megaconstellation
China launches test satellites for broadband constellation
China launched a set of commercial satellites Saturday for testing broadband services, on-orbit networking and integrating communications and remote sensing technologies.
U.S. Air Force to fund demonstrations of space internet services that integrate multiple constellations
The U.S. Air Force will fund demonstrations of space internet services where military aircraft, ships or ground vehicles can access broadband services from commercial constellations in different orbits.
Op-ed | What could happen to the LEO broadband constellations?
LEO broadband constellations will greatly exceed their budgets. Still, because the titans of technology and institutions backing most of these systems have extremely deep pockets, we shouldn't expect any of these systems to disappear unless their backers decide to back out. Here's an overview of some of the hidden and not-so-hidden costs of putting up and operating thousands of satellites.
Industry skeptical about the business case for megaconstellations
Companies that have demonstrated the technical viability of broadband satellite megaconstellations now face a bigger challenge: closing the business case.
Radio telescope faces “extremely concerning” threat from satellite constellations
A multibillion-dollar radio telescope is moving into its construction phase while still working to raise funding and deal with satellite megaconstellations whose interference “change the game” for their plans.
Op-Ed | Who wants to step up to a $10 billion risk?
A proposed satellite constellation would be registered in Papua New Guinea, which has not stepped up to accept specific international responsibility or liability for the activities of commercial entities it has licensed.
China establishes company to build satellite broadband megaconstellation
The Chinese government has created a company dedicated to creating and operating a 13,000-satellite broadband constellation.
Hanwha Systems to launch 2,000 LEO communications satellites by 2030
South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Systems is planning to build and deploy a constellation of 2,000 satellites in low Earth orbit by 2030 to provide connectivity to urban cargo-delivery drones and passenger airplanes.
Amazon unveils flat-panel customer terminal for Kuiper constellation
Amazon has tested what it describes as a low-cost flat-panel antenna for use with its Project Kuiper constellation, an innovation that could be essential to the long-term success of satellite broadband.
News Analysis | For SpaceX, Starlink’s big broadband subsidy more symbolic than material
SpaceX’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Phase 1 award is big, but the impact on its overall Starlink broadband business will be modest.
Op-ed | The FCC’s space safety order: we all need to mitigate collision risk
What a tragic irony if continued access to space is lost as a consequence of lower launch and spacecraft costs. The U.S. is the global space leader and has more to lose than any other nation from diminished access. That’s why the FCC on April 23 is about to adopt new space safety rules for non-geosynchronous orbit (NGSO) satellites that minimize that possibility. The Commission should be applauded for their thorough work and conclusions.
Can satellite megaconstellations be responsible users of space?
The prospect of thousands — potentially more than 10,000, depending on what systems actually get launched — of satellites in low Earth orbit raises concerns about collisions and the creation of orbital debris that could render such orbits all but useless for any satellite.
Telesat outlines spending plan for Canadian government’s LEO constellation investment
Telesat plans to use an 85 million Canadian dollar ($64.7 million) investment by the government of Canada on the first dozen satellites of its low Earth orbit broadband constellation.
OneWeb founder Wyler calls for responsible smallsat operations
The founder of broadband megaconstellation company OneWeb urged the smallsat industry to operate responsibly in orbit, warning that failed satellites and collisions could result in stifling government regulation.
Op-ed | Two more rules for building a megaconstellation
While the concept of constellation is not new, the challenges connected to operating hundreds of spacecraft at the same time are yet to be fully understood.
