Satellite News

SpaceNews.com

U.S. Space Force plans two commercial satellite-servicing missions for 2027

The U.S. Space Force is preparing two commercial satellite-servicing missions for 2027 to test technologies and operational concepts that could give military spacecraft greater freedom to maneuver after launch. The missions will assess commercial capabilities for on-orbit support of national-security space assets.

Space Intel Report

Commercial ISR Satellite Providers Expand Globally as Nations Seek Sovereign Intelligence Capacity

Commercial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellite providers are expanding internationally as governments seek more than access to foreign constellations. Nations increasingly want dedicated capacity—and eventually the ability to build ISR satellites domestically—reshaping competition in commercial space, national security and sovereign aerospace capabilities.

Via Satellite

SES outlines multi-orbit satellite strategy and new MEO capabilities

SES Vice President of Product Development Engineering David Mathewson discusses the company’s plans for satellite development, the strategic advantages of operating across multiple orbits and the capabilities being introduced on its medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites.

Via Satellite

Sceye and SoftBank Demonstrate HAPS Broadband, Edge Computing and Laser Tracking on New Mexico–Japan Flight

Sceye and SoftBank used an August flight of a Sceye high-altitude platform station from New Mexico to Japan and back to demonstrate mobile broadband connectivity and edge computing, while also conducting an optical laser-tracking demonstration. The mission expands the vehicle’s demonstrated communications and tracking capabilities.

Via Satellite

Viasat wins initial $42 million task order for Marine Corps managed SATCOM

Viasat has secured an initial $42 million task order under the U.S. Space Force’s MECS2 contract to provide global managed satellite communications services for the U.S. Marine Corps. The award expands Viasat’s role in delivering commercial SATCOM capabilities to the U.S. military.

AirForceTimes

Leonardo DRS Showcases JTT-X Hybrid SATCOM for Tactical Aircraft

Leonardo DRS is showcasing JTT-X, a hybrid SATCOM system designed to combine multiple satellite networks for secure communications and connectivity aboard military aircraft. The system is aimed at maintaining reliable links in contested environments, where disruption or degradation of communications can directly affect tactical operations.

DefenseNews.com

Europe’s push for sovereign space capabilities reshapes the defense market

European countries are accelerating efforts to reduce reliance on U.S. satellite data after access restrictions during recent crises exposed strategic vulnerabilities. The shift is driving demand for sovereign space-based intelligence and defense capabilities, with implications for market competition, procurement priorities and transatlantic dependencies.

Bloomberg

High activity

Hubble Network raises $200 million at $1.6 billion valuation to expand satellite Bluetooth constellation

Seattle-based Hubble Network has raised $200 million in Series C funding, lifting its valuation to $1.6 billion as it expands a constellation designed to connect billions of off-the-shelf Bluetooth devices directly to satellites. The company also announced general availability for its early service.