Author: starpathwp-production
-
Airtel Africa and Starlink Turn Direct-to-Device Connectivity Into a Commercial Network
The commercial launch of Starlink Mobile in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) marks a more important shift in satellite communications than the headline “Africa’s first commercial direct-to-device service” might suggest. On August 14, 2026, Airtel Africa and SpaceX began commercial Starlink Mobile operations in the DRC, allowing customers with compatible smartphones to connect…
-
SpaceX Starship Ship 40 Towed Into Christmas Island Bay After Weeks Adrift in Indian Ocean
The recovery was not originally part of the plan. Ship 40 outperformed expectations as it re-entered the atmosphere and splashed down in the Indian Ocean. On July 29, Elon Musk announced on X that a ship had been dispatched to retrieve the vehicle, and space enthusiasts have tracked its progress ever since. Ship 40 is…
-
US Air Force Antarctic Flight Returns to Christchurch After Space Hazard Warning
The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed it was aware of the flight reversing course after a NOTAM was issued advising pilots of space activity that could pose a hazard to aviation en route to Antarctica. A NOTAM is an official notice used to alert pilots and aircraft operators to hazards or other information that could affect…
-
Sophie Adenot Becomes First French Woman to Conduct a Spacewalk
The pair were scheduled to begin their roughly 6.5-hour extravehicular activity at around 8:35 a.m. EDT (1235 GMT), with NASA coverage starting at 7 a.m. EDT (1100 GMT). NASA officials described the antenna as a critical communications link the agency uses to transmit data, enabling high-speed communications between the Mission Control Center in Houston and…
-
Sovereign Data at Tactical Speeds: BlackSky CTO Patrick O’Neil on the Shifts in Adoption of Space-based Intelligence
As conflicts have erupted around the world, governments and MoDs are recognizing the urgent, immediate need for space-based intelligence. At the same time, the cost to build and launch satellites has dropped significantly, and it’s changing how governments acquire satellite imagery and Al-enabled intelligence capabilities, driving them to embrace sovereign solutions from commercial partners. This…
-
L3Harris Technologies Appoints Sam Mehta as CEO and Lewis Hay III as Board Chairman
L3Harris Technologies has announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Sam Mehta as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board. In addition, Lewis Hay III, L3Harris’ Lead Independent Director, has been named Independent Chairman of the Board. Christopher Kubasik has stepped down as Chairman and CEO and as a member of…
-
ClearSpace Advances In-Orbit Servicing with the PRELUDE Proximity Operations Mission
ClearSpace is advancing the future of in-orbit servicing and sustainable space operations through the PRELUDE mission, a technology demonstration program designed to validate critical proximity operations, rendezvous, navigation and manoeuvring capabilities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). PRELUDE will demonstrate the technologies required for satellite life extension, robotic servicing, inspection and future capture operations. By combining…
-
Peru Taps Gilat for Connectivity Program
Gilat Satellite Networks has won a new connectivity deal in Peru, a country with a population of around 35 million people. Gilat Peru has signed a $14 million deal with the Regional Government of Ayacucho for the execution of a fiber-optic broadband project in southern Ayacucho under Peru’s Works for Taxes (Obras por Impuestos –…
-
Viasat Taps Rocket Lab to Build Anti-Jam GEO Satellite for Space Force Tactical Comms Program
The selection follows a prime contract Viasat won on May 22, 2026 to deliver one of the first small, maneuverable geosynchronous Earth orbit satellites for the PTS-G constellation. That initial production award, known as Swarm 1, covers manufacturing, integration and test, launch, and on-orbit checkout of the mini-GEO satellite system. Viasat’s government space team, within…
-
SpaceX Launches Two Falcon 9s From Opposite Coasts in 38 Minutes
The two flights deployed the USSF-366 mission for the U.S. Space Force from Florida and a Globalstar-2R communications satellite from California. The milestone highlights SpaceX’s approach of treating orbital launch operations as a high-density transportation network, relying on automated range safety protocols and parallel pad refurbishment to increase turnaround throughput. Company executives frequently compare rocket…