It has been a momentous year for space and defense, as nations around the world ramp up investments in space capabilities for defense. Nowhere is this more apparent than Germany, which plans to invest 35 billion euro ($41 billion) in space defense capabilities by 2030. We’re seeing similar investments from NATO, Poland, the U.K. and others. This means the conversations will take on an extra edge at GovMilSpace next year.

I recently attended both DSEI and World Space Business Week (WSBW) where I saw this pivot to defense in real time. Earth Observation companies like Spire and BlackSky spoke about how the defense market offers more opportunity now than the commercial market. Certainly, when you look at the dealflow from the likes of Iceye in recent months, the trend is undeniable.

I was struck by something that Royal Air Force Air Marshal Paul Godfrey, who is serving as assistant chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnership, with the U.S. Space Force, said at DSEI. He talked of how space, cyber and electro-magnetic (EM) interference had created an “invisible front line” where it is difficult to attribute potential adversary action. The implication here is that space is becoming more contested and adversary actions are more in the shadows, creating new challenges for governments to solve.

Our team launched GovMilSpace to facilitate and bring together commercial companies with government stakeholders. With the likelihood of more major spending initiatives to announced before SATShow, these conversations are likely to be elevated still further in March.

Thanks to CyberSat and GovMilSpace, there are forums now where important conversations can take place between industry and governments. Space secure remains a top priority. As global geopolitics grow more fragile, space security remains a top priority—and leadership in space has never been more critical.

To be apart of the important conversations, register for SATShow here. 

SATShow offers valuable content throughout the week, with sessions each day worth your attention. Here are two sessions especially relevant for leaders focused on defense and security.

AI-Enabled Cyber Defense for End-to-End Space Systems

The cybersecurity landscape for space systems is evolving rapidly, with threats now spanning the entire lifecycle of a mission. Artificial Intelligence… Read More

Brenden Swanik
Revenue Operations Manager, Voyager Technologies
Founder & Host, Chasing Space Podcast

Brenden Swanik is a Washington, D.C. local with a deep passion for the space industry. He is the Revenue Operations Manager at Voyager Technologies and the Founder & Host of the Chasing Space podcast - and was named a Via Satellite Rising Star in 2025.

At Voyager, Brenden directly supports… Read More

Interested in creating and leading the content of your choice, featuring the presenter(s) of your choice at SATELLITE 2026?

With a sponsored hour-long breakout session or a Partner Session, you can:

• Integrate your content directly into the SATELLITE conference program
• Educate attendees about a new product or service offering
• Conduct a technology demonstration
• Host your own… Read More

LONDON — The advance of space and cyber technologies is creating “an invisible front line” in the warfighting domain. Royal Air Force Air Marshal Paul Godfrey, who is serving as assistant chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnership, with the U.S. Space Force (USSF) said during the Space Forum at DSEI UK on Wednesday. Space, cyber and… Read More

Can New Space Firms Plug Europe’s Gap in Defense Tech?

Europe is racing to fill a gap in defense and space capabilities. Space startups have seen a spike in demand and say they are ready to fill the gap, while calling for Europe to rethink its procurement mechanisms and preference for traditional primes.

PARIS — Global satellite operators continue to see growing demand for satcom from global governments, top CEOs told the opening day of World Space Business Week attendees on Monday.