Geopolitics News

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has announced strengthening its partnership with the commercial space industry. NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană made the announcement during NATO’s first Space Reverse Industry Day yesterday, 20 February 2024, as he highlighted the importance of cooperation with the commercial space industry to ensure Alliance security. 

ClearSpace has secured a contract with the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to investigate the feasibility of an in-orbit satellite refuelling mission, an exciting new market for in-orbit services. The REFUEL.ME study, which will run until September 2024, will involve the establishment of the key mission requirements and the definition of the mission concept of operations, leading to an initial design of the servicer satellite and a review of the sizeable market potential.

PLD Space has signed a Boost! contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for the development of a payload accommodation system on MIURA 5 that will provide greater flexibility to its customers. The project, in collaboration with OCCAM Space, is worth 1.3 million euros. In addition, it is part of ESA's Boost! program that aims to boost commercial space transportation initiatives and fits with PLD Space's value proposition of offering its customers a customized service capable of adapting to their needs through its orbital launcher MIURA 5.

The European Space Foundation has announced the 10th edition of its annual European Rover Challenge (ERC) competition. Every year, the Challenge attracts decision-makers, experts in the space sector and representatives of the best technical universities from around the world. This year, the AGH University of Krakow will host the ERC from September 6-8.

On the last day of the Munich Security Conference, Torsten Kriening spoke with Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada Space Networks about the demands for secure data communication and the current status of the Outernet development by Rivada Space Network.

At the Munich Security Conference, Torsten Kriening talked with Professor Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla from German Aerospace Center (DLR). The German Aerospace Center (DLR) signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Food Program initiated by the United Nations. She highlighted the adaptability of space technology to applications on the Earth, such as the transfer of technology used for harsh environments and autonomous vehicles to deliver food across war-affected areas.

Before the 60th Munich Security Conference, Publisher and CEO Torsten Kriening talked with Ernst K. Pfeiffer, CEO of HPS GmbH, about space #security and space debris. Ernst gives an update on the recent United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) SSA Workshop and the Space Debris Conference in Riyadh by the Saudi Space Agency.

In this Space Café Radio Geopolitics, SpaceWatch.Global publisher Torsten Kriening spoke with Prof Kazuto Suzuki about Japan's SLIM mission, which landed on the moon successfully. They discuss the purpose and challenges of the mission, as well as the geopolitical implications and future plans for Japan's involvement in lunar exploration.

Astroscale Japan Inc., a subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc., has successfully launched its commercial debris inspection demonstration satellite, Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J), from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, on Sunday, February 18, at 2:52 pm UTC. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) selected ADRAS-J for Phase I of its Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration program. Astroscale Japan is responsible for the design, manufacture, test, launch and operations of ADRAS-J.

Uruguay became the 36th country to sign the Artemis Accords during a ceremony at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters in Washington on Thursday. Omar Paganini, the Uruguayan foreign minister, signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of Uruguay, with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson signing on behalf of the United States.