SpaceWatch Global
• James Hydzik
The White House has issued a new U.S. National Space Transportation Policy, superseding policies released in 2004 and 2013. The update establishes a revised framework for U.S. space transportation and could shape how international partners, launch providers and regulators interpret America’s role in the sector.
Space Policy & International Cooperation
Latest source-backed stories
The White House has issued a new U.S. National Space Transportation Policy, superseding policies released in 2004 and 2013. The update establishes a revised framework for U.S. space transportation and could shape how international partners, launch providers and regulators interpret America’s role in the sector.
High activity
A new National Space Transportation Policy directs the Defense Department, NASA and other agencies to identify regulatory, operational, programmatic and technological barriers to faster, more resilient access to space. The policy also calls for expanded launch infrastructure, including evaluating a new federally supported spaceport for heavy-lift vehicles.
York Space Systems said a sudden shift in U.S. government contracting policy for space hardware, compounded by a supply-chain disruption, drove a 32% reduction in its projected 2026 revenue. The company said delayed contracts—not lost business—will support a rebound in 2027.
High activity
Taiwan’s first flight test of a domestically developed satellite launch vehicle ended shortly after liftoff, marking an early setback in the island’s effort to establish independent access to space. The test reflects Taiwan’s push to develop indigenous launch capabilities for its growing satellite ambitions.
High activity
Elon Musk is promoting Starlink’s satellite internet for underserved rural regions of India, where more than 11,000 villages reportedly lack 4G, while Ukrainian officials seek approval to use Starlink-equipped drones against Russian ballistic-missile launchers. Starlink’s security and military applications remain central to both discussions.
High activity
President Trump’s new National Space Transportation Policy calls for government support to scale U.S. launch and reentry activity to 1,000 missions annually by 2030. The policy arrives as SpaceX reaches 100 launches in 2026, Starlink approaches 11,000 operational satellites and Globalstar advances its LEO replenishment.
SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile are reportedly interested in acquiring Grain Management’s spectrum for direct-to-phone satellite services, while Muon Space raised $250 million at a $1.5 billion valuation. Muon plans to scale production to 500 satellites annually by 2027 and expand defense, NASA and NOAA work.
Christophe Bosquillon examines USSPACECOM’s SWE 2040 framework, focusing on its implications for future space warfare, interoperability and allied integration. The vision signals how European partners may need to align operational concepts, capabilities and cooperation with an increasingly integrated U.S.-led approach to space security.
Create a free account to see more recent Space Policy & International Cooperation stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
