Mission-K

Day two of the Mission-K conference focused on the demand for tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance from space, drawing lessons from Russia's war in Ukraine. Speakers outlined three defence challenges in delivering timely satellite imagery and data directly to military commanders, arguing that commercial and military space assets must work together to meet battlefield needs.

Mission-K 2026 is set to take place in Kalkar, Germany, drawing Europe's space and defence community to an unusual venue. The town is known for its former nuclear power plant turned leisure complex, giving the event a striking backdrop. Organisers are positioning the gathering at the intersection of European security policy and the space industry.