SatNews and SpaceNews have announced a collaboration to introduce a new EU Space Defence Track at the SmallSat Europe 2026 conference. The event is scheduled to take place from May 26th to May 28th in Amsterdam and will focus on the increasing role of space systems in European security and military operations.
This initiative aims to bring together key figures from government, military, and the commercial space industry to discuss critical challenges and opportunities in European space defense. The partnership leverages SatNews's event management experience and SpaceNews's editorial expertise in the sector.
Key Takeaways
- SatNews and SpaceNews are partnering to launch the EU Space Defence Track at SmallSat Europe 2026.
- The event will be held in Amsterdam from May 26-28, 2026.
- The new track will focus on the role of satellites and space systems in European defense strategy.
- Topics will include lessons from recent conflicts, commercial integration, and resilient space architectures.
A Strategic Partnership for European Space Defence
The collaboration between SatNews and SpaceNews marks a significant development for the European space industry. SatNews is known for organizing major industry events, including Silicon Valley Space Week and the SmallSat Symposium. SpaceNews provides specialized news and analysis on the global space sector.
Together, their events have consistently attracted a large audience, with previous European exhibitions welcoming over 3,500 attendees annually. This established platform is expected to provide a strong foundation for the new defense-focused track.
The partnership combines SatNews's logistical and publication capabilities with the in-depth industry knowledge of SpaceNews's editorial team. The goal is to create a focused forum for high-level discussions on the most pressing issues facing European space security.
Why SmallSats Matter for Defence
Small satellites, or SmallSats, have become increasingly important for military and intelligence applications. Their lower cost, rapid development timelines, and ability to be deployed in large constellations offer enhanced resilience and coverage compared to traditional, larger satellites. They are crucial for communications, Earth observation, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
Introducing the EU Space Defence Track
The introduction of the EU Space Defence Track is a direct response to the evolving geopolitical landscape and the recognized importance of space as a critical operational domain. The track will serve as a central feature of the SmallSat Europe 2026 conference.
Its primary objective is to foster dialogue between commercial space innovators, established defense contractors, and government and military end-users. This interaction is seen as essential for developing effective and modern space capabilities for Europe.
Discussions will explore how commercial technologies can be integrated into military systems, how to build more resilient space infrastructure, and how to align national and multinational defense strategies within both the European Union and NATO frameworks.
Key Topics on the Agenda
The agenda for the EU Space Defence Track covers a wide range of strategic, technical, and financial topics. The sessions are designed to address the entire lifecycle of space defense capabilities, from innovation and procurement to operational deployment.
Lessons from Modern Conflicts
A significant portion of the discussion will analyze recent global events, particularly the conflict in Ukraine. Experts will examine how commercial satellite services have been used for intelligence and communication, highlighting lessons for rapid procurement and the integration of commercial assets into military operations. The importance of effective coalition operations in a space-enabled environment will also be a key theme.
The use of commercial satellite imagery and communications in the Ukraine conflict has fundamentally shifted military thinking about the role of the private sector in national security, demonstrating the value of dual-use technologies.
Building Resilient Space Capabilities
Ensuring that space assets can operate effectively in contested environments is a top priority. The track will feature discussions on several key areas:
- Protected Communications: Developing satellite communication systems that are resistant to jamming and cyberattacks.
- Resilient Architectures: Designing satellite constellations that can withstand the loss of individual satellites without a critical failure of the network.
- Secure Access to Space: Examining the future of European launch capabilities to ensure sovereign and reliable access to orbit for defense and security payloads.
These topics reflect a growing awareness that space is no longer a benign environment and that future systems must be designed with survivability in mind.
Integrating Commercial and Dual-Use Technology
The rapid pace of innovation in the commercial space sector offers significant opportunities for defense agencies. The conference will explore how to best leverage these advancements. Sessions will focus on nurturing startups and promoting dual-use innovation, where technology can serve both commercial and military purposes.
Furthermore, discussions will cover the military advantages of using commercial imagery, advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze the vast amounts of data collected from space.
The Future of European Space Strategy
A central challenge for European nations is aligning ambitious space defense goals with available budgets. The EU Space Defence Track will provide a forum for frank conversations about the future of EU and NATO space defense strategy.
Policymakers, military leaders, and industry executives will debate how to prioritize investments and foster greater collaboration among member states. The aim is to create a more cohesive and effective European approach to space security, ensuring that collective defense posture is robust and prepared for future challenges.
According to the event announcement, the track will facilitate a critical dialogue on how to translate strategic ambitions into tangible, funded programs that enhance the security of the continent.
