Geopolitics

Space Systems Command’s Assured Access to Space (AATS) office have awarded a $15 million contract to ABL Space Systems to demonstrate responsive launch capability. The Small Launch and Targets Division at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, part of AATS, awarded the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Strategic Funding Initiative (StratFI) to develop a launch mission design that incorporates planning for numerous satellites to multiple orbits from a variety of locations and conduct a proof-of-concept responsive launch.

Margit Mischkulnig, Austria's foremost figure in space affairs, heads the Space Department at the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology (BMK). She brings expertise in economics and industrial policy to the dynamic world of politics. In the fast-paced arena of politics, brevity is key, and Margit's approach, "get to the point," is well-suited for the Department for Space Affairs.

GMV, a multinational technology company, have successfully concluded ground validation tests for a space robot designed to assemble structures in Earth’s orbit as part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) MIRROR project (Multi-arm Installation Robot for Readying ORUS and Reflectors). Furthermore, the MIRROR robot can assemble large structures in orbit using smaller modules that fit in the launch systems available today, paving the way for new applications such as orbital solar power stations, large-scale telescopes, antennas, and more.

Euroconsult, a global space and satellite strategy consulting and market intelligence firm in collaboration with The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology of Oman (MTCIT), have announced that it will hold a conference to promote space in the Middle East and the country’s role as a strategic gateway for attracting investments in space applications and technologies into the region. The conference will run from January 8th-10th next year. 

Germany became the 29th country to sign the Artemis Accords on the 14th of September, reports Reuters. The Artemis Accords are a US-led multilateral agreement to establish norms of behaviour in space and on the lunar surface. Germany became the latest signatory at the German ambassador’s residence in Washington. The event was attended by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Walther Pelzer, head of the Germany Space Agency. 

This Space Café BeNeLux will feature Major Nicolas Gérôme, Head of Space Office at Belgian Defence, in conversation with Dr. Heike Poignand, Founder of C43B - Consulting for Business Building, and a friend of SpaceWatch.Global.

The fourth event will take place on 26 September 2023 at 4 pm CEST and focus on Africa. The panel will discuss the current state of the space industry in Africa, with a focus on public policies and private initiatives in different countries and regions. It will also address the potential for disputes and the available dispute resolution mechanisms.

Iridium Communications Inc., a provider of global voice and data satellite communications, have announced that it received a five-year base Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with one five-year option by the U.S. Space Force for Iridium Certus® services. The multiple awardee contract is part of a U.S. Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) Satellite-Based Services award and includes multiple Iridium partners.

The Exploration Company, a European commercial space company that is developing, manufacturing, and operating a reusable space capsule called 'Nyx,' and Axiom Space, architect of Axiom Station, the first commercial space station, announced that they have signed a cargo service pre-booking agreement. In addition, the agreement is the first time a European space capsule has been chosen by a commercial space company to develop cargo transportation services from Earth to Space and back to Earth.

ICEYE, a provider of natural catastrophe solutions and insights, have been selected by the Federal Government of Australia to supply flood and bushfire hazard data for all states and territories across the country. Several states and territories across Australia have experienced record-breaking flood and bushfire events in recent years due primarily to persistent La Ninã or El Niño weather patterns. These weather patterns have resulted in either extensive periods of extreme rainfall or drought.