Join Torsten Kriening, publisher of SpaceWatch.Global, for this special episode recorded live at the second Middle East Space Conference in Muscat, Oman in January 2026, featuring His Excellency Dr. Ali Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of Communications and IT at Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.

In a historic moment for the Gulf region, Dr. Al Shidhani reveals the breaking news: Oman has just become the 61st nation to sign the Artemis Accords -announced on the conference's opening day, just 24 hours after the third round of Oman-U.S. Strategic Dialogue where space cooperation was a key agenda item.

Discover:

• How Oman Vision 2040 is transforming the nation from oil economy to knowledge economy, with space as one of eight strategic pillars of the National Digital Economy Program
• The remarkable growth story: 200% increase in space sector investments, 400 employees, and 150% growth in space companies-all in just three years
• Why Oman chose to build a rocket launch port "to fly rockets for science rather than other maybe not so peaceful activities"
• How foreign companies can achieve 100% ownership and fast-track regulatory approval - launching a rocket in just 45 days from permit application
• The philosophy behind Oman's upcoming space law: enabling innovation while ensuring responsible development
• Why success for Oman isn't measured against other nations, but against themselves: "How can Oman tomorrow become better than Oman today?"

Dr. Al Shidhani articulates a compelling vision where space is not just about satellites and rockets, but about digital sovereignty, youth inspiration, capacity building, and localizing space technology capabilities with Omani talent.

From downstream applications to upstream enablement, from regulatory red tape to red carpet treatment - this is the story of how a Gulf nation is carving its distinctive path in the global space ecosystem.

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The Transparent Battlefield: Space, AI, and the Future of Military Operations

In this episode of Space Café Radio, host Torsten Kriening speaks with Major General Armin Fleischmann, Head of Planning for Cyber and Information Domain (CID) and Digitalization of the Bundeswehr, about how modern warfare is being fundamentally transformed by space, data, and artificial intelligence.

At the core of the discussion is a powerful concept: the “transparent battlefield.” Driven by pervasive sensors, satellite-based reconnaissance, and real-time data flows, today’s operational environment leaves little room for concealment. Information has become the decisive factor in military success. As Major General Fleischmann explains, modern operations are no longer conceivable without space-based capabilities, which are essential for both communications and intelligence.

The Bundeswehr’s Cyber and Information Domain (CID) services plays a central role in this transformation. Acting as the “nervous system” of the armed forces, CID services integrates cyber, geospatial intelligence, and digitization into a unified operational framework. The goal is to connect all available sensors - across land, air, sea, cyber, and space - into a digital combat cloud, supported by AI to process vast amounts of data and accelerate decision-making.

A key theme throughout the conversation is speed. The ability to shorten the “sensor-to-shooter” cycle is becoming critical on the modern battlefield. AI is essential in this context, enabling the analysis of large-scale data streams that human analysts alone could not manage in real time. At the same time, the Bundeswehr maintains a strict commitment to human responsibility in decision-making processes, particularly in the context of lethal systems.

The episode also explores Germany’s growing investment in military space capabilities, including new satellite constellations, commercial partnerships, and the integration of geospatial intelligence systems. These developments are positioning Germany not only as a consumer of allied intelligence, but increasingly as a contributor within NATO frameworks.

Interoperability remains a central priority. Drawing on lessons from past missions, such as Afghanistan, the Bundeswehr is working toward “zero-day interoperability” with allies - ensuring that systems can connect and operate seamlessly from the outset of any mission.

Finally, the conversation turns to the next generation of talent. Major General Fleischmann highlights the importance of emerging leaders, interdisciplinary networks, and strong connections between industry, academia, and the military. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, people remain the decisive factor.

This episode provides a clear and grounded perspective on how space, AI, and digitalization are reshaping defense - and why the future of security will depend on the ability to integrate information, technology, and human judgment into a coherent wh

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From Vision to Action: Why Space Symposium 2026 Matters Now More Than Ever

In this forward-looking episode of Space Café Radio, Torsten Kriening speaks with Dr. Heather Pringle Maj Gen, USAF (Ret.), CEO of the Space Foundation, ahead of the 41st Space Symposium in Colorado Springs - a gathering that is no longer just an event, but a global platform for action.

After years of alignment, the outlook for 2026:

👉 The space community is moving from vision to execution.

Dr. Pringle reflects on her journey as CEO through three lenses - appreciation, clarity, and confidence. Appreciation for the speed and scale of the global space ecosystem. Clarity about the structural barriers - the “stovepipes” between sectors. And confidence that these challenges can be solved - but only together.

The Space Symposium itself is evolving with that mindset. It is no longer just a week in April - it is a year-round engine of momentum, where conversations turn into partnerships, and partnerships into tangible outcomes.

And 2026 could mark a historic moment.

For the first time in the Foundation’s 40+ year history, a human mission to the Moon (Artemis II) may be underway during the Symposium itself - a powerful symbol that space is entering a new era of real-world progress.

But beyond the headlines, the deeper story is about connection:

•Bridging civil, commercial, military, and international actors

•Turning geopolitical tension into collaboration

•Building interoperability while strengthening sovereign capabilities

•Creating a workforce pipeline that inspires, prepares, and employs the next generation

From record-breaking participation and growing international engagement to new initiatives in education, storytelling, and industry insights, the Space Foundation is positioning itself as a trusted convener in a fragmented world.

And perhaps the most powerful takeaway?

👉 Progress in space is not driven by technology alone - it is driven by relationships.

Because in a time of global uncertainty, one thing stands out:

The future of space will be shaped not just by rockets and satellites - but by the people who come together, face to face, to make it happen.

Colorado Springs is where those conversations begin.

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

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You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!

Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters.
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