Satellites

Russia’s first commercial space launch of 2026 was also the last for the Proton-M variant with DM-03 booster.

Italy’s ELT Group is planning to explore the potential for electromagnetic spectrum analysis and cyber intelligence gathering from orbit through an agreement with Italian space logistics company D-Orbit.

KAL-ASD has successfully tested the deployment of a 5-m satellite antenna array, validating its ability to design large, deployable reflectors.

Leonardo has provided additional granularity regarding its future low-Earth-orbit-based satellite constellation.

Eutelsat has secured about $1.2 billion in export credit backing for its order for 440 Airbus-made satellites for its OneWeb LEO broadband constellation.

DirecTV is objecting to elements of the U.S. Federal Communication Commission’s decision late last year to allow SpaceX to expand its Starlink constellation.

The U.S. Space Force is working to advance its protected tactical satellite communication (satcom) efforts with boosted prototypes.

The National Reconnaissance Office has awarded the first of three new contracts for commercial remote sensing solutions embracing multiple phenomenologies.

Airbus says it will augment its space-based SAR imagery provision through a teaming agreement with Japan’s Synspective to boost resolution and revisit rates.

Swedish space company AAC Clyde Space plans to double the satellite fleet for ship tracking, while still mulling growth for its Earth-observation constellation.

Commercial space startup Momentus and NASA will partner on an in-space servicing mission in low Earth orbit.

The U.S. Air Force is interested in low-risk options for space-based air moving target indicator satellites to inform a future acquisition strategy.

SpaceX’s purchase of xAI marries Elon Musk’s love of artificial intelligence and space.

Rafael is boosting its focus on space while it awaits a decision by the Israeli government about taking the state-owned defense technology specialist public.

Fear of fragmentation grips European space leaders as national initiatives ramp up in parallel with collective programs.

SpaceX has acquired artificial intelligence company xAI, days after the space company disclosed plans for a vast constellation of data center satellites.

CesiumAstro, a startup that produces sat payloads and terminals for advanced and secure comms systems, has closed a $470 million Series C funding round.

Singapore is set to deploy a new constellation of SAR satellites as it builds out its Earth-observation portfolio, including through a partnership with Airbus.

Leonardo has started building the first satellites for a company-funded, multi-sensor low-Earth-orbit constellation, with launches to start next year.

Connectivity provider Gogo is mounting a push to outfit some of the hundreds of C-130s with a new rear hatch to enable in-flight satellite links for special forces and other uses.

Airbus plans to finally deploy the Superbird-9 broadcast and broadband satellite for Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT next year after multiple delays, Schoellhorn says.

Transcelestial is branching out with its space-based laser links to provide intra-satellite connectivity

SpaceX has shared plans to deploy a vast network of data center satellites in the most ambitious bid yet to shift computer processing capability to space.

Military space systems require the kind of self-protection capability long associated with combat aircraft, the Spanish Space Commander argues.

Italy is looking at how to quickly regenerate lost space systems in times of conflict as the country seeks to prepare for future wars.