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
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