Space Policy & International Cooperation News

SpaceWatch Global

UK space-power doctrine echoes U.S. strategy, but Europe still lacks the capability to match its rhetoric

Christophe Bosquillon examines how the UK’s emerging space-power doctrine reflects the U.S. narrative around orbital weapons, while Europe faces a gap between defense ambitions and operational capability. The analysis highlights the strategic challenge of translating policy rhetoric into concrete space-defense capacity.

The Hill

Isaacman signals openness to deals with Artemis partners as Japan and Italy offer participation models

Jared Isaacman says he is ready to make deals with Artemis partners, while Japan and Italy are cited as models for deeper participation in the program. The remarks point to international and private-sector involvement as a focus in shaping how Artemis partners contribute.

Space.com

Outer Space Treaty ratified in 1967, establishing rules for how nations use space

Ratified on Oct. 10, 1967, the international Outer Space Treaty set out principles governing countries’ activities in outer space. The anniversary highlights the treaty’s role as a foundational framework for national conduct beyond Earth, though the supplied article provides no further detail on its provisions or current application.

Space Intel Report

ESA governments to assess the cost of a European crewed spacecraft, with no funding decision expected

European Space Agency member governments will meet in Rome on Dec. 15 to discuss investment in a program that would use European hardware to carry astronauts to and from orbit. Securing the one-day meeting is itself a step for Director-General Josef Aschbacher, but the gathering is not expected to produce a financing decision.

Space Intel Report

ESA governments to meet in December to assess cost of launching their own astronauts; no financing expected

SpaceWatch Global

UK and Germany deepen space cooperation, with SaxaVord and a 2027 MoU in focus

At a summit in Berlin, the UK and Germany agreed to expand space cooperation, including work on launch, assured access to space and defense. They identified Scotland’s SaxaVord Spaceport as a focal point and are targeting a memorandum of understanding in early 2027.

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

IAC 2026 spotlights orbital debris, lunar infrastructure and competing space networks

At the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, agencies and companies addressed low Earth orbit congestion and debris removal, cislunar interoperability, and lunar communications and transport. ESA also presented a study on developing a reusable two-stage heavy-lift launcher, while U.S. and Chinese space networks were in focus.

Space Intel Report

Poland and Spain say ESA cooperation strengthens national space autonomy

Officials from Poland and Spain say participation in the 23-member European Space Agency helps their governments build autonomy and resilience while remaining part of a broader European effort. Their account frames ESA collaboration as a means of reinforcing national capabilities, rather than surrendering control to shared institutions.