SpaceNews.com
• Sandra Erwin
The U.S. Space Force has awarded its first operational contracts under a program that will enlist commercial satellite operators to provide surveillance support during military crises. The awards mark a move from program design to contracted capability, though the available report does not identify the six companies or disclose contract values.
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The U.S. Space Force has awarded its first operational contracts under a program that will enlist commercial satellite operators to provide surveillance support during military crises. The awards mark a move from program design to contracted capability, though the available report does not identify the six companies or disclose contract values.
BlackSky Technology will provide an international defense agency operating in a contested region with assured access to high-resolution Gen-3 imagery and data under a seven-figure contract. The Herndon, Virginia-based company announced the agreement Oct. 22, but did not identify the agency or region.
Trump administration officials have linked the slowdown of Starlink and Starshield services in Ukraine to Elon Musk, while Vice President JD Vance said decisions on access rest with the US government. Twenty-three House members urged President Donald Trump to let Ukraine use Starlink for strikes inside Russia; alternatives remain limited.
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Delta says its trans-Pacific rollout completes free Delta Sync Wi-Fi across its global network. Singapore Airlines is adding 4K screens, Bluetooth audio and Starlink connectivity to its KrisWorld system, while British Airways has completed Starlink installation on all 18 of its A350s, offering free access to Club members.
Ukraine’s military is using a basic version of Starshield that relies on standard Starlink equipment but offers different features, according to the article. The report provides a limited description of the service and does not specify which features differ or how broadly the military uses it.
Bengaluru-based OXG Space raised ₹17 crore in a round led by Aum Ventures’ India Innovation Fund II to build a satellite connectivity network in orbit. Separately, U.S. startup Atombeam raised $18.3 million to accelerate adoption of networking software for satellite, defense and commercial links, taking its total funding to $55 million.
The Space Development Agency is evaluating sensor technologies for future satellites designed to detect and track targets throughout their flight. The exploration points to a continuing focus on expanding space-based missile warning and tracking capabilities, though the report provides no details on specific technologies or program timelines.
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