Space News Digest 30 October 2026

This is SpaceEconomy's automated daily digest of the most interesting news related to our project. Published daily for your information and entertainment.

Friday 30 October 2026

1. Finnish Defence Forces to set up a space operations centre in Tikkakoski
The centre at Air Force headquarters will command defence space operations and develop space capabilities, starting in January with about 20 staff.
https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/puolustusvoimien-avaruusoperaatiokeskus-tikkakoskelle/9413946

2. US–Finland Technology Prosperity Deal includes space cooperation
Signed in Washington on 29 October, the MoU covers space security, Artemis lunar exploration, commercial space partnerships and high-latitude satellite coverage.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2026/10/memorandum-of-understanding-between-the-government-of-the-united-states-of-america-and-the-government-of-finland-regarding-the-technology-prosperity-deal/

3. Sweden prepares a new Space Act from July 2027
The Swedish National Space Agency would decide on permits and supervise operators, replacing the world's oldest space law still in force.
https://en.rymdstyrelsen.se/nyheter/2026/ny-lag-ska-rusta-sverige-for-framtidens-rymdverksamhet/

4. ESA signs three Norwegian contracts to keep ships and drones on course under GNSS jamming
Testnor, Norse Navigation and Rift Dynamics won NAVISP deals at Spaceport Norway in Oslo.
https://spaceandsky.com/esa-norway-navisp-contracts-resilient-satellite-navigation/

5. Both Starship stages static-fired ahead of Flight 15
Ship 42 completed a six-engine firing after Booster 22's 33-engine test, keeping a November launch on track, with catches of both stages planned.
https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-fires-up-starship-upper-stage-ahead-of-landmark-flight-15-test-launch-video

6. Argotec raises EUR 50M to scale small satellite manufacturing
The Italian builder aims to raise output from 52 to 80 satellites a year and says a larger round is already in progress.
https://payloadspace.com/argotec-raises-e50m-to-scale-small-sat-manufacturing/

Image: ESA