Tag: Communications Satellites
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SiriusXM Puts SXM-11, Its Most Powerful Broadcast Satellite, Into Commercial Service
SiriusXM confirmed on September 15 that its SXM-11 geostationary communications satellite has completed in-orbit testing and entered full commercial service. The spacecraft, described by the company as the most powerful broadcast satellite in its fleet, is designed to improve signal reception, expand coverage in Alaska and strengthen the delivery of satellite audio and information services…
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SpaceX Launches Final O3b mPOWER Satellites on 700th Falcon Mission (Video)
SpaceX launched three Boeing-built O3b mPOWER communications satellites for SES on September 13, completing the Luxembourg-based operator’s 13-satellite medium Earth orbit constellation while marking the 700th mission by SpaceX’s Falcon rocket family. A Falcon 9 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 2:49 p.m. EDT, or…
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Who Is Powering China’s GW Constellation? A Look at the Five Leading Satellite Institutes and Companies Behind It
Advances in phased-array radar and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technologies are not only enhancing Earth observation capabilities but are also becoming a cornerstone of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) broadband communications satellites. A satellite’s phased-array antenna is essentially a phased-array radar operating in communication frequencies. Key radar technologies such as rapid beam steering, parallel subarray operation, and grating…
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China’s First Export Satellite Delivered In Orbit Retires After 15 Years of Service
On August 24, 2026, PakSAT-1R completed all deorbiting operations following the execution of its final orbital control command, formally leaving the 38° East orbital position it had occupied for 15 years. Affectionately known as “PakSat-1R” by Chinese and Pakistani space professionals, the communications satellite concluded its mission with a graceful final farewell to space. The…
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Vast Expands Into Satellite Bus Market With High-Power Spacecraft Platform
Vast said it will enter the satellite bus market with a new high-power spacecraft platform aimed at commercial, Earth observation and national security missions. The company announced plans to offer a 15-kilowatt-class satellite bus designed for high-volume and lower-cost deployment across a range of orbital applications. Vast also said customers will have the option to…