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SpaceNews.com • Jason Rainbow

FCC greenlights SpaceX’s EchoStar spectrum purchase, tying approval to a $2.4B escrow; issues D2D spectrum-sharing rules and set

The FCC approved SpaceX’s acquisition of EchoStar spectrum to expand U.S. direct-to-device broadband, contingent on a $2.4 billion escrow tied to disputes over EchoStar’s abandoned terrestrial 5G buildout. In FCC 26-26 (released May 1, 2026), the commission also laid out new satellite spectrum-sharing and D2D frameworks and advanced plans to auction remaining Upper C-band by mid-2027.

2026-05-12T16:35:38.746696-07:00

Space Intel Report

SES and Eutelsat say IRIS2 secure connectivity negotiations with the European Commission need weeks to settle cost, configuratio

2026-05-12T16:35:28.169022-07:00

SpaceNews.com

CBO: Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense could cost ~$1.2 trillion over 20 years

2026-05-12T15:14:25.264888-07:00

Flying Magazine

FAA completes Phase 1 of NOTAM system overhaul ahead of schedule, shifting legacy US NOTAM System (USNS) to the cloud

2026-05-12T11:01:51.274391-07:00

News Timeline

SpaceNews.com

FCC greenlights SpaceX’s EchoStar spectrum purchase, tying approval to a $2.4B escrow; issues D2D spectrum-sharing rules and set The FCC approved SpaceX’s acquisition of EchoStar spectrum to expand U.S. direct-to-device broadband, contingent on a $2.4 billion escrow tied to disputes over EchoStar’s abandoned terrestrial 5G buildout. In FCC 26-26 (released May 1, 2026), the commission also laid out new satellite spectrum-sharing and D2D frameworks and advanced plans to auction remaining Upper C-band by mid-2027.

2026-05-12T16:35:38.746696-07:00

FCC greenlights SpaceX’s EchoStar spectrum purchase, tying approval to a $2.4B escrow; issues D2D spectrum-sharing rules and set

Space Intel Report

SES and Eutelsat say IRIS2 secure connectivity negotiations with the European Commission need weeks to settle cost, configuratio SES and Eutelsat said their negotiations with the European Commission on Europe’s IRIS2 multi-orbit secure connectivity constellation are not yet finalized, requiring several more weeks of work to lock cost, configuration and schedule. The operators are tying completion to resolving performance and final build details with the EC.

2026-05-12T16:35:28.169022-07:00

SES and Eutelsat say IRIS2 secure connectivity negotiations with the European Commission need weeks to settle cost, configuratio

SpaceNews.com

CBO: Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense could cost ~$1.2 trillion over 20 years The Congressional Budget Office estimates a national missile defense system broadly aligned with President Trump’s “Golden Dome” order would cost about $1.2 trillion to stand up and operate over 20 years. The projection substantially exceeds the Pentagon’s public $185 billion estimate, per CBO’s report.

2026-05-12T15:14:25.264888-07:00

CBO: Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense could cost ~$1.2 trillion over 20 years

FlightGlobal

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EU proposes tighter state-aid rules for airports, limiting support to larger facilities and restricting route-opening funding The European Commission is revising guidance on state aid to air transport. Under proposed changes, financial assistance would be steered away from smaller airports—particularly by easing eligibility only for airports handling 500,000 passengers or fewer annually—and funding would be constrained for opening new routes, drawing opposition from airport groups.

2026-05-12T11:01:58.756746-07:00

EU proposes tighter state-aid rules for airports, limiting support to larger facilities and restricting route-opening funding

Flying Magazine

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FAA completes Phase 1 of NOTAM system overhaul ahead of schedule, shifting legacy US NOTAM System (USNS) to the cloud The FAA announced it has implemented Phase 1 of the United States’ NOTAM overhaul successfully, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy saying the 40-year-old system is being upgraded to improve safety, prevent nationwide airspace shutdowns, and strengthen pilot communications. The agency also credited progress toward moving the legacy US NOTAM System into the cloud.

2026-05-12T11:01:51.274391-07:00

FAA completes Phase 1 of NOTAM system overhaul ahead of schedule, shifting legacy US NOTAM System (USNS) to the cloud

FlightGlobal

Iran–Strait of Hormuz fuel shock tightens airline finances: Spirit falters, JPMorgan flags “operational stress” by August The Iran campaign and Strait of Hormuz tanker squeeze are pushing global fuel costs sharply higher, with oil and LNG supply pressures rippling into aviation pricing and capacity decisions. Reports point to airline balance-sheet strain—Spirit Airlines collapsing—and JPMorgan forecasting “operational stress” by August, with knock-on effects for public travel and private-jet access.

2026-05-12T09:52:01.304499-07:00

Iran–Strait of Hormuz fuel shock tightens airline finances: Spirit falters, JPMorgan flags “operational stress” by August

ch-aviation

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US court approves Spirit Airlines’ formal wind-down as bankruptcy-adviser costs climb A US court has approved Spirit Airlines’ formal wind-down of operations, effectively moving the restructuring toward an operational end-state. Separate reporting highlights that bankruptcy adviser fees are already running up to about $80mn, underscoring the cost drag as the carrier exits.

2026-05-12T09:48:59.444982-07:00

US court approves Spirit Airlines’ formal wind-down as bankruptcy-adviser costs climb

politico.eu

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EU doubles down on carbon pricing for international flights, setting up a US confrontation The EU is reinforcing its carbon tax approach for international aviation, despite US opposition to carbon pricing. The move is positioned to trigger an extended dispute with Washington over how emissions are attributed and charged for flights crossing borders.

2026-05-12T06:50:10.669357-07:00

EU doubles down on carbon pricing for international flights, setting up a US confrontation

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Policy & Regulation News

FCC greenlights SpaceX’s EchoStar spectrum purchase, tying approval to a $2.4B escrow; issues D2D spectrum-sharing rules and set

SES and Eutelsat say IRIS2 secure connectivity negotiations with the European Commission need weeks to settle cost, configuratio

CBO: Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense could cost ~$1.2 trillion over 20 years

FAA completes Phase 1 of NOTAM system overhaul ahead of schedule, shifting legacy US NOTAM System (USNS) to the cloud

News Timeline