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Bloomberg • Gian Volpicelli, Paula Doenecke

SpaceX criticizes EU spectrum-tender approach for Starlink expansion

SpaceX has publicly criticized the European Union’s proposed framework for allocating satellite spectrum, arguing it could constrain Starlink’s growth plans following the company’s record-setting IPO. The dispute highlights how regulatory design for spectrum access is becoming a gating factor for LEO broadband operators in Europe.

2026-06-18T15:24:09.689739-07:00

European Spaceflight

Germany breaks ground on Cologne GOVSATCOM Hub—EU secure satcom service infrastructure takes shape

2026-06-18T14:21:03.434061-07:00

Space Intel Report

EQT to acquire German rideshare mission manager Exolaunch in an undisclosed-value deal

2026-06-18T09:20:38.853943-07:00

Space.com

Space-based mapping reveals immense GPS jamming footprint across Europe and the Middle East

2026-06-18T06:21:52.894727-07:00

News Timeline

Bloomberg

SpaceX criticizes EU spectrum-tender approach for Starlink expansion SpaceX has publicly criticized the European Union’s proposed framework for allocating satellite spectrum, arguing it could constrain Starlink’s growth plans following the company’s record-setting IPO. The dispute highlights how regulatory design for spectrum access is becoming a gating factor for LEO broadband operators in Europe.

2026-06-18T15:24:09.689739-07:00

SpaceX criticizes EU spectrum-tender approach for Starlink expansion

European Spaceflight

Germany breaks ground on Cologne GOVSATCOM Hub—EU secure satcom service infrastructure takes shape Germany has started construction on one of two GOVSATCOM Hub locations in Cologne, with North Rhine-Westphalia pledging up to €50 million. The DLR-led site is intended to become a central European hub for secure satellite communications following the 16 June 2026 groundbreaking ceremony.

2026-06-18T14:21:03.434061-07:00

Germany breaks ground on Cologne GOVSATCOM Hub—EU secure satcom service infrastructure takes shape

AINonline

Garmin expands global navigation coverage with added airspace data for 40 African countries Garmin is expanding its navigation database by adding airspace information and IFR procedures for 40 additional countries across Africa. The update also includes related operational data such as frequencies to support route planning and in-flight navigation for equipped aircraft operating in the region.

2026-06-18T10:20:29.590809-07:00

Garmin expands global navigation coverage with added airspace data for 40 African countries

Space Intel Report

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EQT to acquire German rideshare mission manager Exolaunch in an undisclosed-value deal EQT Private Equity is purchasing Germany-based Exolaunch, a leading rideshare mission management and integration provider. Exolaunch has deployed more than 790 satellites across 47 missions and supports over 200 commercial and government customers, as it targets demand growth and a projected 250% revenue increase this year (deal value estimated by dealroom at $339 million).

2026-06-18T09:20:38.853943-07:00

EQT to acquire German rideshare mission manager Exolaunch in an undisclosed-value deal

SpaceNews.com

Spark Space tests engine for electric-pump-fed rocket and raises multi-round funding in drive for scale Chinese startup Spark Space says it has completed engine testing for an electric-pump-fed rocket it claims could be the largest of its kind. The company has also secured a series of funding rounds, positioning the effort to advance from propulsion validation to full development and scale-up.

2026-06-18T07:49:30.120457-07:00

Spark Space tests engine for electric-pump-fed rocket and raises multi-round funding in drive for scale

Space.com

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Space-based mapping reveals immense GPS jamming footprint across Europe and the Middle East For the first time, an experimental satellite has mapped the scale of GPS jamming from space, showing the activity is “quite a bit more” extensive than expected across Europe and the Middle East. The results quantify a broader degraded-PNT risk than previously inferred from incident reports.

2026-06-18T06:21:52.894727-07:00

Space-based mapping reveals immense GPS jamming footprint across Europe and the Middle East

SpaceNews.com

FCC authorizes 15,000 Starlink Gen2 satellites as “orbital data center” filings accelerate—Starcloud 88,000 and SpaceX 1 million In January 2026, the FCC authorized 15,000 Starlink Gen2 satellites. Starcloud has filed for an 88,000-satellite orbital “data center” concept, while SpaceX has filed for 1 million satellites—fueling a servicing-economy debate around on-orbit maintenance, logistics and long-duration operations.

2026-06-18T06:19:27.978596-07:00

FCC authorizes 15,000 Starlink Gen2 satellites as “orbital data center” filings accelerate—Starcloud 88,000 and SpaceX 1 million

SpaceNews.com

Boeing’s Q4S quantum networking payload completes high-fidelity entanglement swapping tests ahead of 2027 launch Boeing says it has successfully demonstrated high-fidelity entanglement swapping during ground testing of its Q4S quantum networking satellite payload. The company described the test as a milestone using a compact, space-qualified payload set for an on-orbit experiment planned for 2027.

2026-06-18T05:48:10.934304-07:00

Boeing’s Q4S quantum networking payload completes high-fidelity entanglement swapping tests ahead of 2027 launch

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Satellite News

SpaceX criticizes EU spectrum-tender approach for Starlink expansion

Germany breaks ground on Cologne GOVSATCOM Hub—EU secure satcom service infrastructure takes shape

EQT to acquire German rideshare mission manager Exolaunch in an undisclosed-value deal

Space-based mapping reveals immense GPS jamming footprint across Europe and the Middle East

News Timeline