Satellite News

Reuters

High activity

SpaceX investor sees $50 trillion valuation in a decade as space startups raise record $20.8 billion

Investor Ron Baron says SpaceX could reach a $50 trillion valuation within 10 years, with Starlink alone potentially valued at $14 trillion to $15 trillion and generating $1 trillion in annual revenue. Separately, space startups attracted a record $20.8 billion in third-quarter funding, with capital flowing to launch providers, manufacturing and other infrastructure, according to Seraphim.

SpaceWatch Global

Riyadh space-policy talks weigh direct-to-device timelines, 2 GHz MSS deadline and WRC-27 countdown

Day two of the Riyadh discussions covered direct-to-device satellite timelines, Europe’s 2 GHz mobile-satellite-services deadline, the costs of orbital debris and preparations for WRC-27. Regulators stressed that allocating spectrum does not itself authorize its use, underscoring the distinction between international frequency decisions and national licensing.

SpaceWatch Global

ESA names CryoRad among three finalists for next Earth Explorer science mission

The European Space Agency has selected CryoRad as one of three finalists in its Earth Explorer program, which develops scientific satellites to test new Earth-observation techniques. A separate report says ESA selected Planet subsidiary Sinergise to develop a satellite-based disaster-response system for Slovenia, initially focused on wildfire management.

SpaceWatch Global

CSG takes 9.5% stake in MDA Space, expanding its space-industry presence

CSG has acquired a 9.5% stake in MDA Space, marking an expansion of its position in the space industry. The available report does not specify the transaction’s value, timing or strategic terms, leaving the scale of CSG’s intended involvement beyond its equity holding unclear.

SpaceWatch Global

Earth observation sovereignty depends on what remains operational when systems come under pressure

An analysis of sovereign Earth observation examines the dependencies behind national capabilities, the role of interoperability and which functions must remain available when systems are stressed or fail. It frames sovereignty not simply as ownership of satellites, but as the resilience of the broader capability.

New York Times

High activity

Ukraine says SpaceX limits on Starlink disrupt drone strikes and defenses

Ukraine says new, unannounced limits on military-grade Starlink terminals are disrupting longer-range drone missions and efforts to intercept Russia’s jet-powered Shahed drones. The reported restrictions expose Kyiv’s reliance on commercial satellite communications for battlefield operations as Russian attacks intensify.

New York Times

Musk Blames Tycoon for Stalling Satellite Internet Access in India

Bloomberg

Malaysia taps Chinese satellite technology for earlier flood warnings

Malaysia is turning to Chinese satellite technology to provide earlier warnings of floods during the country’s annual northeast monsoon, Bernama reported. The effort applies space-based capabilities to a recurring national hazard, though the report provides no details on the system, implementation timeline or partners involved.