Satellite Programs & Technology News

airlinergs.com • Eddie Saunders

United wins FAA approval for first Starlink‑equipped mainline 737‑800; commercial service set for Oct. 15, 2025

The FAA has certified United’s first mainline Boeing 737‑800 fitted with SpaceX Starlink, clearing the way for the carrier’s inaugural Starlink‑equipped passenger flight departing Newark on October 15, 2025. United says the approval authorizes operation of the retrofitted 737‑800 in commercial service.

2025-09-26T05:52:15.840661-07:00

skyandtelescope.org

SpaceX lofts IMAP plus two space‑weather probes on Falcon 9 to sharpen solar‑storm warnings

2025-09-24T10:52:35.758900-07:00

Business Wire

Planet Labs to double Pelican production with new Berlin factory, invests eight-figure sum

2025-09-25T01:29:03.181180-07:00

Associated Press

NASA–ISRO NISAR Returns First Synthetic-Aperture Radar Images of Earth

2025-09-25T09:40:16.982083-07:00

Satellite Programs & Technology News Timeline

South China Morning Post

China adopts automotive-style mass production for rockets and satellites China's aerospace sector is adopting automotive-style, mass-production manufacturing methods to scale output of rockets and satellites, shifting from bespoke builds to serialized assembly lines. The move aims to accelerate launch cadence, reduce unit costs and industrialize satellite production across state and private firms.

2025-09-28T07:10:27.798959-07:00

China adopts automotive-style mass production for rockets and satellites

India Defense News

DRDO to build legged in-orbit robots for satellite servicing and space operations DRDO has launched a programme to develop legged in-orbit robots for satellite servicing and space operations, aiming to provide autonomous mobility and manipulation capabilities on orbit. The initiative represents a major step in India's defence-oriented space robotics, with applications in inspection, repair and on-orbit logistics.

2025-09-28T05:18:29.995837-07:00

DRDO to build legged in-orbit robots for satellite servicing and space operations

SpaceNews.com

IAI unveils 'game‑changing' communications satellites to reshape global connectivity Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled a new family of 'game‑changing' communication satellites aimed at reshaping global connectivity. The programme positions IAI to expand its satellite‑communications offerings for commercial and government users, promising broader reach and upgraded capabilities.

2025-09-28T05:17:57.213370-07:00

IAI unveils 'game‑changing' communications satellites to reshape global connectivity

News.CN

China launches Fengyun‑3 08 weather satellite aboard Long March‑4C from Jiuquan On Sept. 27 China launched the Fengyun‑3 08 satellite at 03:28 Beijing time from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March‑4C. The spacecraft entered its planned orbit carrying nine remote‑sensing payloads, including a medium‑resolution imager, to support weather forecasting, atmospheric chemistry monitoring and climate research.

2025-09-27T09:53:02.569504-07:00

China launches Fengyun‑3 08 weather satellite aboard Long March‑4C from Jiuquan

SpaceNews.com

China expands broadband, IoT and weather satellite fleets in a concentrated launch push A recent burst of launches has expanded China's LEO broadband and IoT constellations and bolstered its weather-satellite fleet, accelerating Beijing's push for sovereign connectivity and operational meteorology. The rapid cadence highlights China's growing launch tempo and raises questions about launch capacity and orbital congestion.

2025-09-27T08:45:48.211943-07:00

China expands broadband, IoT and weather satellite fleets in a concentrated launch push

Ars Technica

Researchers map hedgehog habitat from space by detecting bramble patches Cambridge researchers used satellite imagery and AI to map bramble patches as a proxy for hedgehog habitat, because direct detection of small mammals from orbit is impractical. The technique enables large-area habitat mapping and population inference where ground surveys are sparse or costly.

2025-09-26T15:32:07.998299-07:00

Researchers map hedgehog habitat from space by detecting bramble patches

SpaceNews.com

Beyond Gravity to supply thruster-pointing robotic arms for Swissto12’s small GEO satellites Beyond Gravity will deliver robotic-arm thruster-pointing mechanisms for Swissto12’s small geostationary satellites. The precision pointing systems are intended to support attitude control and station-keeping on the company’s compact GEO platforms, and potentially reduce launch and production costs.

2025-09-26T11:45:06.470652-07:00

Beyond Gravity to supply thruster-pointing robotic arms for Swissto12’s small GEO satellites

Via Satellite

SpaceRise consortium kicks off procurement for IRIS² ground segment The SpaceRise consortium leading Europe’s IRIS² constellation has launched procurement for the programme’s ground segment, opening contracting for the infrastructure, systems and services needed to operate the multi‑orbit satellite network. The move marks a key industrial milestone toward IRIS² operational capability.

2025-09-26T10:55:49.268850-07:00

SpaceRise consortium kicks off procurement for IRIS² ground segment

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