SpaceWatch Global
• Torsten Kriening
The inaugural International Space Summit in Paris produced 51 announcements, including the first detailed look at the IRIS² low-Earth-orbit architecture. Former ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet was also named commander of Vast’s PAM-6 commercial mission to the International Space Station.
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The inaugural International Space Summit in Paris produced 51 announcements, including the first detailed look at the IRIS² low-Earth-orbit architecture. Former ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet was also named commander of Vast’s PAM-6 commercial mission to the International Space Station.
Russia is using the 2026 El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt to promote the export-oriented Su-57E, drone-like missiles, S-71 unmanned systems, upgraded Ka-52 helicopters and new air-defense equipment. The showcase expands the fighter’s African marketing push despite questions over its demonstrated operational effectiveness in Ukraine.
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NASA has added Relativity Space’s Terran R to its NLS II launch-services contract, making the vehicle eligible for future agency missions. Separately, Amazon agreed to purchase six additional Ariane 6 launches, while ICEYE and Arianespace will evaluate the rocket for sovereign synthetic-aperture radar missions.
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European space leaders and international partners gathered in Paris to strengthen the continent’s position in a space market dominated by the United States. Discussions center on launch autonomy, independent satellite infrastructure, orbital sustainability and security—while the absence of SpaceX and Blue Origin underscores Europe’s dependence on American providers.
The French government will host a high-level international space conference aimed at building consensus on key issues while strengthening Europe’s position in the space sector. The summit will bring together international stakeholders around shared priorities for space cooperation and governance.
The International Space Summit in Paris on 9–10 September will bring together governments, industry leaders and astronauts to debate Europe’s position in the next phase of space exploration. The absence of SpaceX and Blue Origin highlights the summit’s focus on Europe’s industrial ambitions and geopolitical challenges.
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Egypt’s El Alamein International Airshow is set for Sept. 8–10, 2026, with U.S. defense companies and four Chinese military aircraft among the participants. In contrast, Bahrain has postponed its Nov. 18–20, 2026 airshow to November 2028 amid regional conflict concerns.
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A two-seat Hellenic Air Force F-4 Phantom crashed during a low-altitude flying display at Tanagra Air Base north of Athens, killing both pilots. The accident occurred during Athens Flying Week, and the air force is investigating the cause; reports said there were no signs of an ejection.
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