SpaceWatch Global
• Joshua Faleti
The FCC approved SpaceX’s plan for a 15,000-satellite Starlink Mobile system and granted spectrum flexibility for satellite-to-phone services. The decision moves the service closer to operating as a standalone wireless offering, with potential to reshape how satellite connectivity reaches mobile devices.
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The FCC approved SpaceX’s plan for a 15,000-satellite Starlink Mobile system and granted spectrum flexibility for satellite-to-phone services. The decision moves the service closer to operating as a standalone wireless offering, with potential to reshape how satellite connectivity reaches mobile devices.
The International Astronautical Congress in Antalya is examining NASA’s Artemis II results and lunar data, the security of large satellite constellations, and the growing overlap between commercial space activity and national interests. Other discussions include Türkiye’s Moon mission, crew autonomy, European plans and space manufacturing.
Azerbaijan’s national satellite operator Azercosmos has launched Platerra, an AI-driven platform that automates satellite imagery processing and turns imagery into geospatial intelligence. The company says the platform is intended to support decision-making across a range of applications; the announcement did not specify customers or operational deployments.
Eutelsat has renewed satellite capacity on Eutelsat 7 West A for TéléDiffusion d’Algérie, the country’s national broadcasting network operator. TDA is a long-standing Eutelsat customer and the sole broadcaster in the Algerian market, extending the companies’ existing relationship through the renewal.
Gilat Satellite Networks says recent contract wins total $38 million for its SkyEdge system and connectivity projects in Peru. Its Peruvian subsidiary, Gilat Perú, signed a $28 million agreement with Pronatel to upgrade broadband connectivity across the Ica region.
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Elon Musk accused unnamed Indian oligarchs of blocking Starlink’s launch to protect their market position, while India’s Communications Ministry said its satellite communications approval framework is fair and non-discriminatory. Musk also rejected claims that Starlink was used by insurgent groups, saying its beams were turned off over India.
Gogo Special Missions and Boeing subsidiary Insitu have completed integration and testing of a high-speed, low-latency satellite communications capability for the Integrator uncrewed aircraft system. The link is intended to support live video and bring Group 3 UAS operations closer to real time.
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The FCC authorized SpaceX to deploy 15,000 satellites for direct-to-device service, while deferring some elements of its request. The agency also announced plans to make more wireless spectrum available and is set to vote on auctioning 25 MHz that could benefit SpaceX and Amazon.
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