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On the sidelines of the Farnborough International Space Show, Framatome and Perpetual Atomics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to study the industrialisation of processing americium into sealed sources for radioisotope power systems (“space batteries”), including radioisotope heater units (RHUs) and radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs).

A radioisotope power system, or space battery, harnesses the decay of radioisotopes to generate heat, which can be used as a heat source or converted into electricity. Americium-241, with a half-life of approximately 430 years, is particularly well-suited for long-duration space missions. This collaboration aims to scale up the production and manufacturing of these critical power systems to support future space exploration efforts.

Dr. Kason Bala, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Defence and Space at Framatome Ltd, stated: “We are delighted to collaborate with Perpetual Atomics to jointly pioneer the further development of nuclear power technology, pushing new frontiers in enabling deep space exploration. The partnership forges Perpetual Atomics’ cutting-edge technology in radioisotope nuclear power systems with Framatome’s global nuclear pedigree in production-scale industrialisation.”

Professor Richard Ambrosi, Chief Scientific Officer, founder, and Director of Perpetual Atomics added: “The UK and Europe host a large inventory of americium, and this combined with the technology maturity, know-how, and industrial capability to scale production and manufacturing establishes an important foundation for the UK and European Space Agency (ESA) programmes. Perpetual Atomics looks forward to working closely with Framatome to develop industrialisation solutions for radioisotope power systems at scale.”

This partnership with Perpetual Atomics brings together Framatome’s unmatched manufacturing expertise and regulatory compliance experience in the nuclear sector with Perpetual Atomics’ two decades of development in radioisotope power systems, led by the Space Nuclear Power group at the University of Leicester. Framatome Space and Framatome Ltd will be supporting the UK and ESA’s lunar and Mars mission programmes planned for the latter part of this decade.

Minister Jones has announced a multimillion-pound investment in Bristol’s space sector from leading German space company OHB.

The South West will benefit from a multimillion-pound investment from leading German space company OHB, creating up to 50 specialist jobs in Bristol working on satellites and exploration spacecraft, and supporting the government’s Plan for Change in delivering more skilled jobs, higher living standards, and productivity growth in every part of the United Kingdom.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones will announce the investment in a speech to the Farnborough International Space Show today [19 March], welcoming the news as a major win for the South West’s world-leading aerospace cluster, and the latest vote of confidence in the UK’s investment environment.

The Farnborough International Space Show, supported by ADS – the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors – will be a significant event for the space industry, with 50 different countries exhibiting and many high-value commercial deals expected to be signed.

OHB’s initial multimillion-pound investment will create a new UK subsidiary based at Bristol and Bath Science Park to develop cutting-edge tech for satellites and spacecraft, and was secured by the Department for Business and Trade working together with the Space West cluster, Invest Bristol & Bath and the UK Space Agency.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones is expected to say:

The UK is open for business, and today’s investment from OHB is a major win for Bristol’s world-leading aerospace and tech industry which will create high-skilled local jobs and ensure the UK remains a partner of choice for space agencies around the world.

This is the latest vote of confidence in our Industrial Strategy, which will give our space sector the certainty it needs to stay at the cutting edge of global innovation, driving growth and good jobs across the UK and showing our Plan for Change is working.

The British space sector generates £18.9 billion each year, supporting over 50,000 jobs, and will be a top priority in the Governm

Sustainability in Space

Space sustainability seeks to create equitable access and the use of the environment of space to meet the needs of society without compromising the needs of future generations.

This principally focuses on Space Domain Resilience (SDR), Space Domain Awareness (SDA), space debris, emissions from launches and developing regulation to meet evolving demand, all of which hinges on the success of international cooperation and formal agreements.

Meet our Space Show exhibitors who are pushing boundaries in this field including ESA, Viasat, KISPE, Nicofe, Rayfast, TECOSIM, 3S Northumbria  and many more.

Check out the full exhibitor list

 

As a dedicated theme in our agenda programme, here are the must-attend sessions for your diary:

View the full agenda.

 

Want to continue exploring the topic of Sustainability?

Sustainability is at the heart of many of our events at Farnborough International, from our world-famous Airshow to Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS).

SSWS returns, 14-15 May 2025, at Farnborough International!

Organised in collaboration with Sustainable Aviation and building on the resounding success of the 2024 edition, this year’s SSWS is set to be the best yet.

This year the summit is introducing interactive workshops designed to delve deeper into the aviation industry’s biggest challenges and opportunities. These sessions will foster collaboration among like-minded professionals, providing a platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and develop practical, actionable insights that participants can directly apply to their sustainability efforts.

Learn more and register for your free ticket here.

Article produced by Michael Mainelli, Chairman, Z/Yen Group & Simon Mills, Senior Analyst, Z/Yen Group.

Z/Yen Group is a partner of Farnborough International Space Show.

 

Space Debris – Market Mechanisms and the Tragedy of the Commons

 

Introduction

Space, in particular the satellites in low-Earth orbit, is a crucial component of 21st century society. From providing access to the internet for remote and war-torn corners of the globe to providing real time data to insurers and farmers on weather patterns, space-based technologies have an essential role to play in providing the data that make markets function.

However, as the competition to provide space-based services hots up, orbits are becoming crowded, and a new menace is raising concerns – that of space junk.

 

The Space Race

The last two decades has seen a rapid expansion of commercial activity, particularly with respect to launch capability, which has seen the cost per kilo for payload launches drop from over $100,000 per kilo to under £2,000. At the same time, advances in technologies such as robotics, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence have catalysed opportunities in digital mapping, enhanced communications, navigation, and resource and environmental management – particularly with respect to biodiversity and carbon emissions.

 

Crowded Orbits

There is no international body responsible for regulating who launches what into space, instead oversight is maintained by a patchwork of over 30 national regulatory frameworks.  Today the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) keeps a register of objects launched into orbit and maintains a watchful eye on the exploration and use of outer space under the Outer Space Treaty. [1]

Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty specifically states that “Parties to the Treaty shall pursue studies of outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, and conduct exploration of them so as to avoid their harmful contamination”.

The number of active satellites in orbit, as of April 2024, reached over 9,000 and some reports suggest that by 2030, we could have more than 60,000 active satellites in space [2], boosted both by Starlink (which, as of January 2025 has 6,912  satellites in orbit) and China’s Gesi Aerospace Technology, also known as Genesat who are planning a mega-constellation of 13,000 satellites.

 

Figure 1:  Active Satellites In Orbit

 

Source UK Government 2024

 

Each launch can propel multiple satellites into orbit which weigh between 1 kilogramme and 15 tonnes. Space is a very unforgiving environment, and satellites face particular peril at the launch phase, when vehicular failure can destroy many millions of euros of equipment (2023 was a particularly torrid year for space insurance with losses running at over $1bn dollars). [3] Even if the launch is successful, the successful deployment of the satellite in the correct orbit is a major technical challenge.

 

Space Junk

Space debris, also known as space junk, refers to the collection of defunct human-made objects in Earth’s orbit. These objects range from dead satellites and spent rocket stages to smaller fragments resulting from explosions, collisions, or disintegration.

Scientists estimate the total number of space debris objects in orbit to be around 29,000 for sizes larger than 10 cm, 670,000 larger than 1 cm, and more than 170 million larger than 1 mm. About 65% of the catalogued objects originate from break-ups in orbit – more than 240 explosions, caused by uncontrolled hydrazine reactions – as well as collisions [4].

Among the larger objects, there are approximately 2,000 inactive satellites and spent rocket stages. These larger objects are tracked more accurately than smaller fragments.

 

Figure 2: Composite Image of Space Junk Orbits

 

Source: European Space Agency [5]

 

Most ‘space junk’ moves extremely fast (7.8 km/s is low-Earth orbital velocity) and due to the speed and volume of debris in LEO, this present a significant threat to current and future space-based services as LEO is, according to NASA “the world’s largest garbage dump” [6].

Space debris is a rising global risk that needs to be addressed as the accumulation of space debris significant risks to both operational satellites and crewed space missions. Of particular concern is that with thousands of active satellites and an estimated 128 million debris objects larger than 1 mm in orbit, the probability of collisions between space debris and operational satellites is increasing. Each collision creates more debris, setting off a chain reaction known as the Kessler Effect[7], where the density of debris in certain orbits becomes so high that it significantly impairs future space activities.

Despite this risk there are no international laws requiring companies to clean up debris in LEO, although national regulators are beginning to wake up to the risk. On 2 October 2023, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued its first ever fine to a company for littering in space [8]. The FCC’s investigation found that the company violated the Communications Act, and the terms of the company’s license by relocating its direct broadcast satellite EchoStar-7 at the satellite’s end-of-mission to a disposal orbit well below the elevation required by the terms of its license. At this lower altitude, it could pose orbital debris concerns. The settlement included an admission of liability from the company and an agreement to adhere to a compliance plan and pay a penalty of $150,000.

Although, the sum is negligible, this is a landmark decision, following on from a 2022 decision to adopt new rules requiring satellite operators in low-Earth orbit to dispose of their satellites within five years of completing their missions, significantly shortening the long-held 25-year guideline for “deorbiting” satellites post-mission.

Unfortunately, it stops short of plans floated to require satellite operators to indemnify the U.S. government against harm caused by their satellites, which could include the introduction of a performance bond (that could reach $100 million for mega constellation operators)[9].

 

Potential Solutions

There are several interlinked approaches which can be used to tackle the problems of space debris:

  1. Space Debris Tracking And Monitoring: Enhancing global tracking and monitoring capabilities to catalogue and predict the movements of space debris would provide essential data for collision avoidance manoeuvres and future planning.
  2. Debris Mitigation Measures: Encouraging satellite operators and manufacturers to adopt best practices for debris mitigation, could include designing satellites with built-in deorbiting capabilities, minimizing the creation of debris during satellite deployments, and implementing end-of-life disposal plans.
  3. International Collaboration: Fostering international collaboration and cooperation among space agencies, private industry, and regulatory bodies would help to develop and enforce comprehensive space debris mitigation guidelines and standards. Establishing mechanisms for information sharing, joint research, and coordinated efforts would address the global nature of the space debris problem.
  4. Research And Innovation: Investing in research and development of advanced technologies and materials would help mitigate the risks of space debris. This includes improved shielding technologies for spacecraft, better tracking and monitoring systems, and innovative propulsion methods for satellite deorbiting.
  5. Public Awareness And Education: Raising public awareness about the challenges posed by space debris and the importance of responsible space operations would help to educate the public, policymakers, and future space professionals about the potential consequences of space debris.
  6. Active Debris Removal (ADR): Developing and deploy technologies for actively removing larger debris objects from orbit, such as capturing and deorbiting defunct satellites could significantly reduce the risks posed by existing large debris items.

 

Figure 3: ADR Concept ClearSpace 1

However, the most effective leverage could be applied through the insurance sector.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development points out that: “While not strictly a debris mitigation measure, in-orbit insurance, in particular third-party liability insurance could play an important in shaping operator behaviour and contribute to covering remediation costs”[10].

Despite this, it is estimated that currently only six percent of satellites in low-Earth orbit have in-orbit insurance. A recent paper, published at the International Astronautical Congress in Baku [11], proposed the of performance bonds and P&I mutuals to reduce premiums by spreading exposure.

Performance bonds could be offered for satellite retirement and anti-collision insurance- these are financial instruments that guarantee the funding required for the safe deorbiting or retirement of satellites at the end of their operational life if the satellite does not safely deorbit or retire according to plan.

A requirement to obtain such a bond before getting permission to launch would ensure that satellite operators retire their satellites in a responsible manner and adhere to established guidelines for sustainable space operations.

Fundamentally anti-collision insurance coverage should be mandated by the regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the space sector in each jurisdiction. This would be taken by satellite operators, space agencies, and commercial space ventures. This insurance would protect against financial losses resulting from collisions with space debris or other operational satellites.

 

Progress

Financial district known as the City of London is the global centre for insurance and reinsurance, and as such it has a particular interest in addressing the issue of space debris, which is why the 695th Lord Mayor, Professor Michael Mainelli, launched the Lord Mayor’s Space Protection Initiative, with the assistance of Z/Yen the City’s leading think tank, at the International Astronautical Congress in Azerbaijan [12].

Momentum grew rapidly, with an “Invitation to treat” letter from Lloyd’s reinsurance offering up to US$500m per operator backed by six global underwriters. The issue was discussed by the world economic forum at Davos and in June 2024 Professor Manahel Thabet launched the Commonwealth Space Collaboration Initiative “CommonSpace Making Space Work For All ”[13].

This was followed by a World Economic Forum workshop at Mansion House, on Financial Space Debris Mechanisms [14] which fed into the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), in Samoa and from their it went on to the United Nations General Assembly.

Although the wheels of the international diplomacy grind slowly, it is highly likely that within the next few years international treaties will be amended to address the growing issue of space debris.

Meanwhile the UK, in accordance with the National Space Strategy, is ramping up its efforts

in space sustainability. This includes two Active Debris Removal Phase B mission studies which will help the UK Space Agency to take forward a demonstration of the nation’s capability to rendezvous, dock with, and deorbit two defunct UK satellites in 2026 .

 

Conclusions

The current situation with respect to space debris and orbital crowding in LEO is “the tragedy of the commons” writ large. Without international cooperation and effective regulation, underpinned by effective insurance products, the possibility of a Kessler Syndrome event occurring within the next decade increases in probability – and the more debris there is in orbit, the higher the insurance premiums and the lower investors’ appetite. To quote one senior practitioner involved in the sector- “Why throw billions into orbit if it has a high risk of getting shredded?”

Action is required to protect space, and the insurance industry and the nascent In-Orbit Servicing industry stand ready to facilitate that action. That action could come in the form of a Debris Attribution/Tracking index, international agreement to leverage insurance for liability and removal of debris for satellite operators. That action will preserve the benefits of space for society today and put it on a sustainable footing for the future.

The satellite insurance market presents unique challenges for insurers, especially with potential high risk of exposure for individual incidents. It is time that operators, insurers, and government come together to consider alternative possibilities to provide effective coverage against the risks inherent in satellite operations, while taking the opportunity to promote best practices across the satellite industry.

We are looking forward to discussing these issues at our specialist panel at the inaugural Farnborough International Space Show (FISS), which will be taking place on 19 & 20 March 2025 at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, United Kingdom.

Register for free

 

Bibliography

[1] UNPOSA (retrieved 2023)

[2] UK Government 2024 The Future Space Environment

[3] Perkins R 2024 Space Insurance Rates Rocket as major losses and capacity contraction hit

[4] European Space Agency, (retrieved 2023)

[5] European Space Agency (accessed 2023)

[6] NASA (retrieved 2023)

[7] ESA (accessed 01 25)  The Kessler Effect and how to stop it

[8] FCC 2023 FCC Takes First Space Debris Enforcement Action

[9] Henry C 2023 FCC punts controversial space debris rules for extra study, Space News

[10] OECD 2020 Space Sustainability: The Economics Of Space Debris In Perspective, page 35

[11] Mainelli M et al 2023 In-orbit servicing and insurance markets: a symbiotic approach International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2023), Baku

[12] Mainelli M et al 2023 In-orbit servicing and insurance markets: a symbiotic approach

[13] The Commonwealth 2024 CommonSpace Making Space Work for All

[14] WEF 2024 Financial Space Debris Mechanisms Workshop

Farnborough has long been synonymous with the pioneering spirit of the aerospace industry, a reputation built over more than a century of groundbreaking technological advancements and aerospace research. Throughout the years, Farnborough has served as a hub for space innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace, from early aviation developments to cutting-edge space technologies.

As a leading organiser of aerospace events, we are proud to celebrate our rich heritage and its enduring influence on the events we bring to life today. Take a look at some of the remarkable space innovations from Farnborough’s past and explore the ongoing legacy of collaboration and discovery that is at the very heart of our events and the global aerospace industry.

 

How Carbon Fibre Revolutionised Aerospace and Space Technology

In 1963, the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE), a renowned British research organisation based at Farnborough Airfield, made a groundbreaking discovery that would forever change the aerospace industry: the vast potential of carbon fibre. This advanced material was soon recognised as a game-changer in the world of aerospace. With its combination of high strength, low weight and resistance to temperature it was an ideal fit for the rigorous demands of aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing.

Carbon fibre quickly proved indispensable for the development of rockets, satellites and launch systems, where every kilogram saved in weight translates to increased efficiency and reduced costs. The material’s unique properties allow for enhanced durability in the extreme environments of space, making it a critical component in the construction of spacecraft. Today, carbon fibre remains foundational to aerospace engineering, a testament to the visionary work conducted at Farnborough.

 

Rocketry Development in Farnborough

The Black Knight rocket was the UK’s first test vehicle for ballistic missile research, developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was designed by the RAE in Farnborough, with the goal of conducting re-entry experiments and studying atmospheric conditions. Whilst originally tested to support the British nuclear missile program, the series of successful launches provided valuable data on re-entry dynamics and paved the way for British expertise in rocket technology. Ultimately, the work conducted at Farnborough laid the groundwork for future British space endeavours, including the later Black Arrow program, which would go on to make the UK the sixth country in the world to launch a satellite into orbit in 1971.

Similarly, the Skylark Rocket was developed in the late 1950s by RAE to carry scientific payloads into the upper atmosphere and near-space for astronomical and environmental research. The primary mission of Skylark rockets was to gather data on solar and cosmic radiation, magnetic fields and atmospheric conditions, providing a better understanding of the Earth’s upper atmosphere and space environment.

 

From Farnborough to the Moon: Pioneering Space Suits

In 1937, Flight Lieutenant M.J. Adams of the Royal Air Force (RAF) set a new world record by reaching an altitude of 53,937 feet while piloting a Bristol 138A experimental aircraft from Farnborough Airfield. This period was marked by fierce competition, where significant publicity and support could be earned by achieving such feats. The record-setting flight, along with earlier attempts, underscored various challenges associated with high-altitude flight, including aircraft structural failures and the risk of pilots suffering from oxygen deprivation.

During the 1937 flight, a crack tore through the aircraft’s canopy, and it is believed that Flight Lieutenant Adams survived due to the advancements made in his pressure suit and helmet. Today, it is widely recognised that the research conducted from these test flights played a crucial role in advancing the development of pressurised flight and space suits.

Research at Farnborough continued throughout the following decades, with a significant boost coming from the work carried out at the Farnborough Centrifuge, which became operational in 1955. Scientists and test pilots focused on studying the effects of G-force on pilots, with the ultimate goal of developing a suit that could address and overcome these limitations.

By the 1960s, the RAE had attracted the attention of NASA who requested a demonstration of their water-coolant suits. The subsequent High-Altitude Flight & Spacesuit Programme which took place at Farnborough in collaboration with NASA, the US Airforce and Navy, pioneered the design of space suits to protect astronauts from the various challenges of space travel. The effectiveness of the suits led to NASA utilising a similar liquid-cooling system for the suits during the Apollo Missions.

 

Space Innovation: A Legacy of Astronaut Training

As mentioned, the Farnborough Centrifuge proved to be a critical asset for the UK Space and Defence industry, serving as both a testing ground for aerospace machinery and a facility for training pilots and astronauts. A centrifuge allows candidates to experience the intense G-force and motion they would face in high-speed flight or space travel, making it an essential tool in preparing them for the physical and mental challenges of their missions.

One of Farnborough’s most notable trainees was Helen Sharman, the first Briton in space. In 1989, Helen joined a cohort of 16 hopefuls at the centrifuge, operated by the Institution of Aviation Medicine. Following the intense assessments, Helen emerged as one of four finalists, advancing to the next stage of training. From Farnborough, she continued her preparation in Russia, where she completed specialised cosmonaut training and ultimately earned her place on the historic mission to the Mir Space Station. In 1991, Helen Sharman made history, not only as the first Briton in space but also as an example of the critical role Farnborough played in astronaut training and the UK’s contributions to space exploration.

 

Farnborough: The Home of the World’s Best Airshow and Leading Aerospace Events

Farnborough continues to act as a convening power for the aerospace industry, propelling the sector forward to new heights and milestones. Space plays a crucial part at the world-leading Farnborough International Airshow (FIA), as one of the show’s key themes and a driving force behind one of the most popular show features: The Space Zone.

We’ve welcomed many astronauts to Farnborough over the years including Tim Peake CMG, NASA Astronaut Charles Duke (Apollo 16), ESA Astronaut Matthias Maurer and ESA Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti via a live link to the International Space Station. At FIA2024, we welcomed the latest class of ESA Astronauts including Rosemary Coogan and Meganne Christian.

 

What’s Next: The Launch of Farnborough International Space Show

Farnborough’s next venture into the space sector will be the highly anticipated launch of Farnborough International Space Show (FISS), taking place on 19-20 March 2025. As the UK’s largest international space event, dedicated to pioneering the commercial space age and advancing space domain defence, Farnborough is destined to once again become the epicentre of aerospace business.

The Space Show is also co-located with the 40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE), a world-renowned conference to share crucial, emerging knowledge in pursuit of protecting the planet and its people.

The co-location of these two pivotal events offers the global space industry a unique and unparalleled opportunity to collaborate and drive the next milestones in space exploration and technology. Farnborough, with its rich history of innovation and leadership in aerospace, has long been at the centre of groundbreaking advancements. This convergence of influential events reinforces the region’s ongoing legacy as a focal point for the global aerospace community, facilitating discussions and partnerships that will shape the future of the space innovation throughout the industry.

Learn more: https://farnboroughspaceshow.com/

The UK will host the 40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE-40) at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, Hampshire, from 17 to 21 March 2025. ISRSE-40 will run alongside the inaugural Farnborough International Space Show, an event which will pioneer the commercial space age.

Convened biennially since 1962, the Symposium is a global summit for world-renowned experts to share crucial, emerging knowledge in pursuit of protecting the planet and its people from harm.

The Symposium will host multiple international agencies including NASA and ESA, leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners all dedicated to the advancement of remote sensing technologies and the data analysis pivotal to Earth observation capabilities and space applications.

Titled ‘Synergy in Sight: Harnessing Earth Observation for Sustainable Development’, the symposium will emphasise the integration of scientific and technological disciplines through Earth observation to promote sustainability, as well as nurturing the next generation of space professionals in the sector.

Organised by the International Committee for Remote Sensing of Environment (ICORSE), the biennial symposium will run alongside the Farnborough International Space Show 2025 thereby uniting key constituents of the international space community. Collaboration will foster innovation across the fields of remote sensing, Earth observation, and the wider international space ecosystem to drive sector advancements and accelerate new technologies.

A partnership between a consortium of UK-based organisations, including Farnborough International, National Centre for Earth Observation and Space South Central, and ICORSE, the event will foster international collaboration, drive innovation, and address key global challenges including climate change, resource management, and disaster response. Figures from ADS Group indicate significant growth to the UK space industry which directly employs 48,800 people, delivering high value jobs for a highly skilled workforce, and supports 2,300 apprentices across the sector. Turnover growth continues to increase year on year, reaching £17.5 billion in 2022 and adding £7 billion to the UK economy, with space exports valued £5.9 billion to the UK in 2022.

Discussing the announcement, John Latham, President, International Centre for remote Sensing of the Environment, said: “Hosting ISRSE40 offers a pivotal moment for the UK to affirm its leadership in the global space community, driving forward our commitments to innovation, education, and sustainable development. We are poised to deliver a conference that not only addresses today’s challenges but also inspires solutions for the future.”

Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “We are thrilled to be the host venue of this monumental event, alongside the launch of the Farnborough International Space Show. For decades, the UK, and Farnborough in particular, has been a catalyst for pioneering new technologies and forging powerful relationships, so to convene the global space industry on our historic site is an invaluable opportunity to cement the UK’s position at the forefront of the international space market for academia, manufacturing and innovation.”

Steve Volz, from NOAA Federal, added: “NOAA is very impressed with the breadth and depth of the UK proposal to host ISRSE-40 alongside the Farnborough International Space Show next March.

“There is increasing demand across all scales of decision making for critical Earth observations and remote sensing information to help us understand our changing climate, manage our natural resources, and prepare and respond to natural hazards. At the same time, the rapid pace of technological advancement and a growing commercial space sector are changing the way we collect and exploit earth observations. ISRSE-40 will bring together the scientists, applied users, and space industry to advance innovation through enhanced collaboration, helping us all take action for people, the planet and prosperity. NOAA receives important contributions from all of these participants.”

The Farnborough International Space Show is the UK’s largest international event pioneering the commercial space age and advancing space domain defence. The inaugural annual exhibition and conference is a catalyst for the future of international space innovation, connecting the space ecosystem across industry, defence, government and academia on a global scale.

Register your interest in ISRSE-40 here

SPACE LAUNCHES 2025

2025 is set to be a landmark year in humanity’s journey beyond Earth, with significant missions and groundbreaking projects planned by space agencies and private companies worldwide. So get ready for an exciting year in space exploration with our lineup of groundbreaking space launches in 2025 to keep on your radar.

1. NASA’s Artemis II Mission

One of the most eagerly awaited events of 2025 is NASA’s Artemis II mission. In this highly anticipated return to the Moon, Artemis II will see four astronauts venture on a 10-day journey to test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, a crucial step towards NASA’s planned lunar landing with Artemis III in 2026. Boeing successfully delivered the largest component of the SLS rocket designated for Artemis II in July 2024.

NASA’s Artemis Program has been subject to delays, with both Artemis II and III missions being postponed by nearly a year, but we remain hopeful that we’ll witness a successful and pioneering step for NASA in 2025.

2. SpaceX’s Starship Missions

Elon Musk’s SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space travel with its Starship spacecraft. In 2025, SpaceX plans to conduct several Starship missions, including an uncrewed cargo mission to Mars. This mission aims to demonstrate the capability of the Starship system for interplanetary travel and lay the groundwork for future manned missions to the Red Planet. Additionally, SpaceX is working on lunar missions as part of NASA’s Artemis program, and 2025 could see significant milestones in this partnership.

3. China’s Lunar and Mars Missions

China’s space agency, CNSA, has ambitious plans for 2025 which will have a huge impact on their long-term missions to the Moon and Mars. 2025 is likely to see the debut of China’s reusable rockets, regarded as key to China’s plans for crewed missions to the Moon by 2030. Tianwen-2, currently planned to launch in May 2025 for a 10-year mission, will closely observe a comet whilst in orbit before landing on an asteroid and collecting samples. The Tianwen missions, also known as the Planetary Exploration of China, is an ongoing program to explore the planets of the Solar System, culminating in a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s.

Additionally, China is making strides in its Lunar Exploration Program, often referred to as the Chang-e Project. The CNSA is working towards its Chang’e 7 launch in 2026, which aims to explore the lunar South Pole, focusing on surface and subsurface investigations.

4. India’s Gaganyaan Missions

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to make history in 2025 with its bold Gaganyaan missions. Commencing in December 2024, the ISRO has planned three uncrewed test flights, a program to develop the technology required to hopefully launch India’s first manned spaceflight. Planned for late 2025, the Gananyaan-4 mission will send Indian astronauts, known as vyomanauts, into low Earth orbit for the first time.

This mission marks a significant milestone for India’s space program, demonstrating its capability to conduct human spaceflight and paving the way for future interplanetary missions. With a relatively small time-frame to conduct three uncrewed flights and one manned mission, the world’s space industry and the public’s eyes will be fixed on India space endeavours in 2025.

5. Blue Origin’s Orbital Reef

Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is working on an ambitious project called Orbital Reef, a commercial space station intended to be a mixed-use business park in space. Orbital Reef aims to provide a versatile and sustainable environment for commercial, research, and tourism activities in low Earth orbit, coinciding with the retirement of the International Space Station at the end of this decade. With the station set to be operational by 2027, we would expect to see significant progress and key module launches in 2025, however news on the project has been rather quiet in 2024.

Perhaps, Blue Origin is more likely to make headlines with it’s MK1 Lunar Lander, a pathfinder mission scheduled for a 2025 launch. The success of this mission could have a bearing on their inclusion in later Artemis missions, with their MK2 varient set to carry Astronauts for Artemis V.

6. Rocket Lab’s Venus Life Finder Mission

Rocket Lab, a small satellite launch company, is venturing into interplanetary missions with its planned uncrewed Venus mission scheduled for a 2025 launch. This first, private Venus mission aims to send a small probe to study Venus’ atmosphere and search for signs of life, specifically in the planet’s upper cloud layers where conditions might be more hospitable. With an original launch window of May 2023, we now expect Rocket Lab’s Venus Mission to join the list of space launches 2025.

These missions reflect the growing collaboration between international space agencies and private companies, each contributing unique capabilities and innovations to the collective endeavour of space exploration.

 

2026 and Beyond?

It’s likely that some of these scheduled space launches in 2025 will be delayed, here are a few that have already missed out on a 2025 date.

NASA’s Artemis III Mission

NASA’s Artemis III Mission was originally on our Space Launches 2025 watch list, but is now scheduled for launch in September 2026 at the earliest. This mission aims to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972. Artemis III will see astronauts land near the lunar South Pole, an area believed to contain water ice, which could be crucial for future long-term lunar missions. The mission will not only focus on scientific research but also on testing technologies that will be vital for future Mars missions. We eagerly await further news about this highly exciting space mission.

ESA’s ExoMars Rover Launch

The European Space Agency (ESA) was set to launch the ExoMars Rover, named Rosalind Franklin, in 2025. This mission aims to search for signs of past life on Mars and understand the history of water on the planet. The rover is equipped with a drill capable of reaching two meters below the Martian surface, where biosignatures from the planet’s ancient past might be preserved. The mission has been hampered by numerous delays, namely the cease of cooperation between ESA and Russian Roscosmos State Corporation in 2022. NASA is now supporting in the procurement of a US launch vehicle, with the mission launch date pushed back to 2028.

 

Are you interested in discussing space launches with the global space community? Join us at the Farnborough International Space Show, taking place 19-20 March 2025 in Hampshire, UK.

The space industry is experiencing an unprecedented transformation, fuelled by rapid advancements in technology, strategic collaborations, and increasing investments.

As we head towards 2025, the Farnborough International Space Show team is exploring the key trends defining the commercial and defence sectors of the space ecosystem and the impacts they will have on shaping the future.

Proliferation of Small Satellites

Small satellites, also known as ‘smallsats’, are revolutionising the space industry. These relatively new pieces of technology, often weighing less than 500 kg, offer cost-effective and flexible solutions for a variety of applications, from Earth observation to telecommunications. In 2025, we are anticipating the deployment of smallsats to increase due to their lower launch costs and the ability to deploy constellations that provide global coverage for both civil and military applications.

Larger satellites are expected to account for ‘only 7% of the total number of satellites. This reflects the diversity of use cases, orbits, performance needs, mass, and form factors.’

Key Impacts:

Commercial Space Tourism

Space tourism is no longer a distant dream. Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are pioneering efforts to make space travel accessible to private citizens. In 2025, we will witness regular suborbital and orbital flights carrying tourists, marking the beginning of a new era in commercial space travel.

Key Impacts:

Read more about Polaris Dawn, the first commercial spacewalk that took place in September 2024.

Space-Based Manufacturing and Resource Utilisation

The concept of manufacturing in space is gaining traction. Microgravity conditions allow for the creation of materials and products that are difficult or impossible to produce directly on Earth. Additionally, the extraction of resources from celestial bodies like asteroids and the Moon is becoming a viable industry.

Key Impacts:

Defending A New Domain & Public-Private Collaboration

As we have seen over the last few years, the defence sector is placing a greater emphasis on space as a strategic domain. Nations are developing capabilities to protect their assets and interests in space, leading to the establishment of space forces and the enhancement of satellite defence mechanisms. This has led to more collaboration between private companies and government agencies and is proving to be a powerful driver of innovation. We expect this to be the main objective of industry leaders in 2025. These partnerships are enabling ambitious projects, such as the development of next-generation launch systems and deep space exploration missions.

Key Impacts:

AI and Automation in Space Missions

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are becoming integral to space missions, from satellite operations to interplanetary exploration. The use of autonomous spacecraft and AI-driven data analysis will be accelerated in 2025, enhancing mission efficiency and reducing the need for human intervention.

Key Impacts:

Expansion of Lunar and Martian Exploration

Lunar and Martian exploration efforts are intensifying. NASA’s Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, while private companies and international partners are also focusing on lunar missions. Mars continues to be a target for future human exploration, with ongoing robotic missions paving the way into next year.

Key Impacts:

Sustainability and Space Debris Mitigation

As space activities increase, so does the concern over space debris. Efforts to mitigate space junk and promote sustainable practices are becoming critical. Technologies for debris removal and satellite end-of-life management are being developed and implemented.

Key Impacts:

The space industry in 2025 will be characterised by rapid advancements and expanding horizons. From the proliferation of small satellites to the international collaboration between the public and private sectors, each trend is contributing to a more interconnected and ambitious space landscape.

As the industry and its sectors continue to evolve, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, in addition to regulated sustainable and safe practices will be key to shaping the future of space exploration and global utilisation.

Are you interested in pioneering the commercial space sector and advancing space domain defence? Join the global space community at the Farnborough International Space Show (FISS), taking place 19-20 March 2025 in Hampshire, UK. Find out more about exhibiting today and stay turned for news very soon about attending FISS!