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03 Feb 26. US Navy wants commercial satellites for nighttime Earth observation. The U.S. Navy wants commercial satellites that can perform nighttime observation of the Earth, according to a Naval Research Laboratory Request for Information.
“The objective is to understand the availability of systems that can provide data and services related to the remote sensing of nighttime scenes from space to inform potential future collaborations and acquisitions for a technology demonstration,” according to the RFI.
The Navy is looking for space-based sensors on sensor-ready platforms.
“This RFI is focused exclusively on electro-optical (EO) systems,” the service emphasized. Specifically, the Navy is interested in systems that have reached a Technology Readiness Level, or TRL, of 6 or higher. TRL 6 indicates a system that has progressed to the stage of having a functioning prototype.
The spectral response and range of each satellite’s sensors are among the details that the Navy is asking contractors to provide. In addition, companies should specify whether sensors are panchromatic or multispectral, and how many frames per second the imaging systems takes.
The Naval Research Laboratory is also concerned about whether a commercial satellite can perform onboard processing of sensor data.
Not surprisingly given that the Navy is dealing with commercial providers rather than government-owned systems, the Naval Research Laboratory also wants to know how users can submit tasking requests for the satellite, and how long those requests will take to be fulfilled.
“How is the collected data processed and/or exploited (both on-board and on the ground)?” the RFI asked. “How is the final data product disseminated to the end-user, and in what format is it delivered?
Security is also key. In addition to the level of security for data links and the satellite’s onboard systems, contractors must state whether their ground stations are located in the continental United States.
The U.S. government already conducts nighttime Earth observation for civilian purposes, notably the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite, or VIIRS, on NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellites. These platforms “acquire global daily measurements of nocturnal visible and near-infrared (NIR) light that can be used for Earth system science and applications studies,” according to NASA. The data is used for estimating population, monitoring disasters and understanding the impacts of increased light pollution.
However, nighttime satellite imagery can also be useful to the military and intelligence agencies. For example, VIIRS has detected the wakes left by ships sailing in the North Sea at 2:30 a.m., a capability that could be used for tracking and targeting of warships. That’s because vessels leave “‘ship tracks — narrow clouds brightened by small airborne pollution particles emitted from the vessels,” NASA said. “Water vapor condenses around the tiny particles of pollution to form thin, winding clouds.”
Night imaging from space can also detect lights on the ground that might indicate whether strikes against an adversary’s electrical grid have been successful or, for example, track wildfires that could hamper ground and air operations. (Source: Defense News)
03 Feb 26. Gilmour Space taps Transcelestial lasers to boost satellite data links for AI era. Australian launch and satellite manufacturer Gilmour Space Technologies has entered a long-term strategic partnership with laser communications specialist Transcelestial to deliver next-generation, high-speed satellite data links designed for the AI era. The collaboration will begin with an upcoming mission to qualify Transcelestial’s laser communications terminal for integration on Gilmour Space’s satellite platform, followed by an in-orbit demonstration to validate performance in real operating conditions. The partnership will also explore the establishment of an Optical Ground Station in Queensland to support future laser-based satellite networks. As part of the demonstration mission, Gilmour Space will fly a Transcelestial terminal aboard one of its satellites, enabling a live test of wireless optical communications in orbit. The effort aims to address a growing challenge facing satellite operators: the widening gap between how much data modern spacecraft can generate and how quickly it can be delivered to users on the ground.
“Satellites are not just sensors in orbit anymore – they’re becoming full-blown orbital data centres, and the network layer is now falling behind,” said Rohit Jha, CEO and co-founder of Transcelestial. “Industry leaders like Gilmour Space are thinking ahead and partnering with us to change that for the AI era.”
Jha said Gilmour Space’s rapidly expanding satellite capabilities would see its satellite bus become one of the first in the world to be laser communications enabled by default.
“That puts them ahead of most bus manufacturers globally, and we’re excited to see what this unlocks for the industry,” he said. “To solidify that, we’re also rapidly moving toward our first demonstration this year and are super excited to be working with the Gilmour team.”
The planned flight comes as satellite missions increasingly rely on high-resolution sensors and time-sensitive data and connectivity workloads, placing growing pressure on traditional radiofrequency downlink systems. Transcelestial’s laser communications technology enables high-bandwidth satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground links while also offering enhanced security. The point-to-point optical links are resistant to jamming and incorporate built-in post-quantum cryptography to support quantum-safe communications.
Gilmour Space’s head of satellites, Mark Grimminck, said data transmission remains one of the key limitations in satellite operations.
“One of the biggest constraints is getting data from the platform to the ground,” Grimminck said. “Laser communication links are one of the clearest paths to relieving that bottleneck, and our collaboration with Transcelestial is about proving how this technology performs in real operations.”
Delivery of the laser communications terminal is scheduled for May 2026, ahead of a planned in-orbit demonstration launch on SpaceX’s Transporter-18 mission later that year.
Beyond the initial downlink test, the two companies plan to explore how optical communications can support future satellite networking requirements, including satellite-to-satellite connectivity to enable more resilient, lower latency constellations.
“We’re focused on making it easier for satellite customers to adopt next-generation communications options without taking on unnecessary integration risk,” Grimminck said.
The partnership will also examine opportunities to strengthen Australia’s optical communications ecosystem, including the potential co-hosting of an Optical Ground Station in Queensland and joint applications for Australian research and development grants to support future demonstrator missions and advanced network capabilities. (Source: Space Connect)
28 Jan 26. U.S. Space Command Urges Pentagon Pivot to Sustained On-Orbit Logistics and Maneuver. Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander of U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM), delivered a keynote address at the Space Mobility Conference in Orlando, Florida, calling for a foundational shift in military space strategy. Whiting argued that the Department of Defense must move beyond a “launch-centric” model toward an architecture defined by Dynamic Space Operations (DSO)—encompassing on-orbit refueling, logistics, and sustained maneuverability.
Moving Beyond “Positional” Space Warfare
Historically, satellite operations have been “positional,” where spacecraft minimize movement to conserve limited fuel supplies. Gen. Whiting stressed that this legacy approach creates predictable targets for adversaries like China and Russia, who are rapidly fielding maneuverable counterspace capabilities. To counter this, Whiting introduced the “Apollo Maneuvers” exercise concept. This new training framework will simulate complex satellite movements, responsive launch surges, and spectrum maneuvering to “shatter enemy cohesion,” a concept Whiting borrowed directly from U.S. Marine Corps warfighting doctrine (MCDP 1).
The Logistics Backbone: Refueling and Servicing
A critical component of this pivot is the development of on-orbit infrastructure. Whiting emphasized that “sustained space maneuver” is only possible if the Pentagon invests heavily in logistics-enabling technologies:
- In-Orbit Refueling: Establishing “orbital gas stations” to allow satellites to “maneuver without regret”—performing mission-critical shifts without permanently shortening their operational lifespan.
- Space Access, Mobility and Logistics (SAML): A formalized mission area focusing on satellite repair, life extension, and debris mitigation.
- Standardized Interfaces: Industry-wide adoption of refueling ports, such as those developed by Orbit Fab or Northrop Grumman, to ensure interoperability across the fleet.
“We want capabilities that allow us to operate our systems until the mission is complete—not until the fuel they are launched with runs out,” Whiting stated, underscoring the shift from treating propellant as a scarce commodity to an accessible resource.
Operational Milestones for 2026
The Space Force is currently preparing for a series of high-profile logistics demonstrations throughout 2026 to prove the feasibility of these concepts. Key upcoming missions include:
- Tetra-5 and Tetra-6: Testing on-orbit docking and hydrazine refueling hardware in Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO).
- Starfish Space “Otter”: A 2026 mission funded by Space Systems Command (SSC) to demonstrate autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) with existing military satellites.
Timeline to 2028 Superiority
While the fiscal year 2026 defense budget allocated $14.5 m for SAML activities—a figure Whiting has urged to grow—the command aims to have sustained maneuver capabilities fully operational by 2028. This roadmap aligns with the Space Force’s “Race to Resilience,” targeting 2026 as the pivotal year for transitioning to a full-spectrum warfighting architecture. (Source: Satnews)
28 Jan 26. GAO Report Warns of Technological and Schedule Risks in SDA Missile Tracking Program. On January 28, 2026, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a critical report titled “Missile Warning Satellites: Space Development Agency Should Be More Realistic and Transparent About Risks to Capability Delivery” (GAO-26-107085). The congressional watchdog warned that the Space Development Agency (SDA) is overestimating the technology readiness of critical elements within its Tracking Layer constellation, potentially jeopardizing its ability to field hypersonic missile defense capabilities on schedule. Acting Director Dr. Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo remains the official head of the Space Development Agency (SDA) as of January 28, 2026, and he is navigating a period of significant institutional pressure. This newly released Government Accountability Office (GAO) report (GAO-26-107085) has flagged critical risks in the agency’s flagship missile-tracking program, placing the SDA’s rapid acquisition model—and by extension, its current leadership—under intense federal oversight.
Technological Maturity and Contractor Delays
According to the GAO, the SDA’s current strategy of rapid, biennial “tranches” has led to unplanned work as contractors struggle to modify commercial spacecraft for specialized military missions. While the agency has reported achieving early milestones for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), the GAO asserts these reports fail to reflect underlying schedule risks. Perhaps most significantly, the report highlights that the SDA and its partners have yet to fully demonstrate the generation of timely, three-dimensional tracks on the ground—a baseline requirement for countering hypersonic glide vehicles.
Budgetary Scale and Contractual Scope
The Tracking Layer is a massive procurement effort aimed at deploying hundreds of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). As of January 2026:
- Total Investment: The PWSA is projected to cost nearly $35 bn through fiscal year 2029.
- Active Contracts: Over $4.7 bn has been awarded for the first 101 satellites.
- Key Primes: Major contractors including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris are currently developing satellites for Tranches 1 and 2 of the Tracking Layer.
Criticism of the Requirements Process
The GAO report also flagged a lack of transparency between the SDA and the combatant commands that will ultimately use the data. Combatant commanders reported having “insufficient insight” into how the SDA defines requirements or whether the planned capabilities will meet operational needs for missile warning and tracking (MW/MT). Under the leadership of Dr. Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo, who assumed the role in September 2025, the agency has maintained its “constructive disruptor” status, awarding contracts every two years regardless of previous satellite performance. The GAO recommends moving toward an “architecture-level schedule” to better understand how delays in individual tranches impact the overall delivery of global missile defense.
Path Forward and Air Force Oversight
The GAO has recommended that the Secretary of the Air Force ensure the SDA follows a more collaborative process with warfighter participants to define and prioritize requirements. Additionally, the report urges the Department of Defense to create a reliable life-cycle cost estimate, noting that limited cost data was collected for Tranches 1 and 2.
The Tracking Layer is intended to provide global “stereo” coverage for missile defense, replacing legacy systems like SBIRS with a more resilient, proliferated mesh network by the end of the decade. (Source: Satnews)
26 Jan 26. Oman Secures Dedicated Orbital Asset in Nine-Figure Deal with Astranis. On Monday, January 26, 2026, Oman’s MB Group and San Francisco-based Astranis Space Technologies Corp. announced a nine-figure agreement for the procurement of a dedicated, sovereign communications satellite. This deal marks a significant expansion of Oman’s National Space Program and reflects a growing international trend where nation-states bypass shared commercial constellations to secure independent orbital assets. Under the terms of the agreement, Astranis will manufacture and operate a MicroGEO satellite specifically tasked for Omani national interests, ensuring dedicated bandwidth that remains outside the control of global telecommunications conglomerates.
The Rise of the Sovereign-Commercial Nexus
The Oman-Astranis contract is the latest in a series of “Sovereign-Commercial Nexus” agreements that have accelerated in early 2026. This trend involves governments utilizing commercial satellite buses to achieve rapid national autonomy in space. It follows the January 21, 2026, announcement that France commissioned Loft Orbital to develop the nation’s first sovereign Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, as well as Satellogic’s January 8 seven-figure commitment for high-frequency sovereign monitoring. For Astranis, the Oman deal validates its “Satellite-as-a-Service” model, which allows smaller nations to deploy a dedicated 400 kg geostationary satellite for a fraction of the cost of traditional three-ton spacecraft.
Digital Sovereignty and Geopolitical Stability
The rationale for Omani investment in a dedicated asset is driven by the mandate for digital sovereignty. Geopolitical instability and the increasing vulnerability of undersea fiber-optic cables have led nations to prioritize independent, space-based communications infrastructure. By owning the capacity and controlling the encryption of a dedicated Astranis satellite, Oman ensures the continuity of its vital services and national security communications without being subject to the data-sharing policies or “kill switches” of foreign-owned megaconstellations. This move aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to establish the Sultanate as a regional hub for secure geospatial intelligence and communications.
Future Trajectory of Statist Megaconstellations
The shift toward national orbital ownership is expected to redefine the commercial landscape through 2027. While massive LEO networks like Starlink and Blue Origin’s TeraWave offer global reach, they lack the specific tasking priority that sovereign states now demand. Industry analysts predict that as more countries like Germany, Sweden, and Taiwan seek “orbital borders,” the market will bifurcate between consumer-grade global internet providers and specialized “statist” providers that offer hardware-level isolation. The Astranis-Oman partnership serves as a blueprint for this emerging segment of the space economy. (Source: Satnews)
27 Jan 26. Australia Secures First Sovereign Sub-Meter Imaging Capability via Satellogic Asset Sale. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Satellogic Inc. (NASDAQ: SATL) and HEO (formerly HEO Robotics) announced the successful sale and transfer of NewSat-34™, an operational Earth Observation (EO) satellite. The transaction marks the establishment of Australia’s first sovereign sub-meter imaging capability, providing the nation with independent, high-resolution orbital intelligence. This “legacy” in-orbit asset sale represents a pivot in commercial satellite procurement, allowing sovereign entities to bypass traditional build-and-launch timelines to achieve immediate operational status.
The Evolution of the Satellogic-HEO Partnership
The transfer of NewSat-34 is the culmination of a multi-year strategic alignment between the two companies. In March 2024, Satellogic and HEO expanded their partnership to integrate HEO’s non-Earth imaging (NEI) software with Satellogic’s Aleph-1 constellation. More recently, in January 2026, Satellogic secured a seven-figure contract for high-frequency monitoring, underscoring the company’s shift toward specialized “Space-as-a-Service” and asset-transfer models. By acquiring an already-deployed satellite, HEO can immediately offer sub-meter resolution Earth imagery and proximity-aware NEI services to the Australian government and commercial clients.
Sovereign Autonomy in a Contested Domain
The acquisition of NewSat-34 addresses a critical gap in Australia’s national space strategy. Traditionally, Australia has relied heavily on data from foreign-owned commercial constellations or international partners. However, the rise of the “Sovereign-Commercial Nexus” has driven nations to prioritize “statist” control over orbital infrastructure to ensure data security and tasking priority. NewSat-34 allows for high-revisit sub-meter imaging that remains under Australian jurisdiction, essential for applications ranging from national security and disaster response to environmental monitoring of the Great Barrier Reef.
Outlook for Australia’s Orbital Infrastructure
The successful handover of NewSat-34 is expected to serve as a blueprint for future sovereign satellite acquisitions in the Asia-Pacific region. As HEO takes operational control of the asset, the company plans to utilize its automated tasking platform to integrate NewSat-34 data with its existing analytics suite. For Satellogic, the deal validates its “Constellation-as-a-Service” business model, demonstrating the liquid market value of operational LEO assets. Through 2027, the Australian space sector is projected to further expand its sovereign footprint, potentially acquiring additional “legacy” assets to build a resilient, multi-sensor constellation that reduces Western commercial dependencies. (Source: Satnews)
02 Feb 26. SD Government, (SDG) the division of Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) providing satellite communications to global governments, has received US Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) T-1 certification for the Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Tactical Removeable Airborne Satellite Communications (TRASC) capability for C-130 aircraft. The T-1 certification will provide multiple satcom options, beginning with a Gogo Plane Simple Ku-band terminal, and subsequently expanding to offer a Gogo Plane Simple Ka-band terminal, and other network compatibilities to C-130 operators. The TRASC hatch is designed to match the outer mold line of the original Lockheed L-382 design for the C-130, making it suitable for all C-130 variants. Electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility testing has been completed on the C-130J – Block 6 and latest Block 8 standards – and legacy C-130H, for compatibility across the AMC fleet. The AMC T-1 Military Flight Release paves the way for sister commands and partner nations, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and others to implement the Roll-on/Roll-off capability immediately. Developed with R4 Integration, Inc. (R4), specialists in airborne and ground systems engineering, the TRASC BLOS solution integrates a Gogo Plane Simple® terminal within the Multi-Purpose Hatch System (MPHS) designed and patented by R4 to replace the existing C-130 standard forward escape hatch. The purpose-built housing has been optimized for installation in less than 30 minutes, enabling immediate plug-and-play global broadband capability from the airframe. C-130 variants requiring additional testing will benefit greatly from the AMC certification, as testing timelines and expenses will be reduced. In addition to the AMC fleet, the RO/RO TRASC system is ideal for Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Civilian Cargo Fleets, and international C-130 units as well as US Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), US Marine Corps, US Navy, and the US Coast Guard.
“We are proud to deliver a platform that gives military forces much-needed situational awareness to support global command and control decisions. It also makes the C-130 much more resilient and consistently connected during training and operational missions,” says Hayden Olson, Executive Vice President of SDG. “This capability instantaneously brings all C-130 variants into the modern age of high-throughput Beyond-Line-of-Sight communications.”
25 Jan 26. TeraWave: Blue Origin Enters the High-Capacity Backbone Market with 6 Tbps Constellation. In a strategic expansion that shifts its focus from launch services to orbital infrastructure, Blue Origin announced on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the development of “TeraWave”—a multi-orbit satellite communications network. Designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 terabits per second (Tbps), the system targets the high-end backbone needs of data centers, enterprise cloud providers, and government agencies. This initiative marks the first major constellation project under Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp and follows the company’s recent move to scale its national security operations.
A Hybrid Architecture for Massive Data Trunking
Unlike consumer-focused Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, TeraWave utilizes a hybrid orbital strategy to maximize throughput and minimize latency. The system architecture, detailed in Blue Origin’s January 21 announcement, consists of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites.
- LEO Layer: 5,280 spacecraft operating at altitudes between 520 and 540 kilometers. These units will utilize Q/V-band radio frequency (RF) links to provide individual customer connections of up to 144 Gbps.
- MEO Layer: 128 high-capacity satellites positioned in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) across five altitude shells (8,000 to 24,200 km). This layer serves as the constellation’s optical backbone, capable of handling 6 Tbps for massive data replication and inter-cloud transfers.
Strategic Context: Beyond the Consumer Market
The TeraWave filing explicitly positions the network as an “enterprise-grade” service, distinguishing it from Amazon’s Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), which is tailored for residential broadband. While Amazon Leo targets 1 Gbps downlink speeds, TeraWave is engineered for 6,000 times that capacity. The timing of the reveal coincides with the December 2025 appointment of former ULA CEO Tory Bruno to lead Blue Origin’s National Security Unit, signaling a direct challenge to SpaceX’s Starshield and specialized government secure-link offerings.
The Rationale for Symmetrical Connectivity
A core differentiator for TeraWave is its focus on symmetrical upload and download speeds—a critical requirement for real-time Internet of Things (IoT) data transfers, AI-driven edge computing, and predictive maintenance in remote industrial sites. By utilizing laser inter-satellite links (ISLs) to move data across the constellation rather than routing through ground stations, Blue Origin aims to bypass terrestrial fiber bottlenecks and provide “route diversity” for global hubs.
Deployment Timeline and Launch Strategy
Deployment of the first TeraWave satellites is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2027. Blue Origin intends to leverage its heavy-lift New Glenn vehicle, which features a 7-meter fairing capable of housing larger satellite batches compared to current industry standards. According to CEO Dave Limp, the network is designed for “rapid global deployment” and will limit its initial user base to approximately 100,000 high-capacity customers to ensure sustained performance without the congestion issues often associated with residential megaconstellations. (Source: Satnews)
26 Jan 26. ESA Expands IRIS² Low-LEO Component and Introduces Industrialization Cost Reimbursements. In a move to accelerate the deployment of Europe’s third flagship space program, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced on Monday, January 26, 2026, a significant expansion of the IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) network’s low-LEO segment. Simultaneously, ESA is implementing a new fiscal policy to reimburse Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) costs for companies scaling production. This decision addresses a critical bottleneck in the “Sovereign-Commercial Nexus,” shifting ESA’s traditional role from funding primary research to supporting the industrial mass production required for multi-orbit megaconstellations.
Strategic Shift in Procurement and Design
The expansion of the low-LEO component is designed to broaden the pool of potential industrial contributors beyond the initial prime contractors. By opening this segment, ESA allows the European space industry to propose novel payload architectures and satellite designs that can be integrated into the final operational IRIS² network. This modular approach is intended to prevent technology lock-in and ensure the constellation remains adaptable to emerging threats and technical advancements.
Context: The Financial Bridge to Mass Production
Historically, ESA funding through programs like ARTES 4.0 has prioritized the development of new, high-risk technologies. However, the unique demands of IRIS²—which requires the rapid manufacture of hundreds of satellites—have exposed a gap in conventional funding models. Under the new reimbursement framework, ESA will cover NRE expenses specifically associated with the “industrialization” of existing products. This means companies that have already developed a functional component can now receive support for the expensive transition to high-rate production lines, tooling, and automated testing rigs. This policy change follows the December 2024 signing of the 12-year, €10.6 bn concession agreement between the European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium. The consortium, led by SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat, is now moving from the political planning phase into physical hardware acquisition, as evidenced by the January 5, 2026, issuance of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for 272 Low Earth Orbit satellites.
Technical Specifications: The IRIS² Multi-Orbit Shells
The updated IRIS² architecture is structured as a resilient, multi-layered system designed to provide secure governmental communications and commercial high-speed broadband.
- Low-LEO Layer: Now expanded to invite broader participation, this segment focuses on low-latency data and secure links for governmental authorities.
- LEO-High Layer: Comprising the bulk of the 272 LEO units, with Airbus Defence and Space and Aerospacelab identified as primary candidates for the platform and payload.
- MEO Layer: Consisting of 18 satellites at an altitude of approximately 8,000 km, leveraging the existing expertise of SES to provide high-throughput backhaul and global coverage.
Rationale: Reducing Commercial Dependencies
The rationale for this dual-pronged approach—segment expansion and NRE reimbursement—is rooted in Europe’s mandate for strategic autonomy. European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher have consistently emphasized the need for a “Space Shield” to protect European digital sovereignty. By reimbursing scaling costs, ESA is effectively subsidizing the modernization of the European supply chain, making it more competitive against vertically integrated entities like SpaceX. This ensures that the 30% subcontracting requirement for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is not just a regulatory quota but a viable industrial reality.
Timeline and Outlook to 2030
As the IRIS² project moves into 2026, the focus shifts to the Critical Design Review (CDR) and the mobilization of manufacturing facilities. The new reimbursement policy is expected to see immediate uptake from hardware vendors in Germany, France, and Spain who are currently retrofitting factories for the 2027 manufacturing commencement. While initial governmental services are targeted for 2030, the ability of the industry to scale tech via these new ESA reimbursements will be the primary factor in meeting the 2031 deadline for full operational readiness. (Source: Satnews)
30 Jan 26. New facility to boost UK space SMEs opens with £3.9m government backing. A new facility designed to help small businesses thrive in the UK space sector has opened at Airbus Defence and Space’s Stevenage site, backed by £3.9 m from the UK Space Agency. Airbus Launchpad opening with Kata Escott, Managing Director Airbus Defence and Space UK, Kevin Bonavia, MP for Stevenage, and Craig Brown, Director of Investment at the UK Space Agency. Credit: Airbus The Airbus Launchpad will provide SMEs, start-ups and research organisations with access to laboratories, workspaces and testing facilities through a no-cost residency programme. The facility can accommodate over 50 people and aims to strengthen the UK space supply chain while developing homegrown skills and capabilities. The UK Space Agency funding comes from the Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund and was match-funded by Airbus. Three companies – Applied Atomics, Spintex and Stars Edge – will take up residence from early February.
Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: “By backing our SMEs and start-ups, we’re helping brilliant British ideas become successful businesses that create jobs and strengthen our supply chain. This partnership between Airbus and the UK Space Agency shows what we can achieve when industry and government work together to build a space sector where the smallest of businesses can thrive.”
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “The Airbus Launchpad is another important example of how collaboration between industry leaders and innovative SMEs can strengthen our space sector. By giving start-ups and smaller businesses direct access to world-class facilities and expertise, we’re helping turn brilliant ideas into the products and services of tomorrow. Our £3.9m investment through the Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund will help develop homegrown skills, diversify the supply chain, and create new space capabilities for the UK. The Airbus Launchpad forms part of Airbus’ Community for Space Prosperity programme, which aims to grow UK space supply chain activity through research, innovation and outreach.”
Kata Escott, Managing Director Airbus Defence and Space UK, said: Successful SMEs are essential for the future of the UK space sector and I’m proud that we are able to use our position as the UK’s largest space company to lean in and support their development. This initiative is about creating the conditions for collaboration, innovation and growth. By connecting with SMEs and innovators, and in partnership with the Government, we are accelerating progress for the UK at a time when it has never mattered more.”
The Airbus Launchpad is the latest facility to open with support from the UK Space Agency’s Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund, which is helping to build world-class facilities for the UK space sector. Earlier this month, the £20m Westcott Space Hub opened in Buckinghamshire with £5.8m in government backing, providing testing facilities, training spaces and commercial workspace for space businesses. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
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