EchoStar, the communications and connectivity provider, has selected MDA Space as the prime contractor for EchoStar’s new non-terrestrial network (NTN) low Earth orbit (LEO) direct-to-device (D2D) satellite constellation. The initial contract, valued at approximately $1.3 billion (€1.1bn) includes the design, manufacturing and testing of the first tranche of over 100 software-defined MDA AURORA D2D satellites. The […]

Satellite technology is emerging as a critical complementary solution to terrestrial networks, enhancing coverage and resilience, according to an Omdia research report titled Satellite IoT Market Landscape – 2025. The report indicates that technological advancements, standardisation efforts, and decreasing costs are creating new opportunities for service providers in consumer, enterprise, and IoT markets. Satellite broadband and […]

California-based satellite operator Viasat wanted to extend a deadline to Ka-band frequencies it holds at 28 degrees West. The frequencies, held by Viasat, were obtained via the Norwegian regulator. However, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has declined Norway’s extension request submitted on behalf of Viasat. The original plan was to place Viasat’s GX7 satellite into […]

Cobham Satcom, a specialist in the satellite communication industry with advanced end-to-end satellite connectivity solutions, has announced its membership of the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA). This industry collaboration aims to advance the development of direct-to-device (D2D) and IoT connectivity through an ecosystem of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) providers committed to seamlessly extending mobile coverage globally. […]

SpaceX’s Starlink mega-constellation regularly reports its anti-collision efforts for its satellites in orbit. In the six months to the end of May it says it made 144,404 collision-avoidance manoeuvres. SpaceX, in a report to the FCC, says 59,414 movements were carried out by its 1st Generation satellites, and 84,990 by its 2nd Generation craft. In […]

Australia is budgeting a spend of A$664 million (€373.4m) on its own low Earth orbiting systems, according to forecasts from analysts at Gartner. Khurram Shahzad, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, commented: “LEO satellites have primarily delivered broadband connectivity to remote locations where traditional networks don’t reach. However, new consumer and business use cases are emerging, […]

AST SpaceMobile, which is building a satellite-based system to provide global 5G cellular access, says it will see 20 of its powerful Block 2 satellites launched this year. The first of that number will be launched during August on nan Indian rocket. It already has five of its earlier Block 1 satellites in orbit which […]

The joint-venture between Reliance Jio and SES expects to start its satellite-delivered broadband service before the end of this year. “We have been ready with our ground infrastructure and everything else for the last two years,” said Harsh Verma, SES’s vice president of sales for the Asia-Pacific region, during a press briefing on July 24th. […]

Orbex has delayed its UK rocket launch to 2026 due to site and funding issues. SaxaVord, the launch site in Scotland, isn’t ready, and more financial support is said to be needed to lift off. Orbital Express Launch, or Orbex, is a UK-based aerospace company that is developing a small commercial orbital rocket called Prime.It […]