Satellite Programs & Technology News

Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

SDA pauses Navigation Layer PNT work, risking alternate‑GPS capability

The Space Development Agency is re-evaluating and effectively suspending positioning, navigation and timing work for upcoming satellite tranches amid budget constraints, putting a planned Navigation Layer — designed to locate GPS jammers and provide alternate PNT signals — at risk. The move reduces near‑term options to counter escalating GNSS interference.

2025-09-23T11:52:20.521599-07:00

Breaking Defense

Space Force to Own Next‑Gen Space Domain Awareness Satellites Built on Commercial Tech; SSC Draft RFP Due by Year‑End

2025-09-22T13:00:22.639439-07:00

Space.com

SpaceX launches NROL-48 from Vandenberg — 11th 'proliferated architecture' batch of U.S. spy satellites

2025-09-22T11:04:20.853376-07:00

Space Intel Report

SpaceX tells FCC it will use EchoStar spectrum to deploy ~15,000‑satellite LEO network at 330 km

2025-09-22T09:02:23.259440-07:00

Satellite Programs & Technology News Timeline

Via Satellite

Swissto12 opens Madrid R&D hub to speed satellite systems and user-terminal development Swissto12 has opened a new engineering and R&D facility in Madrid to accelerate development of satellite systems and user terminals. The centre will support design, integration and testing work aimed at speeding delivery of its small GEO platforms and flat-panel terminal products.

2025-09-23T12:55:39.574093-07:00

Swissto12 opens Madrid R&D hub to speed satellite systems and user-terminal development

Via Satellite

ThinKom and KSAT partner on ground‑station solution to boost Earth‑observation data operations ThinKom and KSAT have partnered to deliver an integrated ground‑station solution designed to boost operational efficiency and speed data delivery for Earth‑observation customers. The collaboration aims to streamline downlink operations, reduce imagery latency and support higher‑throughput, mission‑critical EO tasking for commercial and institutional operators.

2025-09-23T12:30:07.218211-07:00

ThinKom and KSAT partner on ground‑station solution to boost Earth‑observation data operations

Breaking Defense

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SDA pauses Navigation Layer PNT work, risking alternate‑GPS capability The Space Development Agency is re-evaluating and effectively suspending positioning, navigation and timing work for upcoming satellite tranches amid budget constraints, putting a planned Navigation Layer — designed to locate GPS jammers and provide alternate PNT signals — at risk. The move reduces near‑term options to counter escalating GNSS interference.

2025-09-23T11:52:20.521599-07:00

SDA pauses Navigation Layer PNT work, risking alternate‑GPS capability

Space.com

NASA laser-communication demo shows promise for Mars missions Final tests of NASA's laser-beam communications demonstration yielded promising high-bandwidth performance, validating optical links as a viable way to maintain real-time telemetry, crew communications and large science-data returns for deep-space missions. The technology could reduce latency and increase capacity for future Mars exploration.

2025-09-23T11:04:28.734410-07:00

NASA laser-communication demo shows promise for Mars missions

AINonline

EASA approves QCM STC for Gogo Galileo HDX on Bombardier Global jets; Skyside Global 5000 first install EASA has approved a QCM-designed STC to install Gogo's Galileo HDX satellite terminal on Bombardier Global business jets, enabling an aftermarket LEO broadband retrofit for European-registered Globals and opening a clear certification pathway for MROs and operators. Skyside's Global 5000 is the first to receive the installation.

2025-09-23T09:44:29.983193-07:00

EASA approves QCM STC for Gogo Galileo HDX on Bombardier Global jets; Skyside Global 5000 first install

thetimes.com

UK to deploy quantum magnetometer network to protect satellites, power grids and aviation from extreme space weather The UK will deploy a network of quantum magnetometers to monitor extreme solar storms that can disrupt power grids, damage satellite electronics and interfere with aviation navigation and communications. The ground-based sensors aim to provide faster, higher-fidelity geomagnetic measurements to improve warnings and protect critical infrastructure.

2025-09-23T07:00:25.410037-07:00

UK to deploy quantum magnetometer network to protect satellites, power grids and aviation from extreme space weather

Space Intel Report

Viasat and Space42 unveil D2D joint venture, pool more than 100 MHz of spectrum to aid regional holders Viasat and Space42 confirmed a direct-to-device joint venture pooling more than 100 MHz of global spectrum. They say the tie‑up will create advantages for regional spectrum holders, governments and investors by aggregating capacity, simplifying market entry and accelerating D2D deployment.

2025-09-23T03:49:22.443963-07:00

Viasat and Space42 unveil D2D joint venture, pool more than 100 MHz of spectrum to aid regional holders

spaceinafrica.com

The Billion-Dollar Satellite Game: Africa Becoming an Equal Player SiA interviewed experts Timothy Ashong and Eng Kezias Kazuba Mwale on the dynamics driving Africa's satellite sector into a billion‑dollar market. They outline how rising domestic capability, new financing and regional partnerships are positioning African governments and companies as equal competitive players in global satellite markets.

2025-09-23T01:36:11.892172-07:00

The Billion-Dollar Satellite Game: Africa Becoming an Equal Player

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