Satellite   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Policy & Regulation   Export Controls & Trade Compliance   Cybersecurity (Cyber Threats & Protection)  
SpaceNews.com • Jason Rainbow

FCC approves SpaceX’s EchoStar spectrum purchase, conditioning approval on a $2.4B escrow tied to disputed terrestrial 5G buildo

The FCC has issued a Report and Order approving SpaceX’s planned acquisition of EchoStar spectrum for US direct-to-device services. The approval comes with a $2.4 billion escrow requirement linked to disputes over EchoStar’s abandoned terrestrial 5G network buildout, while the FCC also moves toward auctioning remaining Upper C-band spectrum by mid-2027.

2026-05-12T16:35:38.746696-07:00
Event   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Exploration & Science Missions   Commercial Space   NASA  
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.

douglasmmessier.substack.com

Starship Launch No. 12 Set for NET May 19

2026-05-12T16:06:20.743251-07:00
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
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