The European Space Agency (ESA) and satellite operator SES, signed a contract with support from the European Commission for the development of Eagle-1, Europe’s first space-based quantum key distribution satellite system, the companies announced at a press conference at the International Astronautical Congress 2022 in Paris last week. 

Satellite manufacturer Reflex Aerospace, and space-tech company HPS (High Performance Space Structure Systems), signed a letter of intent to prevent space debris, the companies announced. According to the agreement, Reflex will remove all its satellites from orbit at the end of their operational life.

 The UK Space Agency granted a €1.9 million funding boost to the UK and European subsidiary of on-orbit servicing company Astroscale, to continue developing its space debris removal technology, the firm said. This next phase of the Cleaning Outer Space Mission through Innovative Capture (COSMIC)

NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), the world’s first planetary defense technology demonstration successfully impacted its asteroid target 10 months after launch, NASA said. The mission attempted to move asteroid Dimorphos off its orbit.

Human spaceflight services provider Axiom Space, has signed an agreement with the Saudi Space Commission (SSC) for a future flight opportunity no earlier than 2023, Axiom said. Under the agreement, Axiom will train Saudi astronauts for human spaceflight and conducting scientific research in space.

Dutch optical and in-situ measurement space systems provider cosine’s three-in-one instrument combining hyperspectral and thermal imaging with high-level data processing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, HyperScout 2, selected for the Australian Kanyini satellite mission, is now ready to be integrated into the spacecraft. The launch of the 6U CubeSat is part of the South Australia Space Sector Strategy 2030.

Spaceflight safety software-as-a-service provider Kayhan Space, and space tech company Precious Payload, entered into a strategic partnership to provide more access to breakthrough spaceflight safety solutions, Kayhan said. According to the agreement, Precious Payload will offer Kayhan's collision avoidance and conjunction assessment software, Pathfinder, to customers.

End-to-end space mobility operator Exotrail, signed an agreement with Airbus for the integration of the spaceware-mini thruster (formerly known as ExoMG-mini), Exotrail’s new 300-600-watt-class electric propulsion system, as part of Airbus’ Earth Observation satellite platform portfolio, Exotrail said. The cooperation allows for the purchase and delivery of the 300-watt thruster at completion of qualification in 2024.

Small satellite manufacturer Berlin Space Technologies (BST), said it was coming out of stealth mode by building new satellite factory in Berlin, Germany. This is BST’s second factory which will focus on the mass manufacturing of satellites in high demand by both commercial and institutional users in Europe.

Satellite telecom network operator Intelsat, chose in-orbit servicer developer and operator Infinite Orbits, to develop in-orbit service technologies for its satellite fleet, Infinite Orbits said.  Intelsat operates one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks. The company also provides inflight connectivity.