Budget, Policy & Regulation

The space industry is governed by a complex web of space policies and regulations that shape its trajectory. Governments allocate substantial space budgets to fund ambitious space exploration missions, satellite programs, and cutting-edge research initiatives. These space funding mechanisms are critical drivers of innovation and technological advancements in the sector. Space laws and international treaties provide a legal framework for conducting activities in that domain responsibly and sustainably. These space regulations cover areas such as orbital debris mitigation, peaceful use of outer space, and equitable access to space resources. These space governance efforts are aimed at fostering a safe, secure, and collaborative space environment.

News & Analysis

Jan 20, 2026
Australia has led a $141 million funding round for Gilmour Space Technologies aimed at working on the Eris rocket and expanding production capacity.
Jan 20, 2026
Editors are joined by Russ Matijevich, space industry veteran and a judge in the Space Tech Challenge Awards. Nominations are now open—could your solution be a winner?
Jan 19, 2026
The CEO of Isar Aerospace says a strong appetite for launch means the company is sold out through 2028 with more than $10 billion in its business pipeline.
Jan 19, 2026
Ukraine and Iceye have signed an agreement to expand the embattled country’s access to high-resolution SAR satellite imagery on an expedited basis.
Jan 16, 2026
Isar Aerospace has set Jan. 21 as the “not before” launch date for its Spectrum rocket as the German startup also aims to reach orbit as part of the effort to recover from last year’s failed test mission.
Jan 15, 2026
Mitsubishi Corp. has increased its investment in the Starlab Space commercial space station joint venture.
Jan 15, 2026
NASA head Isaacman met with SpaceX and Blue Origin officials to get a better sense of how to speed up the timelines around efforts to return to the Moon.
Jan 14, 2026
SkyFi, a space startup that specializes in satellite imagery and analytics, raised $12.7 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round.