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15 Jul 25. Australia’s SATCOM ambitions resurge in RFI for narrowband capability. After shifting requirements to a multi-orbit satellite last year, the government is still considering a single-orbit system, leading to confusion about its SATCOM intentions. Australian Army signaller sets up a satellite radio antenna to enable a mobile patrol to report in from an area of mangroves on the northern Kimberley coast of Western Australia, 18 October 2024. Credit: Australian Defence Forces. The Australian government issued a request for information (RFI) among industry regarding military satellite communication (SATCOM) systems at the end of June 2025. However, it appears that the call to industry has resurrected some aspects of a contract that the government had previously cancelled towards the end of 2024, more than eight months ago. Joint Project (JP)-9102, as it was known, would have delivered a wideband and narrowband, geostationary earth orbit (GEO) SATCOM constellation until the Department of Defence (DoD) cancelled the project, having changed its requirements from a single-orbit system to a multi-orbit capability after 18-months of development with Lockheed Martin Australia. The resurgent Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA)-9102, as the RFI is now known, requests knowledge of capabilities in the space systems market offering a narrowband, ultra-high frequency (UHF) SATCOM system, with a focus on resilient satellites that mitigate against electromagnetic interference.
RFI details
The SPA structure under which Australia are considering existing SATCOM capabilities contrasts with JPs in that they provide broader scope, long term thinking, compared to the narrower end capability pursued under a JP structure. The RFI is open to any company that believes they have something to offer. This nascent stage only calls for insight into existing capabilities available today; no selection or proposals will be made at this point, it is purely a research endeavour. After the RFI process, the government will consider possible solutions and understand what industry can provide before requesting specific requirements. A proposal phase will likely follow some time later.
What SATCOM does ADF use now?
At present, the Australia Defence Forces rely on a collection of SATCOM systems. One of which is a US-managed system, the Wideband Global SATCOM manufactured by Boeing. But even without access to WGS, Australia has some commercial capabilities which include a communications payload, as well as a UHF communications payload on a satellite that covers the Indian Ocean. Self-reliance and fast access are still the main reasons for the procurement of a sovereign system.(Source: army-technology.com)
16 Jul 25. MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, today announced that it will prime SkyPhi, a new mission funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) that will enable regenerative 5G direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications from low Earth orbit (LEO). The announcement, made today at the UK Space Conference taking place in Manchester, spotlights the UK’s role in driving forward next-generation space-based telecommunications and reinforcing its leadership in satellite innovation. Funded by the ESA and the UKSA, the mission is part of the ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) program. SkyPhi supports the development and validation of innovative satcom technologies with strong commercial potential. MDA Space UK will lead phases A and B of the mission in collaboration with UK-based mission partners CGI and Open Cosmos, combining proven strengths in satellite platforms and operations, secure communications, network integration, and advanced payload systems.
“This pioneering project led by MDA Space represents the kind of innovation the UK space sector needs to maintain its competitive edge. By starting the development of an end-to-end 5G direct-to-device satellite communications system with a LEO satellite and UK-based ground infrastructure, the project is placing the UK as a leader in new satellite technologies,” said Dr. Craig Brown, Director of Investment at the UK Space Agency. “The collaboration between MDA Space, CGI and Open Cosmos demonstrates the power of partnership in solving complex technical challenges.”
“The selection of SkyPhi and MDA Space UK, supported by our strong UK-based team of industry partners, recognises the depth of talent and innovation resident in the UK space sector,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. “Our mission at MDA Space is to turn the proven into the possible, and with the support of the UK Space Agency and ESA, we’re putting that goal in motion and advancing a bold vision for satellite-enabled 5G services and the industrial base of the UK space industry.” (Source: PR Newswire)
15 Jul 25. Spaceport Cornwall Selected for UK MOD Hypersonic Framework to Advance Britain’s Defence Capabilities.
- Spaceport Cornwall joins 90 organisations on the MOD’s UK Hypersonic Capability Framework
- The spaceport brings unique testing and launch capabilities to the £1bn national defence initiative
- The framework aligns with the government’s Strategic Defence Review and supports its commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2027
Spaceport Cornwall has been selected to join the UK Ministry of Defence’s transformational Hypersonic Technologies and Capability Development Framework (HTCDF), positioning the Cornwall-based facility as a key contributor to Britain’s sovereign hypersonic technology capability development. The seven-year, £1bn framework brings together ninety organisations from across industry and academia to rapidly develop advanced hypersonic defence capabilities for the UK. Spaceport Cornwall’s inclusion recognises the unique combination of capabilities offered by the facility, including horizontal launch capabilities, comprehensive operations facilities and its strategic location at Cornwall Airport Newquay, adjacent to RAF St Mawgan military base. The HTCDF is designed to accelerate capability development through to Technology Readiness Level 9, enabling rapid progression from early research through to operational deployment. This agile approach addresses the evolving nature of modern defence challenges and ensures the UK maintains its technological edge. The framework aligns with the government’s Strategic Defence Review and supports the UK’s commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2027. It forms part of a broader industrial strategy to strengthen Britain’s defence manufacturing base while bolstering AUKUS collaboration with Australia and the United States. Nearly half of the selected suppliers are Small and Medium Enterprises, demonstrating the framework’s commitment to leveraging the full breadth of UK innovation. The framework will reopen to new suppliers every 6-12 months, ensuring continued access to emerging technologies and capabilities.
Ross Hulbert, Head of Engagement at Spaceport Cornwall: “This is a defining moment for Spaceport Cornwall and demonstrates our commitment to supporting Britain’s defence capabilities. Our unique position as the UK’s first licensed spaceport, combined with our world-class facilities and proximity to both civilian and military aviation infrastructure, makes us ideally suited to contribute to this vital national capability.”
Spaceport Cornwall’s involvement in the hypersonic framework reinforces its role as a hub for cutting-edge aerospace and defence innovation. As the UK advances its hypersonic capabilities, Spaceport Cornwall stands ready to support testing, development and deployment activities that will enhance Britain’s defence posture and protect national interests alongside allied partners.
15 Jul 25. Australian Defence announces purpose-built space workforce for Australian Defence Force. Defence has announced it will soon begin targeted recruitment for a purpose-built space workforce for the Australian Defence Force. The 2024 Defence Workforce Plan highlighted the need to recruit and retain highly specialised personnel for emerging capabilities, including space. To meet the demands of the evolving space domain, Defence will soon begin targeted recruitment and training for highly specialised roles to grow its existing space workforce across areas, including satellite communications and operations, position, navigation and timing, intelligence and surveillance. Defence’s current space workforce consists of diverse Navy, Army and Air Force personnel. From 2026, Air Force direct entry will be available for roles including space operations specialist and space operations officers.
“Our region is rapidly evolving, and space is a critical operational domain. By establishing a permanent space workforce, we are preparing Defence to lead, integrate and innovate in this contested and congested environment,” said Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh, who has previously visited the Joint Commercial Operations Pacific Cell.
“Space capabilities will play a critical role in the execution of activities as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 alongside existing operational domains of maritime, land, air and cyber.
“People are at the centre of our advantage. Defence is building a sustainable space workforce through targeted recruitment, career pathways and joint training.
“The evolving space domain demands highly specialised roles and will provide our people with opportunities to shape how Australia operates in space.”
Emerging space capabilities are a focus of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, with Defence personnel working alongside international partners to conduct real-time and on-demand space demonstration exercises in Townsville. During the exercise, personnel will use commercially available data to provide timely and accurate reporting on space events and activities to support military operations. The evolving space domain demands highly specialised roles, requiring targeted career development and training continuums. The workforce will eventually cover the full spectrum of space mission sets, including satellite communications, position, navigation and timing, space domain awareness, missile warning, satellite operations, space control, environmental monitoring and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. An Australian Defence Force career in space operations would potentially offer working with satellite systems and commercial partners, contributing to joint and coalition operations, members will be part of a frontier mission at the intersection of science, strategy and service. This purpose‑built space workforce would continue to work alongside Australian industry and commercial operations to deliver the capabilities and outcomes required by Australia’s strategic circumstances. In 2023, Space Command formally shifted from operating within the Air Force to being within the ADF’s Joint Capabilities Group. The move – revealed as part of the DSR into the military – was part of a broader shake-up that saw the newly formed No. 1 Space Surveillance Unit (1SSU) assume operation of Defence’s space domain awareness capabilities. The Labor federal government hoped the combined changes would “increase the importance” of Space Command and allow it to integrate better with other military branches. The DSR – penned by former defence minister Stephen Smith and former defence chief Sir Angus Houston – also said a method should be established for building and sustaining a trained Defence space workforce, including a defined career path. Defence Space Commander Major General Gregory Novak had previously declared that Space Command is now an equal partner to the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Talking at the SIAA’s annual conference in 2024, the service’s chief said he “personally doesn’t like the term of space as an enabler” because it doesn’t “cover the full root of what we do”.
“We do much more than enable. We are a peer operationally of the other domains of maritime, air and land, and we make equally significant contributions,” he said.
“We are in a much more contested and congested space at home than we’ve been in the past, and all the indicators are that trend will continue into the future.” (Source: Space Connect)
09 Jul 25. Globalstar’s launch services agreement with SpaceX. Globalstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: GSAT), a next-generation telecommunications infrastructure and technology provider, announces that the Company has signed an agreement with SpaceX for a Falcon 9 launch for the next set of satellites, pursuant to the 2022 satellite procurement agreement with MDA. As previously disclosed, these satellites will provide continuous satellite services in combination with the existing second-generation satellites in operation today. Globalstar CEO Dr. Paul Jacobs stated, “The launch services agreement with SpaceX represents another important milestone as we continue to execute on our construction and launch plan. These satellites, constructed by our partners at MDA and Rocket Lab, will enhance our ability to provide the highest quality satellite services to our customers over the long-term.” Globalstar expects the launch will take place next year following the initial launch this year. These satellites have been authorized by the Federal Communications Commission to operate under Globalstar’s HIBLEO-4 filing for a renewed 15-year term. (Source: Satnews)
10 Jul 25. Australia’s Gilmour Space Technologies plans maiden flight of Eris Test Flight1 on July 16, nation’s first orbital launch in over 50 years. Gilmour Space plans a Tuesday, July 16, launch for the maiden flight of Eris Test Flight1 at 2:30 PM – 12:30 AM PDT. The launch will be from Bowen Orbital Spaceport, a private orbital launch facility owned and operated by Gilmour Space hosts of the Eris Pad which has witnessed the launch of 0 rockets, including 0 orbital launch attempts. The forecast calls for a temperature of 53°F, few clouds, 15% cloud cover and a wind speed of 7mph. Gilmour Space Technologies is a venture-funded Australian space company headquartered in Queensland, Australia that is developing hybrid-engine rockets and associated technology to support the development of a low-cost space launch vehicle. Australia’s Gilmour Space Technologies ready to launch maiden Eris Test flight the nation’s first orbital launch in over 50 years
Gilmour Space Technologies is gearing up for their first Eris Test flight, no earlier than May 15. Gilmour Space’s Eris TestFlight1 will be the first Australian-made rocket, #Eris, to attempt orbit, and the nation’s first orbital launch in over 50 years. Gilmour’s vision: ALL ORBITS. ALL PLANETS ®
Weather forecast calls for a temperature of 77 °F, clear skies, 4% cloud cover and a wind speed of 5 mph. Gilmour Space Technologies is the leading launch services company in Australia, located in Bowen Orbital Spaceport, North Queensland, providing valuable access to space to global Commercial and Defense customers. Backed by some of the country’s biggest investors, Gilmour Space is tracking to launch Eris orbital launch vehicles and ElaraSat bus/platforms to Low Earth Orbits (LEO) from 2025. (Source: Satnews)
07 Jul 25. Could Amazon buy into AST SpaceMobile? An intriguing idea been floated around by Defence news expert Larry Ramer, suggesting that Amazon should buy — or make a considerable investment — in AST SpaceMobile. Ramer explained: “In light of the tremendous potential of AST’s technology, I also would not be surprised if AMZN eventually decides to buy AST for as much as $80 bn in a combination of cash and stock.” An Amazon investment/acquisition would allow their Project Kuiper satellite broadband to leapfrog their own deployment of Kuiper satellites with — arguably — AST’s superior craft. Moreover, AST has some extremely valuable contracts in hand, not least the Vodafone agreement and in particular the deal with Vodafone Idea (in India) as well as partnerships in place with AT&T and Verizon in the US. Ramer reminds readers that, according to one report: “More than 2.5 bn people globally still lack internet access.” and that, “large swaths of the world’s population still don’t have access to mobile internet primarily because of affordability.” In Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Pakistan, for example, just 37 per cent, 34 per cent and 24 per cent of the citizens respectively have mobile internet. Ramer also looks at the AST Board of Directors, and in particular AST Mexican board member Adriana Cisneros, whose Instagram account featured a picture of former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos with AST’s CEO, Abel Avellan, and Cisneros. In the wake of Cisneros’ post, Scotiabank analyst Andres Coello wrote: “Could Jeff Bezos become an ASTS investor? This is a possibility widely discussed by investors and analysts, in no small measure because Bezos is one of the world’s top space investors.” The concept is that an Amazon stake in AST would guarantee access to AST’s satellites and its broadband technology. “These systems would likely enable Amazon to deploy its Project Kuiper initiative more quickly while greatly increasing the amount of revenue that it can generate,” suggests Ramer. Another close observer talks about a more modest investment, of about percent by Amazon into AST. The prize for Amazon is access to the AST’s many telco partners of a direct 450 m AST-linked subscribers. (Source: Satnews)
13 Jul 25. SpaceX launches highly secret Israeli communications satellite. SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station early Sunday carrying an Israel Aerospace Industries communications satellite, a payload that had been kept largely secret until liftoff.
“We at IAI are extremely proud of the development and successful launch into space of the State of Israel’s ‘Dror 1’ national communications satellite, Boaz Levy, CEO and President of IAI said in a statement. “Dror 1 is the most advanced communications satellite ever built in Israel, designed to preserve this national strategic capability in the country while providing Israel with essential satellite communications capabilities for years to come.” (Source: News Now/upi)
11 Jul 25. Rocket Lab Selects Bollinger Shipyards to Support Modification of Neutron Landing Platform. Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has awarded a contract to Bollinger Shipyards, the largest privately owned new construction and repair shipbuilder in the United States, to support the build out of Rocket Lab’s ocean landing platform for its Neutron reusable rocket. Modification and fit-out of Rocket Lab technology to its 400-ft-long landing platform named ‘Return On Investment’ has begun and is taking place at Bollinger Shipyards, primarily at its shipyard in Amelia, Louisiana, with delivery of the vessel to Rocket Lab expected in early 2026. Bollinger Shipyards, a premier builder of high-performance vessels, will leverage its extensive experience in marine engineering to complete the Rocket Lab-led design of the rocket-landing platform that includes autonomous ground support equipment, blast shielding for on-deck equipment protection during Neutron landings, and station-keeping thrusters for the platform to hold its position during Neutron return-to-Earth missions at sea. Reusability is key to Rocket Lab’s development of Neutron. To meet the increasing demand for regular and reliable launch to space for large single satellites, multi-satellite constellation deployment, and high assurance national security missions, Rocket Lab expects to quickly scale Neutron and double its launch capacity annually once it enters service – with “Return On Investment” integral to that effort. Rocket Lab’s development of recovery infrastructure in Louisiana builds upon the Company’s existing U.S. expansion plans for Neutron’s operations and development, with “Return On Investment” to be operated out of the U.S. East Coast to support timely delivery and return of Neutron rockets to its launch site on Wallops Island, Virginia.
Rocket Lab Vice President – Neutron, Shaun D’Mello, says: “Neutron’s ability to return to Earth on “Return On Investment” and launch again and again will be foundational to its success. With Bollinger’s extensive experience in marine engineering and shipbuilding, they have been selected to deliver this critical project. We’re looking forward to working with Bollinger to create the conditions to modernize Louisiana’s shipyard capabilities to meet the demands of the aerospace industry’s cutting-edge capabilities.”
Bollinger Shipyards President and CEO, Ben Bordelon, says: “Bollinger is proud to partner with Rocket Lab on a project that showcases both the ingenuity and innovation of American shipbuilding and the future of space flight. At Bollinger, we’ve spent decades building some of the most advanced vessels in the world. We’re honored to have been selected to bring our deep expertise and experience in marine engineering and fabrication to a program that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.” (Source: ASD Network)
11 Jul 25. ALL.SPACE Announces Hydra MAX: World’s 1st Dual-beam, Full-duplex, 500MHz Satcom Terminal for On-the-move Connectivity
- ALL.SPACE, the leader in multi-orbit, software-defined satcom capabilities, has successfully demonstrated its next-generation Hydra MAX communications platform.
- Hydra MAX delivers a world first of 500MHz of instantaneous bandwidth per beam, totalling a full 1GHz of aggregate bandwidth across the commercial & military Ka bands, from a single, compact, 86cm on-the-move terminal.
UK-based ALL.SPACE has revealed a major advancement in mobile satellite communications with the successful demonstration of Hydra MAX – the first network independent terminal of its kind to deliver ultra wideband communications to multiple satellites simultaneously.
Hydra MAX enables simultaneous connections (full duplex, i.e. both transmit and receive on each beam), unlocking resilient connectivity across all orbits – including next-generation LEO Ka-band networks – even in the most demanding operational environments. With military-grade ruggedness and full integration of modems, tactical comms and edge computing, it marks a significant leap in the capabilities of mobile communications systems.
Unlike other systems that can only switch between multiple orbits, Hydra MAX is truly full-duplex – capable of sending and receiving data on both beams at the same time, across the full scan range. Unlocking the ability to hold connections to two or more independent networks at the same time. This technical breakthrough sets ALL.SPACE apart as the only terminal provider offering this level of capability and performance in such a rugged, mobile form-factor.
Hydra MAX will connect seamlessly across LEO, MEO, HEO and GEO satellites, including WGS, SES’s O3b mPOWER, Viasat 3 & GX, emerging Ka-band constellations such as Amazon Kuiper & Telesat Lightspeed. With advanced digital beamforming technology enabling mono-pulse tracking at over 400Hz, it maintains high-integrity links even under the most intense motion profiles, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for mission-critical operations on the move.
Engineered for the world’s most demanding use cases, Hydra MAX also supports defence-grade, frequency-hopping sovereign waveforms over the Military Ka-band frequencies, offering unmatched resilience to electronic warfare and jamming threats. With four field-swappable bays for integrated modems, tactical radios, or edge compute, and full MIL-STD 810 certification, it’s battle-ready – proven to perform across maritime and land platforms while maneuvering at speed over the roughest terrain.
John-Paul Szczepanik, CTO, ALL.SPACE, said: “Hydra MAX is not just a product milestone – it’s a signal to the market that ALL.SPACE is redefining what’s possible in mobile communication. Simultaneous multi-beam, full-duplex, wideband connectivity – while moving, while under threat, while connected to three different orbits if you want.
“Hydra KuKa will take this even further, continuing to place ALL.SPACE as the go-to for defence and commercial customers looking for performance, flexibility and resilience.”
The innovation doesn’t stop with MAX. Building on this breakthrough, ALL.SPACE is now advancing its third-generation platform: Hydra KuKa – extending its dual-beam, full-duplex, 500MHz, capability across both Ku- and Ka-bands simultaneously.
Following a successful proof-of-concept demonstration in September 2024 and a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) with a key customer in May 2025, Hydra KuKa is now progressing through final design, test, and certification. This next-generation platform is set to deliver the ultimate in satcom interoperability across every major satellite network out there – and usher in a new era of true hybrid mobile connectivity. (Source: ASD Network)
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Founded in 2017, MatrixSpace is creating the next generation of artificial intelligence enabled sensing solutions to digitize the outdoors beyond the limits of human perception.
The company combines novel artificial intelligence and radar technologies to identify movement and provide context in real-time. MatrixSpace sensors are the smallest, lightest and most portable high-performance systems on the market powered by AI. They deliver actionable insights that empower a broad range of public and private enterprises to protect assets and maintain safety with superior situational awareness.
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MatrixSpace solutions are designed and developed in the United States, without ITAR export restrictions, manufactured under the highest ISO and IATF standards and rigorously tested for quality, reliability and compliance.
Visit maxtrixspace.com
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