‘Everyone wants a spaceplane’: More countries eye on-orbit protection for satellites www.defenseone.com/defense-syst...

Thank you @kosmickris.bsky.social

How's the serenity!! 😅 But just one issue: the computer should be calling Data "Dahda"

How's the serenity!! 😅 But just one issue: the computer should be calling Data "Dahda"

Artemis II - are we excited? Artemis and the Moon: Part 5. Or: "Why are we going back to the moon anyway?"

Joining the chorus of commentaries about Artemis II as countdown continues. I'm actually only mildly excited. I'm more concerned about what comes next in this geopolitical competition. And to be clear: my bet is on China having the lead, and that not being all bad

open.substack.com/pub/spacecit...

Shutting Eyes Over Iran How satellites enable or disable what's possible

Since I always preach that space is just another domain in which geopolitics are playing out, this post is about the critical role that satellite connectivity plays in Iran. And how shutting off access can impact civilians more than it impacts military operations.
open.substack.com/pub/spacecit...

I have a joke about Cassandra that you wouldn't believe.

Palantir CEO Makes Shocking Confession on Disrupting Democratic Power They’re saying the quiet part out loud now.

"Palantir CEO Alex Karp says his AI technology will lessen the power of “highly educated, often female voters, who vote mostly Democrat” while increasing the power of working-class men."

Just saying it right out loud now.

newrepublic.com/post/207693/...

This is the Israeli mainstream, by the way x.com/IhabHassane/...

Chris Murphy: "I think it's likely the United States that carried out this attack on this school. I think it's unforgivable under any circumstances, but the fact this was one of our first targeting decisions speaks to the incompetence of our leadership at the Dept of Defense."

This is blatant perfidy and a war crime under Art.8(2)(b)(vii) of the Rome Statute of the #ICC and Art.37 of AP I to the Geneva Conventions which prohibits misuse of Red Crescent emblem and enemy uniforms that results in death or serious injury #Lebanon #IDF

The Outer Space Treaty is dead! (Long live the Outer Space Treaty!) A cry from an optimistic realist

Is space a lawless Wild West? Does the Outer Space Treaty needs replacing? We have to understand what the OST is and what it is not. And what international law is and is not. Either way, the OST is not dead, and this is why: open.substack.com/pub/spacecit...

Adelaide gets its bit of AUKUS On Sunday 15 February, Prime Minister Albanese and Defence Industry Minister Conroy, with South Australian Premier Malinauskas in tow, launched the new AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine construction sit...

The excellent (and very funny) Allan Behm in @thepointau.bsky.social today on how “the proverbial rainbow is certainly hitting the arse-end of Adelaide” as Aukus funds pour in - but to what end?

thepoint.com.au/opinions/260...

Great question. It's what Carney's govt has been doing already, but differs from what came before, in that it is explicitly unwilling to remain tethered to the US. More willing to diversify partnerships. It's a call for all middle powers to move together and independently of the US.

Free internet for the revolution! What should we make of SpaceX in Iran

Access to internet is critical for Iranians. Starlink has been a digital lifeline, but can Musk be trusted to keep it on? The revolution will not be televised (see Gil Scott Heron). But we can hope it remains visible (see my "Space Citizens" Substack)
open.substack.com/pub/spacecit...?

It's not a proposed alternative. It's a statement of how Canada will move forward in the face of reality. Variable geometry means going beyond US dependence, building partnerships with a range of countries on a range of issues. Don't need to be "like minded" on everything

So much in Carney's speech was bang on,especially this "We knew the story of the international rules-based order was partially false that the strongest would exempt themselves when convenient...that international law applied with varying rigour depending on the identity of the accused or the victim"

Space in the Asian Century (Which, by the way, we have already entered)

What is the Asian Century? Have we already entered it? Why is space (satellites, data, connectivity) so important for this new era? My last post for 2025 is an enthusiastic rant, complete with a video of my visit to the Philippines for a regional gathering. Enjoy! open.substack.com/pub/spacecit...

ICC strongly rejects new U.S. sanctions designations against two ICC Judges The International Criminal Court deplores the announcement of new designations for sanctions by the US administration against Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze (Georgia) and Judge Erdenebalsuren Damdin (Mongolia). These additional designations follow the earlier designation of nine elected officials of the Judiciary and the Office of the Prosecutor, drawn from all regional groups.These sanctions are a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution which operates pursuant to the mandate conferred by its States Parties from across regions. Such measures targeting judges and prosecutors who were elected by the States Parties undermine the rule of law. When judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is the international legal order itself that is placed at risk.As previously stated, the Court stands firmly behind its personnel and behind victims of unimaginable atrocities. It will continue to carry out its mandate with independence and impartiality, in full accordance with the Rome Statute and in the interest of victims of international crimes.The ICC values the consistent demonstrations of solidarity of States Parties, civil society and all those who support the rule of law and justice for the victims of international crimes. The Court will continue its work, with all partners, to ensure the effective and independent implementation of its mandate.For more information, please contact the ICC Public Affairs Unit: PublicAffairs.Unit@icc-cpi.int. You can also follow the Court’s activities on Twitter/X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Flickr

While waging a murderous campaign in the Caribbean and threatening a war of aggression against Venezuela, the United States has now sanctioned two additional ICC judges for performing their judicial functions in the Palestine situation.

Gangsterism across the board.

www.icc-cpi.int/news/icc-str...

Israel strikes hit southern, eastern Lebanon in latest truce violation The continued Israeli bombardment has drawn sharp criticism from the UN, which has recorded dozens of civilian deaths.

We should stop using the term “cease fire” for this situation.

www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12...

Really enjoyed this piece by Sam Kriss about how AI writes. And it's only partially written by AI!

archive.is/2025.12.15-0...

Ep_02_Sustainable Space with Priyanka Dhopade Spotify video

Ep 2 of the Space Citizens just dropped. An awesome weaving conversation with Priyanka Dhopade about an applying engineering lens to the policy question of space sustainability. And much more. Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube open.spotify.com/episode/0t1a...

Koizumi inspects ASDF group for outer space security

The Defense Ministry is pursuing a policy to strengthen its capabilities, recognizing the growing importance of the space domain for national security.

Ep 01_Exploring Space Citizenship

@listigeplaylists.bsky.social + open.spotify.com/show/0k1rp85...

OK I am genuinely nervous about this but also excited. Just launched ep1 of my new podcast "Space Citizens" (yes the same name as my Substack newsletter). It starts with a bit of a rant, will include some awesome guests, and will probably be peppered with more rants. open.spotify.com/episode/6a4C...

"Crimes against humanity" has too many syllables. Plus it requires some acknowledgement of humanity.

Happy Birthday Artemis Accords Am I still allowed to be skeptical?

Last week's Space Citizens substack was about the Artemis Accords. Because they turned 5 years old and now have 60 signatories. I can't help still being cynical, but maybe I have to resign to the fact that this is the guiding document for lunar activities. spacecitizens.substack.com/p/happy-birt...

100%. No other comment

Exclusive U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols now

Sounds about reich

As is often the case with international conferences, here at #APRSAF-31 in Cebu, Philippines, we are inside an expensive resort all day. But I walk from my accommodation to the venue past those Philipinos who built and work in the resorts, and see the other side of the coin