Bloomberg
• Ian King, Kelcee Griffis
A multiyear agreement will see Qualcomm supply radio equipment, baseband units, software and cellular infrastructure technology for SpaceX’s planned U.S. Starlink Mobile network. The deal puts terrestrial 5G infrastructure alongside Starlink’s satellite business as SpaceX moves toward offering nationwide mobile service.
Commercial Space
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The UK Space Agency has launched a research competition focused on in-orbit manufacturing, while Italy’s Space Industries has opened a €20 million satellite production and environmental qualification center near Turin. Separately, Orbital Matter and EnduroSat plan a 2028 mission to demonstrate a 5 kW solar array using in-space 3D printing.
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A multiyear agreement will see Qualcomm supply radio equipment, baseband units, software and cellular infrastructure technology for SpaceX’s planned U.S. Starlink Mobile network. The deal puts terrestrial 5G infrastructure alongside Starlink’s satellite business as SpaceX moves toward offering nationwide mobile service.
Astrolab is developing systems to provide power and communications for a future moon base, extending the company’s work beyond lunar rovers. The effort positions it to pursue infrastructure needs alongside surface mobility as plans for sustained activity on the Moon develop.
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After Democrats swept to control of Congress, defense stocks and shares of Elon Musk’s Tesla and SpaceX fell amid concerns about spending and political exposure. Coverage also points to risks for SpaceX’s Texas deals, while analysts offered a more optimistic view of defense stocks and SpaceX’s longer-term prospects.
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PLD Space has completed an explosive test of the flight termination system for its MIURA 5 rocket, a milestone in preparations for the vehicle’s inaugural flight planned for 2027. The test advances a key safety system ahead of launch, though no further technical details were provided.
Hanwha Aerospace has inaugurated a space launch vehicle manufacturing facility in Suncheon, South Korea, as it prepares to produce domestically developed Nuri rockets from the end of the decade. The company says the investment is part of its effort to establish a stronger position in the private space market.
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Maritime Launch Services has begun trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange as it advances development of Spaceport Nova Scotia. The company says progress is supported by new government and commercial partnerships, linking its public-market profile to efforts to develop a Canadian launch site.
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