Rivada Space Networks, a European network company launching a unique connectivity constellation for Government and Enterprise communications, has issued its request for proposals for 600 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, having recently released the RFP for the associated heavy-lift launch services. The company anticipates selecting a prime contractor for the space segment, parts of the […]
Quilty Analytics, in its latest in-depth study, says that the success of SpaceX has prompted more than 100 new launch start-ups entering the fray with most focussing primarily on smaller launch vehicles. But the report cautions that many will not be successful. Quilty says that historically, the business of designing, building, and operating launch vehicles […]
The European Space Agency (ESA) and its Navigation Directorate says it is moving ahead with its plans to improve satellite navigation and perhaps further expanding to include a European – but global – low Earth orbiting fleet. “Now, [with] numerous low Earth orbit constellations already taking shape around the globe, the time is right to […]
Hawthorne, California-based Phase Four is an advanced engineering supplier of radio-frequency thrusters for satellite propulsion. It says it will expand its Maxwell turnkey, plasma propulsion line and offer satellite manufacturers a high-performance ion engine using an inexpensive, US-sourced iodine-based propellant. PhaseFour’s Max-V unit builds on its Maxwell Block 2 engine’s architecture and utilises the radio-frequency […]
Rivada Space Networks (RSN) is planning to launch a mega-constellation of 600 satellites. It has announced that it has signed a partnership agreement with SpeQtral, which Rivada says is an emerging leader in quantum-secure communications systems. Quantum-secure communications systems and specifically Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology are seen as crucial elements in the development of […]
Eve Berneke, CEO at Eutelsat, cannot be blamed for attempting to look forward as she seeks to re-establish the satellite operator into a new beast which will offer both geostationary and low Earth orbit connectivity once its merger with OneWeb happens. But the market clearly doesn’t yet totally share her view that ‘jam tomorrow’ is […]
LEO satellite operator OneWeb and in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions provider Panasonic Avionics have agreed to terms that enable Panasonic Avionics to market, sell, and support OneWeb’s high-speed, low-latency in-flight broadband services to commercial airlines worldwide. Panasonic Avionics will offer OneWeb’s global service standalone or paired with Panasonic Avionics’ GEO service, which covers 99.6 […]
Viasat is seeking to merge with Inmarsat. However, the proposed deal has fallen foul of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) which is examining the transaction and has expressed concerns. The CMA has confirmed it will raise its investigation to a Phase 2 level. A statement from Viasat and Inmarsat says that the pair […]
Eutelsat CEO Eve Berneke delivered a masterclass three-hour presentation October 12th to an audience of analysts, bankers and investors and explained the logic and ambitions behind its recent deal to merge with LEO constellation OneWeb. Her highlight was that margins from the new pairing would eventually rise to reach the high margins currently enjoyed in […]
In a contract worth several million euros, Exotrail is the in-orbit logistics operator the French major space institutions have selected to ensure capacity for satellites transferring into low Earth orbit (LEO). In 2021, the French government announced a national investment and stimulus package (France 2030), which included €1 billion to support emerging French space companies. […]