SpaceTalks 4.0 - 2024

Policy and Law

Space Cafe Radio – with Dr Daniel Eriksson of Transparency International

In this Space Café Radio episode, SpaceWatch.Global publisher Torsten Kriening spoke with Dr Daniel Eriksson, Chief Executive Officer of Transparency International, about the use and potential of space technology to fight corruption and the danger of being a victim of corruption. Transparency International is the global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption. To end the devastating impact corruption has on men, women and children around the world, we bring people together in a powerful worldwide coalition. Transparency’s mission is to create change towards a world free of corruption.

Read More »

Alpine Space Ventures Announces Investment from NIF

Reflex Aerospace

Alpine Space Ventures, a venture capital fund dedicated to early-stage investments in the space sector, has announced a EUR 10 million investment from the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF). The strategic fund-of-fund investment boosts Alpine Space Ventures’ ability to back the development and deployment of innovative space technologies, reinforcing Europe's security and resilience capabilities in both Government and commercial sectors.

Read More »

Register for Space Cafe “33 minutes with Kevin O’Connell” – Space Crossroads: Regulation, Protectionism, and the Quest for International Cooperation on 19 March 2024

In the rapidly evolving arena of strategic space utilization, the upcoming Space Café delves into critical issues shaping the future of space diplomacy. Drawing insights from the Munich Security Conference and recent global events, the discussion underscores the necessity of international cooperation in space, likened to Earth's own need for harmony among nations. The conversation explores the dichotomy of fostering collaboration amidst rising protectionism and the shadow of alliances between anti-democratic forces. Mr O’Connell will examine the current state of space regulation in the U.S., juxtapose it with European initiatives, and debate whether these actions could border on protectionism. The conversation will extend to the importance of trust in international partnerships, data reliability, and the overarching challenges and potential pathways to achieving a unified global approach to space governance. This session aims to unravel the complexities of space diplomacy, emphasizing the critical infrastructure space represents and the collective dependence on its secure and equitable use.

Read More »

#SpaceWatchGL Opinion: Is human capital the recipe for success in the space sector? The ISU perspective

To say that the space sector has seen tremendous growth in the last decade has become somewhat of a platitude. Countless reports show impressive growth and a positive outlook for the future, even suggesting a new ‘golden age’ for the industry. There is also a wide consensus that for the space economy to reach the promise of morphing into a multi-trillion-dollar valuation in the decade to come, we need a strong, resilient, and innovative sector. The health of the space sector today and tomorrow will thus be key to achieving the goals that the space community wishes to see in the years to come.

Read More »

DLR, ESA and Bavaria to Establish Moon Mission Control Center

The German Aerospace Center (DLR), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Free State of Bavaria plan to establish the Human Exploration Control Center for future human spaceflight missions to the Moon in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. The Declaration of Intent was signed by Minister-President of Bavaria Markus Söder, DLR Divisional Board Member for Space Anke Pagels-Kerp and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher on 13 March 2024 at the Bavarian State Chancellery.

Read More »

Aldoria and Arabsat Collaborate on Space Safety and Security

Arabsat and Aldoria have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on enhancing space safety and security. The MoU is one of the fruitful outcomes of the 1st Space Debris Conference in Saudi Arabia held in Riyadh on February 11-12, which the Saudi Space Agency organized.

Read More »

NASA Receives Budgetary Support for Artemis for FY 2025

Artemis

The Biden-Harris Administration has released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, which includes funding that will allow NASA to continue advancing its understanding of Earth and space. As a result, the budget will enable NASA to launch the Artemis II mission, which will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years and research Earth’s changing climate, among others.

Read More »

Empowering Women in the Workplace: Celebrating Achievements and Addressing Challenges This International Women’s Day 2024

As the publisher of SpaceWatch.Global, I am honored to acknowledge International Women's Day during these tumultuous times. The world is emerging from a pandemic, facing wars at Europe's borders, grappling with global recessions, and navigating a fragile political climate amidst elections in over 70 countries. Amid these challenges, it's vital to express our gratitude to the women in our professional and personal lives for their resilience and contributions. International Women's Day on March 8th invites us to reflect on the pivotal role of women in the workplace and the persistent obstacles they face.

Read More »

China Discloses Legal Position on Utilization of Space Resource

China has turned in its submission to the Working Group of Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee of the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS). The Working group invited member states to submit their inputs towards the Group's mandates and purposes. The submission emphasized the importance of the provisions of the Outer Space Treaty in directing any member-state activity regarding the lunar surface, particularly lunar space resources. 

Read More »