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DefenseNews.com • Michael Peck

Pentagon seeks low-cost commercial satellites for on-orbit surveillance and close inspections

The Pentagon is seeking low-cost commercial satellites able to conduct on-orbit surveillance and close-range inspections of other spacecraft, targeting affordable platforms for persistent monitoring and proximity operations. The solicitation formalizes use of commercial providers to augment space-domain awareness and inspection capabilities.

2026-02-17T20:07:19.481560-08:00

PaxEx.Aero

Norwegian rejects Starlink for inflight connectivity, the second European LCC/ULCC to dismiss a LEO supplier

2026-02-17T19:06:01.967195-08:00

SpaceNews.com

Simera Sense unveils larger Earth‑observation cameras with enhanced onboard autonomy

2026-02-17T15:27:21.373802-08:00

Via Satellite

BlackSky wins eight‑figure contract for dedicated Gen‑3 sovereign ISR satellite and multi‑year on‑orbit operations

2026-02-17T13:13:03.925214-08:00

News Timeline

DefenseNews.com

Pentagon seeks low-cost commercial satellites for on-orbit surveillance and close inspections The Pentagon is seeking low-cost commercial satellites able to conduct on-orbit surveillance and close-range inspections of other spacecraft, targeting affordable platforms for persistent monitoring and proximity operations. The solicitation formalizes use of commercial providers to augment space-domain awareness and inspection capabilities.

2026-02-17T20:07:19.481560-08:00

Pentagon seeks low-cost commercial satellites for on-orbit surveillance and close inspections

PaxEx.Aero

❗️

Norwegian rejects Starlink for inflight connectivity, the second European LCC/ULCC to dismiss a LEO supplier Norwegian will pass on SpaceX's Starlink for its inflight internet program, becoming the second European low-cost/ultra-low-cost carrier in recent weeks to dismiss a LEO satellite supplier. The carrier cited an unusual rationale for the choice, underscoring divergent airline responses to LEO-based IFC options.

2026-02-17T19:06:01.967195-08:00

Norwegian rejects Starlink for inflight connectivity, the second European LCC/ULCC to dismiss a LEO supplier

SpaceNews.com

Simera Sense unveils larger Earth‑observation cameras with enhanced onboard autonomy Simera Sense has unveiled a new line of larger Earth‑observation cameras paired with enhanced onboard autonomy for satellite payloads. The combination is intended to boost imaging performance and enable more advanced on‑orbit processing, reducing reliance on ground downlink and accelerating delivery of actionable imagery.

2026-02-17T15:27:21.373802-08:00

Simera Sense unveils larger Earth‑observation cameras with enhanced onboard autonomy

Via Satellite

BlackSky wins eight‑figure contract for dedicated Gen‑3 sovereign ISR satellite and multi‑year on‑orbit operations BlackSky won an eight‑figure contract from an unnamed international customer for a dedicated Gen‑3 very‑high‑resolution Earth‑observation satellite, with accelerated delivery plus multi‑year on‑orbit operations and subscription services to ensure sovereign imaging access. The package includes recurring mission management and tasking for government ISR needs.

2026-02-17T13:13:03.925214-08:00

BlackSky wins eight‑figure contract for dedicated Gen‑3 sovereign ISR satellite and multi‑year on‑orbit operations

Via Satellite

ST Engineering iDirect to integrate G&S SatCom SatConnect into Intuition ground system ST Engineering iDirect will integrate G&S SatCom’s SatConnect network‑management capability into its Intuition ground‑system software, enabling operators to monitor and control G&S‑managed networks within Intuition’s interface. The move aims to simplify operations and accelerate deployment of managed satcom services. It targets commercial and government customers seeking consolidated network oversight.

2026-02-17T13:00:10.726752-08:00

ST Engineering iDirect to integrate G&S SatCom SatConnect into Intuition ground system

Space Intel Report

SES warns demand shift will shrink its 90+ large GEO satellite fleet SES says shifting market demand will reduce its fleet of more than 90 large geostationary satellites, warning the future economic viability of big GEO platforms is uncertain and prompting the operator to reassess fleet size and business model.

2026-02-17T09:24:57.960383-08:00

SES warns demand shift will shrink its 90+ large GEO satellite fleet

Payload

Revenge of the Bad Businesses: investors pivot to space hardware as software rout bites A shift in investor sentiment during this year's software rout is reversing conventional wisdom: asset-light, high-margin software is losing its premium while capital-intensive 'bad' businesses are regaining appeal. The trend is reshaping the space investing thesis, increasing focus on hardware, launchers and industrial assets.

2026-02-17T08:56:51.175203-08:00

Revenge of the Bad Businesses: investors pivot to space hardware as software rout bites

SpaceNews.com

Space-Comm Expo London 2026: Global leaders convene to accelerate Europe's space industry Global policymakers, defence and industry leaders gathered at Space‑Comm Expo in London to accelerate Europe’s space industrialisation and secure supply chains. Exhibitors, including Rhopoint Components showcasing radiation‑hardened electronics, highlighted commercial and defence‑grade satellite and component technologies needed to field upcoming programmes and in‑orbit demonstrators.

2026-02-17T08:27:20.948090-08:00

Space-Comm Expo London 2026: Global leaders convene to accelerate Europe's space industry

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Satellite News

Pentagon seeks low-cost commercial satellites for on-orbit surveillance and close inspections

Norwegian rejects Starlink for inflight connectivity, the second European LCC/ULCC to dismiss a LEO supplier

Simera Sense unveils larger Earth‑observation cameras with enhanced onboard autonomy

BlackSky wins eight‑figure contract for dedicated Gen‑3 sovereign ISR satellite and multi‑year on‑orbit operations

News Timeline