon, allowing the programme to proceed under ESA oversight and enter initial development activities. ESA and Danish authorities currently target the mission’s launch for 2029, marking Denmark’s first planned lunar flight.

2026-01-02T00:25:51.299307-08:00

ESA approves development of Denmark’s first lunar mission; launch targeted for 2029

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ESA News

ESA refers December data-breach to France’s public prosecutor, opening criminal investigation

2026 will clarify Europe’s new priorities for space

ESA 'waiting for spring' to attempt Themis reusable-rocket hop test from Esrange

ESA revises barter deal with NASA to use LEO Cargo Return Service for ISS CSOC commitments

News Timeline