Europe   ESA   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization   Policy & Regulation   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
SpaceWatch Global • Niels Buus

Europe’s Space Pivot: ESA Shifts from Science‑Led Missions to National‑Security Logic

Europe’s space posture is shifting from an ESA‑centred, science‑driven model toward a national‑security logic, as capitals reweight funding, procurement and institutional roles to prioritise defence, resilience and sovereign capabilities. The shift reframes programme priorities and constrains ESA’s traditional mandate.

2026-02-17T03:35:15.449881-08:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   NASA  
Space.com • Leonard David

The Artemis 1 moon mission had a heat shield issue. Here’s why NASA doesn’t think it will happen again on Artemis 2

By Space.com: "We support NASA's decision to fly the Artemis 2 mission with its current heat shield and are committed to seeing Orion safely launch and return on its historic mission to the moon with crew onboard.".

2026-02-17T03:09:55.730969-08:00
Satellite   Europe   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation  
SpaceNews.com • Jeff Foust

Leonardo backs development of Earth‑observation constellation to showcase capabilities and seed wider European initiatives

By SpaceNews.com: Leonardo is funding an Earth observation constellation designed to highlight its capabilities while also being a model for larger European initiatives.

2026-02-17T00:52:56.936040-08:00
Satellite   Commercial Space   Asia-Pacific (APAC)   Airbus  
FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

Airbus AALTO secures northern Australian site for second Zephyr launch-and-landing facility, aims for mid‑2026 construction

By FlightGlobal: Airbus subsidiary AALTO HAPS hopes by mid-2026 to have begun construction of a new launch and landing site in northern Australia for its solar-powered Zephyr high-altitude platform-station (HAPS), paving the way for the start of operations there later this year.

2026-02-16T23:09:28.662154-08:00