Satellites

Communications and remote sensing technologies are the biggest markets for military and commercial satellites. Satellite communications systems enable data transmission even in remote places on Earth and, for the military, facilitating seamless command and control operations. Remote sensing satellites equipped with advanced sensors gather invaluable data about Earth's surface and atmosphere, supporting applications like environmental monitoring, weather forecasting, and natural resource management. As the space industry evolves, in-orbit servicing has emerged as a potential game-changer. This innovative technology allows specialized spacecraft to rendezvous with and service operational satellites, extending their lifespan and reducing space debris. Satellite servicing vehicles can perform tasks like refueling, repairing, and even upgrading components, maximizing the value of existing space assets and enabling more sustainable space operations.

News & Analysis

Jan 08, 2026
Rocket Lab joins established primes as the U.S. Space Development Agency scales its proliferated missile-warning and tracking architecture.
Jan 07, 2026
Japan’s Ministry of Defense has awarded Astroscale a contract to develop “a general gripping mechanism system” to grab “national satellites.”
Jan 07, 2026
One week into 2026, United Launch Alliance is preparing for its first mission of the year.
Jan 06, 2026
Startup Array Labs plans to launch its first formation-flying cluster comprised of four radar satellites in the middle of 2027.
Jan 02, 2026
The SpainSat NG-II military communications satellite suffered debris damage while transiting to its final orbital position, with an assessment underway.
Jan 02, 2026
SpaceX plans to adjust the orbital parameters of more than 4,000 Starlink satellites to reduce the risk of creating orbital debris.
Dec 29, 2025
The Japanese Ministry of Defense (JMD) is to fund development of a privately operated synthetic aperture radar satellite constellation.
Dec 23, 2025
As 2025 draws to an end, the Resilient-GPS program “doesn’t have a future fate,” one contractor says.