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Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

Space-BACN optical inter-satellite laser links move from DARPA to DIU on a future on-orbit pathfinder

Space-BACN’s optical inter-satellite laser-link program is transitioning from DARPA to the Defense Innovation Unit for a future on-orbit pathfinder, according to industry executives. The shift signals a move from advanced research toward faster, DIU-led proof points for contested space communications and networking.

2026-05-04T08:43:04.302887-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Pixxel and Sarvam plan India’s first orbital “data center” satellite to deliver real-time AI geospatial intelligence by 2026

2026-05-04T09:57:51.816761-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Novaspace projects 16,900 small satellites (under 500 kg) to launch 2026–2035

2026-05-04T08:43:06.617328-07:00

SpaceNews.com

IonQ launches Capella radar change-detection product for ground-movement monitoring

2026-05-04T08:03:41.480760-07:00

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SpaceNews.com

Pixxel and Sarvam plan India’s first orbital “data center” satellite to deliver real-time AI geospatial intelligence by 2026 Pixxel says it will test orbital “data center” technologies with Sarvam via a pathfinder satellite designed to deliver geospatial intelligence directly from space. The companies aim to build a satellite-based data center that can run AI models in orbit and analyze satellite data in real time, targeting a launch by Q4 2026.

2026-05-04T09:57:51.816761-07:00

Pixxel and Sarvam plan India’s first orbital “data center” satellite to deliver real-time AI geospatial intelligence by 2026

SpaceNews.com

Novaspace projects 16,900 small satellites (under 500 kg) to launch 2026–2035 Novaspace’s 11th Small Satellite Market report forecasts 16,900 small satellites (under 500 kg) to be launched between 2026 and 2035. The projection underscores how deployment at the low end of the mass spectrum is set to accelerate and further intensify demand for launch slots, payload integration, and LEO operations.

2026-05-04T08:43:06.617328-07:00

Novaspace projects 16,900 small satellites (under 500 kg) to launch 2026–2035

Breaking Defense

Space-BACN optical inter-satellite laser links move from DARPA to DIU on a future on-orbit pathfinder Space-BACN’s optical inter-satellite laser-link program is transitioning from DARPA to the Defense Innovation Unit for a future on-orbit pathfinder, according to industry executives. The shift signals a move from advanced research toward faster, DIU-led proof points for contested space communications and networking.

2026-05-04T08:43:04.302887-07:00

Space-BACN optical inter-satellite laser links move from DARPA to DIU on a future on-orbit pathfinder

SpaceNews.com

IonQ launches Capella radar change-detection product for ground-movement monitoring IonQ says it will start offering a satellite data product designed to detect subtle changes on the Earth’s surface using radar imaging from satellites operated by its Capella Space subsidiary. The launch positions Capella’s SAR capability as a ground-movement monitoring tool.

2026-05-04T08:03:41.480760-07:00

IonQ launches Capella radar change-detection product for ground-movement monitoring

SpaceNews.com

❗️

OroraTech launches Greece’s Hellenic Fire wildfire-detection constellation: first thermal satellites deployed on SpaceX Falcon 9 OroraTech says four Hellenic Fire System satellites for Greece were launched and deployed May 3, marking a “world first” for wildfire detection. The Falcon 9 mission also carried 13 other European Earth-monitoring and connectivity payloads, including CubeSats testing satellite links for Italy and Greece monitoring programmes.

2026-05-04T06:50:40.398431-07:00

OroraTech launches Greece’s Hellenic Fire wildfire-detection constellation: first thermal satellites deployed on SpaceX Falcon 9

SpaceNews.com

Vantor wins $70M NGA award to operate and enhance unclassified GEGD data-delivery platform Vantor will operate and enhance the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Global Enhanced GEOINT Delivery (GEGD) platform—an unclassified, web-based system—under a $70 million award announced May 4. The task scope centers on sustaining GEOINT delivery capabilities for NGA and its users.

2026-05-04T04:49:06.069702-07:00

Vantor wins $70M NGA award to operate and enhance unclassified GEGD data-delivery platform

politico.eu

Austria expels three Russian diplomats over alleged rooftop satellite espionage in Vienna Austria has expelled three Russian diplomats, alleging they used satellite equipment installed on rooftops of Russian diplomatic buildings to spy on targets in Vienna. The action highlights how space-enabled surveillance tools can intersect with diplomatic premises and European security concerns.

2026-05-04T04:48:50.230299-07:00

Austria expels three Russian diplomats over alleged rooftop satellite espionage in Vienna

SpaceWatch Global

BlackSky bags nearly $30M, one-year assured Gen-3 ISR imagery contract after commissioning 4th satellite BlackSky says it has secured a nearly $30 million, one-year “Assured” contract from an international defense customer. The award follows the general availability of BlackSky’s Gen-3 very high-resolution imagery, enabled by the commissioning of its fourth satellite.

2026-05-04T01:50:42.252548-07:00

BlackSky bags nearly $30M, one-year assured Gen-3 ISR imagery contract after commissioning 4th satellite

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Satellite News

Space-BACN optical inter-satellite laser links move from DARPA to DIU on a future on-orbit pathfinder

Pixxel and Sarvam plan India’s first orbital “data center” satellite to deliver real-time AI geospatial intelligence by 2026

Novaspace projects 16,900 small satellites (under 500 kg) to launch 2026–2035

IonQ launches Capella radar change-detection product for ground-movement monitoring

News Timeline