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Space Intel Report • Peter B de Selding

EU to field sovereign satcom: Iris2 to offer free, anonymous government links as GOVSATCOM goes live

Brussels plans to offer Iris2 satellite communications free and anonymously to governments, with deployment accelerated from 2029 and commercial links potentially pre-empted during crises. The move coincides with activation of GOVSATCOM secure‑encrypted services as the EU builds a homegrown alternative to Starlink and other global providers.

2026-02-18T10:15:35.912836-08:00

Aviation Week

Canada unveils Defence Industrial Strategy to prioritize domestic suppliers for C$180B and create 125,000 jobs

2026-02-17T11:56:45.611614-08:00

SpaceWatch Global

ESPI director on Europe’s strategic priorities in space

2026-02-18T04:35:17.098175-08:00

SpaceNews.com

GPS III and Beyond: Why U.S. Space-Based Navigation Still Falls Short for Contested Warfare

2026-02-18T06:02:21.531596-08:00

News Timeline

Space Intel Report

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EU to field sovereign satcom: Iris2 to offer free, anonymous government links as GOVSATCOM goes live Brussels plans to offer Iris2 satellite communications free and anonymously to governments, with deployment accelerated from 2029 and commercial links potentially pre-empted during crises. The move coincides with activation of GOVSATCOM secure‑encrypted services as the EU builds a homegrown alternative to Starlink and other global providers.

2026-02-18T10:15:35.912836-08:00

EU to field sovereign satcom: Iris2 to offer free, anonymous government links as GOVSATCOM goes live

smallsatnews.com

MTN authorized to resell SpaceX government satellite connectivity (Starshield/Starlink) MTN Satellite Communications said on Feb. 18, 2026 it has been authorized by SpaceX to operate and resell the company’s government-focused satellite connectivity ecosystem (Starshield/Starlink), enabling MTN to integrate and offer SpaceX connectivity services to government and defense clients effective immediately.

2026-02-18T09:53:24.175381-08:00

MTN authorized to resell SpaceX government satellite connectivity (Starshield/Starlink)

Space Intel Report

MBDA proposes sovereign, interoperable European space‑defence network MBDA, the Franco‑German‑British‑Italian missile JV, has outlined a plan for a sovereign, interoperable European space‑defence network to integrate missile defence, ISR and secure communications. The proposal aims to reduce reliance on non‑European services and accelerate collective command‑and‑control and industrial collaboration.

2026-02-18T08:15:07.341307-08:00

MBDA proposes sovereign, interoperable European space‑defence network

SpaceNews.com

GPS III and Beyond: Why U.S. Space-Based Navigation Still Falls Short for Contested Warfare GPS III satellites deliver measurable gains in accuracy and anti‑jamming, but the constellation's MEO‑centric design and reliance on space‑based signals leave U.S. forces exposed in contested environments. Planners say GPS III alone cannot guarantee resilient positioning, navigation and timing for high‑end warfare, prompting search for layered PNT alternatives.

2026-02-18T06:02:21.531596-08:00

GPS III and Beyond: Why U.S. Space-Based Navigation Still Falls Short for Contested Warfare

SpaceWatch Global

ESPI director on Europe’s strategic priorities in space Hermann Ludwig Moeller, director of the European Space Policy Institute, sits down with Tamara Blagojevic to dissect Europe’s evolving space strategy, outlining shifting policy priorities, emerging defence roles, commercial–industrial tensions, and the continent’s path to greater sovereign capability and cooperation.

2026-02-18T04:35:17.098175-08:00

ESPI director on Europe’s strategic priorities in space

DefenseNews.com

Pentagon seeks low‑cost 'Ghost Recon' commercial satellites for GEO surveillance and close‑range inspections The Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit has solicited low‑cost commercial satellites to provide persistent GEO surveillance and on‑orbit inspections of uncooperative spacecraft, including close approaches of roughly six miles, to address a critical space‑domain awareness gap. Called 'Ghost Recon,' the effort emphasizes rapid, affordable commercial buys for proximity monitoring.

2026-02-17T20:07:19.481560-08:00

Pentagon seeks low‑cost 'Ghost Recon' commercial satellites for GEO surveillance and close‑range inspections

Space Intel Report

4 takeaways: Middle East shifts from aspirant to active player in global space Steve Bochinger argues the Middle East has moved beyond setting ambitions to actively shaping the global space landscape, driven by new national strategies, increased capital flows and expanding international partnerships that compel established space actors to reassess industrial relationships, procurement and multilateral governance.

2026-02-17T15:56:02.532980-08:00

4 takeaways: Middle East shifts from aspirant to active player in global space

Via Satellite

BlackSky wins eight‑figure contract for dedicated Gen‑3 sovereign ISR satellite and multi‑year on‑orbit operations BlackSky won an eight‑figure contract from an unnamed international customer for a dedicated Gen‑3 very‑high‑resolution Earth‑observation satellite, with accelerated delivery plus multi‑year on‑orbit operations and subscription services to ensure sovereign imaging access. The package includes recurring mission management and tasking for government ISR needs.

2026-02-17T13:13:03.925214-08:00

BlackSky wins eight‑figure contract for dedicated Gen‑3 sovereign ISR satellite and multi‑year on‑orbit operations

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Space Defense & Militarization News

EU to field sovereign satcom: Iris2 to offer free, anonymous government links as GOVSATCOM goes live

Canada unveils Defence Industrial Strategy to prioritize domestic suppliers for C$180B and create 125,000 jobs

ESPI director on Europe’s strategic priorities in space

GPS III and Beyond: Why U.S. Space-Based Navigation Still Falls Short for Contested Warfare

News Timeline