Paul Liias, Head of Space at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications for Estonia, has spoken about space economy and cybersecurity ahead of this year’s Software Defined Space Conference (SDSC) in Tallinn, Estonia.

In a noteworthy twist that has sent shockwaves through the global satellite industry, Eutelsat OneWeb, previously recognized as OneWeb Technologies, has orchestrated a merger of astronomical proportions with the esteemed Eutelsat Group. This strategic alliance, reshaping the contours of the communication satellite arena, has solidified Eutelsat OneWeb’s standing as the preeminent global satellite powerhouse, trailing only behind the illustrious SpaceX. The merger, which encompasses a vast constellation of nearly 700 satellites gracefully navigating both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), is poised to redefine the parameters of global connectivity.

Voyager Space announced on the 4th of October that they plan to enter a teaming agreement with Northrop Grumman. The agreement will include developing a fully autonomous rendezvous and docking technology for Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft. Voyager will provide cargo resupply services for the Starlab space station, which will be built and operated under a transatlantic joint venture between Voyager and Airbus Defence and Space. 

This Space Café WebTalk will feature Paul Liias, Head of Space policy at the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication, in conversation with Torsten Kriening, publisher of SpaceWatch.Global. Is space legal in Estonia and why should you come to Tallinn for Halloween? Paul Liias is the Head of Space policy at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication. Paul has created the Estonian Space Policy and Program 2020-2027

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) of the United Arab Emirates are opening a new round of their joint Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI) programme. Through PHI, each team can submit a proposal of a maximum Three Units (3U) in size. The maximum space for the combined awardees will be Five Units (5U) in a Twelve Unit (12U) satellite platform provided by MBRSC. 

Cosmic Girls foundation announced in conjunction with the United Nations World Space Week, introduced on the 4th of October the international charity and competition to inspire girls to pursue careers in space and STEM fields. The foundation’s mission is to “launch dreams in girls, and girls into space” by creating a platform to support female astronaut talent. 

Capella Space Corp, an American space technology company, announced the moving into a new facility. The new 32,000 square foot facility is in Louisville and will be able to accommodate more than 150 employees.

Astroscale Japan has been selected by the Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for its Small and Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop an on-orbit inspection demonstration mission that will image and diagnose a large, defunct satellite in space. 

In the latest “Space Café BeNeLux”, our host Dr. Heike Poignand, welcomed Major Nicolas Gérôme, Head of Space Office at the Belgian Ministry of Defence to an eye-opening discussion of the question: “Space for Defence or Defence for Space?” Regarding Space for Defence 6 basic space applications are considered: Navigation and Timing, Satellite Communication, Earth Observation, Meteorology, Ballistic Missile Defence, and Space Situational awareness.

In the latest (15th) “Space Café Law Breakfast with Steven Freeland, host Steven Freeland, Emeritus Professor at Western Sydney University, and Professorial Fellow at Bond University, and Co-Host Torsten Kriening, SpaceWatch.Global’s Publisher, welcomed Ann Vandenbroucke and Martin Reynders to a fantastic breakfast discussion at the famous Bundesbüdchen in Bonn. Over breakfast treats (and some coffee), they discussed important issues relating to current and future space activities and the challenges and opportunities raised by constantly developing space technology.