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Starfish Space loses first full-scale Otter after fault-protection fault cuts communications, ending $15 million NASA satellite-

Starfish Space says it can no longer receive data from its first full-scale Otter servicing spacecraft after a fault-protection issue blocked communications. The failure ended the NASA-funded SSPICY mission, which was intended to demonstrate inspection of inoperable satellites, before the vehicle could complete its planned work.

Space Intel Report

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ITU extends Open Cosmos broadband-network deadline but halves planned constellation

International regulators have granted Europe’s Open Cosmos more time to deploy its planned low Earth orbit broadband network, but effectively limited the constellation to half its intended size. The decision is a setback to the company’s deployment plans and constrains the scale of its proposed satellite service.

SpaceNews.com

China’s Star Vision signs agreements to develop and operate AI-enabled satellite constellation for Oman

Chinese commercial firm Star Vision has signed agreements covering the development, launch and operation of an AI-enabled satellite constellation for Oman. The announcement signals a commercial space partnership between a Chinese provider and an Omani customer, though the agreements’ scope, schedule and constellation size were not specified in the article.

SpaceNews.com

China’s Star Vision to build AI constellation for Oman

Via Satellite

NRO’s new Cyber Protection Office has 600-plus staff and a $250 million annual budget

The National Reconnaissance Office’s Cyber Protection Office has more than 600 staff and an annual budget of $250 million, Lt. Col. Luke Shibilski told CyberSat attendees. The disclosure comes as the White House warns of attacks accelerated by artificial intelligence, underscoring the security demands facing satellite operators.

Via Satellite

AT&T and AST SpaceMobile demonstrate handoff between cellular and direct-to-device networks

AT&T and AST SpaceMobile have demonstrated a handoff between a cellular network and a direct-to-device satellite network. The companies described the test as a connectivity milestone, though the available report does not specify the test conditions, technical performance or plans for commercial deployment.

Via Satellite

SpaceX discusses buying Boost Mobile or using its network as it pursues terrestrial-satellite connectivity

SpaceX has held preliminary talks with EchoStar about either acquiring Boost Mobile or securing wholesale access to its cellular network, according to sources cited in the reports. Either path could give SpaceX a terrestrial network component for a hybrid cellular-satellite service; no agreement is reported.

Via Satellite

Globalstar warns Rocket Lab’s Iridium relationship could put it at a disadvantage

Globalstar has warned that Rocket Lab’s supplier relationship with Iridium could give Rocket Lab an incentive to favor Iridium at Globalstar’s expense. The concern echoes issues raised by SpaceX, according to the report, putting the commercial terms and competitive implications of the relationship in focus.