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 20, 2026
SpaceX successfully carried an undisclosed number of satellites to orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office.
Jan 20, 2026
The SpaceRise consortium developing the EU's IRIS2 autonomous secure satellite broadband constellation says it has brought military Ka-band service into use.
Jan 20, 2026
Editors are joined by Russ Matijevich, space industry veteran and a judge in the Space Tech Challenge Awards. Nominations are now open—could your solution be a winner?
Jan 19, 2026
Two Chinese rockets—CASC's Long March 3B and private launch provider Galactic Energy's Ceres 2—failed in launch attempts on Jan. 17.
Jan 19, 2026
Ukraine and Iceye have signed an agreement to expand the embattled country’s access to high-resolution SAR satellite imagery on an expedited basis.
Jan 16, 2026
Recently unveiled plans by several Chinese companies to launch more than 200,000 collectively represent “nothing untoward,” says an editorial in China Daily.
Jan 16, 2026
CesiumAstro will receive a $200 million financing package from the Export-Import Bank of the United States and JPMorgan.
Jan 15, 2026
MaiaSpace has signed an accord with Eutelsat to be a key partner in deploying the sat service provider’s next wave of 440 OneWeb broadband sats.