Investment

• Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems segment is expected to post a 24.3% year-over-year revenue decline in Q2 2025 due to reduced activity in restricted space programs, Commercial Resupply Services, and satellite work for the Space Development Agency. This underperformance contrasts with growth in other segments and may weigh on the company’s overall results.

• NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab is reportedly attempting to sell off several Earth science satellites (some already launched, others like GLIMR still awaiting deployment) amid deep budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration for FY2026. The move signals broader concerns over the future of NASA’s climate and environmental monitoring efforts, as JPL seeks government or private buyers to salvage programs previously targeted for termination.

• Firefly Aerospace has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) and plans to list on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “FLY.” The Texas-based space and defense tech company has not yet disclosed the number of shares or price range but is moving toward public market entry with top-tier underwriters including Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan.

Partnerships

• Viasat, in collaboration with SSTL and MDA Space, is leading UK efforts on ESA’s Moonlight program to develop a lunar communications satellite system, aiming for initial capability by 2028. The system will serve as a “data highway” between Earth and the Moon, enabling future lunar exploration, space tourism, and industrial activity, while positioning the UK as a key player in the emerging lunar economy.

• Australia’s Defence Department has partnered with Optus and leading universities to co-develop a LEO satellite equipped with experimental communications and research payloads, aiming to strengthen sovereign space capabilities. Backed by $4 million in Defence funding and additional investment through the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program, the mission will advance optical and radio-frequency communications and is set to launch in 2028.

• Astroscale U.S. has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center to test its Refueler spacecraft’s rendezvous and docking capabilities ahead of refueling missions for U.S. DOD satellites in GEO. The partnership leverages GSFC’s advanced in-space servicing facilities to validate Astroscale’s RPOD technology in a high-fidelity environment.

Applications

• Expedition 73 astronauts aboard the ISS conducted a range of health and systems maintenance tasks, including heart scans, blood pressure monitoring, and wearable sensor tests to study microgravity’s effects on cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The crew also maintained critical life support and scientific equipment, while supporting plant biology and international collaboration experiments.

• ESA and UK-based Frazer-Nash have launched INVICTUS, a hypersonic flight research program aiming to develop a reusable, Mach 5-capable aerospace vehicle with horizontal launch capabilities. Backed by ESA and the UK Space Agency, the project will test air-breathing, hydrogen-fueled propulsion systems and advanced cooling tech like SABRE, with the goal of enabling future spaceplanes and dual-use mobility systems.

• Researchers have demonstrated a new in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technology that extracts water from lunar soil and uses it to convert CO₂ into oxygen and fuel precursors. While still in early stages, the integrated photothermal system could reduce the cost and logistical complexity of transporting water and fuel from Earth, making it a high-impact application for future commercial lunar infrastructure and deep space missions.

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• Africa officially launched the African Space Agency (AfSA) on April 20, 2025, at Egyptian Space City in Cairo, establishing a unified framework for advancing space technology across the continent.
• AfSA’s inauguration was attended by dignitaries from over a dozen nations and included cooperation agreements with ESA, UAE Space Agency, and Roscosmos to support early-stage programs in Earth observation and satellite development.
• The agency will coordinate Africa’s space initiatives under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, with initial focus areas including environmental monitoring, communications, and space science.

CAIRO—Africa officially launched its continental space agency, marking another step in the continent’s quest to develop a coordinated and self-sufficient presence in space.

The African Space Agency (AfSA) was inaugurated on April 20, 2025, at the 123-acre Egyptian Space City in Cairo, bringing nearly a decade of intergovernmental planning and technical consultation to fruition, according to AfSA. The event solidifies a pan-African commitment to using space technology to address development goals ranging from agriculture and environmental monitoring to education and telecommunications.

The agency’s launch drew participation from heads of space agencies, diplomats, and ministers from more than a dozen countries. International guests included officials from NASA, the European Space Agency, the UAE Space Agency, and Roscosmos.

The inauguration of the African Space Agency (AfSA) took place on April 20, 2025, in Cairo, Egypt, marking a historic moment for the continent’s space ambitions. The event began with a documentary titled “Africa’s Journey to Space,” which traced the development of space efforts across African nations and the path to establishing AfSA.

Dr. Valanathan Munsami delivered a keynote address reviewing the establishment challenges and future plans for AfSA. This was followed by a formal presentation of AfSA’s structure, governance, and initial focus areas, including Earth observation, satellite communications, and space science.

The agency’s official logo, designed by Remy Fadhil Bouelet of Cameroon, was unveiled in a ceremony that emphasized the symbolic identity of the pan-African space effort.

Ministers from Ivory Coast, Angola, and Egypt outlined national contributions and expectations in support of AfSA’s mission. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Egyptian Prime Minister each delivered keynote addresses framing AfSA’s role within Africa’s broader development goals and technological sovereignty.

The ceremony also included the signing of cooperation agreements with major global space agencies. These agreements are expected to give AfSA early technical and institutional support as it scales up operations:

• With the European Space Agency: joint Earth observation missions and training for African engineers.
• With the UAE Space Agency: collaboration on small satellite development and student exchange programs.
• With Roscosmos: consultation on launch infrastructure and possible astronaut training.

The European Space Agency congratulated the African Space Agency (AfSA) on its official inauguration in Cairo. AfSA, now the second regional space agency after ESA, unites 55 African Union countries to coordinate the continent’s space ambitions.

ESA Director of Internal Services Marco Ferrazzani spoke at the inauguration, saying, “ESA is proud to partnering with this new regional space agency. Collaboration with Africa dates back three decades and today ESA even runs a dedicated EOAFRICA Initiative. With AfSA, this cooperation will be brought up to the next level.”   

The formation of AfSA follows the adoption of the African Space Policy and Strategy in 2016. Its mission is to streamline and scale national space programs, increase access to satellite data and space-based services, and align efforts with the African Union’s Agenda 2063—a long-term development blueprint aiming for economic and technological transformation across the continent.

With 2025 marking the formal beginning of AfSA’s operations, the agency will now move toward launching its first coordinated programs in Earth observation, satellite communications, and workforce training. Officials say that by 2030, AfSA aims to provide African governments with continent-wide space-derived data access, build a regional satellite manufacturing base, and integrate space solutions into national policy planning.

• Polish satellite manufacturer Creotech Instruments S.A. will spin off its quantum technologies division into a separate company by early 2026 to accelerate commercialization and maintain SME funding eligibility.
• The move follows the company’s rapid expansion and the signing of two major space contracts, including the €52 million ESA-backed CAMILA satellite constellation, the largest ESA contract ever awarded to a Polish entity.
• The core Creotech company will concentrate on satellite systems, including Mikroglob and CAMILA, while the new quantum company, led by Dr. Anna Kamińska, will focus on quantum key distribution, ultra-precise timekeeping, and scientific camera technologies for terrestrial and space applications.

PRESS RELEASE – Creotech Instruments S.A., the largest Polish producer of satellites and satellite systems listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, has announced plans to split into two independent companies. On April 16, 2025, the company’s management board approved the start of a process to carve out its quantum division into a separate legal entity. The new company will be led by Dr. Anna Kamińska, currently Director of the Quantum Systems Division at Creotech.

The purpose of the split is to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies and unlock opportunities to secure external funding—particularly grants available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which may soon become inaccessible to Creotech due to its rapid growth. The management aims to complete the process by the turn of 2025 and 2026.

“The dynamic development of Creotech Instruments and the acquisition of two strategic space projects—Mikroglob and Camilla—worth a total of PLN 675 million, have brought us to the point where formally separating our two key business segments makes strategic sense,” said Dr. Grzegorz Brona, President of the Management Board. “This decision is a catalyst for future growth. We want Creotech to focus on satellite systems, where we already have a strong backlog and highly promising growth trajectory. At the same time, a new company will be created to focus on the development and commercialization of quantum systems.”

Dr. Brona emphasized that spinning off the quantum segment will help shareholders better understand its potential and value while allowing both companies to remain classified as SMEs—preserving their access to more favorable funding mechanisms. “The quantum segment already runs large-scale development programs scheduled to conclude by 2026–2027. The split will accelerate its growth and increase its chances of attracting funding. The Board believes the segment is fully capable of operating independently, both organizationally and financially,” he said.

The new joint-stock company will focus on advanced quantum technologies, including:

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems for terrestrial and space applications
• Quantum processor control systems
• Ultra-precise time synchronization systems (White Rabbit)
• High-speed, high-sensitivity scientific cameras

“By spinning off the quantum business, we’re creating a highly focused and technically strong company that stands out on Europe’s technology map,” said Dr. Anna Kamińska. “It will be built on established know-how, existing quantum clients, and the ability to access R&D grants and external investors interested in the quantum sector.”

Current Creotech projects in the quantum segment include:

• White Rabbit systems for ultra-precise timekeeping
• QKD systems for both ground and space (including satellite payloads and ground stations)
• Subsystems for quantum computing hardware
• Cameras for advanced scientific applications
• Solutions for research institutions such as CERN

The division is already generating commercial interest. One example is a successful collaboration with Orange to deliver a White Rabbit time synchronization system using atomic clocks with sub-nanosecond accuracy—creating a strong reference for future contracts.

In the near term (within two years), Creotech expects growth in revenue from QKD and industrial time-sync systems. Over the next four years, as the quantum computing market matures and space-based QKD systems go online, the new company will broaden its strategic product offerings with the aim of becoming a market leader in the European Union.

Planned Warsaw Stock Exchange Listing

As part of the spin-off, shareholders of Creotech Instruments will receive shares in the new quantum company proportional to their current holdings. The distribution will be executed via a public offering, requiring the new entity to prepare a prospectus and obtain approval from the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF).

“We’re at the beginning of this process,” added Dr. Brona. “Assuming the prospectus review and corporate approvals go smoothly, and the General Meeting approves the plan, our goal is to finalize the spin-off between late 2025 and early 2026. We will provide ongoing updates on each milestone, so we encourage all shareholders to follow our disclosures closely.”

Creotech also announced will build the National CAMILA Satellite Constellation for nearly €52 million.

• A new whitepaper from Seraphim Space argues that space technology has become essential to Europe’s defense and security strategy, shifting from a luxury to a strategic necessity.
• The study highlights Europe’s growing reliance on satellite systems for surveillance, secure communications, navigation, and rapid response, while also warning of vulnerabilities such as cyberattacks and space debris.
• Analysts recommend increased investment, regulatory coordination and stronger public-private and international partnerships to strengthen Europe’s space-based defense capabilities.

Space technology has moved from a nice-to-have to a must-have for Europe, according to experts, who argue that Europe’s future security hinges on advanced space technology. They add that satellites and other orbital assets could decisively shape the continent’s strategic capabilities and defense posture.

In the whitepaper released by Seraphim Space, the analysts report on the increasingly critical role space-based technologies play in securing Europe’s borders, enhancing its defense, and improving its overall security posture. Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and the shifting landscape of global military alliances and technology, the researchers argue that space technology is no longer an auxiliary capability, but rather an essential foundation for Europe’s strategic defense.

The core finding of the study is that Europe’s security increasingly depends on its ability to develop, deploy, and maintain sophisticated space systems capable of surveillance, communication, navigation and even direct defense measures. This strategic shift comes as traditional military and diplomatic methods have shown limitations in dealing with complex threats, including cyber warfare, hybrid attacks and rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Growing Dependency on Satellite Constellations

To substantiate their claim, the researchers cited recent developments indicating a growing dependency on satellite constellations for secure communications and intelligence gathering. Europe’s leading space companies — such as ICEYE, Spire, and Astroscale — are highlighted as critical players in reshaping the security landscape through their advancements in satellite technology.

Space-based Earth observation satellites, for example, provide continuous real-time surveillance capabilities that enhance Europe’s situational awareness far beyond traditional aircraft or ground-based systems. This capability is essential for monitoring borders, managing refugee crises and responding rapidly to military threats or natural disasters.

Another important technological pillar discussed in the paper is satellite communication systems, such as those developed by companies like OneWeb. These systems offer robust and secure communication channels, particularly critical during crises when terrestrial infrastructure may be compromised. Satellite communications ensure continuous connectivity for military, emergency services, and civil authorities, even in the most challenging environments.

Advanced navigation technologies, including Europe’s own Galileo satellite navigation system, also offer precise and reliable positioning data crucial for military and civilian applications alike. Such precise positioning capabilities enable everything from precision-guided munitions to sophisticated logistics planning, reinforcing Europe’s defensive capabilities significantly.

Europe Must Confront Vulnerabilities

The analysts stress that Europe must also confront vulnerabilities inherent in space-based systems. Satellites, for instance, can be susceptible to cyber attacks, physical attacks, or collisions with space debris. The report notes that adversaries are increasingly aware of these vulnerabilities and are investing heavily in technologies designed to disrupt or destroy critical space infrastructure.

To mitigate these threats, the whitepaper argues, Europe must invest heavily in developing resilient space systems. This includes satellite constellations with redundant systems, advanced cybersecurity measures specifically designed for space and improved space situational awareness to track and manage space debris effectively. Companies such as Astroscale and ClearSpace are among global leaders in addressing space debris, developing technologies to remove defunct satellites and maintain a safe orbital environment.

Limitations and Challenges

The study also notes several limitations and challenges Europe faces in rapidly advancing its space capabilities. Foremost among these is coordination across European nations. Despite significant advances, fragmented national efforts and insufficient cooperation across EU member states impede Europe’s potential to fully capitalize on space technologies, the analysts point out. This fragmentation can lead to duplication of efforts, reduced interoperability, and ultimately weaker collective capabilities.

Another challenge identified by the researchers is funding. The report argues that European nations and institutions must significantly increase investment in space technologies to match the levels currently seen in China and the United States. Without adequate funding, Europe risks falling behind in critical areas such as satellite technology, cybersecurity, and space situational awareness, ultimately undermining its security objectives.

“In intensive markets such as SpaceTech, the availability of capital is a key determinant for which company is likely to become a dominant player,” the analysts write. “Whereas the American venture capital ecosystem is adept at channeling large amounts of capital into the highest-performing companies to boost their prospects of securing market leadership, European companies do not always benefit from the same dynamics.”

Pathways to Security Enhancement

Looking forward, the study suggests several pathways to enhance Europe’s space security capabilities. First, Europe should strengthen public-private partnerships, leveraging the agility and innovation capabilities of private sector space companies to rapidly develop and deploy advanced systems. Encouraging and financing startups through strategic investments is seen as a critical pathway to ensuring Europe maintains its technological edge.

Second, policymakers must prioritize unified European regulatory frameworks and strategies. Clear, consistent regulations and coordinated policies across European states are essential to support innovation, reduce redundancy, and enhance interoperability between national systems.

Lastly, international collaboration remains essential. The researchers write that Europe’s security and strategic autonomy can benefit significantly from partnerships with allied nations, especially in areas such as intelligence sharing, joint space operations and coordinated responses to threats in space.

• Hughes Europe has announced the launch of a new low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband service across Europe, integrating Eutelsat’s OneWeb network with its own ground equipment and managed services to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
• The new offering includes an electronically steerable flat-panel antenna (ESA) designed by Hughes, and targets industries such as manufacturing, power generation, construction, and retail, with European government agencies also evaluating the service for critical infrastructure.
• The collaboration between Hughes and Eutelsat strengthens Europe-based connectivity solutions, addressing gaps in traditional networks and providing enterprises with a high-quality alternative for mission-critical communications in underserved regions.

PRESS RELEASE –  Hughes Network Systems Ltd (Hughes Europe), a leader in managed network connectivity solutions, announces the availability of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service. Using Eutelsat’s OneWeb high-speed, low-latency, LEO satellite broadband services with Hughes ground equipment, installation, and network management, enterprises across Europe will experience enhanced connectivity from European-based providers.

As an engineering partner, Hughes is developing gateway electronics and the core technology that powers every user terminal in the OneWeb system. Hughes has designed an electronically steerable flat-panel antenna (ESA) specifically for the OneWeb satellite service. Projects are underway in the manufacturing, construction, power generation, and retail sectors. Additionally, government agencies are reviewing the Hughes LEO service for critical infrastructure connectivity.

“Together with Eutelsat we are bringing reliable, high-quality connections to enterprise and government users across Europe,” said Christopher Britton, Managing Director at Hughes Europe. “LEO satellite connectivity with the Hughes ESA and the White glove services from Hughes Europe, offer a European based alternative for high-speed, low-latency coverage.”

Cyril Dujardin, President of the Connectivity Business Unit, Eutelsat Group, said, “We are pleased to expand on our longstanding partnership with Hughes to enable the delivery of our Eutelsat OneWeb services to European businesses. High-speed, low-latency connectivity is essential to support critical business functions, and we look forward to providing the connectivity needed to help businesses across Europe thrive and succeed.”

As industries and enterprises increasingly rely on fast and reliable internet access, the demand for high-performance satellite connectivity has never been greater. Hughes Europe will integrate Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO technology into its existing broadband portfolio, enabling uninterrupted, high-quality connectivity in areas where traditional networks fall short, ensuring next-generation connectivity for mission-critical operations.

• ESA and ALTEC have signed a €61 million contract to provide training, logistics, and operational support for the International Space Station and future exploration missions from 2025 to 2029.
• The contract includes astronaut training in Cologne, logistics operations in Turin, and mission support services involving ESA sites across Europe.
• It also extends to preparations for Lunar Gateway operations and commercial spaceflight, including potential training for private astronauts.
• Image: Vincenzo Giorgio, ALTEC; Mario Cosmo, ASI; Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA (LinkedIn)

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Italian aerospace firm ALTEC have signed a €61 million contract to provide five years of operational support, logistics, and training services for the International Space Station and future deep space missions. The agreement was formalized at the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, with ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration Daniel Neuenschwander and ALTEC CEO Vincenzo Giorgio signing the deal in the presence of Italian Space Agency official Mario Cosmo.

The contract, which covers the period from 2025 to 2029, will ensure continued support for ESA’s crewed spaceflight operations, while also laying the groundwork for the agency’s expanding role in NASA’s Lunar Gateway project and other exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO), according to a LinkedIn post computer-translated into English.

“Today’s signing paves the way for a new era with the contract ‘Training, Logistics and Operations Support Services for ISS & Exploration 2025-2029’ with Altec,” said Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. “Once approved, the contract will represent a significant milestone in our efforts to build the future of exploration based on the experience gained from the International Space Station. ALTEC’s proven expertise and dedication to excellence make it an invaluable partner, selected through a public tender. We are excited about the progress this collaboration will bring.”

The contract consolidates services that ALTEC has been delivering since 2015, coordinating a transatlantic team responsible for ensuring mission readiness. In 2024, ESA issued a competitive tender for the next phase of services, which ALTEC and its industrial partners won.

The agreement covers three major service areas. Training services prepare astronauts and ground personnel for space missions and are primarily conducted at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne. These include routine certification, basic training for new astronauts, and field exercises in environments such as caves and asteroid impact zones.

The logistics component, based at ALTEC’s Turin facility, ensures that ESA hardware and experiments are delivered, stored, and maintained for both space and ground operations. This includes real-time astronaut support and coordination with the Columbus Control Centre.

The third pillar is operations support, which covers mission preparation activities like managing procedures, analyzing anomalies, certifying readiness, and ensuring safety compliance. These tasks involve close collaboration between ESA sites in Germany, the Netherlands, and ALTEC’s Italian headquarters.

As Europe prepares for its role in the Lunar Gateway — a NASA-led space station to orbit the Moon — the contract also includes expanded services for exploration beyond LEO. According to Giorgio, ALTEC is also developing agreements to train commercial astronauts, including those from missions led by companies like Axiom Space.

“ALTEC is preparing for the challenge of the new era of human exploration beyond low Earth orbit,” said Giorgio, “and the extensive experience of ISS TLO services is our launch pad for Lunar Gateway operations and for continuing services for the upcoming use of commercial LEO stations.”

• The European Space Agency has launched the Open Discovery Ideas Channel to fund and support early-stage, high-risk concepts that could shape future missions and technologies.
• The platform welcomes submissions from individuals and institutions, offering access to ESA experts, facilities, and up to two years of funding through Cooperative Agreements.
• Aimed at ideas that go beyond incremental improvements, ESA’s revamped initiative seeks bold, transformative proposals aligned with its long-term space strategy.

The European Space Agency is looking for ideas that reach for the stars – and beyond.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched a new platform to receive early-stage ideas that could become the foundation for future missions, offering funding and expert support to selected proposals. The Open Discovery Ideas Channel, part of ESA’s Discovery program, is now open to researchers, entrepreneurs, and even curious individuals with a disruptive concept for space science, engineering, or technology.

The ESA stressed the program is looking for high risk-high reward concepts “with the potential to change dramatically” the European space landscape, and not incremental developments. The initiative is part of ESA’s Basic Activities and serves as a gateway for “high-risk and blue-sky R&D that might lead to potentially game-changing concepts.”

The Open Discovery Ideas Channel is the latest update to ESA’s Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP), launched in 2019 to solicit novel concepts from a broader audience. The redesigned channel integrates lessons from its earlier version, including user feedback gathered in early 2025 from academia and industry partners. The revamped platform simplifies the submission process and introduces features like an updated idea form and clearer paths to connect with ESA experts.

Selected proposals receive financial support and access to ESA’s network of specialists and facilities. Each project is executed under a Cooperative Agreement and can run for up to two years, helping the idea mature from a concept into a viable technology. ESA noted that the program particularly encourages “high risk–high reward” submissions, which may not align with conventional development timelines or priorities but offer transformative potential.

“The topics selected can be related to any of ESA’s domains,” according to the ESA. “For example, at the moment two teams are researching how to build AI-based autonomous navigation for close proximity operations in orbit and how to 3D print radiation shields from local materials on Mars.” The only requirement is that the idea be new, bold, and aligned with ESA’s strategic goals.

The application process has also been designed to be as inclusive as possible. Applicants do not need a full technical proposal at the outset. Instead, they are asked to describe the concept and its potential impact. If the idea is accepted, ESA assigns an “idea coach” and facilitates contact with relevant experts to help refine it.

Each proposal goes through a structured review process, with selected activities potentially forming the foundation for future ESA programs. The insights gleaned also inform broader policy and planning decisions by ESA and its Member States.

“Authors of the most novel ideas are invited to submit full proposals for funding,” the ESA noted. “Each activity lasts up to two years and the results serve as baseline designs for future ESA missions across all ESA directorates.”

The call is open now. ESA indicated it hopes that among the submissions will be technologies and breakthroughs that shape the next generation of European spaceflight.