European Spaceflight
• Andrew Parsonson
French startup ArcSpace plans to demonstrate its welding technology aboard a host spacecraft in 2027, marking a step toward in-orbit manufacturing capabilities. The test will assess the company’s ability to perform welding operations in space, an enabling technology for future spacecraft assembly, repair and infrastructure development.
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French startup ArcSpace plans to demonstrate its welding technology aboard a host spacecraft in 2027, marking a step toward in-orbit manufacturing capabilities. The test will assess the company’s ability to perform welding operations in space, an enabling technology for future spacecraft assembly, repair and infrastructure development.
Intellian showcased satellite communications equipment spanning civilian, dual-use and military applications at SMM 2026 in Hamburg, while All.Space signed a Defense Innovation Unit agreement to demonstrate high-rate manufacturing of multi-orbit terminals. The developments underscore parallel demand for capable satcom systems and scalable production for government users.
Rocket Lab launched the 11th satellite for Japanese radar-imaging company Synspective, reinforcing the customer’s role as one of Electron’s largest users. The mission adds to Synspective’s Earth-observation constellation and highlights recurring demand for dedicated small-satellite launch services.
High activity
Boeing has delivered O3b mPOWER satellites F11, F12 and F13 to SES, completing the initial 13-satellite medium Earth orbit constellation. The spacecraft are scheduled to launch later this month on a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission, expanding SES’ high-speed connectivity capacity and supporting technology relevant to military SATCOM.
Open Cosmos has secured a position on the UK Ministry of Defence’s £8 billion Tactical Communications framework, supporting the government’s effort to build more sovereign satellite connectivity architecture. The award places the company among suppliers eligible to provide communications capabilities for UK defense operations.
York Space Systems has introduced a new satellite platform intended to operate in very low Earth orbit (VLEO). The announcement adds a dedicated satellite-bus offering to the company’s portfolio for missions requiring operations in the increasingly specialized lower orbital regime.
Space Technologies attempted a commercial mission to extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope, a spacecraft launched more than two decades ago that was never designed for servicing. The effort was mounted in less than a year, underscoring the difficulty of sustaining aging space infrastructure.
European space executives are calling for policy changes to build a stronger and more profitable industrial base, while Airbus Defence and Space is partnering with Axelspace to broaden access to Earth-observation imagery. Separately, York Space Systems introduced a standardized smallsat platform designed for sustained very-low-Earth-orbit operations.
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