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Viasat outlines multi‑orbit IFEC roadmap with Amara launch as AIX 2026 convenes in Hamburg

Viasat has outlined a multi‑orbit inflight connectivity roadmap anchored by the upcoming Amara launch, and will present its strategy at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2026 in Hamburg, April 14–16 — the show’s 25th anniversary as the global aircraft cabin marketplace to airline and OEM customers.

2026-04-09T10:51:57.775856-07:00

Space.com

Expert warns commercial satellite image blackout over Iran risks dangerous precedent

2026-04-09T10:38:48.556800-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Portal raises $50M to advance maneuverable spacecraft and commercial debris‑removal

2026-04-09T08:07:25.018387-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Long March rockets deploy new batches to China’s GuoWang and Thousand Sails megaconstellations

2026-04-09T07:32:22.318213-07:00

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FlightGlobal

Viasat outlines multi‑orbit IFEC roadmap with Amara launch as AIX 2026 convenes in Hamburg Viasat has outlined a multi‑orbit inflight connectivity roadmap anchored by the upcoming Amara launch, and will present its strategy at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2026 in Hamburg, April 14–16 — the show’s 25th anniversary as the global aircraft cabin marketplace to airline and OEM customers.

2026-04-09T10:51:57.775856-07:00

Viasat outlines multi‑orbit IFEC roadmap with Amara launch as AIX 2026 convenes in Hamburg

Space.com

Expert warns commercial satellite image blackout over Iran risks dangerous precedent A leading expert warned that a commercial satellite firm's decision to withhold imagery of Iran could set a dangerous precedent, saying the move appears aimed at limiting the American public's ability to understand what’s happening rather than changing battlefield outcomes.

2026-04-09T10:38:48.556800-07:00

Expert warns commercial satellite image blackout over Iran risks dangerous precedent

SpaceNews.com

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Portal raises $50M to advance maneuverable spacecraft and commercial debris‑removal Portal Space Systems closed a $50M Series A led by Geodesic Capital and Mach33, with participation from Booz Allen Ventures, Ark Invest and others, to accelerate development of its highly maneuverable on‑orbit spacecraft. Portal and partner Paladin will deploy a commercial debris‑removal satellite, with Starlab joining.

2026-04-09T08:07:25.018387-07:00

Portal raises $50M to advance maneuverable spacecraft and commercial debris‑removal

SpaceNews.com

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Long March rockets deploy new batches to China’s GuoWang and Thousand Sails megaconstellations China conducted coordinated Long March launches this week, using a Long March‑8 from Hainan to place 18 Internet satellites into orbit and a modified Long March‑6/6A from Taiyuan to add further batches — including five spacecraft — to the state‑backed GuoWang and Thousand Sails LEO megaconstellations.

2026-04-09T07:32:22.318213-07:00

Long March rockets deploy new batches to China’s GuoWang and Thousand Sails megaconstellations

SpaceNews.com

Commercial Satellites as the New Arsenal: Defense and Industry Implications Commercial satellites are evolving from civilian infrastructure into instruments of national power, supplying communications, sensing and targeting capabilities that militaries and adversaries can access rapidly. That shift forces armed forces, regulators and space companies to rethink procurement, resilience, and legal frameworks for warfighting in orbit.

2026-04-09T07:11:17.822866-07:00

Commercial Satellites as the New Arsenal: Defense and Industry Implications

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ST Engineering iDirect: LEO disruption creates risks — and new ground-segment opportunities for satcom users Vertically integrated LEO operators are reshaping satcom business models, compressing margins and altering service delivery. ST Engineering iDirect calls the shift “a glass-half-full moment,” saying the disruption presents both risks and commercial openings for aviation, defense and enterprise customers reliant on satellite connectivity.

2026-04-09T05:06:53.295641-07:00

ST Engineering iDirect: LEO disruption creates risks — and new ground-segment opportunities for satcom users

SpaceNews.com

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Space Force awards $1.843B Andromeda IDIQ to 14 firms for maneuverable GEO space-domain awareness satellites The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command awarded a $1.843 billion ceiling, firm‑fixed‑price IDIQ under the Andromeda program to 14 companies to develop maneuverable geostationary space‑domain awareness satellites for enhanced GEO surveillance and orbital tracking. Named contractors include Lockheed Martin, Anduril, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems and L3Harris.

2026-04-09T04:38:15.725714-07:00

Space Force awards $1.843B Andromeda IDIQ to 14 firms for maneuverable GEO space-domain awareness satellites

SpaceNews.com

Albedo gears up for second VLEO mission, targets 2027 launch Albedo is preparing its second Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) mission for launch in 2027. The flight follows the firm's inaugural demonstrator and is intended to expand in‑orbit testing of systems and operational concepts specific to sustained VLEO operations.

2026-04-09T04:02:29.550260-07:00

Albedo gears up for second VLEO mission, targets 2027 launch

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Satellite News

Viasat outlines multi‑orbit IFEC roadmap with Amara launch as AIX 2026 convenes in Hamburg

Expert warns commercial satellite image blackout over Iran risks dangerous precedent

Portal raises $50M to advance maneuverable spacecraft and commercial debris‑removal

Long March rockets deploy new batches to China’s GuoWang and Thousand Sails megaconstellations

News Timeline