CNBC
• Lora Kolodny
SpaceX has struck a multiyear agreement with Qualcomm to provide network technology for base stations supporting Starlink Mobile, its planned U.S. cellular service. The deal is part of SpaceX’s effort to build out the ground infrastructure for the network.
Satellite
Latest source-backed stories
The Pentagon has committed $150 million in financing to support LeoLabs’ radar expansion. The announcement identifies a substantial defense-backed investment in the company’s space radar infrastructure, though the available report provides no details on the expansion’s scope, locations or schedule.
High activity
SES demonstrated a two-way optical link between ground and space using its meoSphere pathfinder aboard K2 Space’s Gravitas mission. Separately, NASA awarded Viasat, SES and Astranis contracts to develop Ka-band relay concepts, while the ITU capped one Open Cosmos filing at 52 satellites and extended another deployment deadline to June 30, 2027.
SkyFi is making satellite imagery used by government agencies and hedge funds available to individual investors through a new service for Robinhood customers. For $10 a month, subscribers can monitor activity at factories, warehouses and other corporate facilities from space.
The UK Space Agency is seeking research into in-orbit manufacturing, while Space Industries has opened a €20 million satellite production and environmental qualification center near Turin. Orbital Matter and EnduroSat plan a 2028 mission to use 3D printing capabilities to deploy a 5-kW solar array.
High activity
Qualcomm has signed a multiyear agreement to provide radio equipment, baseband units and software for SpaceX’s planned nationwide terrestrial network. The deal adds ground-based cellular infrastructure to Starlink Mobile’s effort to become a U.S. wireless carrier and challenge established operators.
SpaceX has struck a multiyear agreement with Qualcomm to provide network technology for base stations supporting Starlink Mobile, its planned U.S. cellular service. The deal is part of SpaceX’s effort to build out the ground infrastructure for the network.
Shield Space is developing swarms of up to 100 autonomous cubesats intended to defend Western satellites in orbit. The U.K. startup is applying lessons from drone warfare in Ukraine to the effort, with the proposed spacecraft described as capable of firing lasers.
Create a free account to see more recent Satellite stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
