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ESA Approves Record €22.3B Budget for 2026–2028 Space Defense

9/10/2026

Summary

EU builds IRIS²

SpaceX, Blue Origin, Stoke Space and Starcloud pulled out after the White House warned against supporting European Union (EU) positions.
Isar Aerospace achieved Europe’s first mainland commercial orbital launch, carrying Norwegian satellites.
European Space Agency (ESA) approved a record €22.3 billion 2026-2028 budget, including €35 billion for space security and defence.
The European Union (EU) is building the sovereign IRIS² satellite constellation to rival Starlink, aiming for full operation by 2030.

Summary

France, Germany Host

France and Germany co-chair the International Space Summit in Paris on 9–10 September 2026.
More than 2,000 participants and 100 foreign delegations, including heads of state and scientists, will attend.
Uzbekistan will join the summit as a space-sector participant.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb will deliver Finland’s national statement at the summit.
President Emmanuel Macron invited 120 foreign delegations to the event.

Summary

Von der Leyen Warns

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver a space speech at the Paris summit.
The address will target Russian hybrid actions that threaten Europe’s satellite communications and navigation.
GPS jamming and spoofing around the Baltic Sea recently disrupted thousands of flights, SVT reported.
The speech follows the EU’s recruitment of a senior diplomatic official for defense and security.

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EU builds IRIS²

SpaceX, Blue Origin, Stoke Space and Starcloud pulled out after the White House warned against supporting European Union (EU) positions.
Isar Aerospace achieved Europe’s first mainland commercial orbital launch, carrying Norwegian satellites.
European Space Agency (ESA) approved a record €22.3 billion 2026-2028 budget, including €35 billion for space security and defence.
The European Union (EU) is building the sovereign IRIS² satellite constellation to rival Starlink, aiming for full operation by 2030.

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