SpaceNews.com
• Jason Rainbow
Cryptographic systems relied on for decades to secure sensitive communications and critical infrastructure could become vulnerable to sufficiently powerful quantum computers. Satellite operators and space-system developers face a long-term security challenge involving the protection of command, control and data links against future quantum-enabled attacks.
Space Defense & Militarization
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Agentic AI is moving into space operations, enabling military systems to sense, decide and act at machine speed across global constellations. The technology could deliver a significant operational advantage, but its effectiveness and strategic value will depend on how reliably forces control and govern it.
Cryptographic systems relied on for decades to secure sensitive communications and critical infrastructure could become vulnerable to sufficiently powerful quantum computers. Satellite operators and space-system developers face a long-term security challenge involving the protection of command, control and data links against future quantum-enabled attacks.
Antares has secured a $161 million Department of Defense contract to advance nuclear power for space, marking the largest DoD award to date for the technology. The award underscores growing U.S. investment in space-based nuclear power capabilities.
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At the first International Space Summit in Paris, EU officials framed space as central to Europe’s security, with Commissioner Andrius Kubilius proposing that half of the bloc’s €131 billion seven-year defense and space budget go to space programs. France and Germany emphasized cooperation despite unresolved differences.
Eutelsat will expand and replenish its OneWeb low Earth orbit constellation through 2034 under a deal with Airbus worth about €1 billion. Separately, the UK acknowledged nearly $40 million in spending on SpaceX’s Starshield, becoming the first country outside the US to publicly confirm its use for military and intelligence missions.
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Eutelsat has awarded Aerospacelab, Thales Alenia Space and Airbus contracts covering all 330 satellites in IRIS2’s LEO component, while authorizing Airbus to begin industrial work on 229 additional OneWeb satellites. The company is also expanding European satellite capabilities through payload and platform partnerships.
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MBDA and Safran won approval to supply France’s new long-range land-strike capability, while the U.S. expanded military connectivity with 21 PWSA Tranche-1 satellites. Separate awards include up to $4.84 billion for Northrop Grumman’s CIRCM system, $4.7 billion to L3Harris for PAC-3 MSE propulsion and $343.2 million for T56 sustainment.
The Arctic security debate is expanding beyond bases, ships and submarines as space infrastructure becomes part of the region’s strategic competition. The shift highlights the growing importance of northern approaches to space-enabled security and defense planning.
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