France has opened the country's first space base in Toulouse for military operations in space

France has taken a historic step in developing its space capabilities by opening the country's first BA 101 space airbase in Toulouse. This base has become an important element of the expansion of the Commandement de l'Espace (CDE) program, the space operations command responsible for French military operations and the protection of national interests in space.

The significance of the opening of the BA 101 space base

- Military strategic development: The creation of a separate space base reflects the growing importance of outer space as a new theater of military operations, where France is seeking to strengthen its position.

- Support for the CDE program: The base will become a center for the management and coordination of space operations, including satellite monitoring, protection of space assets and countering threats from outer space.

- Technological leadership: Toulouse, as the center of the French aerospace industry, provides access to advanced technologies and qualified specialists.

The role of space operations in modern defense

- Protection of national satellites: Ensuring the safety of communications, navigation and reconnaissance satellites is becoming a priority for national security.

- Intelligence and surveillance: Space assets allow you to obtain important information about potential threats and respond promptly to them.

- Support for land and sea operations: Space infrastructure enhances the ability to coordinate and manage military operations in other theaters.

Prospects for the development of French space defense

- Infrastructure expansion: It is planned to further develop the base and create additional facilities to support growing tasks.

-International cooperation: France intends to strengthen cooperation with its NATO and European Union allies in the field of space security.

- Innovation and training: Special attention is paid to the development of new technologies and the training of specialists to work in outer space.

The opening of the BA 101 space base in Toulouse marks a new stage in the development of France's defense capabilities, underscoring the importance of space as a strategic area in modern security.

The United States creates the first fuel storage in space: a revolution in the satellite industry

 

The space race is entering a new phase. The United States is launching an ambitious project to create the world's first orbital refueling station, which could fundamentally change the rules of the game for the satellite industry and national security. Astroscale US, a company specializing in servicing orbital objects, has announced its readiness to carry out a historic mission in the summer of 2026.

This project is funded by the US Department of Defense, which underlines its strategic importance. As part of the operation, the 660-pound (about 300 kg) spacecraft will not only refuel satellites directly in orbit, but also test refueling technology using intermediate storage. This will solve one of the key problems of modern space exploration — the limited life of satellites due to lack of fuel.

"If you run out of fuel, your life will end," is how Astroscale representatives figuratively describe the importance of the new project. The technology involves the use of hydrazine, one of the most common fuels in the space industry. The first mission will be a pilot phase, where the refueling facilities are still kept secret by the US Space Force.

Why is this important?

1. Satellite Expansion: Satellites will be able to work longer without needing to be replaced.

2. Cost reduction: Launching new vehicles is more expensive than maintaining them in orbit.

3. Safety in orbit: The project will help to prevent collisions of failed satellites with existing vehicles.

4. Strategic Advantage: The United States will receive an advanced solution to protect its assets in space.

Astroscale has already established itself as a leader in space services. Its technologies can become the basis for future commercial projects, such as the creation of satellite gas station networks for private companies and government organizations.

The 2026 mission is just the beginning. The success of this project can open up new horizons for space exploration, making it more accessible and safer for humanity.

Space collisions and deterrence in space

 The same goes for most other collisions. Satellites don't disappear from the battlefield like a downed plane or a sunken ship. They continue to be in orbit, either as an abandoned wreck that may contain explosive elements such as batteries or fuel tanks, or as a cloud of debris. In any case, they can lead to a cascading effect of unintended collisions that will cause much more damage than the attacker ever imagined.

It is for this reason that Space Forces, along with other Western military forces, prefer to focus more on deterrence and mitigation. In other words, make an attack in space as unattractive as possible by repelling an attack before it occurs, reducing hostile effects, or restoring communication or intelligence capabilities quickly enough to deprive the enemy of even a temporary advantage.

The UK strengthens its space ambitions: Tyche and the strategy of independent launches

 

The UK government is actively developing its own space infrastructure in an effort to reduce dependence on external partners in launching satellites. Special attention is being paid to the Space Command program, the key element of which was the first military satellite, Tyche, which was successfully launched into orbit in August 2024.  

Capable of day-to-day imaging of the Earth's surface and recording video, Tyche is designed to support military operations, intelligence, and monitoring. Its launch was part of a large-scale strategy to strengthen national security and technological sovereignty.  

The UK is also focusing on building infrastructure for launching small satellites. The goal is to take a leading position in Europe in affordable and fast space missions. Earlier, in 2021, the Space Command center opened at the High Wycombe Air Force Base, coordinating efforts in this area.  

Investments in space technologies are aimed not only at defense, but also at commercial projects, including telecommunications and climate monitoring. This allows the country to strengthen its status as a technology hub and attract international partners.