The new entity, Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, will be majority-owned by Rheinmetall, holding 60% of the shares, with ICEYE retaining the remaining 40%. The formation of the joint venture is subject to the completion of definitive agreements and necessary regulatory approvals.

As part of Rheinmetall’s broader Space Cluster initiative in Germany, the venture will focus initially on the production of SAR satellites, with plans to expand into other space technologies. Satellite manufacturing is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026, with facilities located at Rheinmetall’s Neuss site, among others.

“With the establishment of the new joint venture, we are making further inroads into the space domain,” stated Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “We are not only addressing the growing demand for space-based reconnaissance capabilities among global armed forces but also contributing to Germany’s standing as a leading technology hub. Our highly skilled teams in Neuss are being offered exciting new opportunities for the future. We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with our trusted partner, ICEYE.”

Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative: “ICEYE aims to be the primary provider of critical infrastructure for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for allied nations. Establishing a joint venture with Rheinmetall strengthens our commitment to developing space-based technologies that secure sovereign defense capabilities for Europe.”

Context and Strategic Importance

The joint venture reflects a broader trend of growing investment in resilient, sovereign satellite infrastructure amidst increasing global security concerns. SAR satellites are a critical asset in modern defense and security operations. Unlike traditional optical satellites, SAR satellites can produce high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day—enabling reliable surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and battlefield situational awareness.

Rheinmetall and ICEYE have steadily strengthened their partnership over the past year. In June 2024, Rheinmetall announced its entry into the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation. By September 2024, Rheinmetall had secured exclusive rights to market ICEYE’s SAR technology to military and government customers in Germany and Hungary.

A key milestone was achieved in November 2024 when Rheinmetall, backed by the German government, brokered a contract to provide Ukraine with advanced SAR imaging satellite capabilities, expanding on ICEYE’s support during the ongoing conflict.

Looking Ahead

The creation of Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions marks a strategic move not just for the companies involved, but for Europe’s broader ambitions to maintain technological independence and strengthen defense resilience. As the global space economy grows increasingly competitive and contested, initiatives like this underscore the critical role of public-private partnerships in securing the next generation of intelligence and surveillance infrastructure.

India’s response was swift, measured, and diplomatically potent. Within hours, India activated its diplomatic machinery, not just to isolate the perpetrators but also to control the global narrative, consolidate international support, and assert its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. This marked the beginning of what can aptly be called a “diplomatic war”, and India seized the initiative.

India’s Proactive Diplomatic Strategy

1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty:
   For the first time since its signing in the 1960s, the Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and long seen as a symbol of cooperation, was suspended. This move showcased India’s resolve to rethink outdated frameworks when national security is at stake.
2. Downgrading Diplomatic Ties:
   India reduced its diplomatic presence in Islamabad and barred Pakistani officials from entering the Ministry of External Affairs HQ in New Delhi. In addition, Indian defence advisors stationed in the Indian high commission in Islamabad were also recalled, and diplomatic strength was reduced from 55 to 30 staff members. 

This signifies the fewer official interactions and limited bilateral coordination, as well as blocking regular diplomatic meetings, showing India’s stance of restricting access for Pakistan at the highest levels.

1. Visa Revocation:
   India revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals and ordered them to leave the country within 48 hours. Medical visas were also terminated, and exemptions under the SAARC visa regime were cancelled.
2. Expulsion of Pakistani Diplomats:
   The defence advisors at the Pakistan High Commission was declared persona non grata and expelled, highlighting the breach of trust in bilateral diplomatic channels.
3. Border Closure:
   India closed the Attari-Wagah border, effectively suspending overland trade and signalling a deeper freeze in ties.

These moves weren’t just symbolic but strategic. India made its position very clear that the fight is not against a nation or its people, but against terrorism and the infrastructure that supports it. This distinction allowed India to gain moral high ground, essential in global diplomacy.

The External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar led the charge, briefing counterparts from across the globe. India earned rapid condemnation of the attack from several key countries, consolidating its stance through moral clarity and a transparent narrative. The international briefings, delivered by two uniformed officers from Hindu and Muslim backgrounds emphasized India’s unity and targeted precision, reiterating that only terrorist infrastructure was struck, not civilian or military Pakistani targets.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Missteps: A Reactive Approach

Pakistan’s response was largely reactive and lacked the coherence and credibility that India demonstrated. Key steps taken by Pakistan included:

1. Suspension of the Shimla Agreement:
   This unilateral move undermined a long-standing bilateral framework that legitimized the Line of Control and peaceful resolution mechanisms.
2. Airspace and Border Closure:
   Pakistan reciprocated with similar actions, including airspace closure and halting trade through Wagah. Meaning flights between India and Europe or the Middle East may have to take longer routes, increasing their costs and time.
3. Diplomatic Expulsions:
   In retaliation, Indian diplomats were expelled and staff strength at the High Commission in New Delhi was cut.
4. Calls for Neutral Investigation:
   Pakistan demanded a third-party investigation and claimed India hadn’t provided sufficient evidence, a move that appeared evasive and eroded its international credibility.
5. Contradictory Media Messaging:
   Conflicting statements by Pakistani ministers and diplomats further weakened its global narrative and diplomatic cohesion.

While India led with confidence, Pakistan appeared on the defensive, relying on outdated tactics and struggling to manage both perception and substance. It’s was mere of a diplomatic tit-for-tat aimed at showing domestic strength, even if it comes against its own economic or strategic cost.

India’s Diplomatic Wins

India’s strategic diplomatic offensive yielded tangible gains:

• Maintaining International Support and Credibility
• Countering Misinformation and Narrative Warfare
• Balancing Global Reputation While Addressing Domestic Sentiment
• Preventing Escalation and Regional Destabilization
• Engaging with International Institutions to Create Diplomatic Pressure

The proof that India has won this diplomatic war? Many countries condemned this attack, including a surprise from the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. In addition to that the visit of the Saudi FM & Iranian FM, as well as the support from the UAE, which had once been closer to Pakistan in the past is a diplomatic win of India. Moreover, a call from Russian president to the PM Modi, support from Qatar and many more countries also shows the diplomatic win of India. It also highlights that India is becoming successful in isolating Pakistan diplomatically and building international pressure and control the narrative before any military action.

India’s clear messaging and moral positioning helped rally key allies and maintain focus on the core issue: terrorism and its enablers. In Addition, the Ministry of External Affairs remained the face of India’s response even after military operations, underscoring diplomacy’s primacy in the national security framework. 

What Next? Can Diplomacy Still Solve the Conflict?

The answer is yes. Diplomacy is not obsolete, it is evolving. From Track 2 diplomacy to multilateral engagements, from soft power tools like social media and cultural exchange to hard power diplomacy through international institutions, solutions must emerge from dialogue.

Even in a crisis, diplomacy has the power to build bridges, isolate extremism, and prevent irreversible escalations, especially between two nuclear-armed neighbours. India’s recent example shows that diplomacy, when wielded decisively and transparently, can be a formidable strategic tool in modern conflict resolution.

About the Author

Rupak DEORE is an interdisciplinary professional and Partner at Access Hub, with expertise in international relations, diplomacy, and commerce. He has spearheaded missions for private companies, international organizations, government’s diplomatic missions, and intergovernmental agencies across Europe and the APAC regions. At Access Hub he helps customers build visibility, credibility, and cross-border partnerships to amplify sales leads. Drawing on core expertise in business, market research, policy, and cross-cultural communication, Rupak bridges innovation, institutions, and global opportunities.

This acquisition, expected to close in the second half of 2025 pending regulatory approvals, represents a bold move by IonQ to launch the world’s first space-to-space and space-to-ground quantum key distribution (QKD) satellite network. If successful, IonQ will become the first company to operate both a quantum computer and a quantum network in space.

The acquisition of Capella builds on IonQ’s recent momentum, following its purchases of Qubitekk (a quantum networking pioneer) and ID Quantique (a global leader in quantum-safe networking and detection systems), as well as a strategic memorandum of understanding with Intellian Technologies, a specialist in satellite communications infrastructure.

A Vision for the Quantum Internet

IonQ’s CEO, Niccolo de Masi, described the acquisition as a critical accelerator toward creating a secure, quantum-enabled internet:
“We have an exceptional opportunity to accelerate our vision for the quantum internet, where global Quantum Key Distribution will play a foundational role in enabling secure communications. Through our acquisitions of Lightsynq and Capella, and our collaborations with partners like Intellian, IonQ is well-positioned to lead the next generation of quantum networking.”

QKD technology leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to generate encryption keys that cannot be intercepted, copied, or decoded without detection—making communications virtually immune to traditional cyberattacks. Until now, QKD deployment has largely been limited to terrestrial networks and short distances. By integrating Capella’s sophisticated satellite capabilities with IonQ’s advancements in quantum repeaters (via its Lightsynq acquisition), the company aims to achieve global, space-based quantum-secure communications.

Bringing Quantum Technology to Space-Based Operations

Capella Space’s CEO, Frank Backes, emphasized the transformative potential of the merger:
“Quantum technologies will revolutionize space-based operations by enabling ultra-secure communications between platforms. Capella’s proven satellite constellation, combined with IonQ’s quantum leadership, will create enhanced analytics, sensors, and communications security for commercial and defense missions alike.”

Strengthening Defense and Intelligence Capabilities

This strategic acquisition also reinforces IonQ’s growing role in the defense and intelligence sectors. The company has recently:

• Signed a quantum networking contract with the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS)

• Partnered with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to deploy quantum networking infrastructure in New York

• Secured a $22 million collaboration with EPB in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to create the nation’s first combined quantum computing and networking hub

Through these initiatives, IonQ is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation cybersecurity, defense technologies, and quantum networking innovation.

Why This Matters

The move to develop a space-based quantum network signals a new phase in both the quantum technology race and the evolving space economy. As cybersecurity threats escalate worldwide, governments and industries alike are seeking quantum-safe communication methods to protect critical data. Space-based QKD networks could underpin secure global communications, cloud computing, military operations, and even financial transactions in the near future.

IonQ’s strategy of integrating quantum technologies with satellite communications highlights a larger trend: the convergence of quantum computing, satellite technologies, and defense modernization. With this bold step, IonQ is not just innovating within quantum computing — it is reshaping the architecture of the future internet.

Currently, SpaceX has secured operating licenses in nine out of the 14 countries where Airtel Africa operates. Licensing for the remaining five markets is underway. Once finalized, this partnership will significantly bolster Airtel Africa’s next-generation satellite connectivity solutions, targeting enterprises, small businesses, public institutions, and socio-economic hubs such as schools and healthcare centers.

In addition to enhancing direct internet access, Airtel Africa plans to use Starlink’s capabilities for cellular backhauling, strengthening mobile network coverage in rural and hard-to-reach areas. This approach underscores a broader trend among African telecom operators to blend terrestrial and satellite solutions to address longstanding infrastructure gaps.

The partnership goes beyond basic service delivery. Airtel Africa and SpaceX are set to explore further collaborations that could leverage Airtel’s extensive ground infrastructure and local expertise to accelerate digital inclusion across the continent.

Sunil Taldar, Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Africa, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“We remain deeply committed to enriching the lives of people across Africa. This partnership with SpaceX represents a significant step forward in our efforts to advance Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships. Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that individuals, businesses, and entire communities gain access to reliable and affordable voice and data services, even in the most remote regions.”

Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, echoed the enthusiasm, saying:
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Airtel Africa to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to even more people. With Starlink already available in more than 20 African countries, partnering with a key player like Airtel Africa will help expand our reach and impact. Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, and together we can accelerate connectivity in new and innovative ways.”

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Gina Bennett, a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) counterterrorism analyst whose career includes tracking Osama Bin Laden’s network long before 9/11. Together, we peel back the layers of Insider Risk Management, exposing why it’s not just a government or defense problem anymore, it’s a critical threat across law enforcement, casinos, healthcare, tech startups, and beyond.

Gina shares raw insights on why insider threats are often rooted not in ideology or greed, but in something far simpler—and far more dangerous: a lack of belonging. She reveals how organizations can build cultures that actively disarm insider threats before they ever take root.

We dive deep into the psychology of betrayal, explore how espionage, counterterrorism, and insider risks intertwine, and hear firsthand stories from high-stakes operations that shaped global history. Gina also introduces her groundbreaking Hunter-Gatherer Security Theory, reshaping how we think about human security, cohesion, and resilience in a fractured world.

Whether you’re a national security professional, a startup founder, or simply curious about what makes spies and traitors tick, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

Questions covered in this episode:

1. Introduction to the subject matter expert
2. Let’s start at the foundation—what exactly is Insider Risk Management, and why is it more relevant today than ever before across both public and private sectors?
3. We often think of insider threats in defense or intelligence. But they’re rampant in law enforcement, casinos, healthcare, and even tech startups. What have you observed in terms of vulnerabilities across these seemingly unrelated sectors?
4. You’ve spoken about the idea that the most common motivator for insider risk is a “lack of belonging.” How can organizations proactively create cultures of inclusion to mitigate this?
5. You’ve worked on some of the most high-profile operations, including surveillance involving Osama Bin Laden’s family. How important is psychological understanding in both identifying and manipulating targets?

About Access Hub’s B2B Online Marketplace:

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Leverage Access Hub‘s platform to elevate your business, connect with potential clients, and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech industries. Explore the opportunities that await and position your company for success in the global marketplace.

The Components of the New Space Economy

The new space economy encompasses a wide range of activities and industries, including satellite manufacturing, launch services, Earth observation, and telecommunications. Here are some of the key components:

1. Satellite Technology

Satellites have long been a cornerstone of space activities, providing essential services such as communication, weather forecasting, and Earth observation. The rise of small satellites, or “smallsats,” has revolutionized the industry. Companies like Planet Labs and Spire Global are deploying constellations of small satellites to capture high-resolution images of the Earth and collect data for various applications, from agriculture to disaster response (Planet Labs, 2021; Spire Global, 2021). These satellites are not only more affordable to produce and launch, but also enable a wide range of services that contribute to economic growth.

2. Launch Services

The launch industry has seen significant disruption with the entry of private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab. These companies have developed reusable rocket technology, drastically reducing the cost of launching payloads into space. SpaceX’s Falcon 9, for instance, has become a workhorse for satellite launches and resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS) (SpaceX, 2021). The competition in this sector has led to more frequent launches and lower prices, making space more accessible than ever. This accessibility has opened up opportunities for startups and established companies alike to leverage space technology for various applications.

3. Earth Observation

Earth observation satellites play a crucial role in monitoring environmental changes, urban development, and natural disasters. Companies like Maxar Technologies and Airbus are providing high-resolution imagery and data analytics services that are invaluable for industries such as agriculture, forestry, and urban planning (Maxar Technologies, 2021; Airbus, 2021). For instance, farmers can use satellite data to optimize crop yields, while city planners can analyse urban growth patterns. The economic impact of these services is significant, as they enable better decision-making and resource management.

4. Telecommunications

The telecommunications sector has been transformed by advancements in satellite technology. Companies like OneWeb and Starlink (a subsidiary of SpaceX) are working to provide global internet coverage through satellite constellations (OneWeb, 2021; SpaceX Starlink, 2021). This technology is particularly beneficial for remote and underserved areas where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking. By expanding internet access, these companies are not only creating new markets, but also enabling economic development in regions that were previously disconnected.

5. Space Research and Development

Government agencies and private companies are investing heavily in research and development to advance space technologies. NASA, for example, collaborates with private companies to develop new technologies for space exploration and scientific research (NASA, 2021). This collaboration not only drives innovation but also creates jobs and stimulates economic growth. The knowledge gained from space research has applications beyond space exploration, contributing to advancements in materials science, robotics, and telecommunications.

Driving Forces Behind Growth

1. Technological Advancements

Rapid advancements in technology, particularly in miniaturization, propulsion systems, and materials science, have made space exploration and commercialization more feasible. The development of reusable rockets has significantly lowered launch costs, while innovations in satellite technology have enabled a new generation of applications (McKinsey & Company, 2021). These advancements are making it easier for companies to enter the space market and contribute to the economy.

2. Increased Investment

Investment in the space sector has surged in recent years, with venture capitalists, private equity firms, and government agencies pouring billions into space-related startups. According to a report by Space Capital, the space economy attracted over $41 billion in investment in 2020 alone (Space Capital, 2021). This influx of capital is fuelling innovation and enabling companies to bring their ideas to fruition, further driving economic growth.

3. Global Collaboration

International collaboration in space exploration has become more prevalent, with countries recognizing the importance of working together to achieve common goals. Initiatives like the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence there, involve partnerships between NASA and various international space agencies and private companies (NASA Artemis, 2021). This collaborative approach not only enhances technological capabilities but also fosters economic opportunities across borders.

4. Growing Demand for Data

The demand for data-driven insights is driving the growth of satellite services. Industries such as agriculture, logistics, and urban planning are increasingly relying on satellite data for decision-making. For example, farmers can utilize satellite imagery to monitor crop health, optimize irrigation, and manage resources more efficiently, leading to increased yields and reduced costs (European Space Agency, 2021). In logistics, companies are using satellite data to track shipments in real-time, improving supply chain efficiency and reducing delays (McKinsey & Company, 2021). Urban planners are also leveraging satellite data to analyse land use, monitor urban sprawl, and assess environmental impacts. This data-driven approach allows for more informed decision-making, ultimately leading to smarter and more sustainable cities (NASA, 2021). As more industries recognize the value of space-based information, the demand for satellite data is expected to continue to grow, further propelling the new space economy.

The new space economy represents a transformative shift in how we view and utilize space. With advancements in technology, increased investment, and a growing demand for data, the potential for economic growth and innovation is immense. However, addressing the challenges of regulation, space debris, competition, and public perception will be crucial for the sustainable development of this sector. As we continue to explore the final frontier, the new space economy holds the promise of not only expanding our understanding of the universe, but also creating new opportunities for businesses and society as a whole.

About Author

Srikara Datta is an Assistant Editor and Correspondent at Access Hub. Prior to joining Access Hub, he has held position as a Data Engineer and Researcher at several Dutch public and private institutions.

Point Nemo: The ISS’s Final Resting Place, What It Is, and Why It’s Astonishingly Undiscovered

Point Nemo is classified as one of Earth’s points of inaccessibility. But what exactly is a point of inaccessibility?

It refers to locations that are farthest from any coastline or landmass, and multiple such locations are referred to as POIs (Points of Inaccessibility). Specifically, Point Nemo is the oceanic pole of inaccessibility, located in the South Pacific Ocean, surrounded by 22 million square kilometers of water.

Other notable POIs include:

• Australia’s Pole of Inaccessibility: 23.17°S, 132.27°E

• Africa’s Pole of Inaccessibility: 5.65°N, 26.17°E

Point Nemo’s importance stems from its status as the final resting place for many satellites and spacecraft from various space agencies, due to its great distance from any landmass. For context, it is quite far from:

• South: Maher Island (Antarctica)

• North: Ducie Island

• Northeast: Motu Nui

At approximately 2,688 kilometers away from any nearest land, Point Nemo is so remote that when the ISS passes overhead at an altitude of about 400 kilometers, the astronauts aboard are closer to Point Nemo than anyone else on Earth.

The Spacecraft Cemetery

Point Nemo is labeled as a “space cemetery” due to its extreme remoteness. The location ensures that deorbited spacecraft can rest there safely without posing a risk to land or maritime activity. This isolation is crucial, providing a safe “graveyard” for satellites and large spacecraft.

It is for this very reason that Point Nemo has been designated as the final resting place for the International Space Station (ISS), which, after decades of service, will be deorbited and submerged into these remote waters—a structure made to soar, destined to sink.

Why Was Point Nemo Selected as the Final Resting Place for Our Artificial Space Marvel?

Its selection stems from its unrivaled safety profile. The vast expanse of 22 million square kilometers of open water provides plenty of room for reentries without risking populated areas. As of 2025, over 260 spacecraft have already been sent to their final rest at Point Nemo.

This information, alongside insights from explorer Chris Brown—who was the first individual to travel to Point Nemo and document his journey on YouTube—emphasizes its significance.

He remarked:

“There may actually be more spacecraft there than fish.“

This statement underlines how little is known about the region. Beyond being a graveyard for spacecraft, Point Nemo may potentially harbor untapped opportunities for scientific discovery, a notion that stems from our overall limited understanding of Earth’s oceans, particularly in isolated regions like this.

The Untapped Mystery: Could There Be More to Point Nemo?

During my self-paced studies in astrobiology through a NASA Astrobiology Institute-recommended course at San Jose State University, I explored the survival mechanisms of extremophiles—organisms thriving in Earth’s harshest environments, such as hydrothermal vents and deep-sea trenches.

Although scientists classify Point Nemo as one of the least biodiverse places on Earth due to its scarcity of nutrients, unexpected observations hint otherwise. Birds such as albatrosses, capable of traveling hundreds of miles, have been seen interacting with explorers like Chris Brown and his son.

I’m not challenging established scientific findings; rather, I’m wondering: Why has this region remained so astonishingly underexplored?

From videos like Chris’s expedition, it’s clear that the area’s remoteness plays a significant role. His journey took three weeks, involved immense financial costs, and introduced physical challenges such as seasickness—factors that deter frequent exploration. Typically, it requires 10 to 11 days just to reach Point Nemo.

Moreover, the surrounding convergence of three major ocean currents further limits the nutrient supply, making the area biologically barren—or so we assume.

Drawing Parallels from Recent Discoveries

Studies in microbiology inspired me to connect these insights to broader astrobiological questions.

Consider the 2024 discovery of “dark oxygen” at 4,000 meters depth—oxygen generated by polymetallic nodules through seawater electrolysis. These nodules, referred to as “seawater batteries,” produce oxygen deep beneath the ocean’s surface without photosynthesis.

Given that such groundbreaking discoveries were made less than a year ago, could similar unknown phenomena be lurking in Point Nemo’s depths, waiting to reshape our understanding of life on Earth—and perhaps beyond?

Space Debris Management and the Role of Point Nemo

What Exactly Is Space Debris?

Space debris includes obsolete satellites, upper rocket stages, defunct spacecraft, and fragments resulting from collisions.

To manage this growing problem, agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA) aim to safely dispose of objects either via atmospheric reentry or by directing them toward isolated oceanic zones like Point Nemo. ESA has achieved a disposal success rate exceeding 90%.

Deorbiting is currently one of the most practical methods for mitigating space debris buildup, ensuring old satellites and other remnants do not pose risks to active missions.

Why Satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Are Especially Dangerous

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites operate between 160 to 1,500 kilometers above Earth’s surface and are crucial for applications like remote sensing, scientific research, and telecommunications.

Satellite types include:

• SSO (Sun-Synchronous Orbit): Useful for climate and weather observation.

• GEO (Geostationary Orbit): Critical for telecommunications and broadcasting.

However, with LEO being highly congested—housing approximately 84% of operational satellites—the risk of collision is substantial. Small debris (even fragments smaller than 1 centimeter) have caused significant incidents, including damaging spacecraft and ISS windows.

Over 1.2 million debris fragments currently orbit Earth. The density is only set to increase with massive satellite deployment plans by:

• SpaceX (42,000 Starlink satellites),

• China’s Hongyan constellation,

• Amazon’s Project Kuiper,

• and OneWeb Corporation.

Seeking Sustainable Solutions for Space Debris

Given the challenges, I ask:

Could we find better methods to permanently remove or recycle satellites rather than letting them decay in orbit or sink to the ocean floor?

In studying ion engines and orbital mechanics, I became fascinated with the idea that satellites could be engineered for repurposing or recycling at the end of their operational lives—maximizing their value and minimizing environmental impacts.

Recycling space materials could:

• Reduce space debris accumulation,

• Preserve the ecological sanctity of Earth’s oceans,

• And foster a circular, sustainable model of space infrastructure.

Legal and Financial Incentives for Change

According to the 1972 Liability Convention, the nation responsible for launching a space object retains liability for any damage it causes—even years later.

As the number of satellites increases, the risk of collisions—and thus legal and financial repercussions—will rise. This should incentivize stronger international standards for satellite deorbiting, repurposing, or recycling rather than abandoning them in orbit or sinking them into Point Nemo.

Final Reflections and Open Questions

As a concluding thought:

• Why not prioritize sustainable propulsion systems for controlled deorbiting?

• Why not repurpose dead satellites into useful infrastructure rather than sinking them into the sea?

• Could we establish a new industry around space material recycling to minimize environmental and financial costs?

Exploring these possibilities could ensure a cleaner, safer future—not only for our orbit and oceans but also for humanity’s long-term ambitions beyond Earth.

About the Author

Maryam Badran is currently pursuing a degree in Aviation Management, viewing it as a strategic foundation for bridging the aviation and space sectors. As the CEO of an NGO and the National Coordinator for the Mars on Earth Project, she combines leadership with a growing technical understanding of space. By complementing her aviation background with specialized courses and hands-on experience in space initiatives, she’s building a unique executive profile aimed at contributing to the future of the space industry.

The U.S.’s earliest engagement with the outer space domain was shaped by Cold War politics, during which orbital space was utilized for various reconnaissance programs supporting both the armed forces and the intelligence community. During that period, the primary concern was intelligence collection and analysis. However, this changed when space-based assets, in use since the Vietnam War, played a decisive role in the 1991 Gulf War. These assets enabled a swift and overwhelming victory, prompting the incorporation of space-based maneuvers that could deny adversaries access to their own space systems.

The restructuring of armed forces—a key element of the militarization of outer space—has been continually pursued to integrate lessons from the 1991 Gulf War and to address the evolving technological and geopolitical landscape. Created in 2019, the USSF is the sixth and newest military branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is tasked with organizing and training personnel for the combatant commands and safeguarding the United States’ growing space-based assets, which include military systems and vital commercial interests, particularly those of the private space sector.

Artemis Accord: Proactive Norms for Celestial Exploration

Current developments in the outer space domain, much like during the Cold War, reflect a strategy of proactively advancing both technological capabilities and normative instruments. The Artemis Program, initiated under President Trump, plans a series of missions to the Moon, with the eventual goal of reaching Mars. The United States has been negotiating the Artemis Accords with several countries to promote principles for cooperation in the peaceful civil exploration and use of the Moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids.

These proactive norms are intended to protect national interests in international forums. The Artemis Accords aim to establish a common understanding among civilian space agencies of signatory states on conducting activities in outer space. Their primary goal is to shape norms for the peaceful extraction and utilization of space resources. Strategically, the Artemis Accords challenge provisions in existing international space law that prohibited the demarcation and appropriation of celestial objects. By permitting the establishment of “safety zones” on the lunar surface, the Accords have potentially transformed the Moon into a contested space.

In the distant future, conflicts over the right to extract resources from celestial bodies may remain limited to international forums, unlike terrestrial conflicts fought over natural resources. Through the Artemis Program, co-developed with SpaceX’s Human Landing System (HLS), the United States aims to lead the next manned mission to the Moon. China, planning a similar mission by 2030, signals that the next space race will center on contested access to and exploitation of celestial resources.

The Geopolitical Role of Private Enterprises in the New Space Age

Similar to the Cold War, the modern space race has strong geopolitical undertones. However, unlike the past, today’s competition is not confined to two superpowers. The private sector, commercially available space-based assets, and emerging spacefaring nations now play significant roles in shaping the New Space Age.

Private enterprises have become crucial actors in military operations, thanks to the dual-use nature of many space technologies. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, companies like SpaceX, Palantir, Planet Labs, Capella Space, BlackSky Technology, Maxar Technologies, Google, and Microsoft provided satellite communication, imagery, and cyber defense to Ukraine’s armed forces. Elon Musk’s unilateral decision to assist Ukraine was unprecedented, demonstrating the power of private individuals and corporations to influence the course of a conflict. His supply of Starlink satellite terminals enabled Ukraine to resist non-kinetic attacks and maintain operational capability.

However, the involvement of commercial satellites in conflict has also increased their vulnerability to attack. Starlink’s role in military operations has prompted China to develop countermeasures against SpaceX-provided assets. Given Elon Musk’s close ties with the Trump administration, SpaceX is likely to remain a key player in addressing national security concerns. The Starshield initiative, offering Earth observation, communications, and payload services to the U.S. government, highlights the expanding role of private actors in fulfilling functions once monopolized by the state.

United States, China, and the Politicization of Outer Space

A continuity of contingency planning across U.S. administrations has ensured predictability in space policy, which is expected to persist in Trump’s second term. The Artemis Accords and the ongoing militarization of outer space—through doctrines, strategies, and force restructuring—aim to meet current and emerging national security needs. The USSF and the broader combat readiness of the U.S. Armed Forces reflect the larger reform trends observed in China and other major powers.

China’s former People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force (PLASSF), which focused on cyberspace, outer space, and the electromagnetic spectrum, has now evolved into the Information Support Force (ISF). By emphasizing information technologies, China is countering U.S. dependence on space-based assets, both military and commercial. Meanwhile, China and Russia’s direct-ascent and co-orbital anti-satellite (ASAT) tests have rekindled memories of Cold War-era arms races.

Just as Cold War technological demonstrations fostered both deterrence and cooperation, today’s space competition is also prompting contested negotiations over legally binding arms control treaties. China and Russia’s disapproval of the Artemis Accords reflects broader geopolitical resistance to U.S.-led space governance initiatives.

Conclusion: Private Sector at the Heart of Outer Space Contestation

With space-based assets now integral to military operations, outer space has undeniably become a force multiplier. The prominent role of private enterprises during the 2022 Russia-Ukraine War underscores the trajectory of future warfare. The private sector is poised to:

• Influence the outcomes of armed conflicts,
• Build resilient space systems for the U.S. military, and
• Help shape international norms for space activity.

The increasing involvement of private entities in civilian and commercial missions makes them essential stakeholders in the Artemis Program. As outer space becomes a potential theater of conflict, the lack of cooperation between adversarial states like the U.S. and China could hasten such developments. With President Trump’s known skepticism toward multilateralism, the evolving roles of the USSF and the Artemis Accords may serve as platforms to challenge the normative expectations of rival states.

While norms governing strategic interests have traditionally been shaped by states, private enterprises are now increasingly driving the agenda. Their interests are becoming deeply intertwined with those of governments. SpaceX, in particular, stands to benefit if a second Trump administration prioritizes cost-cutting in civilian space missions. The reduced role of NASA in the Artemis Program could easily be supplanted by SpaceX’s Space Launch System (SLS), cementing the private sector’s central role in future space endeavors.

About the Author

Divy Raghuvanshi has submitted his Ph.D. thesis (Evolution of Norms for Outer Space: Examining the Strategic and the Political Aspects of its Militarisation) at the Department of Strategic Technologies, School of National Security Studies, Central University of Gujarat, India. He can be reached on LinkedIn.

Dr. Chaitanya Giri brings an insider’s perspective on whether India’s emerging space industry can overcome challenges such as limited infrastructure, reliance on imports, and gaps in R&D investment. We also explore how India stacks up against global giants like the USA and China, and what it will take to create a self-reliant, innovation-driven, and globally relevant space ecosystem.

Is India on the cusp of a space-tech renaissance or are we overestimating what’s realistically achievable in the current landscape?

Tune in for a grounded, no-hype analysis of India’s space future.

Questions covered in this episode:

1. Are Indian private space companies investing adequately in R&D, human capital, and technical expertise, to foster innovation, or is there a reliance on existing technologies and partnerships?​ How competitive are Indian private space companies on the global stage in terms of cost, technology, and reliability?
2. Given the reliance on imported components for critical technologies, what steps are being taken to develop a self-reliant supply chain within India?​
3. Considering the current challenges and achievements, what should be the strategic priorities for India’s private space sector in the next decade?
4. From your perspective, can the Indian space industry maintain long-term growth while pushing for affordable services?

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