Satellite News

Breaking Defense

Space Force weighs $1B Space Exchange Point satellite network to connect incompatible military constellations

The Space Force is considering 12 or 13 Space Exchange Point satellites to translate communications between SpaceX’s SDN Backbone and other Pentagon communications and missile-tracking satellites, according to sources. The proposed fix could cost about $1 billion, addressing an interoperability gap among systems intended to support military space operations.

Payload

Op-ed: Russia’s X36 rendezvous may have helped it characterize ICEYE radar for jamming

An opinion piece argues that Russia’s recent rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) involving X36 may have let it characterize ICEYE’s radar in enough detail to develop a ground-based jammer or spoofer for use in Ukraine next year. The article presents that potential capability as the likely reason for the maneuver.

Reuters

High activity

India says satellite communications competition is open to all, with rollout subject to spectrum and security rules

Indian government sources say all satellite communications providers are welcome and customers will choose based on price, value and service quality, amid debate over Starlink’s market entry. Service launches remain contingent on spectrum allocation and security compliance; officials also noted Starlink was the last entrant to apply and submit compliance materials.

SpaceNews.com

NASA advances TDRSS replacement effort, selecting three companies for next phase

NASA has selected three companies to advance to the next phase of an effort to develop a commercial replacement for its aging Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System constellation. The selection marks a step toward shifting a critical space communications service to commercial providers.

SpaceNews.com

NASA selects three companies for TDRSS replacement program

Washington Post

Starlink service was described as a White House gift, but records show nearly $1.2 million in Pentagon awards

Trump officials said Elon Musk’s company donated Starlink satellite internet service. Records show the company also received nearly $1.2 million in Pentagon awards, complicating the characterization of the service as a gift and raising questions about the relationship between the donation and federal payments.

SpaceWatch Global

AST SpaceMobile plans reusable rocket with Firefly engines for BlueBird launches by 2028

AST SpaceMobile plans to develop its own reusable launch vehicle, powered by engines from Firefly Aerospace, to deploy its BlueBird direct-to-device satellite constellation. The companies disclosed a $1.3 billion engine agreement; AST is targeting launches beginning in 2028.

SpaceWatch Global

AST SpaceMobile Joins U.S. Space Force Program to Advance Space-Based Sensing