The Atlantic
• Isaac Stanley-Becker, Simon Shuster
The Pentagon inspector general says it will not investigate recent disruptions to Ukraine’s access to Starlink and Starshield, or the related interruption in U.S. intelligence sharing, describing the matter as a business dispute outside its remit. The decision leaves lawmakers without a watchdog inquiry into the incidents.
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The United Kingdom launched Prospero on Oct. 28, 1971, its first satellite, using the domestically developed Black Arrow rocket. The flight marked Britain’s entry into satellite operations and remains the only successful orbital launch by a British-built rocket.
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The Pentagon inspector general says it will not investigate recent disruptions to Ukraine’s access to Starlink and Starshield, or the related interruption in U.S. intelligence sharing, describing the matter as a business dispute outside its remit. The decision leaves lawmakers without a watchdog inquiry into the incidents.
The U.S. Space Force’s first operational missile-tracking satellites are now expected to launch in spring 2027, nearly two years behind the original plan. The delay comes as the Space Development Agency considers additional flight demonstrations before committing to large purchases of next-generation sensors.
Canadian mobile satellite services operator Terrestar Solutions has signed a memorandum of understanding to join Equatys’ shared-infrastructure approach for direct-to-device services. The announcement adds Terrestar to an effort to pool infrastructure for D2D connectivity, though the article provides no further details on the agreement or implementation timeline.
The U.S. Space Force plans to award Boeing a contract worth up to $945.9 million to maintain and modernize military communications satellites and ground systems. The service cites Boeing’s ownership of proprietary technical data and software required for the work.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is coordinating on low-Earth-orbit satellite networks with Elon Musk and other US partners, while Russia works to develop its own answer to Starlink. His remarks underscore the strategic value of large satellite-internet constellations for civilian and military use, amid reports that Starlink access for Ukraine had recently been slowed.
Astroscale’s UK subsidiary will lead Project LEDA, a Ministry of Defence program to advance the UK’s ability to understand, protect and operate in space. The £15 million contract comes as the government broadens its focus on defense and autonomous systems, including a separate £400 million commitment to drones.
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