SpaceNews.com
• Vivek Prasad
The Federal Communications Commission has opened a public comment period on Rocket Lab’s proposed acquisition of satellite operator Iridium Communications. The transaction also triggers a separate national-share process, adding regulatory scrutiny to a deal that would combine a launch provider with a satellite connectivity business.
Commercial Space
Latest source-backed stories
Satellite companies are using discussions in Paris to pursue commercial agreements for satellite-based cellular connectivity, seeking to turn space infrastructure into direct-to-device services on Earth. The activity reflects growing interest in business models that could compete with or complement SpaceX’s satellite connectivity ambitions.
High activity
The Federal Communications Commission has opened a public comment period on Rocket Lab’s proposed acquisition of satellite operator Iridium Communications. The transaction also triggers a separate national-share process, adding regulatory scrutiny to a deal that would combine a launch provider with a satellite connectivity business.
Space Cargo Unlimited has contracted to fly microgravity research payloads on SpaceX’s Starfall reentry vehicle, adding an in-space research option as the company develops broader access to microgravity missions. The agreement positions Starfall as a potential platform for recurring commercial payload opportunities.
High activity
Viasat and Space42 are establishing Equatys, a mobile satellite services venture backed by up to $1 billion, while Telesat and SatPort Infrastructure pursue a global build-to-suit ground network for Lightspeed. Northwood introduced its Prism antenna, and Involve Space won ESA funding for a stratospheric radar platform.
High activity
Avio says customers turned away by SpaceX are seeking alternative launch providers, while Isar Aerospace prepares commercial Spectrum missions after a successful test flight. Separately, Rocket Lab completed a $1.944 billion share offering to fully finance its pending Iridium acquisition and eliminate a planned $3.6 billion bridge facility.
High activity
HawkEye 360 is deepening its European footprint through a partnership with Leonardo, the creation of its first Luxembourg subsidiary and a separate collaboration with ERA. The moves broaden the company’s regional industrial and commercial relationships around satellite-based radio-frequency intelligence and geospatial data services.
Planet Labs Germany will provide dedicated Earth-observation capacity to Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior under a contract announced Sept. 16. The agreement gives the ministry access to dedicated constellation services, expanding commercial satellite support for German government applications.
High activity
SEOPS has signed a multiple launch service agreement with Isar Aerospace for five dedicated Spectrum missions between 2028 and 2030. The launches are planned from Isar’s dedicated facilities at Andøya Space and Spaceport Nova Scotia, adding committed commercial demand for the European startup’s vehicle.
Create a free account to see more recent Commercial Space stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
