Megaconstellations
GEO operators say they can compete against LEO systems on cost
Despite all the investment in low Earth orbit broadband megaconstellations, operators of geostationary satellites argue they can offer more cost-effective services.
New center to coordinate work to mitigate effect of satellite constellations on astronomy
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is establishing a center to help astronomers deal with the adverse effects of satellite constellations.
SpaceX passes 2,000 Starlink satellites launched
SpaceX passed the threshold of more than 2,000 Starlink satellites launched after a Falcon 9 placed another set of broadband internet spacecraft into orbit Jan. 18.
Satellite operators criticize “extreme” megaconstellation filings
Established satellite operators expressed their frustration at the wave of filings for enormous satellite constellations, arguing nations need to step forward and establish rules to curtail such systems.
Space industry feels varying effects of supply chain disruptions
While space companies are feeling the impacts of supply chain disruptions, traditional space companies are experiencing different effects than newer ones.
Astra says focus is on launch as it files application for satellite constellation
A week after a filing an application with the FCC for a constellation of more than 13,000 satellites, Astra Space executives said that their near-term focus remains on developing their launch capabilities.
Astra files FCC application for 13,600-satellite constellation
Small launch vehicle developer Astra Space filed an application with the FCC Nov. 4 to deploy a constellation of more than 13,600 satellites that would provide broadband services.
Astronomers back technical efforts to reduce impacts of satellite megaconstellations while seeking regulatory solutions
With slow progress on regulation and policy, astronomers are making progress on other approaches to mitigate the effects that satellite megaconstellations will have on their observations.
Connecting the Dots | Assessing top-down pollution
Satellites are leading the charge in the battle against climate change, providing critical insights about Earth that can only be gained from space. But are they also contributing to the problem?
FCC approves Starlink license modification
The FCC approved a modification of SpaceX’s license for its Starlink constellation, allowing the company to operate more than 2,800 additional satellites in lower orbits.
China is developing plans for a 13,000-satellite megaconstellation
China is to oversee the construction and operation of a national satellite internet megaconstellation by coordinating the country’s major space actors.
OneWeb raises $400 million
Broadband satellite company OneWeb announced Jan. 15 it has raised $400 million from SoftBank and Hughes Network Systems, allowing the company to continue deployment of its constellation.
OneWeb slashes size of future satellite constellation
OneWeb says it’s drastically reducing the size of a proposed next-generation satellite constellation originally envisioned to have nearly 48,000 satellites.
FCC grants permission for polar launch of Starlink satellites
The Federal Communications Commission will allow SpaceX to launch 10 Starlink satellites into polar orbit on an upcoming mission, but deferred a decision on a much broader modification of SpaceX’s license.
Viasat asks FCC to perform environmental review of Starlink
Viasat has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to perform an environmental review of SpaceX’s Starlink broadband constellation, arguing that the satellite system poses environmental hazards in space and on Earth.
OneWeb optimistic about raising the funding needed to complete its constellation
The new executive chairman of OneWeb is optimistic the company can raise the billions of dollars of additional funding needed to complete development of the company’s broadband constellation and work on a second generation of the system.
Aerospace Corp. raises questions about pollutants produced during satellite and rocket reentry
As the combined mass of satellites in orbit climbs, research is needed to better understand the environmental impact of the portions of satellites and their launch vehicles that eventually reenter Earth’s atmosphere.
OneWeb emerges from Chapter 11 with new CEO
OneWeb announced Nov. 20 that its sale to an ownership group led by Bharti Global and the British government has closed, allowing the company to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy with a new chief executive.
OneWeb ready to emerge from Chapter 11
Satellite megaconstellation company OneWeb should emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy “any day now,” a company executive said Nov. 18, its business plan validated by a growing demand for broadband connectivity.
Telesat remains optimistic about prospects for LEO constellation
As SpaceX prepares to extend its Starlink beta test program to Canada, Telesat remains optimistic its broadband low Earth orbit constellation will find enough business to be successful.
