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SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

China launches Algeria's AlSat‑3A from Jiuquan; CERES‑1 sea launch expands Tianqi constellation

China carried out consecutive launches in mid‑January 2026: a Long March 2C placed Algeria's AlSat‑3A surveillance satellite into orbit from Jiuquan on Jan. 15, and a commercial CERES‑1 Y7 sea launch on Jan. 16 (Galactic Energy/Taiyuan) deployed four Tianqi communications satellites to planned orbits.

2026-01-16T03:09:22.805358-08:00

Reuters

Smuggled Starlink terminals keep Iran online as government attempts satellite jamming

2026-01-16T03:09:43.562225-08:00

SpaceWatch Global

Voyager wins patent for in‑orbit production of high‑purity crystals for satellite optical links

2026-01-16T02:44:52.095550-08:00

Payload

CesiumAstro wins $200M EXIM loan with J.P. Morgan to scale U.S. defense satcom manufacturing

2026-01-15T23:10:38.307896-08:00

News Timeline

Reuters

Smuggled Starlink terminals keep Iran online as government attempts satellite jamming Thousands of smuggled Starlink terminals are being used inside Iran to bypass a government-imposed internet blackout, allowing activists and exiled media to share protest footage and coordinate. Iran has attempted to jam satellite signals, making the episode a high-profile security and operational test for SpaceX's Starlink.

2026-01-16T03:09:43.562225-08:00

Smuggled Starlink terminals keep Iran online as government attempts satellite jamming

SpaceNews.com

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China launches Algeria's AlSat‑3A from Jiuquan; CERES‑1 sea launch expands Tianqi constellation China carried out consecutive launches in mid‑January 2026: a Long March 2C placed Algeria's AlSat‑3A surveillance satellite into orbit from Jiuquan on Jan. 15, and a commercial CERES‑1 Y7 sea launch on Jan. 16 (Galactic Energy/Taiyuan) deployed four Tianqi communications satellites to planned orbits.

2026-01-16T03:09:22.805358-08:00

China launches Algeria's AlSat‑3A from Jiuquan; CERES‑1 sea launch expands Tianqi constellation

SpaceWatch Global

Voyager wins patent for in‑orbit production of high‑purity crystals for satellite optical links Voyager secured a patent for an in‑orbit manufacturing method that produces higher‑purity crystals intended for high‑performance optical satellite communications. The technique is aimed at fabricating laser‑grade photonic materials in microgravity to improve optical link performance for spaceborne terminals.

2026-01-16T02:44:52.095550-08:00

Voyager wins patent for in‑orbit production of high‑purity crystals for satellite optical links

SpaceWatch Global

Voyager Secures Patent for In‑Orbit Production of High‑Purity Crystals to Boost Satellite Optical Communications

2026-01-16T02:44:52.095550-08:00

Voyager Secures Patent for In‑

Payload

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CesiumAstro wins $200M EXIM loan with J.P. Morgan to scale U.S. defense satcom manufacturing CesiumAstro secured $200 million in financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States, with J.P. Morgan as partner, the largest loan under EXIM's Make More in America program. The funds will expand Texas manufacturing and accelerate the company's national‑security SATCOM and defense services.

2026-01-15T23:10:38.307896-08:00

CesiumAstro wins $200M EXIM loan with J.P. Morgan to scale U.S. defense satcom manufacturing

Payload

ESA and Liberty Mutual explore Earth‑observation data for parametric insurance The European Space Agency and Liberty Mutual Reinsurance will explore whether Earth‑observation data can be used to underpin parametric insurance products for terrestrial assets. The collaboration will examine data inputs, trigger definitions and operational approaches for converting satellite measurements into automated payout mechanisms.

2026-01-15T21:12:32.870945-08:00

ESA and Liberty Mutual explore Earth‑observation data for parametric insurance

Space.com

Satellites map Antarctica’s hidden bedrock, tightening sea‑level forecasts Advanced satellite observations are producing higher-resolution maps of Antarctica's subglacial topography, revealing previously hidden bed features and drainage pathways. Improved elevation and radar-derived datasets narrow uncertainties in ice-sheet dynamics, enabling more accurate projections of ice loss and global sea-level rise over coming decades.

2026-01-15T15:10:32.859693-08:00

Satellites map Antarctica’s hidden bedrock, tightening sea‑level forecasts

Via Satellite

Lynk Global trials direct-to-device satellite service in Philippines with Smart Communications Lynk Global conducted a trial of its direct‑to‑device (D2D) satellite service on Catanduanes island in the Philippines in partnership with Smart Communications. The test demonstrated phone‑to‑satellite connectivity over a commercial mobile operator footprint, advancing D2D trials in the Asia‑Pacific market.

2026-01-15T13:26:09.348776-08:00

Lynk Global trials direct-to-device satellite service in Philippines with Smart Communications

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Satellite News

China launches Algeria's AlSat‑3A from Jiuquan; CERES‑1 sea launch expands Tianqi constellation

Smuggled Starlink terminals keep Iran online as government attempts satellite jamming

Voyager wins patent for in‑orbit production of high‑purity crystals for satellite optical links

CesiumAstro wins $200M EXIM loan with J.P. Morgan to scale U.S. defense satcom manufacturing

News Timeline