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SpaceWatch Global • Joshua Faleti

Rocket Lab to buy Iridium Communications for $8B in cash-and-stock deal to build an end-to-end satellite services network

Rocket Lab agreed to acquire Iridium Communications in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at about $8 billion—at $54 per share—aiming to expand into satellite telecommunications services and challenge SpaceX’s Starlink. The deal would give Rocket Lab control of Iridium’s satellite fleet and access to wireless resources to compete in space-based connectivity.

2026-06-29T00:06:44.285921-07:00

SpaceNews.com

NASA and ESA advance lunar-surface capability planning with industry input and Argonaut mapping data strategy

2026-06-29T08:29:09.385236-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Quantum computing race turns encryption into an “in-orbit” national security risk for satellite operators

2026-06-29T06:10:20.148944-07:00

Inflight Online

Neo Space Group activates line-fit in-flight connectivity on Saudia’s A321XLR

2026-06-29T02:27:45.958484-07:00

News Timeline

SpaceNews.com

NASA and ESA advance lunar-surface capability planning with industry input and Argonaut mapping data strategy NASA is seeking industry input to accelerate development of lunar surface technologies, including in-situ resource utilization oxygen production, surface power, in-space manufacturing tools, and advanced nanomaterials. Separately, ESA says it will use external lunar topographic data for the Argonaut lunar lander’s design and possibly early missions while building its own lunar mapping capability for later flights.

2026-06-29T08:29:09.385236-07:00

NASA and ESA advance lunar-surface capability planning with industry input and Argonaut mapping data strategy

SpaceNews.com

Quantum computing race turns encryption into an “in-orbit” national security risk for satellite operators Quantum computing progress is accelerating as nations compete to deploy systems powerful enough to break today’s encryption methods. The shift creates direct exposure for the commercial space sector—especially satellite operators—whose communications and control rely on current cryptographic protections.

2026-06-29T06:10:20.148944-07:00

Quantum computing race turns encryption into an “in-orbit” national security risk for satellite operators

SpaceNews.com

SatVu restarts commercial operations with HotSat-2 after 2023 in-orbit failure UK thermal-imaging startup SatVu has begun commercial services for HotSat-2 on June 29, resuming revenue generation after the debut HotSat mission failed in low Earth orbit in 2023. HotSat-2’s rollout signals the company’s path back to market with its Earth-observation product.

2026-06-29T04:25:17.136852-07:00

SatVu restarts commercial operations with HotSat-2 after 2023 in-orbit failure

Inflight Online

Neo Space Group activates line-fit in-flight connectivity on Saudia’s A321XLR Neo Space Group (NSG) says it has activated its line-fit in-flight connectivity on board Saudia’s Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The activation marks an installed, carrier-ready deployment of NSG connectivity intended to support in-flight connectivity services on the A321XLR fleet.

2026-06-29T02:27:45.958484-07:00

Neo Space Group activates line-fit in-flight connectivity on Saudia’s A321XLR

Bloomberg

Creotech CEO: SpaceX’s blockbuster valuation could spur a wave of space-tech listings on Poland’s Warsaw exchange Poland’s top satellite firm head, Creotech CEO, says SpaceX’s soaring valuation is already influencing European capital markets and could catalyze new space-technology IPOs on the Warsaw stock exchange. The potential listings are framed as a spillover effect from strong defense-linked space demand.

2026-06-29T02:10:17.565895-07:00

Creotech CEO: SpaceX’s blockbuster valuation could spur a wave of space-tech listings on Poland’s Warsaw exchange

SpaceNews.com

China launches a national VLEO industry alliance as satellites sustain sub-300km operations China has established a national Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) industry alliance, backed by recent evidence that satellites are demonstrating sustained operations below 300km. The move also reflects growing investment interest in propulsion startups aimed at making low-orbit operations more viable.

2026-06-29T02:04:09.779514-07:00

China launches a national VLEO industry alliance as satellites sustain sub-300km operations

Space Intel Report

Germany’s new space window opens for orbit-proven startups as Reflex Aerospace raises capital A Berlin-based “New Space” company case study—Reflex Aerospace—underscores why Germany may be particularly attractive now: the market rewards in-orbit performance, hardware credibility, and demonstrable fundraising ability after flight heritage. The takeaway is that capital access increasingly follows proven space results.

2026-06-29T01:28:03.024891-07:00

Germany’s new space window opens for orbit-proven startups as Reflex Aerospace raises capital

SpaceWatch Global

#SpaceWatchGl Opinion: ISOS4I as Europe’s autonomous in-orbit servicing enabler for space resilience The #SpaceWatchGl opinion argues that ISOS4I could become Europe’s “active operational element” for space resilience by enabling autonomous in-orbit servicing. It also highlights that major technical hurdles remain before such capabilities can be fielded, despite the resilience benefits envisioned for on-orbit assets.

2026-06-29T01:11:45.788193-07:00

#SpaceWatchGl Opinion: ISOS4I as Europe’s autonomous in-orbit servicing enabler for space resilience

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Satellite News

Rocket Lab to buy Iridium Communications for $8B in cash-and-stock deal to build an end-to-end satellite services network

NASA and ESA advance lunar-surface capability planning with industry input and Argonaut mapping data strategy

Quantum computing race turns encryption into an “in-orbit” national security risk for satellite operators

Neo Space Group activates line-fit in-flight connectivity on Saudia’s A321XLR

News Timeline