Policy

While the rest of Europe pours record funds into ESA and their own national research institutions, the UK seems to be taking a step in the other direction.

ESA is keeping its foot on the gas.

The dozens of tubes of Martian dust collected so far by the Perseverance rover are waiting for a ride that may never come. 

The year in space policy ended with a bang, with the confirmation of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. 

President Donald Trump laid out a clear vision—and timeline—for America’s next steps in space in an executive order signed Thursday afternoon. 

At long last, NASA has a head again. That someone will be Jared Isaacman—now that the Senate has confirmed the billionaire private astronaut and entrepreneur—for whom the second time was the charm. The Senate voted 67–30 in favor of the appointment.

Yesterday, four space industry and China experts appeared before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics testifying that if the US doesn’t step up, it risks ceding space superiority to China. That risk, according to witnesses, comes on all fronts—from the Moon and planetary science, to PNT systems and LEO security.

ESA plans to keep subscriptions for a new defense initiative open for the next year, which usually finalizes funding at the close of each three-year ministerial meeting.

“In that respect, my relationship is no different than that of NASA,” he said. 

ESA member states approved €22.07B in total contributions covering the next three years of ESA operations—up from €16.9B in 2022.

Defence Secretary Hegseth met with General Stephen Whiting last week to talk about how to fast-track the relocation of Space Command HQ from CO to AL.