Satellite News

Bloomberg

Europe’s largest mobile operators explore satellite-to-mobile consortium to challenge Starlink

Europe’s biggest mobile carriers are in early discussions about forming a consortium to bid for satellite spectrum and deliver direct-to-mobile connectivity. The initiative could create a regionally coordinated competitor to Starlink’s satellite-to-phone service, linking terrestrial telecom networks with space-based capacity.

SpaceNews.com

U.S. Space Force commits $50 million to startup developing in-orbit satellite deployment technology

The U.S. Space Force is investing $50 million in a startup developing a new method to dispatch small spacecraft from a larger vehicle in orbit. The effort could introduce another approach to moving and deploying satellites after launch, with potential implications for future military space operations.

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

MTG-I2 completes Meteosat Third Generation constellation as India’s EOS-05 begins ascent to geostationary orbit

MTG-I2 has passed its initial post-launch milestones, completing Europe’s Meteosat Third Generation constellation and enabling faster, higher-resolution weather monitoring. Separately, India’s GSLV Mark II deployed the EOS-05 Earth-imaging satellite, which has completed two apogee-raising maneuvers on its way to geostationary orbit.

SpaceNews.com

Pixxel raises $100 million to expand hyperspectral satellite production in India and the U.S.

Indian hyperspectral imaging startup Pixxel has secured $100 million in a funding round co-led by Temasek and Seraphim, bringing its total capital raised to $195 million. The company plans to scale satellite production in India and the United States as it pursues additional government business.

SpaceNews.com

Rocket Lab spacecraft uses LLNL optical payload in Space Force satellite-tracking exercise

A Rocket Lab spacecraft carrying an optical payload developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory tracked another satellite during a U.S. Space Force “cat-and-mouse” exercise. The demonstration highlights efforts to improve space-domain awareness and the ability to monitor maneuvering objects in orbit.

SpaceNews.com

Space Force begins next-generation GPS ground architecture after $6.27 billion OCX cancellation

The U.S. Space Force is starting work on a new ground control architecture for the future GPS constellation, using lessons from the $6.27 billion OCX program. The Pentagon canceled OCX earlier this year after 15 years of development, resetting a critical element of GPS modernization.

SpaceNews.com

High activity

Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum reaches orbit from Norway, marking Europe’s first successful commercial orbital launch

German startup Isar Aerospace reached orbit with its Spectrum rocket from Andøya, Norway, deploying satellites on the vehicle’s second flight. The mission makes Isar the first commercial European company to deliver payloads to orbit from continental Europe, advancing the region’s effort to reduce reliance on American launch providers.

Bloomberg

High activity

Isar Aerospace reaches orbit on second Spectrum launch, advancing Europe’s independent satellite-launch ambitions

The German startup’s Spectrum rocket successfully reached orbit after lifting off from Andøya Spaceport in Arctic Norway. The milestone marks the first orbital launch from European soil and brings Europe closer to offering satellite customers access to space from within the continent.