Space Policy & International Cooperation News

SpaceWatch Global

The Kriening 10: Questions About Europe’s Space Strategy and Accountability

A pointed examination of Europe’s space strategy asks ten uncomfortable questions about what the region has achieved, what has returned, and why European institutions often articulate ambitions without clearly assigning responsibility for delivery or outcomes.

SpaceNews.com

Think tank warns Europe’s orbital computing gap is widening as U.S. and China accelerate space-based data centers

Europe risks becoming dependent on foreign orbital computing infrastructure as U.S. companies and China’s government-led programs advance space-based data centers, the European Space Policy Institute warns. The widening gap underscores Europe’s strategic and industrial exposure in a potentially important segment of future space infrastructure.

SpaceNews.com

Voyager seeks more flexibility in NASA’s commercial space station requirements for Starlab

Voyager Technologies remains optimistic about Starlab’s prospects but is seeking changes to NASA’s commercial space station request for proposals. The company wants certain requirements relaxed, highlighting the tension between NASA’s program objectives and industry’s ability to deliver commercially viable orbital infrastructure.

SpaceNews.com

Xona wins federal approval to broadcast signals from planned 250-plus-satellite navigation constellation

Xona Space Systems has received federal approval to broadcast commercial navigation signals from a planned constellation of more than 250 satellites, removing a key regulatory hurdle as the startup prepares to begin deployment. The authorization advances Xona’s effort to develop a commercial space-based navigation network.

SpaceNews.com

Satellite communications deals span Spain’s secure SpainSat NG-III, Europe’s IRIS² network, Starlab and LATAM connectivity

Hisdesat selected Airbus and Thales Alenia Space to build SpainSat NG-III, while Eutelsat and Poland advanced cooperation on Europe’s IRIS² secure communications program. Separately, SES agreed to support Starlab’s commercial space station and provide multi-orbit connectivity across LATAM Airlines’ Airbus and Embraer fleet.

New York Times

Companies and governments vie for increasingly valuable space-spectrum rights

As radio spectrum becomes more scarce and strategically valuable, private operators including SpaceX are competing with governments for greater control of the frequencies that enable satellite communications. The contest is turning access to invisible orbital real estate into a critical commercial and policy battleground.

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

Why Buying Access to Space Is Not the Same as Building Space Power

Access to commercial and allied space capabilities can improve near-term mission capacity, but it does not automatically deliver strategic autonomy. This analysis examines the risks of dependency through the Five Pillars of Space Power, distinguishing purchased access from the sovereign capabilities needed for durable influence and resilience.

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

Spain advances sovereign military satcom with €2 billion IRIS² commitment and SpainSat NG-III contract

Spain plans to invest €1.6 billion to €2 billion in a national military satellite communications constellation potentially integrated with IRIS², while Airbus will build the secure SpainSat NG-III for Hisdesat. The developments coincide with strong Leonardo Space results and new work on sovereign broadband and direct-to-device payloads.