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SpaceNews.com • Andrew Jones

China conducts dual launches: Long March 2C places Algeria’s AlSat‑3A; Ceres‑1 sea launch expands Tianqi constellation

In mid‑January China executed two launches: a Long March 2C from Jiuquan on Jan. 15 that placed Algeria’s AlSat‑3A surveillance satellite into orbit, and a commercial Ceres‑1 sea launch the following day that deployed multiple Tianqi constellation communications satellites from an offshore platform.

2026-01-16T03:09:22.805358-08:00

Reuters

Smuggled Starlink terminals keep Iran online as Tehran moves to jam satellites

2026-01-16T03:09:43.562225-08:00

SpaceWatch Global

Voyager wins patent for in‑orbit production of high‑purity crystals for satellite optical links

2026-01-16T02:44:52.095550-08:00

European Spaceflight

Isar Aerospace targets Jan. 20–23 for second Spectrum orbital launch from Andøya — first flight to carry payload

2026-01-16T01:46:44.067218-08:00

News Timeline

Reuters

Smuggled Starlink terminals keep Iran online as Tehran moves to jam satellites Thousands of smuggled Starlink terminals kept Iranians connected during a weeks-long national internet blackout, allowing activists to share protest footage after authorities cut domestic networks. Tehran responded with satellite jamming that tested SpaceX's resilience — a capability U.S. military and intelligence agencies are watching closely.

2026-01-16T03:09:43.562225-08:00

Smuggled Starlink terminals keep Iran online as Tehran moves to jam satellites

SpaceNews.com

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China conducts dual launches: Long March 2C places Algeria’s AlSat‑3A; Ceres‑1 sea launch expands Tianqi constellation In mid‑January China executed two launches: a Long March 2C from Jiuquan on Jan. 15 that placed Algeria’s AlSat‑3A surveillance satellite into orbit, and a commercial Ceres‑1 sea launch the following day that deployed multiple Tianqi constellation communications satellites from an offshore platform.

2026-01-16T03:09:22.805358-08:00

China conducts dual launches: Long March 2C places Algeria’s AlSat‑3A; Ceres‑1 sea launch expands Tianqi constellation

SpaceWatch Global

Voyager wins patent for in‑orbit production of high‑purity crystals for satellite optical links Voyager secured a patent for an in‑orbit manufacturing method that produces higher‑purity crystals intended for high‑performance optical satellite communications. The technique is aimed at fabricating laser‑grade photonic materials in microgravity to improve optical link performance for spaceborne terminals.

2026-01-16T02:44:52.095550-08:00

Voyager wins patent for in‑orbit production of high‑purity crystals for satellite optical links

SpaceWatch Global

Voyager Secures Patent for In‑Orbit Production of High‑Purity Crystals to Boost Satellite Optical Communications

2026-01-16T02:44:52.095550-08:00

Voyager Secures Patent for In‑

European Spaceflight

Isar Aerospace targets Jan. 20–23 for second Spectrum orbital launch from Andøya — first flight to carry payload German launcher Isar Aerospace plans a second orbital flight of its Spectrum rocket from Norway’s Andøya spaceport between Jan. 20–23, with a launch window opening at 21:00 CET on Jan. 21 if weather allows. The mission will, for the first time, carry a customer payload to demonstrate Spectrum’s delivery capability.

2026-01-16T01:46:44.067218-08:00

Isar Aerospace targets Jan. 20–23 for second Spectrum orbital launch from Andøya — first flight to carry payload

Payload

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CesiumAstro wins $200M EXIM loan with J.P. Morgan to scale U.S. defense satcom manufacturing CesiumAstro secured $200 million in financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States, with J.P. Morgan as partner, the largest loan under EXIM's Make More in America program. The funds will expand Texas manufacturing and accelerate the company's national‑security SATCOM and defense services.

2026-01-15T23:10:38.307896-08:00

CesiumAstro wins $200M EXIM loan with J.P. Morgan to scale U.S. defense satcom manufacturing

Payload

ESA and Liberty Mutual explore Earth‑observation data for parametric insurance The European Space Agency and Liberty Mutual Reinsurance will explore whether Earth‑observation data can be used to underpin parametric insurance products for terrestrial assets. The collaboration will examine data inputs, trigger definitions and operational approaches for converting satellite measurements into automated payout mechanisms.

2026-01-15T21:12:32.870945-08:00

ESA and Liberty Mutual explore Earth‑observation data for parametric insurance

Space.com

Satellites map Antarctica’s hidden bedrock, tightening sea‑level forecasts Advanced satellite observations are producing higher-resolution maps of Antarctica's subglacial topography, revealing previously hidden bed features and drainage pathways. Improved elevation and radar-derived datasets narrow uncertainties in ice-sheet dynamics, enabling more accurate projections of ice loss and global sea-level rise over coming decades.

2026-01-15T15:10:32.859693-08:00

Satellites map Antarctica’s hidden bedrock, tightening sea‑level forecasts

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Satellite News

China conducts dual launches: Long March 2C places Algeria’s AlSat‑3A; Ceres‑1 sea launch expands Tianqi constellation

Smuggled Starlink terminals keep Iran online as Tehran moves to jam satellites

Voyager wins patent for in‑orbit production of high‑purity crystals for satellite optical links

Isar Aerospace targets Jan. 20–23 for second Spectrum orbital launch from Andøya — first flight to carry payload

News Timeline