Satellite Programs & Technology News

The Verge • Thomas Ricker

SpaceX Tops 10,000 Starlink Satellites After Weekend Double Launches

SpaceX reached a major milestone this weekend, launching its 10,000th Starlink satellite after twin Falcon 9 flights from Florida and California. The constellation now supports more than 4 million users across 130+ countries, intensifying debates over spectrum, orbital congestion and regulatory oversight.

2025-10-20T02:47:31.152865-07:00

Reuters

Airbus, Thales and Leonardo reach framework deal to merge satellite businesses

2025-10-20T08:04:33.397187-07:00

Space Intel Report

Planet Labs pulls back satellite-capacity investment to protect profitability amid surging demand

2025-10-17T12:34:42.582395-07:00

Reuters

Thales denies deal as Airbus and Leonardo continue talks to form European satellite manufacturer

2025-10-16T03:48:09.285995-07:00

Satellite Programs & Technology News Timeline

Via Satellite

Seraphim Space Investment Trust portfolio rises nearly 30% YoY to ~£260m Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) said its overall portfolio was worth close to £260 million ($348.9 million) at the end of June, the trust's latest update. That represents a near 29% increase compared with the same stage a year earlier.

2025-10-20T13:50:03.873152-07:00

Seraphim Space Investment Trust portfolio rises nearly 30% YoY to ~£260m

Satellite Evolution

AAC Clyde Space awarded SEK 3.3 million to develop dual‑use space technology AAC Clyde Space has been awarded SEK 3.3 million to develop a dual‑use space technology project that will serve both civil and defence applications. The funding will support R&D and system maturation, advancing the company's smallsat capabilities and readiness for government and commercial missions.

2025-10-20T08:55:37.285012-07:00

AAC Clyde Space awarded SEK 3.3 million to develop dual‑use space technology

Reuters

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Airbus, Thales and Leonardo reach framework deal to merge satellite businesses Airbus, Thales and Leonardo have reached a framework agreement to merge their satellite businesses, sources said on Monday. The proposed consolidation would combine major European aerospace satellite units into a single entity; final terms and industrial workshare remain subject to negotiation.

2025-10-20T08:04:33.397187-07:00

Airbus, Thales and Leonardo reach framework deal to merge satellite businesses

chinaspacemonitor.substack.com

Chinese space financing goes mainstream, backing overseas ventures and satellite-enabled robotics Capital from Chinese state and private investors is moving beyond domestic launch and constellation projects, underwriting overseas partnerships such as GeeSpace’s return to Argentina. That funding is also enabling new satellite-connected applications — from maritime Thousand Sails services to experimental satellite-linked robot dogs.

2025-10-20T07:46:01.874065-07:00

Chinese space financing goes mainstream, backing overseas ventures and satellite-enabled robotics

Space.com

Russian and Chinese on‑orbit maneuvers fuel fears of active space warfare — implications for satellite operators The Russians and Chinese are demonstrating more sophisticated orbital maneuvering abilities, raising fears that deliberate, close‑proximity operations could be used for offensive, counter‑satellite purposes. That trend heightens collision and mission‑risk for commercial satellite operators and strengthens calls for enforceable on‑orbit rules and defensive operational changes.

2025-10-20T07:07:31.289144-07:00

Russian and Chinese on‑orbit maneuvers fuel fears of active space warfare — implications for satellite operators

Payload

Planet wins $12.8M NGA Luno B contract to supply maritime imagery and vessel monitoring The U.S. National Geospatial‑Intelligence Agency has awarded Planet Labs a $12.8 million Luno B contract to provide orbital imagery and maritime intelligence. Planet’s satellites will furnish DoD and intelligence customers with vessel detection and maritime‑domain monitoring from space.

2025-10-20T05:35:19.204998-07:00

Planet wins $12.8M NGA Luno B contract to supply maritime imagery and vessel monitoring

The Verge

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SpaceX Tops 10,000 Starlink Satellites After Weekend Double Launches SpaceX reached a major milestone this weekend, launching its 10,000th Starlink satellite after twin Falcon 9 flights from Florida and California. The constellation now supports more than 4 million users across 130+ countries, intensifying debates over spectrum, orbital congestion and regulatory oversight.

2025-10-20T02:47:31.152865-07:00

SpaceX Tops 10,000 Starlink Satellites After Weekend Double Launches

SpaceWatch Global

Europe’s ascending role in space sustainability leadership Europe is positioning itself as a leader in space sustainability as orbital activity surges — with over 12,000 active satellites now in orbit — prompting urgent emphasis on debris mitigation, traffic management, regulatory frameworks and industry coordination to preserve long‑term access to space across Europe.

2025-10-20T01:09:14.716494-07:00

Europe’s ascending role in space sustainability leadership

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