Rafael Mentges
@mentges.bsky.social
Space Economist. Interested in European Integration, industrial policy, innovation, strategic sovereignty, and of course things like launchers, SatCom, EO ...
I have another profile focused more on my old interests: Macro, monetary policy and banking.
I have another profile focused more on my old interests: Macro, monetary policy and banking.
Pinned
Rafael Mentges
@mentges.bsky.social
· Nov 19
Ok, here is an updated version of my space policy starter pack.
Let's make #BlueSpace the best platform for space news, space econ and space law discussions.
@sharestuff.bsky.social
go.bsky.app/PRWt1qf
Let's make #BlueSpace the best platform for space news, space econ and space law discussions.
@sharestuff.bsky.social
go.bsky.app/PRWt1qf
What are the most crucial decisions that need to be taken at #CM25 in your opinion?
- Maybe first steps toward human rated launch and return capabilities? According to The Exploration Company, delivering a human rated capsule would take around 10 years.
- Maybe first steps toward human rated launch and return capabilities? According to The Exploration Company, delivering a human rated capsule would take around 10 years.
Over the coming days, the decisions taken in this room will define Europe’s trajectory for decades to come. How will we demonstrate the leadership our citizens expect from us? Will we transform the immense potential of space into real benefits for our economies and our people? Watch this space #CM25
November 24, 2025 at 3:47 PM
What are the most crucial decisions that need to be taken at #CM25 in your opinion?
- Maybe first steps toward human rated launch and return capabilities? According to The Exploration Company, delivering a human rated capsule would take around 10 years.
- Maybe first steps toward human rated launch and return capabilities? According to The Exploration Company, delivering a human rated capsule would take around 10 years.
Reposted by Rafael Mentges
The hiring gap exposed: which nationalities are underrepresented among EU staff and what measures have been launched to close the gap?
👉 dlvr.it/TPQyXG
👉 dlvr.it/TPQyXG
November 24, 2025 at 1:45 PM
The hiring gap exposed: which nationalities are underrepresented among EU staff and what measures have been launched to close the gap?
👉 dlvr.it/TPQyXG
👉 dlvr.it/TPQyXG
Reposted by Rafael Mentges
Horizon Europe call
The fourth Horizon Europe call is now open for submissions. Managed by EUSPA, this call provides EUR 15 million to support the development of innovative space-based applications and strengthen the EU Space downstream market.
www.euspa.europa.eu/newsroom-eve...
The fourth Horizon Europe call is now open for submissions. Managed by EUSPA, this call provides EUR 15 million to support the development of innovative space-based applications and strengthen the EU Space downstream market.
www.euspa.europa.eu/newsroom-eve...
November 24, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Horizon Europe call
The fourth Horizon Europe call is now open for submissions. Managed by EUSPA, this call provides EUR 15 million to support the development of innovative space-based applications and strengthen the EU Space downstream market.
www.euspa.europa.eu/newsroom-eve...
The fourth Horizon Europe call is now open for submissions. Managed by EUSPA, this call provides EUR 15 million to support the development of innovative space-based applications and strengthen the EU Space downstream market.
www.euspa.europa.eu/newsroom-eve...
This is interesting! A space-related position where being an economist is considered "desirable."
NATO is looking for a Space Capabilities Officer
DESIRABLE
• a University degree in the area of economics
NATO is looking for a Space Capabilities Officer
DESIRABLE
• a University degree in the area of economics
Space Capabilities Officer (+Reserve list)
Click the link provided to see the complete job description.
nato.taleo.net
November 24, 2025 at 2:25 PM
This is interesting! A space-related position where being an economist is considered "desirable."
NATO is looking for a Space Capabilities Officer
DESIRABLE
• a University degree in the area of economics
NATO is looking for a Space Capabilities Officer
DESIRABLE
• a University degree in the area of economics
Reposted by Rafael Mentges
☀️ Lessons from the November 2025 solar storm
Last week, Earth was hit by a large solar storm. The event provided an opportunity for multiple ESA missions, whether orbiting Earth or far into deep space, to collect radiation data, which is now being analysed.
www.esa.int/Space_Safety...
Last week, Earth was hit by a large solar storm. The event provided an opportunity for multiple ESA missions, whether orbiting Earth or far into deep space, to collect radiation data, which is now being analysed.
www.esa.int/Space_Safety...
November 21, 2025 at 3:23 PM
☀️ Lessons from the November 2025 solar storm
Last week, Earth was hit by a large solar storm. The event provided an opportunity for multiple ESA missions, whether orbiting Earth or far into deep space, to collect radiation data, which is now being analysed.
www.esa.int/Space_Safety...
Last week, Earth was hit by a large solar storm. The event provided an opportunity for multiple ESA missions, whether orbiting Earth or far into deep space, to collect radiation data, which is now being analysed.
www.esa.int/Space_Safety...
On 17 December 2025, two Galileo satellites will be launched by Arianespace on Ariane 6 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
www.esa.int/Applications...
www.esa.int/Applications...
Galileo to take its first flight on Ariane 6 on 17 December
On 17 December 2025, two Galileo satellites will be launched by Arianespace on Ariane 6 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. This 14th operational launch in the Galileo programme will improve the...
www.esa.int
November 24, 2025 at 9:13 AM
On 17 December 2025, two Galileo satellites will be launched by Arianespace on Ariane 6 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
www.esa.int/Applications...
www.esa.int/Applications...
Reposted by Rafael Mentges
Space Weather Alerts 🌌 Coronal Hole, Geomagnetic Storm & Galactic Core Storm spaceweather.com www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/ale... www.swift-sgra.com soho.nascom.nasa.gov
November 24, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Space Weather Alerts 🌌 Coronal Hole, Geomagnetic Storm & Galactic Core Storm spaceweather.com www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/ale... www.swift-sgra.com soho.nascom.nasa.gov
Moss spores survive nine months in space outside of the ISS.
"We expected almost zero survival, but the result was the opposite: Most of the spores survived,"
"We expected almost zero survival, but the result was the opposite: Most of the spores survived,"
'We were genuinely astonished': This moss survived 9 months outside the International Space Station and could still grow on Earth
"This study demonstrates the astonishing resilience of life that originated on Earth."
www.space.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Moss spores survive nine months in space outside of the ISS.
"We expected almost zero survival, but the result was the opposite: Most of the spores survived,"
"We expected almost zero survival, but the result was the opposite: Most of the spores survived,"
Reposted by Rafael Mentges
This would be a great warmup for a mission to boost Hubble
Fascinating on-orbit servicing concept, sure ... I am a bit surprised that the #Pegasus launcher is still operational.
The last launch took place in 2021. Not really a high cadence.
Does Northrop Grumman just have a few of those lying around in their warehouse?
The last launch took place in 2021. Not really a high cadence.
Does Northrop Grumman just have a few of those lying around in their warehouse?
Private mission to save NASA space telescope will launch in 2026 on a rocket dropped from a plane
"It's the only launch vehicle that can meet the orbit, the schedule and the cost to achieve something unprecedented with emerging technology."
www.space.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:57 PM
This would be a great warmup for a mission to boost Hubble
Fascinating on-orbit servicing concept, sure ... I am a bit surprised that the #Pegasus launcher is still operational.
The last launch took place in 2021. Not really a high cadence.
Does Northrop Grumman just have a few of those lying around in their warehouse?
The last launch took place in 2021. Not really a high cadence.
Does Northrop Grumman just have a few of those lying around in their warehouse?
Private mission to save NASA space telescope will launch in 2026 on a rocket dropped from a plane
"It's the only launch vehicle that can meet the orbit, the schedule and the cost to achieve something unprecedented with emerging technology."
www.space.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Fascinating on-orbit servicing concept, sure ... I am a bit surprised that the #Pegasus launcher is still operational.
The last launch took place in 2021. Not really a high cadence.
Does Northrop Grumman just have a few of those lying around in their warehouse?
The last launch took place in 2021. Not really a high cadence.
Does Northrop Grumman just have a few of those lying around in their warehouse?
According to the IMF impact of AI on productivity depends on 3 factors:
1- Exposure to AI of different sectors and occupations—the degree to which AI can automate or augment tasks
2- Companies’ incentives to adopt AI, particularly potential savings in labor costs
1- Exposure to AI of different sectors and occupations—the degree to which AI can automate or augment tasks
2- Companies’ incentives to adopt AI, particularly potential savings in labor costs
November 23, 2025 at 2:15 PM
According to the IMF impact of AI on productivity depends on 3 factors:
1- Exposure to AI of different sectors and occupations—the degree to which AI can automate or augment tasks
2- Companies’ incentives to adopt AI, particularly potential savings in labor costs
1- Exposure to AI of different sectors and occupations—the degree to which AI can automate or augment tasks
2- Companies’ incentives to adopt AI, particularly potential savings in labor costs
Interesting piece by Raphaël Tavanti, Gilles Rabin and Arthur Sauzay about Germany’s emerging “Kennedy moment” in space.
Le moment Kennedy de l’Allemagne spatiale
L’annonce par Boris Pistorius d’un investissement massif de 35 milliards d’euros dans les capacités spatiales de défense marque un tournant stratégique majeur pour l’Allemagne, qui affirme désormais s...
lerubicon.org
November 22, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Interesting piece by Raphaël Tavanti, Gilles Rabin and Arthur Sauzay about Germany’s emerging “Kennedy moment” in space.
"BlueBird 6 is the first of AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation satellites. When launched, it will feature the largest commercial phased array in low Earth orbit at nearly 2,400 square feet."
That's 223 square meters! That sounds totally irresponsible!
That's 223 square meters! That sounds totally irresponsible!
www.businesswire.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:26 PM
"BlueBird 6 is the first of AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation satellites. When launched, it will feature the largest commercial phased array in low Earth orbit at nearly 2,400 square feet."
That's 223 square meters! That sounds totally irresponsible!
That's 223 square meters! That sounds totally irresponsible!
What just happened with Mamdani and Trump? Tbh that's some weird shit!
November 22, 2025 at 12:49 AM
What just happened with Mamdani and Trump? Tbh that's some weird shit!
ICYMI:
The changes—announced just a week after Blue made history as the second rocket company to land an orbital booster—are aimed at boosting performance, increasing launch cadence, and making the platform more reliable, according to a press release.
payloadspace.com/blue-announc...
The changes—announced just a week after Blue made history as the second rocket company to land an orbital booster—are aimed at boosting performance, increasing launch cadence, and making the platform more reliable, according to a press release.
payloadspace.com/blue-announc...
Blue Announces New Glenn Engine Upgrades, Super Heavy Variant
The changes—announced just a week after Blue made history as the second rocket company to land an orbital booster—are aimed at boosting performance, increasing launch cadence, and making the platform ...
payloadspace.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:22 PM
ICYMI:
The changes—announced just a week after Blue made history as the second rocket company to land an orbital booster—are aimed at boosting performance, increasing launch cadence, and making the platform more reliable, according to a press release.
payloadspace.com/blue-announc...
The changes—announced just a week after Blue made history as the second rocket company to land an orbital booster—are aimed at boosting performance, increasing launch cadence, and making the platform more reliable, according to a press release.
payloadspace.com/blue-announc...
Reposted by Rafael Mentges
@lionnetpierre.bsky.social get active on this site challenge
November 19, 2025 at 8:34 PM
@lionnetpierre.bsky.social get active on this site challenge
Alarming piece by Pierre Lionnet on the European space sector
"space systems development and manufacturing is hardly a profitable business for the majority of companies in the sector, and for the rare instances where the bottom line is positive, the profits are clearly following a decreasing trend.
"space systems development and manufacturing is hardly a profitable business for the majority of companies in the sector, and for the rare instances where the bottom line is positive, the profits are clearly following a decreasing trend.
Where are the profits of the space industry?
Pierre Lionnet
www.thespacerepublic.news
November 19, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Alarming piece by Pierre Lionnet on the European space sector
"space systems development and manufacturing is hardly a profitable business for the majority of companies in the sector, and for the rare instances where the bottom line is positive, the profits are clearly following a decreasing trend.
"space systems development and manufacturing is hardly a profitable business for the majority of companies in the sector, and for the rare instances where the bottom line is positive, the profits are clearly following a decreasing trend.
The European Space Policy Institute’s (ESPI) latest report has identified Space-Based Data Centres (SBDCs) as a significant and rapidly emerging opportunity for Europe’s digital and space industries.
Is this really going to be a thing? Any good research papers?
www.espi.eu/reports/data...
Is this really going to be a thing? Any good research papers?
www.espi.eu/reports/data...
Data centres in space: orbital backbone of the second digital era? - ESPI
“Space-based data centres could fundamentally transform how we process data, manage energy, and maintain digital sovereignty. Europe has world-class space technology and strong institutions. The quest...
www.espi.eu
November 19, 2025 at 11:53 AM
The European Space Policy Institute’s (ESPI) latest report has identified Space-Based Data Centres (SBDCs) as a significant and rapidly emerging opportunity for Europe’s digital and space industries.
Is this really going to be a thing? Any good research papers?
www.espi.eu/reports/data...
Is this really going to be a thing? Any good research papers?
www.espi.eu/reports/data...
Research by WDR, NDR and Süddeutsche Zeitung shows that there are far more interference attempts by Russia and China than previously known.
www.tagesschau.de/investigativ...
www.tagesschau.de/investigativ...
Verfolgungsjagden im All
Es gibt weitaus mehr militärische Störversuche im Weltall durch Russland und China als bislang bekannt. Das zeigen Recherchen von WDR, NDR und SZ. Die Bundeswehr bestätigt eine Zunahme solcher Aktione...
www.tagesschau.de
November 19, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Research by WDR, NDR and Süddeutsche Zeitung shows that there are far more interference attempts by Russia and China than previously known.
www.tagesschau.de/investigativ...
www.tagesschau.de/investigativ...
Bosmang Camina Drummer - THE EXPANSE - For Beltalowda!
YouTube video by syfynity
youtu.be
November 18, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Decision-based evidence-making
💯🔥
💯🔥
A new profile of RFK Jr offers fresh insights into how he works, the bond he shares with Trump, & how he's moved HHS “from evidence-based decision-making to decision-based evidence-making." Story by @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social, @caseyross.bsky.social, & me:
www.statnews.com/2025/11/18/r...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/18/r...
How RFK Jr., America's celebrity health secretary, is steamrolling science
RFK Jr. is plowing ahead with sweeping changes to U.S. health care that have thrilled supporters, purged opponents, and horrified critics.
www.statnews.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Decision-based evidence-making
💯🔥
💯🔥
Reposted by Rafael Mentges
Have you noticed less beauty in your feeds the last 6+ weeks? Fewer gasps of awe? Fewer prompts to consider a universal perspective; to ask big questions? While much of US spending is on decreasing bad things, NASA is a perfect example of increasing the good ✨ Here's a new JWST image!
November 17, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Have you noticed less beauty in your feeds the last 6+ weeks? Fewer gasps of awe? Fewer prompts to consider a universal perspective; to ask big questions? While much of US spending is on decreasing bad things, NASA is a perfect example of increasing the good ✨ Here's a new JWST image!
Reposted by Rafael Mentges
US launch aggregator SEOPS has booked a dedicated Isar Aerospace Spectrum launch in 2028, adding to the German rocket builder's growing manifest.
europeanspaceflight.com/us-based-lau...
europeanspaceflight.com/us-based-lau...
US-Based Launch Aggregator Purchases Dedicated Isar Aerospace Flight
US launch aggregator SEOPS has booked a dedicated Isar Aerospace Spectrum mission for 2028, adding to the company's growing manifest.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:10 AM
US launch aggregator SEOPS has booked a dedicated Isar Aerospace Spectrum launch in 2028, adding to the German rocket builder's growing manifest.
europeanspaceflight.com/us-based-lau...
europeanspaceflight.com/us-based-lau...
Reposted by Rafael Mentges
The banking sector is well capitalised but is operating in a volatile environment of heightened geopolitical and cyber risks, says Supervisory Board Chair Claudia Buch.
In this evolving risk landscape, resilience will depend on prudent risk management and strong buffers link.europa.eu/CgDCWb
In this evolving risk landscape, resilience will depend on prudent risk management and strong buffers link.europa.eu/CgDCWb
November 18, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The banking sector is well capitalised but is operating in a volatile environment of heightened geopolitical and cyber risks, says Supervisory Board Chair Claudia Buch.
In this evolving risk landscape, resilience will depend on prudent risk management and strong buffers link.europa.eu/CgDCWb
In this evolving risk landscape, resilience will depend on prudent risk management and strong buffers link.europa.eu/CgDCWb