Via Satellite
• Rachel Jewett
Sceye and SoftBank used an August flight of a Sceye high-altitude platform station from New Mexico to Japan and back to demonstrate mobile broadband connectivity and edge computing, while also conducting an optical laser-tracking demonstration. The mission expands the vehicle’s demonstrated communications and tracking capabilities.
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SES Vice President of Product Development Engineering David Mathewson discusses the company’s plans for satellite development, the strategic advantages of operating across multiple orbits and the capabilities being introduced on its medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites.
Sceye and SoftBank used an August flight of a Sceye high-altitude platform station from New Mexico to Japan and back to demonstrate mobile broadband connectivity and edge computing, while also conducting an optical laser-tracking demonstration. The mission expands the vehicle’s demonstrated communications and tracking capabilities.
Viasat has secured an initial $42 million task order under the U.S. Space Force’s MECS2 contract to provide global managed satellite communications services for the U.S. Marine Corps. The award expands Viasat’s role in delivering commercial SATCOM capabilities to the U.S. military.
Leonardo DRS is showcasing JTT-X, a hybrid SATCOM system designed to combine multiple satellite networks for secure communications and connectivity aboard military aircraft. The system is aimed at maintaining reliable links in contested environments, where disruption or degradation of communications can directly affect tactical operations.
European countries are accelerating efforts to reduce reliance on U.S. satellite data after access restrictions during recent crises exposed strategic vulnerabilities. The shift is driving demand for sovereign space-based intelligence and defense capabilities, with implications for market competition, procurement priorities and transatlantic dependencies.
Satellite startup Hubble Network raised $200 million, reaching a $1.6 billion valuation as it develops a spacecraft network designed to provide global Bluetooth connectivity. The funding makes Hubble the latest commercial space company to attract significant capital for satellite-enabled communications services.
High activity
Planet co-founder Robbie Schingler discusses the company’s new Berlin satellite factory, its first manufacturing site outside California, and the strategic vision behind planetary intelligence. He also outlines Planet’s ambitions for large Earth models built from satellite data.
As the Space Force reorganizes satellite and service procurement to accelerate acquisition, one of Washington’s largest business groups is outlining the outcomes it believes the overhaul should deliver. The recommendations could help shape how the service balances speed, industrial participation and execution in future space programs.
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