Satellite   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Policy & Regulation  
SpaceNews.com • Jason Rainbow

FCC approval clears SpaceX-EchoStar spectrum deal for direct-to-device, with $2.4B escrow and broader D2D/spectrum-sharing frame

The FCC has approved SpaceX’s purchase of EchoStar spectrum to support U.S. direct-to-device services, conditioning the transaction on a $2.4 billion escrow tied to disputes over EchoStar’s abandoned terrestrial 5G buildout. In parallel, FCC 26-26 lays out new spectrum-sharing rules and D2D frameworks as remaining Upper C-band auction mandates run to mid-2027.

2026-05-12T16:35:38.746696-07:00
Satellite   Europe   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Policy & Regulation  
Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Negotiations on Iris2 constellation cost, schedule, performance need 'a few more weeks,' SES and Eutelsat say

By Space Intel Report: JAKARTA — Satellite fleet operators SES and Eutelsat said negotiations on the final cost, configuration and schedule of Europe’s Iris2 multi-orbit secure connectivity constellation will require several weeks of additional work before being finalized with the European Commission.

2026-05-12T16:35:28.169022-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space  
Space.com • Mike Wall

SpaceX's Starship V3 megarocket finally has a debut launch date. Here's when it will fly

By Space.com: SpaceX is officially targeting May 19 for the debut of Starship Version 3, an advanced new vehicle that could help humanity take its first steps on the moon and Mars.

Also: douglasmmessier.substack.com and Spaceflight Now
2026-05-12T16:06:20.743251-07:00
Satellite   LEO   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space  
Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

AST SpaceMobile Confirms Target for 45 BlueBirds This Year, Despite Blue Origin Launch Failure

By Via Satellite: AST SpaceMobile still expects to have 45 BlueBird satellites in orbit this year despite the recent failure on a Blue Origin launch. CEO Abel Avellan told investors on Monday that it is preparing to launch with SpaceX in mid-June, in mission that will launch three BlueBird satellites.

Also: Seeking Alpha, Business Wire and seraphim.vc
2026-05-12T14:01:37.740391-07:00