Tag: Space Technology
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Why Inter-Satellite Laser Communications Have Become a Strategic Battleground for Satellite Internet
In the traditional satellite-to-Earth transmission model, satellites serve only as relay nodes: they forward information but do not process it directly, while ground gateways and terrestrial networks perform the core functions. With inter-satellite links, by contrast, satellites can transmit and exchange information directly without routing every connection through a ground station. Each spacecraft acts as…
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Network Rail Tests Satellite Analytics To Predict Flooding And Vegetation Risks
Network Rail, the owner and operator of Britain’s railway infrastructure, has partnered with Earth observation analytics company CATALYST, part of PCI Geomatics, on a 12-week pilot exploring how satellite data could help identify weather-related risks to railway infrastructure across the Wessex Route before disruption occurs. The pilot brought together Network Rail’s Wessex Route Operations and…
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China’s Space Computing Is Not the Same as Musk’s Vision
Over the past year, space computing has emerged as one of the hottest topics in the global commercial space industry. From a wave of domestic companies announcing plans for computing satellites, computing constellations, and space-based computing platforms, to SpaceX’s continued discussions around orbital data centers and AI infrastructure, space computing has quickly become a new…
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Kreios Space Targets 2028 VLEO Demonstration With NanoAvionics Satellite Bus
Spanish aerospace startup Kreios Space has selected Kongsberg NanoAvionics to provide the satellite platform for its first very low Earth orbit (VLEO) demonstration mission, which is targeted for launch in 2028. The mission will serve as the company’s first in-orbit test of its air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) technology, designed to enable satellites to operate for…
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City Labs Launches Commercial Nuclear-Powered CubeSat on SpaceX Rideshare Mission
City Labs has launched what it describes as the world’s first commercial nuclear-powered satellite, marking a milestone in the development of alternative power systems for spacecraft. The company’s BOHR (Betavoltaic Orbital High-Reliability) spacecraft was launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-17 rideshare mission. According to City Labs, it is also the first CubeSat to carry a commercial nuclear…
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Unseenlabs Orders Two More RF Surveillance Cubesats From GomSpace
French radio frequency (RF) detection specialist Unseenlabs has awarded GomSpace a €2.2 million (US$2.5 million) contract to build two additional cubesats, further expanding its space-based maritime surveillance constellation. The satellites will be manufactured using GomSpace’s 8U cubesat platform and are scheduled for delivery in 2027. Constellation Expansion Continues The latest order increases the total number…
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Firefly Aerospace Acquires Space-ng to Expand Autonomous Spacecraft Capabilities
Firefly Aerospace has acquired AI-powered spacecraft navigation company Space-ng, strengthening its software capabilities for future lunar, orbital and defence missions. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Space-ng will be fully integrated into Firefly, with Space-ng co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Ethan Rublee assuming the newly created role of Chief Engineer of Software, where…
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ReOrbit Launches OrbitCloud Space Computing Programme with €4.6 Million Backing
ReOrbit has launched its OrbitCloud research and development programme to develop a space-based edge computing network, supported by an initial €4.6 million (US$5.3 million) funding award from Business Finland. The company said the overall value of the programme is expected to exceed €40 million (US$46 million) as development progresses. Space-Based Edge Computing ReOrbit describes OrbitCloud…
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MDA Space Wins Contract for Japan’s Next-Generation Defense Communications Satellite
MDA Space has secured a contract from Mitsubishi Electric Corporation to provide key technologies for Japan’s next-generation defense communications satellite, which will replace the country’s Kirameki-2 military communications satellite. Under the agreement, the Canadian space technology company will supply the satellite’s digital payload, antennas and a range of subsystems. Financial terms of the contract were…
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Industry Consortium Launches America’s Quantum Space Initiative
A coalition of companies, academic institutions and organizations has launched America’s Quantum Space Initiative, a collaborative effort aimed at advancing quantum technologies for space applications and strengthening U.S. leadership in the sector. The founding members include Infleqtion, Voyager Technologies, Monarch Quantum, Armada and the University of Colorado Boulder. Accelerating Quantum Technologies for Space The initiative…