Satellite and Space Projects Newsletter September 2025

RPO missions include satellite servicing, debris removal and orbital corrections and are expected to play a key role in sustainable space operations. The report outlines more than 60 recommendations to improve clarity, proportionality and predictability in the UK’s licensing framework and aims to position the UK as a leading jurisdiction for complex in-orbit servicing and debris removal missions. These missions are expected to unlock a market worth £2.7 billion by 2031.

UK report flags cyber risks in cloud-based ground segment: The cyber security risks associated with cloud computing in the space sector’s ground segment are at the core of a recent UK government report. While cloud integration offers scalability, flexibility and cost efficiency, it also brings significant vulnerabilities that need careful management.

The report’s recommendations align with existing regulatory requirements in the EU's updated Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2) and the anticipated priorities of the UK's forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.

As many space businesses are looking more closely at the commercial value of engaging third party ground segment services, satellite operators and third party ground segment providers will increasingly focus on the cyber protections embedded in these services and the contractual and compliance commitments supporting them.

For further details, read our summary here.

UK Space Agency to merge with government ministry: The UK Space Agency (UKSA) will be absorbed into the UK government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) by April 2026. The merger is part of the government’s broader 'Plan for Change', aimed at cutting red tape and improving efficiency. While UKSA will lose its status as an executive agency, its name and brand will be retained, and the new unit will be staffed by experts from both organisations. Ministers believe that the merger will streamline decision-making and enhance ministerial oversight.

Eutelsat reports strong growth in LEO revenue amid rising government demand: Eutelsat saw an 84% year-on-year increase in LEO revenue for its 2024–25 financial year, with LEO now accounting for 15% of Eutelsat Group revenue. Government Services also saw a 40% rise, supported by demand from Ukraine, Taiwan and other non-US governments and a €1 billion framework agreement with the French defence ministry.

New CEO Jean-François Fallacher outlined plans to expand OneWeb’s global coverage by activating five additional gateways, bringing the total to 44 by 2026. The company also completed a €1.5 billion capital raise with backing from the French and UK governments.

Luxembourg commits $350 million to GovSat-2: The Luxembourg government has announced a $350 million (€298.6 million) investment in GovSat-2, its joint venture with SES, aimed at enhancing secure satellite communications for military and governmental use.

An additional $233 million will be allocated to a strategic capacity reserve, with €200 million earmarked for potential deployment between 2025 and 2040 in response to geopolitical or operational needs. SES ordered the satellite from Thales Alenia Space and launch is scheduled for 2028. Luxembourg has committed to purchasing €75 million of satellite capacity over 12 years, with flexibility to increase if required.

Portugal licenses first spaceport: Portugal has issued its first spaceport operating licence to the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium, authorising the development of a launch centre in Malbusca on the Azores island of Santa Maria. The licence, granted by Anacom and the Portuguese Space Agency, is valid for five years and marks a significant milestone in the country’s space ambitions. The first suborbital launches are expected in spring 2026, with orbital missions planned from 2027. The consortium, formed in 2020, includes Ilex Space and Optimal, and has already contracted missions with companies from Poland, Germany and the UK.

AST SpaceMobile acquires global S-band rights: AST SpaceMobile has reached an agreement to acquire an entity which holds certain global priority transmission rights for S-band spectrum filed with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), covering the 1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz bands. The deal, valued at $64.5 million, supports AST SpaceMobile’s strategy to deliver mobile broadband directly from space and aligns with its 3GPP global spectrum framework and L-band plans in North America.

The transaction includes $26 million payable at closing and $38.5 million in deferred payments linked to performance milestones. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025.