Space

The European Commission’s latest policy package on the safety, resilience, and sustainability of space activities marks a turning point for the EU’s growing space economy. Spread across three supporting documents, the initiative outlines not only the challenges facing the sector but also a pragmatic roadmap for harmonisation. With increasing participation […]

A Measured Approach to Safety and Competitiveness The annexes to the proposed regulation reveal more than technical obligations. They quietly reflect an evolving regulatory philosophy—one that aims to embed proportionality and clarity across a rapidly commercialising domain. By categorising risk levels based on mission complexity and potential societal impact, the

Aligning Markets through Regulation The European Commission’s proposed regulation introduces a harmonised legal framework for space activities across the Union. It addresses long-standing fragmentation by establishing common rules on authorisation, resilience, and environmental sustainability. This creates a more predictable environment for operators and accelerates cross-border scalability, especially for emerging businesses

Harmonising Europe’s Space Landscape for a Resilient Future The European Commission has proposed the EU Space Act to consolidate Europe’s fragmented space governance into a unified framework. Currently, space activities across the EU are regulated through divergent national systems, causing inefficiencies that increase costs and reduce innovation. The Space Act

As humanity’s ambitions in space continue to grow, so too does the challenge of managing space debris. The accumulation of orbital debris—ranging from inactive satellites to rocket fragments—poses a serious risk to space operations, global communications, and critical infrastructure on Earth. Addressing this growing threat requires a multi-pronged approach that

Humanity’s ventures into space have left an indelible mark on the cosmos, and not all of it is benign. With over 20,000 satellites launched and only half of them still operational, the space surrounding Earth has accumulated a significant amount of debris. This issue poses a major risk to space

The growing problem of space debris poses a substantial threat to the sustainability of space operations, impacting everything from satellite services to future space exploration. In response, a new framework introduced by MITRE suggests applying a circular economy model to orbital operations. This innovative approach focuses on repurposing and reusing

Libraries have long been cherished as community hubs of knowledge and shared experiences, but their role extends far beyond lending books. In today’s world, where environmental sustainability is crucial, libraries are playing an unexpected yet essential role in promoting eco-friendly practices. By reducing resource consumption, supporting education on climate issues,

The space sector is expanding at an unprecedented rate, with large satellite constellations and new space operators joining the global space race. With this growth comes the pressing challenge of space debris, a problem that is gaining attention at international forums like the 2024 International Astronautical Congress (IAC). Themed “Responsible

SpaceX has achieved another significant milestone in its mission to create fully reusable rockets for moon and Mars missions. In its fifth Starship test flight, the company successfully returned the first stage “Super Heavy” booster to its Texas launch pad using a novel catch-landing technique. This advancement is part of

In a remarkable display of technological advancement, Deep Blue Aerospace, a Chinese aerospace startup, has made significant strides in the race toward reusable spaceflight. During a recent high-altitude test at the Ejin Banner Cosmodrome in Inner Mongolia, the company’s Nebula-1 rocket reached an altitude of 5 km before attempting a

In a monumental decision that will significantly bolster India’s position in the global space industry, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), named Soorya. This cutting-edge reusable rocket, designed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), marks

As humanity’s reach extends beyond Earth, the importance of space sustainability has come into sharper focus. Recently, a petition spearheaded by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review the environmental impacts of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite mega-constellations. The petition

Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), through its investment arm MOL PLUS, has made its inaugural move into the space industry by investing in Innovative Space Carrier (ISC), a Tokyo-based startup focused on developing small reusable rockets. This marks an exciting venture for MOL as it extends its influence from maritime logistics