Satellite News

Via Satellite

Telesat and Cailabs to explore optical ground stations for Lightspeed LEO connectivity

Telesat and French photonics company Cailabs will assess space-to-ground optical communications for Telesat’s Lightspeed low-Earth-orbit constellation. The collaboration will examine optical ground stations to support secure government communications and data relay, potentially extending the constellation’s capabilities beyond conventional radio-frequency links.

Via Satellite

Kymeta wins $20 million DoD order for 100 Osprey u8 multi-orbit satcom terminals

Kymeta has secured a $20 million order from a U.S. Department of Defense branch for 100 Osprey u8 multi-orbit satellite communications terminals. The award expands the company’s defense customer base and provides a defined production commitment for its satcom hardware.

SpaceNews.com

Creotech wins €13.9 million ESA contract for Poland’s first mission-as-a-service space-weather nanosat

Polish space technology company Creotech Instruments has signed a €13.9 million ($16 million) contract with the European Space Agency to comprehensively implement SAWA, Poland’s second space-weather nanosatellite mission. The project is also described as the country’s first “mission-as-a-service” initiative, expanding Poland’s role in European space programs.

Via Satellite

Space Defense in 2040: Networked, Weaponized and Contested Constellations

By 2040, the ability to see, decide and act first in a conflict may depend on resilient, networked constellations in orbit. The emerging space-defense environment will be increasingly weaponized and contested, making orbital architecture central to military awareness, decision-making and operational advantage.

Seeking Alpha

Intuitive Machines wins two-satellite IM 300 order from undisclosed commercial customer

Intuitive Machines has secured a contract to build two IM 300 series platforms for an undisclosed commercial customer. The satellites will be produced at the company’s high-volume Palo Alto facility, using the platform that has also supported Space Development Agency missions.

SpaceNews.com

Yank Technologies wins Space Force contract to study wireless satellite charging

Yank Technologies will assess whether satellites can be recharged in orbit using wireless power under a U.S. Space Force small-business contract. The concept could reduce reliance on physical docking during servicing missions, potentially enabling new approaches to satellite sustainment and on-orbit operations.

SpaceNews.com

Quindar to manage ground operations for Quantum Space’s maneuverable spacecraft

Denver-based satellite ground-software startup Quindar will manage ground operations for Quantum Space’s maneuverable spacecraft, linking its mission-control platform with a spacecraft designed for in-orbit movement. The agreement highlights the growing role of commercial software providers in operating increasingly capable satellite systems.

Reuters

High activity

PLD Space adds €108 million to Series C ahead of Miura 5 debut

Spain’s PLD Space has extended its Series C round by €108 million, bringing the round’s total to €288 million and cumulative funding to more than $550 million, according to reports. The launch company is raising capital as it prepares for the first flight of its Miura 5 rocket.