Policy & Regulation News

Reuters

Trump administration moves to accelerate counter-drone deployments as USAF weighs netting to protect F-35s

A federal agreement could cut some FAA safety reviews for counter-UAS deployments to 24 hours, while FEMA urges state and local agencies to use grants and assess security gaps. The push follows an airport closure in Texas and comes as the USAF considers physical netting to shield F-35s at Tyndall AFB.

SpaceNews.com

High activity

France clears Globalstar to deploy 54 next-generation direct-to-device satellites

France has authorized U.S.-based Globalstar to launch and operate a 54-satellite next-generation constellation designed for direct-to-device connectivity. The company aims to begin deploying the satellites next year, marking a regulatory step toward expanding its space-based service.

Bloomberg

Ukraine’s parliament backs creating a Space Force in first reading, as reliance on foreign satellite communications raises strat

Ukraine’s parliament has approved bill No. 13255 in its first reading, proposing Space Forces as a new branch of the armed forces. The proposal comes amid concerns over the country’s reliance on foreign satellite communications for military operations.

ch-aviation

Senate rejects Nigeria Air revival, seeks China flights

AeroTime

Russia aims to keep disputed leased aircraft flying until 2028

SpaceNews.com

White House declaration reaffirms U.S. freedom of activity in space

A White House declaration on American freedom in space largely restates existing U.S. policy and law, rather than establishing a new framework. Its emphasis is on reaffirming the government’s position that the United States may conduct activities in space under current rules.

SpaceNews.com

Secure World Foundation: 13 countries are developing counterspace capabilities across five categories

The Secure World Foundation’s 2026 assessment says counterspace capabilities are under development in 13 countries across five categories, as of February. It examines the distinction between protecting space assets and preparing to attack them, alongside implications for international law and nuclear command and control.

NASA Spaceflight

High activity

Starship Flight 15 targets Nov. 13 for first attempt to catch both stages at Starbase

SpaceX is completing final checkouts of Super Heavy booster 22 and Starship 42 for a no-earlier-than Nov. 13 launch from Starbase. The mission would attempt to catch both stages at Pad 2; its schedule has slipped by one day, with an FAA ship-catch license still the key outstanding approval.