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SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force awards SpaceX $57M crosslink demo using Link-182 for MILNET data relay

The Space Systems Command, the U.S. Space Force’s acquisition arm, awarded SpaceX a $57 million contract to demonstrate satellite-to-satellite communications using Link-182. The radio-frequency data-link standard has been adopted for the MILNET data relay network.

2026-04-23T14:50:27.221197-07:00

SpaceNews.com

FCC moves to preserve Mobile Satellite Service incumbents, dismissing SpaceX and others’ spectrum access challenges amid D2D spe

2026-04-23T16:05:18.001632-07:00

Space Intel Report

Iridium schedules July launch of dedicated PNT ASIC as it builds higher-power GNSS backup and reiterates 2030 revenue outlook

2026-04-23T11:25:11.508343-07:00

Runway Girl

Gilat targets Airbus line-fit catalog approval for electronically steered antenna hardware

2026-04-23T08:49:54.576111-07:00

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SpaceNews.com

FCC moves to preserve Mobile Satellite Service incumbents, dismissing SpaceX and others’ spectrum access challenges amid D2D spe The FCC has moved to lock down incumbent Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) rights, dismissing bids by SpaceX and other parties seeking access to spectrum increasingly viewed as critical for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity. The decision intensifies the regulatory fight over how scarce satellite RF assets are allocated as D2D commercialization accelerates.

2026-04-23T16:05:18.001632-07:00

FCC moves to preserve Mobile Satellite Service incumbents, dismissing SpaceX and others’ spectrum access challenges amid D2D spe

SpaceNews.com

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Space Force awards SpaceX $57M crosslink demo using Link-182 for MILNET data relay The Space Systems Command, the U.S. Space Force’s acquisition arm, awarded SpaceX a $57 million contract to demonstrate satellite-to-satellite communications using Link-182. The radio-frequency data-link standard has been adopted for the MILNET data relay network.

2026-04-23T14:50:27.221197-07:00

Space Force awards SpaceX $57M crosslink demo using Link-182 for MILNET data relay

SpaceNews.com

Space Systems Command awards SpaceX $57.3M for Link-182 space-to-space military comms Space Systems Command awarded SpaceX a $57,303,302 firm-fixed-price contract to develop and demonstrate the Link-182 Space-to-Space Communications System in Hawthorne, California. The award underscores ongoing Pentagon investment in resilient, space-based crosslink capabilities for defense missions.

2026-04-23T14:50:27.221197-07:00

Space Systems Command awards SpaceX $57.3M for Link-182 space-to-space military comms

Space Intel Report

Iridium schedules July launch of dedicated PNT ASIC as it builds higher-power GNSS backup and reiterates 2030 revenue outlook Iridium says it expects to roll out its dedicated PNT ASIC in July as part of a higher-power backup for GPS and other GNSS systems, while holding its forecast for at least $100 million in annual revenue by 2030. The company also set an April 23, 2026 earnings call for Q1 results.

2026-04-23T11:25:11.508343-07:00

Iridium schedules July launch of dedicated PNT ASIC as it builds higher-power GNSS backup and reiterates 2030 revenue outlook

Runway Girl

Gilat targets Airbus line-fit catalog approval for electronically steered antenna hardware Gilat Satellite Networks says it is optimistic its electronically steerable antenna (ESA) hardware will become “linefit offerable” as Airbus moves toward a more modular aircraft configuration. The outcome would position Gilat’s multi-orbit inflight connectivity terminals for easier OEM integration rather than retrofit-only pathways.

2026-04-23T08:49:54.576111-07:00

Gilat targets Airbus line-fit catalog approval for electronically steered antenna hardware

executivetraveller.com

United CEO Scott Kirby shuts down free inflight Wi‑Fi for non‑Starlink aircraft after brief “open access” glitch United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says the carrier will not offer free in‑flight Wi‑Fi on aircraft not equipped with Starlink, despite a short-lived issue last week that reportedly allowed open access across parts of United’s fleet. The stance reinforces a paid-connectivity model tied to specific installed systems.

2026-04-23T00:24:29.882146-07:00

United CEO Scott Kirby shuts down free inflight Wi‑Fi for non‑Starlink aircraft after brief “open access” glitch

SpaceNews.com

Univity raises ~$32M Series A to field two 5G VLEO demonstrators in 2027, scaling toward 1,600+ satellites French startup Univity says it has raised around $32 million in a Series A to launch a pair of 5G very-low-Earth-orbit (VLEO) demonstrators next year. The funding supports plans for at least 1,600 VLEO satellites aimed at extending 5G coverage from space for telecom operators.

2026-04-22T23:05:44.348378-07:00

Univity raises ~$32M Series A to field two 5G VLEO demonstrators in 2027, scaling toward 1,600+ satellites

DefenseNews.com

EDRS-A to launch with space-based laser communications payload for secure, high-capacity data links A space-based laser communications system integrated on the European Data Relay System (EDRS)-A satellite payload is scheduled for launch Jan. 27. ESA and Airbus Defence & Space describe it as a secure, high-capacity data transmitter supporting both commercial and military operators.

2026-04-22T17:50:05.414500-07:00

EDRS-A to launch with space-based laser communications payload for secure, high-capacity data links

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Space Force awards SpaceX $57M crosslink demo using Link-182 for MILNET data relay

FCC moves to preserve Mobile Satellite Service incumbents, dismissing SpaceX and others’ spectrum access challenges amid D2D spe

Iridium schedules July launch of dedicated PNT ASIC as it builds higher-power GNSS backup and reiterates 2030 revenue outlook

Gilat targets Airbus line-fit catalog approval for electronically steered antenna hardware

News Timeline