Satellite News

Via Satellite

UK launches first dedicated RAF squadron to protect satellites from hostile threats

The UK has established its first dedicated space squadron within the Royal Air Force to protect satellites vital to everyday life. The unit will focus on disrupting, degrading and denying hostile activity targeting British interests in space, marking a significant expansion of the country’s space-defense posture.

Via Satellite

U.K. Defense Secretary Calls for Satellite Investment as Space Assets Support Intelligence and Missile Warning

U.K. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said satellites are critical to national intelligence gathering and missile-warning capabilities, and now underpin almost one-fifth of the U.K. economy. His remarks frame space infrastructure as both a defense priority and an increasingly consequential component of national economic activity.

New York Times

High activity

Google to launch prototype satellites for first in-orbit test of AI computing under Project Suncatcher

Google plans to launch two experimental satellites with Planet by early 2027 to test whether AI chips can support large-scale computing infrastructure in orbit. The effort, Project Suncatcher, is an early-stage study of space-based data centers and their potential technical feasibility.

Payload

High activity

Starfish Space’s first full-scale Otter servicing vehicle assigned to NASA-backed SSPICY mission

Starfish Space has completed its first full-scale Otter spacecraft and is preparing to launch it on Transporter-18 for NASA’s SSPICY mission. The vehicle will demonstrate close inspection and docking capabilities by visiting multiple inoperable U.S. satellites, moving the Tukwila, Wash.-based company beyond scaled technology demonstrations.

Payload

Hubble Network raises $200M Series C at $1.6B valuation

Hubble Network has raised $200 million in Series C financing, bringing its total funding to $300 million and valuing the company at $1.6 billion. The round follows a $70 million Series B completed in September 2025, underscoring continued investor backing for the company’s development.

SpaceNews.com

Direct-to-device satellite services near a market inflection point as operators look beyond mobile carriers

Direct-to-device satellite connectivity is approaching a market inflection point, but operators’ reliance on mobile network operators may constrain growth. Reaching customers beyond carrier distribution could determine whether D2D develops into a scalable extension of terrestrial cellular networks or remains a limited connectivity enhancement.

AeroTime

High activity

Saab advances anti-ship missile, space-defense partnerships and India’s SAT-SAAW order

Saab is broadening its defense and space footprint: the RBS15 Mk4 anti-ship missile is ready for Swedish Air Force Gripen fighters, while new MoUs with SSC Space, OHB Sweden and Ericsson target Nordic space capabilities and multi-domain operations. India has also ordered additional Saab-linked SAT-SAAW glide bombs.

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

MBS acquires 20% of HPS as German space-hardware company expands into defense and communications

MBS has acquired a 20% stake in HPS, supporting a seven-figure investment program at the German space-hardware company. The funding will help HPS expand beyond its existing space activities into defense and communications markets, broadening its addressable customer base and strategic footprint.