Satellite News

SpaceWatch Global

Vyoma begins routine operations with Flamingo-1, Germany’s first space-based SDA telescope

Vyoma has put Flamingo-1 into routine operation, adding an orbital optical telescope to Europe’s space surveillance capabilities. The spacecraft provides a space-based means of observing objects in orbit, marking a milestone for Germany’s space domain awareness efforts.

SpaceWatch Global

Vyoma Brings Flamingo-1, Germany's First Space-Based SDA Telescope, Into Operation

SpaceWatch Global

Satellogic and HEO sign three-year agreement to expand non-Earth imaging and space domain awareness

Satellogic and HEO have agreed to expand access to satellite imagery for non-Earth imaging and space domain awareness under a three-year partnership. The agreement extends their collaboration through 2029, giving HEO continued access to Satellogic’s imagery.

SpaceNews.com

NRO reconsiders commercial radar-imagery contracts as demand grows

The National Reconnaissance Office is reviewing how it contracts for commercial radar satellite imagery, a senior official said Oct. 28. The rethink comes as demand rises and suppliers press for more predictable revenue, putting the agency’s purchasing approach in focus.

SpaceNews.com

Former FCC adviser Courtney Reinhard to lead Space Bureau

Space.com

High activity

ISS astronauts install seventh of eight upgraded solar arrays in 7-hour spacewalk

NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk spent seven hours and 11 minutes outside the International Space Station installing and unfurling its seventh new roll-out solar array. The upgrade is intended to support the outpost’s power needs through its planned retirement in 2030; the EVA also marked the 100th U.S. ISS spacewalk under the stated counting method.

Via Satellite

FCC opens D2D spectrum-sharing review and proposes auction of 25 MHz

The Federal Communications Commission launched a proceeding to modernize spectrum-sharing rules for direct-to-device services and proposed auctioning 25 MHz of mid-band spectrum. The actions could shape the regulatory and spectrum environment for satellite-to-phone connectivity, though the commission has not yet finalized either change.

Reuters

High activity

Telesat pushes global Lightspeed service to late Q2 2028 after pathfinder satellite delays

Telesat says delays completing two pathfinder satellites at MDA Space will push the planned start of global Lightspeed broadband service back about three months, to around the end of the second quarter of 2028. The company also cited a tight launch market as it prepares to deploy the constellation.