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SpaceWatch Global • Blaine Curcio

China’s Satellite Surge: Growth Curves and Strategic Implications

China's annual satellite launches accelerated sharply from 111 in 2021 to 378 in 2025, driving rapid expansion of LEO constellations and national orbital assets. The surge increases China's on-orbit capacity and raises strategic questions for commercial market balance and defense-related capabilities.

2026-01-21T00:17:44.614725-08:00

SpaceWatch Africa

BlackSky secures multiple renewals and expansion contracts for Gen‑3 satellite program across Americas, Asia and Europe

2026-01-20T08:17:30.203770-08:00

Via Satellite

Gilat wins approximately $11M SkyEdge platform order from leading Asia-Pacific satellite operator

2026-01-20T13:08:03.696971-08:00

AINonline

flyExclusive begins Starlink fit-outs on Challenger 350s as it expands MRO services

2026-01-20T10:19:04.333793-08:00

News Timeline

SpaceWatch Global

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China’s Satellite Surge: Growth Curves and Strategic Implications China's annual satellite launches accelerated sharply from 111 in 2021 to 378 in 2025, driving rapid expansion of LEO constellations and national orbital assets. The surge increases China's on-orbit capacity and raises strategic questions for commercial market balance and defense-related capabilities.

2026-01-21T00:17:44.614725-08:00

China’s Satellite Surge: Growth Curves and Strategic Implications

Via Satellite

Gilat wins approximately $11M SkyEdge platform order from leading Asia-Pacific satellite operator Gilat Satellite Networks' Commercial Division secured an approximately $11 million contract to supply its SkyEdge ground platform to a leading, unnamed satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region. The order reinforces demand for Gilat's ground infrastructure among regional operators and expands its commercial backlog.

2026-01-20T13:08:03.696971-08:00

Gilat wins approximately $11M SkyEdge platform order from leading Asia-Pacific satellite operator

AINonline

flyExclusive begins Starlink fit-outs on Challenger 350s as it expands MRO services flyExclusive has begun installing SpaceX Starlink inflight connectivity across its Challenger 350 fleet and is expanding its MRO capabilities to perform Starlink fit‑outs and related retrofit work. The move positions the operator to support in‑house fleet upgrades and commercial installation services for business jets.

2026-01-20T10:19:04.333793-08:00

flyExclusive begins Starlink fit-outs on Challenger 350s as it expands MRO services

AINonline

Heavy data use is reshaping in‑flight connectivity on business jets Multiple simultaneous heavy data users aboard business jets have turned in‑flight connectivity from a luxury into an operational necessity, forcing operators and suppliers to rethink bandwidth provisioning, onboard networking and installation strategies to support high‑throughput, always‑on passenger and crew applications.

2026-01-20T09:37:57.167257-08:00

Heavy data use is reshaping in‑flight connectivity on business jets

SpaceWatch Africa

BlackSky secures multiple renewals and expansion contracts for Gen‑3 satellite program across Americas, Asia and Europe BlackSky has converted early-access Gen‑3 pilot programs into multiple renewal and expansion contracts with customers across the Americas, Asia and Europe. The deals broaden commitments to its Gen‑3 satellite program and extend commercial access to high‑cadence, very‑high‑resolution LEO imaging and geospatial services.

2026-01-20T08:17:30.203770-08:00

BlackSky secures multiple renewals and expansion contracts for Gen‑3 satellite program across Americas, Asia and Europe

European Spaceflight

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Airbus satellite consolidation plan draws union resistance Airbus is moving to absorb Airbus Constellations Satellites into its broader space business, a consolidation plan that has prompted opposition from unions representing affected employees and raising concerns about job security. The push highlights labour friction as Airbus seeks to streamline its satellite operations.

2026-01-20T07:31:39.988994-08:00

Airbus satellite consolidation plan draws union resistance

Universe Today

Study defines observational requirements for Habitable Worlds Observatory biosignature interpretation A team led by NASA research biologist Niki Parenteau has posted a pre-print on arXiv that spells out the specific observational and contextual data needed to interpret potential biosignatures from the proposed Habitable Worlds Observatory. The paper identifies which measurements must accompany HWO spectra to avoid misinterpretation.

2026-01-20T06:29:39.969665-08:00

Study defines observational requirements for Habitable Worlds Observatory biosignature interpretation

SpaceNews.com

Washington Harbour expands space investments with ground services acquisition Washington Harbour has expanded its space-sector portfolio by acquiring a ground services provider, marking a strategic move into operational support for space missions. The deal broadens the firm's exposure to commercial space infrastructure and service capabilities within the growing space ecosystem.

2026-01-20T06:19:20.004520-08:00

Washington Harbour expands space investments with ground services acquisition

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Satellite News

China’s Satellite Surge: Growth Curves and Strategic Implications

BlackSky secures multiple renewals and expansion contracts for Gen‑3 satellite program across Americas, Asia and Europe

Gilat wins approximately $11M SkyEdge platform order from leading Asia-Pacific satellite operator

flyExclusive begins Starlink fit-outs on Challenger 350s as it expands MRO services

News Timeline