Rivada Space Networks, headquartered in Munich, a city known more for beer festivals than satellite launches, proudly announced it secured market access for its Outernet constellation in 33 countries. That’s about one-sixth of the world. A thrilling victory if you’re grading on a curve.

Belgium, Sweden, Costa Rica, and the Czech Republic were highlighted, suggesting Rivada wisely picked countries where regulatory forms might be more manageable. Meanwhile, major economic powers seem noticeably absent, possibly distracted by companies that already, you know, have satellites in orbit.