SpaceNews.com
• Andrew Jones
Chinese startup Sinxbot has raised tens of millions of dollars from investors including Alibaba and China Mobile to develop robotic arms for on-orbit satellite refueling and deorbit services. The funding brings major Chinese technology and telecom investors into a venture targeting emerging in-space servicing capabilities.
Satellite
Latest source-backed stories
Craft Prospect says it has spent recent months in discussions across the UK, Europe, Japan and the United States on the future of secure communications as quantum technologies advance. The company’s account highlights growing international engagement around space-based quantum key distribution (QKD), but provides no specific project commitments or timelines.
Chinese startup Sinxbot has raised tens of millions of dollars from investors including Alibaba and China Mobile to develop robotic arms for on-orbit satellite refueling and deorbit services. The funding brings major Chinese technology and telecom investors into a venture targeting emerging in-space servicing capabilities.
A Russian satellite conducted a close approach to a privately operated U.S. Earth-observation spacecraft, prompting questions about the purpose of the maneuver. The available reporting describes the encounter as risky and controversial but provides no further details on the satellites, distance or stated intent.
Ukraine is looking to use President Donald Trump’s demand that it stop strikes on Russian diesel infrastructure to secure continued U.S. backing. Kyiv’s requested support includes satellite intelligence and Patriot missiles, linking strike policy to access to critical intelligence and air-defense capabilities.
The Italian geospatial intelligence company says the funding will support development of its agentic Earth observation and Physical AI capabilities, alongside international growth. The announcement signals continued investment in applying AI to Earth-observation data, though the company did not disclose further details in the available report.
The Canadian Space Agency has awarded Obruta Space contracts totaling C$1.5 million to tackle two pressing issues in Earth observation through in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM). The announcement identifies the funding and focus, but does not specify the bottlenecks or contract milestones.
High activity
A Ceres-1 sea launch placed a pathfinder for Guangzhou-backed Wuyang, while ICEYE sent four SAR satellites to orbit for Portugal’s Atlantic Constellation. Elsewhere, ESA’s Lunar Link communications element completed major integration and testing, and SES began a relay demonstration using Planet’s Pelican satellite.
At ESPI AC 2026, ADVISORIO’s Markus Fritz discussed Europe’s progress in space-enabled mobility, the prospect of satellite connectivity in cars from 2028 and the strategic importance of spectrum. His remarks frame connectivity not only as an automotive capability but also as a question of access to scarce orbital resources.
Create a free account to see more recent Satellite stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
