Satellite News

SpaceWatch Global

Vaduz Space Dialogue calls for Europe to federate secure satellite connectivity as spectrum becomes strategic infrastructure

The 2026 Vaduz Space Dialogue argues that Europe should move quickly to federate secure satellite connectivity rather than await a perfect institutional framework or build another standalone constellation. The discussion positions spectrum as strategic infrastructure and federation as a potential answer to Europe’s connectivity-security challenge.

SpaceWatch Global

Star Catcher, Google and Blackwing Space to Fly New Orbital Technologies on Transporter-18

Transporter-18 will carry Star Catcher’s Protostar, Google’s Suncatcher, Blackwing Space’s Baby Bird and other commercial space technologies, placing multiple early-stage orbital systems on a shared rideshare mission. The payload mix highlights continued private-sector development of spacecraft and in-orbit infrastructure.

SpaceWatch Global

Space-Based Maritime Surveillance Proposed to Manage Risks From COSCO’s Alleged Intelligence Role

Allegations that COSCO vessels have supported Chinese intelligence collection highlight Western dependence on a critical global shipping network. Space-based maritime domain awareness could help identify and manage security risks while avoiding disruption to the trade flows that rely on COSCO’s fleet.

Runway Girl

VietJet selects Starlink inflight Wi-Fi for 120 aircraft despite China and India coverage gaps

VietJet plans to equip an initial 120 aircraft with Starlink inflight connectivity, even though the satellite operator lacks landing rights in China and India. The selection underscores the operational and regulatory constraints airlines face when deploying satellite-based passenger connectivity across international networks.

Space Intel Report

European Parliament Reviews EU Licensing Rules for S-Band Mobile Satellite Services

The European Parliament has begun reviewing the European Commission’s proposed licensing procedure for S-band mobile satellite services, criticizing the Commission for initiating the process at the last minute. The review could shape how satellite operators access and use mobile-satellite spectrum across the European Union.

Via Satellite

Beeline Kazakhstan partners with Starlink Mobile to bring satellite connectivity to Kazakhstan

Beeline Kazakhstan is partnering with Starlink Mobile to provide satellite-based mobile connectivity across Kazakhstan. The agreement will extend access to Starlink connectivity for the country’s population, marking a commercial deployment of satellite communications through a local telecommunications operator.

SpaceNews.com

High activity

Pentagon commits billions to accelerate AMRAAM, JDAM Long Range and F-35 production

The Pentagon awarded RTX’s Raytheon business a provisional $20.7 billion multiyear AMRAAM contract aimed at nearly doubling output, alongside Boeing’s $75 million JDAM Long Range production award and a $123.8 million Northrop Grumman contract for F-35 APG-85 radar components.

SpaceNews.com

A blueprint for shared threat detection across increasingly connected space systems

As space systems become more software-defined, cloud-connected and reliant on enterprise identity infrastructure, shared data is emerging as a foundation for cybersecurity. The approach would help protect navigation, communications, intelligence and emergency-response services that now depend on resilient space architectures.