Main Events APRIL-JUNE 2023

April

• ESA signs contracts for two parallel concept studies for commercial-scale Space-Based Solar Power plants
• The Swiss Federal Council adopts 2023 Space Policy
• Slovenia publishes its Draft Space Strategy 2030
• Czech Republic signs the Artemis Accords
• JAXA and NASA sign a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on the MMX mission
• Indian Cabinet Committee on Security and the Central Government of India approves the Indian Space Policy 2023
• The fourth phase of China’s lunar exploration programme, including the Chang'e-6, Chang'e-7, and Chang'e-8 missions, is in progress

May

• EU IRIS² procurement enters the second phase for a concession contract to design, develop and operate the IRIS², the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite
• The European Commission adopts new Implementing Acts to advance the GOVSATCOM and IRIS² programmes
• The Council calls for a European approach on space traffic management
• The European Commission adopts the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), a proposal for a Regulation to support the European Union’s industry in ramping-up its production capacities in ammunition and missiles
• ESA signs four industrial contracts with ArianeGroup (FR), Avio (IT), Sener (ES) and The Exploration Company (FR) to study solutions for the preparation of the sector’s future, with a focus on European expendable and reusable launch systems
• 2nd ESA Security Conference takes place in Brussels
• Spain signs the Artemis Accords
• Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) and Japan sign Inter-Agency Agreement
• The French Ministry of Defence is to deploy a new generation military observation satellite
• The Italian Space Agency (ASI), CNES and the University of Bundeswehr in Munich (UniBW) sign a Memorandum of Understanding to promote and support the European Space-Tech programme “SpaceFounders” focused on supporting start-ups through high-level training, business coaching and investment networking
• Germany issues a new government strategy called “Quantum Technologies Action Concept”
• The UK and Japan sign a renewed science and technology deal
• US Department of State releases its first-ever Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy
• US expands SSA cooperation with the Philippines
• United States and Australia reach in-principle agreement on technology safeguards
• New Zealand announces the release of its National Space Policy
• New Zealand releases an Operational Policy for Active Debris Removal (ADR) and On-Orbit Servicing Missions
• Angola GGPEN presents Angosat-2 and opportunities for the country at Technology Fair
• Nigeria joins the Group on Earth Observations
• Zimbabwe’s 2023 Space Budget is approved, reflecting continued interest in space technologies
• Tanzania reveals plans to launch its first satellite
• Uganda and Russia sign Joint Declaration to Keep Space Weapons-Free
• China to launch communications relay satellite to the moon in early 2024
• Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency (NSSA) reviews its upcoming 2024-2028 national space strategy

June

• ESA announces the Zero Debris Charter Initiative
• EU Member States adopt Parliament’s negotiating position on the AI Act
• UK declares a £45m investment to boost research in quantum technology
• Sweden and Colombia sign a letter of intent regarding joint space activities
• Angola and Portugal sign Agreement to Foster Space Sector Cooperation
• Egypt to build a Global Monitoring Station for Tracking Satellites and Space Debris
• NIGCOMSAT and YahClick to enhance Broadband Connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Kenya and India decide to establish a bilateral collaboration in the field of space exploration
• Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) and the Botswana Institute of Geomatics sign MoU with the aim of advancing geomatics technology in Botswana
• UNOSAT and Rwanda Space Agency conclude a collaboration agreement in the field of geo-information technologies
• The Angolan government organises the ANGOTIC 2023 Conference, an International Forum on Information and Communication Technologies in Angola
• Ecuador and India sign the Artemis Accords
• Russia and Algeria sign agreement for Peaceful Space Cooperation