Geopolitics

The German Federal Government, through the federal cabinet, have approved a new space strategy. The new space strategy recognizes the increasing importance of space for society, focusing on current and future challenges. In addition, this new strategy places particular emphasis on advancing private-sector initiatives in space, known as New Space - the use of space applications to combat climate change and responsible and sustainable actions related to space.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson have announced that Monday Charity Weeden will serve as associate administrator for the agency’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS). Weeden succeeds Bhavya Lal, who left the agency in July, and Ellen Gertsen, who had been serving as the office’s acting leader.NASA Administrator Bill Nelson have announced that Monday Charity Weeden will serve as associate administrator for the agency’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS). Weeden succeeds Bhavya Lal, who left the agency in July, and Ellen Gertsen, who had been serving as the office’s acting leader.

SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), an Australian space research center,  have announced a suite of new R&D projects and University appointments in support of the ACT Space Update 2023 unveiled in Canberra today, bringing its joint investment in the ACT to over $7 million. With the launch of the ACT Space Update 2023, SmartSat is amplifying this commitment by injecting new funds into research in space technologies addressing bushfire resilience, spacecraft system autonomy, space object surveillance, and cybersecurity.

The USSF Space Systems Command have awarded a $17.4 million Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to True Anomaly, Inc. The company builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to deliver solutions for space security, sustainability, and accessibility. In addition, it empowers the U.S. Government, its allies, and partners, as well as the commercial space industry, to lead safe, resilient operations in orbit to secure life on Earth.

In this episode of Space Café Radio, SpaceWatch.Global’s publisher Torsten Kriening, has an insightful conversation with Stewart Bain, Founder and CEO of NorthStar Earth and Space, during Euroconsult's 26th World Satellite Business Week in Paris.

Yahsat Government Solutions (“YGS”), the Government services arm of the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC, have announced that the UAE Government granted the company an Authorization to Proceed (“ATP”) to provide satellite capacity and manage services for 17 years. Furthermore, this mandate, valued at AED 18.7 billion (USD 5.1 billion), combines related operations, maintenance and technology management services of ground segment satellite systems and terminals currently provided under a separate contract.

The Artemis II crew and teams with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program have successfully completed the first in a series of integrated ground system tests at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for their mission around the Moon. To prepare for their trip to space, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, practiced the procedures they would undergo on launch day.

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission have signed an agreement on the 21st of September to use space to help keep information secure. 

In this Space Café Radio -  SpaceWatch.Global's Rika Valluri spoke with Haji Azlikamil Bin Napiah, the Director General of Malaysia Space Agency - MYSA. The Director General spoke to us about the agency's involvement in their new space exploration plan, the push for international collaborations, and a focus on downstream applications. Today's episode is in partnership with DUET Global, a consulting company focused on the developing space ecosystem in Asia.

Switzerland representatives place second and third at the 9th edition of the prestigious European Rover Challenge space robotics competition. After intense competition on the world’s largest artificial Marsyard, team AGH Space Systems from Poland emerged as the best robotic team, meeting the rigorous demands of the jury. In addition, participants underwent a certification process confirming their knowledge and skills for the first time in competition history.