Reuters
Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal has opened an inquiry into Ukraine’s loss of access to the Pentagon’s Starshield satellite communications service. He says the resulting disruption has degraded Kyiv’s ability to defend itself against Russian attacks, putting military connectivity and access to commercial space-enabled services under scrutiny.
Satellite
Latest source-backed stories
Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal has opened an inquiry into Ukraine’s loss of access to the Pentagon’s Starshield satellite communications service. He says the resulting disruption has degraded Kyiv’s ability to defend itself against Russian attacks, putting military connectivity and access to commercial space-enabled services under scrutiny.
Planet Labs told customers on April 4 that it would indefinitely withhold imagery of Iran and the surrounding conflict zone, retroactive to March 9. The decision puts commercial satellite data access in focus as Gulf buyers assess who can control or interrupt imagery availability during a conflict.
PlanetiQ is expanding its collection of GNSS radio-occultation data through back-to-back rideshare launches in October. CEO Ira Scharf says demand for the weather data is growing among both government and commercial users, underscoring the company’s effort to scale a satellite-based source of atmospheric observations.
A US official said a Russian satellite that has been following other spacecraft “sure looks like an orbital weapon.” The comments come after a Russian official described commercial satellites as legitimate targets, while now saying concerns about the satellite are unfounded.
In a SpaceNews interview, Aalyria CEO Brian Barritt discusses how networks in space are evolving, what scaling the company entails and why software interoperability matters. The conversation focuses on the software and network changes shaping how space systems connect.
High activity
The U.S. Space Force is helping commercial space companies secure clearances to compete for classified contracts and has selected six firms for a Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve capability intended to provide surge space-domain awareness. The moves address barriers facing newer suppliers and add commercial capacity for military operations.
High activity
Europe’s €15.6 billion Iris² secure-connectivity constellation is putting schedule, performance and cost responsibility across public and private partners, including newer satellite builders. Elsewhere, the UK selected ClearSpace for its first national active-debris-removal mission, while ESA’s Space Rider prototype failed a parachute drop test and Aerospacelab agreed to cooperate on South Korea’s planned K-LEO defense constellation.
Create a free account to see more recent Satellite stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
