Viasat   Satellite  
Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

Viasat demonstrates first automotive satellite voice call fully integrated into BMW iX3 infotainment

Viasat says it has completed a technical demonstration of the first automotive satellite voice call capability, with the service fully integrated into a BMW Group vehicle’s infotainment system. The proof-of-concept was shown during a 5G Automotive Association event, using the BMW iX3 platform as the target commercial vehicle.

Also: Satellite Evolution and satnews.com
2026-07-16T15:57:19.833302-07:00
Satellite   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation  
Via Satellite • Rachel Jewett

AST SpaceMobile Discloses Delays to Launch Campaign, Explores Vertical Integration

By Via Satellite: AST SpaceMobile has pushed back the expected timing of its launch campaign to early 2027, the company disclosed this week. The company also launched a share sale to raise $1 billion, mentioning it may consider vertical integration in launch.

2026-07-16T13:50:47.084854-07:00
Satellite   Space Force   AI   Europe   ESA   Defense Budgets & Spending   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Policy & International Cooperation   Space Defense & Militarization   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
Space Intel Report • Peter B. de Selding

Private investment in European space, up 2X since 2021, dipped 8% in 2025 but overall upward trend continued

By Space Intel Report: TUPPER LAKE, NY — Private investment in Europe’s space sector dropped by 8% in 2025 but maintained a five-year average growth rate of 37% as the sector maintained its interest among venture capital companies, according to a European Space Agency (ESA) market assessment.

Also: SpaceQ and 3 more
2026-07-16T11:57:29.800384-07:00
Satellite   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization   Space Debris & Traffic Management  
Space.com • Mike Wall

SpaceX will launch Starship, the world's largest rocket, on critical Flight 13 test today. Here's what to expect.

By Space.com: SpaceX plans to launch Starship Flight 13 today (July 16), a test mission that will send "V3" Starlink satellites to space for the first time ever. Here's how to watch it live.

2026-07-16T03:17:02.860166-07:00