Commercial
SpaceX says 5G plan could disrupt Starlink more than previously thought
Plans to use a part of Ku-band for 5G networks in the United States could disrupt Starlink broadband services even more than SpaceX previously estimated, the company said Oct. 4 as it released interference analysis from a third party.
SpaceX launches Crew-5 mission to the space station
A SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft with four people on board is on its way to the International Space Station after a successful launch Oct. 5.
SES closer to $4 billion payout after ULA launch to near-geostationary orbit
United Launch Alliance launched a pair of satellites for SES Oct. 4 that are vital to the operator’s bid to claim nearly $4 billion in C-band clearing proceeds.
Sherpa tug yet to start raising orbit a month after launch
A Sherpa tug launched a month ago is still undergoing commissioning and has yet to start maneuvers as its orbit gradually decays.
Space Force in discussions with industry on future market for space surveillance data
Companies in the space domain awareness market are eager to work with the Space Force but need a clearer picture of future demand
AEI claims majority stake in York Space Systems
AE Industrial Partners announced plans Oct. 4 to acquire a majority stake in York Space Systems, a small satellite manufacturer and turnkey mission operator based in Denver.
SpaceX to upgrade Cape Canaveral pad for crew and cargo missions
As SpaceX prepares to launch a new crew to the International Space Station from one pad at the Kennedy Space Center, it is starting work to upgrade another pad at Cape Canaveral as a backup.
Redwire back on acquisition trail with deal for QinetiQ Space
British defense firm Qinetiq is selling its Belgian commercial satellite systems division to Redwire, a U.S.-based consolidator of space infrastructure.
EnerStar Solutions announces third Starlink enterprise reseller deal
Canada-based EnerStar Solutions, a rental company for the energy sector, said Oct. 3 it has reached a deal to add SpaceX’s Starlink broadband to the services it provides industrial workers.
Viasat sells tactical data communications business to L3Harris for $1.96 billion
L3Harris Technologies has agreed to acquire Viasat’s tactical data link business for $1.96 billion, the companies announced Oct. 3.
Firefly, Millennium Space selected for U.S. Space Force rapid-launch demonstration
The U.S. Space Systems Command announced Sept. 30 it selected Firefly Space Transport Services and Millennium Space Systems to conduct a demonstration of a rapid-response space mission to low Earth orbit in 2023.
Firefly’s Alpha rocket reaches orbit on second launch
Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha launch vehicle reached orbit on its second launch Oct. 1, more than a year after the vehicle’s first launch failed.
NASA and SpaceX to study possible private Hubble servicing mission
NASA and SpaceX announced Sept. 29 they will study a concept to send a Crew Dragon spacecraft to reboost, and possibly service, the Hubble Space Telescope to extend its life.
First ViaSat-3 enters environmental testing
Viasat said Sept. 29 its inaugural ViaSat-3 satellite has started environmental tests after being put into flight configuration for the first time.
Hungary’s 4iG to buy a majority of Spacecom in stages
4iG, a Hungarian provider of terrestrial communications, plans to buy a majority stake in Israeli satellite operator Spacecom in stages following resistance from Israel’s government.
FCC approves new orbital debris rule
The FCC adopted a new rule Sept. 29 that will shorten the time for satellite operators to deorbit low Earth orbit satellites from 25 to 5 years.
