SpaceWatch Global
• Joshua Faleti
Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched commercial satellite-to-mobile operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The service expands direct-to-device connectivity in the African market, linking compatible mobile devices to satellite infrastructure without relying solely on conventional terrestrial networks.
Commercial Space
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Intesa Sanpaolo disclosed for the first time that it held approximately $966 million in SpaceX shares at the end of June, according to a regulatory filing. The disclosure provides a rare view into the Italian bank’s exposure to one of the commercial space industry’s most valuable private companies.
The National Reconnaissance Office awarded HawkEye 360 a new contract to provide commercial radio-frequency intelligence, transitioning the satellite company from a multiyear evaluation program into operational support for U.S. intelligence and defense agencies.
High activity
Airtel Africa and Starlink have launched commercial satellite-to-mobile operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The service expands direct-to-device connectivity in the African market, linking compatible mobile devices to satellite infrastructure without relying solely on conventional terrestrial networks.
SpaceX has reversed its decision to restrict Starlink roaming for customers in Poland, resolving a dispute that included an official threatening to reconsider $50 million in annual payments. The reversal underscores the commercial and policy sensitivities surrounding satellite broadband service access in national markets.
High activity
The week of Aug. 17-23 will feature three SpaceX Starlink launches alongside China’s second test flight of the partially reusable ZhuQue-3 launcher and the robotic Chang’e 7 lunar mission. The schedule marks China’s return to launch activity after the previous week’s Chang Zheng 7A failure.
Australian Earth-observation company HEO will access Planet’s satellite constellation under a new agreement to capture imagery of objects in orbit. The partnership expands HEO’s ability to monitor and characterize spacecraft from space, underscoring the growing commercial role of satellite-based space domain awareness.
Katalyst Space has secured a new contract from the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit as the government seeks to harness emerging technologies for deorbiting space objects. The award highlights growing defense interest in commercial capabilities that can support orbital sustainability and space-domain operations.
Telesat says it is pursuing good-faith negotiations with bondholders suing to reverse a 2025 transfer of funds to its dedicated Telesat LEO subsidiary. The satellite operator is also confronting a $1.7 billion debt payment due in December, adding financial pressure to its LEO strategy.
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