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17 Dec 25. BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) successfully integrated its third Gen-3 satellite into commercial operations just three weeks following launch, reflecting an exponential increase in commissioning speed since the launch of its first Gen-3 unit. This accomplishment reflects another remarkable performance milestone as the company seamlessly expands reliable capacity for very high-resolution 35-centimeter imagery and AI-enabled analytics for customers worldwide.
“Integrating our latest Gen-3 satellite into the BlackSky Spectra platform in just 21 days following launch is proof positive that our first-of-its-kind end-to-end architecture is delivering incredible operational value to our customers at disruptive speed, scale and economics,” said Brian O’Toole, BlackSky CEO. “Achieving effective market penetration and expansion with Gen-3 is the direct result of meeting customer commitments and delivering exceptional mission-relevant value through a disciplined ‘land and expand’ approach.”
BlackSky customers now have access to all three current Gen-3 satellites through the Spectra® tasking and analytics platform with the ability to collect time-diverse, high-cadence day and nighttime imagery, including high off-nadir collections, with automated AI-enabled vessel, aircraft and vehicle detection and identification analytics.
“With every successful Gen-3 performance milestone, BlackSky demonstrates that we are unequivocally meeting global demand for flexible, secure tactical ISR capabilities at unprecedented speed. When we launched our first Gen-3, we received first light imagery in 5 days with our second and third units delivering imagery in as fast as twelve hours,” added O’Toole.
BlackSky’s rapid commissioning process places tasking capacity into customers’ hands quickly and increases the overall operational life of each satellite as they come online sooner. Customers no longer have to wait months to access capacity from newly launched on-orbit assets — timelines typically associated with traditional commissioning timelines. BlackSky’s best-in-class Gen-3 capabilities continue to exceed performance specifications for low-latency, very high-resolution imagery and AI-enabled analytics where speed-to-insight is essential to mission success. With three Gen-3 satellites now on orbit, the company plans to grow the constellation at a regular cadence. Each new Gen-3 satellite expands capacity, lowers latency, adds flexibility and increases customer applications for automated real-time and predictive battlefield monitoring. The company is leveraging its full technology stack of vertically integrated satellite manufacturing, software and AI solutions to meet global customer demand for guaranteed access to data, when and where customers need it, through novel delivery models like capacity sharing, Assured subscription access or full sovereign systems.
16 Dec 25. Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today the successful first on-orbit test of its revolutionary multi-channel software-defined radio (SDR) with integrated advanced cryptography. This milestone marks a significant advance in validating a technology poised to establish a new standard for secure U.S. military satellite data transport at the tactical edge. The eXtended Crypto Module3-Space (XCM3-Space) adapts the company’s next-generation crypto and multi-channel SDR capabilities to the space domain, addressing emerging cyber and electronic warfare threats to military satellite data transport. Leveraging deep expertise in multi-domain secure tactical communications, Leonardo DRS developed this capability to enable high-performance secure satellite communications across multiple frequencies and networks simultaneously. The Department of War has routinely called on its industrial base to invest and innovate at speed. Leonardo DRS has seriously undertaken that charter through increased research and development investment across its business. This internal investment, which was completed in less than twelve months, also demonstrates the company’s ability to design, build, test and launch unique and operational capabilities rapidly. The future of space-based data transport in low-earth orbit will require computing and processing at the edge. This capability will be a key enabler for space-based detection and interception of ballistic and hypersonic missile threats, which will require onboard data encryption and decryption capabilities.
“Secure, flexible satellite data transport is the backbone of modern military operations,” said Larry Ezell, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems. “Our investments in next-generation low Earth orbit SDR provides a decisive leap forward, overcoming the limitations of legacy systems that are rigid and difficult to update once deployed. With crypto-enabled, fully reprogrammable architecture, this SDR is designed to support current and future secure transport needs for the U.S. Space Force, Space Development Agency, the Missile Defense Agency’s Golden Dome priorities, and other critical all-domain missions.”
Launched aboard a Proteus Mercury satellite in late November, the XCM3-Space testbed operated successfully in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), meeting all primary objectives. A second system is scheduled for launch in 2026 to demonstrate additional edge processing and waveform capabilities. Leonardo DRS accelerates delivery of advanced tactical-edge solutions by integrating cutting-edge commercial technologies with proven open-architecture innovations. Alongside XCM3-Space, the company’s strategic investments in AI and open-architecture edge computing promise to transform the space domain.
16 Dec 25. Eutelsat Network Solutions, the company that empowers the U.S. government and its allies to connect confidently, and Intellian Technologies, a leading global provider of satellite communication antennas and ground gateway solutions, today announced a strategic partnership. Under the agreement, Eutelsat Network Solutions will initiate the global launch and availability of Intellian Technologies’ OW7MP Manpack satellite communications (SATCOM) user terminal. Eutelsat Network Solutions is a wholly owned independent U.S. proxy company and subsidiary of Eutelsat, a global connectivity provider and world’s only GEO–LEO operator. The Intellian OW7MP Manpack is engineered to operate on Eutelsat’s low-latency OneWeb low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.
“We’re proud to serve as the worldwide launch partner for Intellian’s OW7MP Manpack,” said Ian Canning, President and CEO, Eutelsat Network Solutions. “The Manpack offers the exceptional connectivity and continuous situational awareness our customers expect, operating in even the most challenging government and military environments.”
“Eutelsat Network Solutions is a leader known for its reputation and dedication to delivering customer-first solutions,” said Eric Sung, CEO of Intellian Technologies. “Eutelsat Network Solutions is a trusted partner to its customers, providing dependable, enterprise-grade connectivity engineered to perform in the most challenging environments. We are proud to form this strategic partnership and launch the Manpack terminal first through Eutelsat Network Solutions, accelerating access to reliable SATCOM connectivity worldwide.”
Intellian’s OW7MP Manpack is designed for demanding, high-pressure conflict environments, offering rapid deployment through one-touch network acquisition and automated true north calibration. Its optimized, lightweight form factor and durable construction are engineered to withstand front-line, mission-critical operations, all while fitting easily into a standard military backpack. The OW7MP Manpack also offers situational performance without disruption. It features resilient Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) support, enabling the use of alternative positioning, navigation and timing (A-PNT) devices to maintain operations in denied environments. To learn more about the Intellian OW7MP Manpack user terminal or schedule a demo, visit https://eutelsatns.us/contact/.
16 Dec 25. CTech delivers equator-optimised satcom to Asian country. Turkish firm CTech has delivered satellite communications (satcom) systems to support unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) exported to an Asian country operating in the equatorial region. The company said the delivery features its SkyARX Ku-20 Qx airborne terminal, which has been adapted for the specific tracking challenges associated with geostationary satellites positioned directly above the equator. UAVs conducting beyond-line-of-sight missions rely on satcom to transmit high-definition video; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data; and command-and-control information. However, in equatorial areas the satellite appears almost overhead, requiring the aircraft-mounted antenna to point at elevation angles approaching 90°. Conventional three-axis stabilised antennas struggle in this geometry, as the required tracking speed and acceleration increase sharply near the zenith – an issue commonly referred to as the ‘keyhole effect’. This can result in intermittent tracking or the temporary loss of a link. To mitigate this challenge, CTech said it has developed a four-axis antenna architecture for the SkyARX Ku-20 Qx terminal. According to CTech CEO Cüneyd Fırat, this antenna incorporates a cross-elevation axis in addition to the traditional azimuth, elevation, and polarisation axes, reducing mechanical stress and maintaining accurate tracking at high elevation angles. According to CTech, the system provides 0.2° RMS (root mean square) tracking accuracy and improved stabilisation against aircraft roll, making it suitable for UAV platforms operating in turbulent or dynamic flight conditions. The Ku-band terminal supports DVB-S2 with VCM/ACM, AES-256 encryption, and uplink power control. It is qualified to MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-461E, and MIL-STD-704F standards, and is certified for operation up to 45,000 ft. CTech states that the solution is designed to ensure uninterrupted, secure connectivity for ISR and command missions in regions where airborne satcom links typically face their greatest limitations. (Source: Janes)
15 Dec 25. UK Space Agency goes global with 23 new projects. A new batch of 23 projects will strengthen international space partnerships, develop national capabilities and boost economic growth, the UK Space Agency announced today. This is the second round of projects from the successful International Bilateral Fund (IBF), representing a £6.5 m boost for UK companies and universities collaborating internationally on space innovation with partners in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Lithuania, and the USA. From autonomous 3D printing and lunar agriculture to orbital threat detection, biotech manufacturing, medical research and deep space radar, these collaborations span life sciences, communications, in-orbit servicing, Earth observation and advanced materials. They showcase the breadth of expertise across the UK’s vibrant space sector, which employs more than 55,000 people and generates £18.6 bn in annual revenue.
Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: “This £6.5m boost shows Britain leading the way in space innovation. From improving mobile coverage to monitoring Earth’s forests, these 23 projects will create jobs, strengthen partnerships with our allies, and keep the UK at the cutting edge of space technology. It’s an exciting time for our space sector and great news for British businesses reaching for the stars. The space funding boost, announced during the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney, demonstrates the UK’s commitment to international partnerships and a wide range of areas where the space sector can contribute to economic growth. As set out in the Government’s Industrial Strategy, the UK Space Agency is increasing bilateral research & development funding with international allies. The IBF is a critical mechanism for this, providing targeted support for UK-led international collaborations and building capabilities and partnerships across the global space sector.”
Today’s announcement follows the agreement between NASA and the UK Space Agency to develop AI models to support future exploration missions, under the Transatlantic Tech Prosperity Deal, as well as the successful launch of the NASA IMAP mission on 23 September, for which UK scientists contributed a key instrument.
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “These new projects span the full spectrum of UK space expertise, from telecommunications, propulsion and environmental monitoring to cutting-edge technologies that could change how we develop treatments for deadly diseases using microgravity. By combining home-grown talent with global expertise, we want to strengthen our capabilities, support growth, and ensure the UK remains at the forefront of space innovation. This announcement comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of the UK Space Agency, ahead of its integration into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) from 1 April 2026. The merger will create a single civil space unit, streamlining strategy, policy, and delivery, building on recent achievements and ensuring the government supports the UK space sector effectively.
UKspace Executive Director, Colin Baldwin, said: “The UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund is going from strength to strength, providing a stimulus for the UK’s space sector to forge new partnerships with organisations around the globe, covering such a broad range of space interests. We are pleased to see so many of UKspace’s members and partners involved in the selected projects, enabling them to bring their world-class expertise to these exciting collaborations.
Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS, representing businesses in aerospace, defence, security and space, said: “Advancements in space technology make our world smaller, our society more innovative and our lives more prosperous. We are delighted to see the IBF enabling international partnerships to that end. ADS has worked extensively to champion the UK’s thriving space sector in key strategic markets such as Japan and Lithuania. We look forward to working in close collaboration with government to build on this important work further.”
Call 2 Projects to date
Preparing to launch an Americium Radioisotope Stirling Generator, University of Leicester x NASA Glenn Research Centre x Perpetual Atomics x Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory – £499,000
Advancement of Americium Radioisotope Stirling Generator (Am-RSG) technology towards a near-term flight opportunity, and accelerating commercial, civil and defence applications of the Am-RSG to provide further opportunities and increase the customer base for the technology. This project will establish a strategic UK sovereign capability and help build international partnerships for export and trade.
UK-India-5G-from-orbit, AccelerComm Ltd x Radisys India Ltd (India) – £498,000
The next generation of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) is dependent on 5G base stations operating on board satellites. Making this happen in the extreme environment of an orbiting satellite requires technology developed by AccelerComm and Radisys. This project will integrate the latest versions of AccelerComm’s technology into Radisys’s lab in India, providing a valuable resource for joint research and demonstrations to customers and partners around the world.
AquaWatch AUK: Satellite Mission Development for Water Monitoring Innovation, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) x Pixalytics Ltd x Assimila Ltd x University of Stirling x RAL Space x CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency x Deloitte (Australia) – £479,000
Building on the successes of earlier AquaWatch-AUK projects, this initiative strengthens the UK-Australia Space Bridge, enabling satellite development to address global water quality challenges through innovative Earth Observation technologies. By integrating satellite and in-situ measurements, it creates a scalable monitoring system that improves data access, supports better decision-making, and benefits industries like tourism and agriculture.
Long Baseline Multistatic Radar for Deep Space Domain Awareness, University of Birmingham x Goonhilly Earth Station x University of Manchester x CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency x Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Lincoln Laboratory (USA) – £452,000
This project proposes Long Baseline Multistatic Radar (LBMR), linking powerful transmitters (e.g., Millstone Hill, Kwajalein) with sensitive receivers in the UK and Australia. The system will enable real-time detection and tracking of smaller, distant GEO objects. The project will deliver a live demonstration, a significant step towards validating LBMR as a scalable, low-cost solution for operational Space Domain Awareness.
SLOSH-CAT: Slosh Control Algorithm Testing, Satellite Applications Catapult Ltd x Space Machines x University of Sydney (Australia) – £447,000
SLOSH-Cat explores how liquid fuel moves inside spacecraft and how that movement affects their ability to stay stable and point accurately in space. Using advanced sensors and motion tracking, the team studies how shifting fuel can cause small disturbances. These insights help improve the software that controls spacecraft, making them safer and more precise as Space Machines prepares for its MAITRI mission launch next year.
ARGUS: Autonomous Rendezvous for GEO Utility & Surveillance, Lunasa Ltd x Space Machines Company PTY Ltd (Australia) – £392,000
This project will develop a key technology for an upcoming ISAM mission, integrating Lúnasa’s autonomous StarLogic RPO kit into Space Machines’ commercial GEO inspection satellite, GEO-Viper. The system will be upgraded for the GEO environment, advancing from TRL-5 to TRL-7 to deliver a flight-ready rendezvous, proximity, and operations solution.
RANGER: Relative Autonomous Navigation for GNSS-Enabled Rendezvous, Lunasa Ltd x Infinite Orbits (France) – £367,000
This project aims to advance Lúnasa’s high-precision R-GNSS relative navigation technology from TRL 5 to TRL 7 through integration with Infinite Orbits’ servicing satellite, in preparation for a forthcoming commercial in-orbit servicing mission. The project will encompass hardware-software integration, simulation and performance analysis, as well as testing and qualification for space readiness.
PROJECT BRIDGE, Frontier Space Technologies Ltd x The Exploration Company GmbH (Germany) x Undisclosed US Pharma (USA) – £366,000
This project will design a Cargo Handling System for next-generation space infrastructure, enabling safe, repeatable life sciences research in orbit. By combining UK engineering with real-world pharma input, BRIDGE supports the future of space-based drug development and biomanufacturing, positioning the UK as a leader in microgravity-enabled health innovation and shaping how biological science is done in space after the ISS.
Project MITHRIL: Avionics Integration and Control Demo on the Impulse Mira Platform, Lodestar Space Ltd. x University College London x Impulse Space (USA) – £363,000
This project integrates Lodestar’s MITHRIL onto the Impulse Mira spacecraft and develops formation flying techniques to enable responsive Space Domain Awareness (SDA) for UK and US dual-use needs. It culminates in a real-time hardware-in-the-loop validation campaign, de-risking the future orbital launch while strengthening joint US and UK on-orbit response capacity. This project is being catalysed through private investment.
UK detector technology for NASA high-resolution imaging of the Moon and Mars, Open University x BAE Space Mission Systems x University of Arizona (USA) – £362,000
This project will design a TDI rolling scene simulator and conduct radiation testing of the CIS125 detector at Moon/Mars mission representative doses to advance the UK-developed CIS125 ‘CCD in CMOS’ detector for future high-resolution imaging missions to the Moon, Mars, and Earth. This international collaboration builds on strong US-UK partnerships and aims to lay the foundation for HiRISE2, a next-generation imaging instrument delivering a world-leading resolution for planetary science, commercial, and defence applications.
In-Orbit Distributed Additive Manufacturing with Manufacturability Intelligence (IN-DAMMI), Autonomous Manufacturing Ltd x Photocentric, APWorks GMBH (Germany) – £330,000
A UK-Germany collaboration that will connect space-ready 3D printers to Earth-based control software, allowing engineers to remotely manufacture parts in orbit. It will also use AI to identify which spacecraft components are suitable for in-space production. By reducing reliance on Earth-based supply chains, this innovation will lower launch costs, increase mission flexibility, and strengthen the UK’s position in space manufacturing.
Cosmic Maker II: International Demonstration of Autonomous Multi-Material 3D Printing in Microgravity, Photocentric Ltd x Voyager Space Nanoracks (USA/Italy) x Novespace (Germany) – £299,000
Cosmic Maker II will demonstrate autonomous 3D printing in space-like conditions using advanced ceramic and polymer materials. Building on the success of the ESA- and BSGN-supported Cosmic Maker I, this next phase will validate the system during real microgravity through a parabolic flight campaign. The 3D printing platform designed to enable in-orbit manufacturing of tools, components, and research parts for the International Space Station and future platforms like Starlab.
Edit 15 December 2025: Voyager Technologies Europe is not participating in the delivery of this project.
BioPTSS: Biofeedback Integrated Personalised Tourniquet System For Spaceflight, Northumbria University x Western Clinical Engineering Group x Delfi Medical Innovations Inc. x Canadian Space Agency x European Space Agency x NASA (Canada, Germany, USA) – £287,000
This project aims to improve astronaut health on missions beyond low Earth orbit by developing and optimising blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) with the associated Personalised Tourniquet System for Spaceflight (PTSS). Building on the recent SpaceX launch evaluating BFRE in orbit, it will integrate biofeedback technology into space-qualified PTSS hardware for real-time monitoring and optimisation of the exercise stimulus.
ISAM Biotech Pilot Project: Advancing Type 1 Diabetes Solutions in a New Commercial Space Incubator, Kayser Space Limited x Kings College London x COMAT (France) – £252,000
This project will develop a commercial platform to support biotech research and in-orbit manufacturing in microgravity, demonstrating vascularised tissue growth in a relevant environment. It will also mature the business case for future Low Earth Orbit customers, creating a scalable asset for drug development, organoids, and tissue engineering beyond the ISS.
Beam-Steering Conformal Antenna Array Integrated with Flexible LoRa Electronics for Lightweight Satellite Communication, University of Leeds x University of New South Wales (UNSW) (Australia) – £150,000
This project will create a lightweight, curved satellite communication system by integrating a printed beam-steering antenna with a flexible long-range wireless circuit on a carbon fibre structure. The prototype will demonstrate low power use, reduced weight, and improved reliability for next-generation nano/pico-satellites and mobile platforms, paving the way for more agile and cost-effective space missions.
ETV Phase 1 – Preliminary Design Review of the Economical Transfer Vehicle, Meridian Space Command x Alpha Impulsion (France) – £150,000
This project will advance the development of the Economical Transfer Vehicle (ETV), the world’s first “self-eating” spacecraft. he ETV is a next-generation logistics and payload-hosting spacecraft powered by an autophage engine that actively consumes its own structural tank during flight. Designed for high delta-V missions, it will transport payloads across Earth orbits and beyond, supporting future in-orbit servicing, infrastructure, and deep space logistics.
QUIVER – Derisking High-Rate Intersatellite Links for Realtime Collaborative Constellations, Open Cosmos Ltd x Panasonic Operational Excellence Co. (Japan) – £147,000
This project will explore higher-frequency, high-bandwidth radio links to enable satellites to work together for faster, more comprehensive monitoring and data collection. It will combine the advantages of radio and optical links while avoiding some of their limitations. A key focus will be designing a suitable antenna and developing tools to analyse and optimise constellation operations.
Project Oracle of Nyx: Onboard Threat Characterisation for Dual-Use Applications for Nyx, Lodestar Space Ltd. x The Exploration Company GmbH (Germany) – £135,000
Project Oracle of Nyx will pioneer new approaches to Space Domain Awareness (SDA) through the development of a dual-use sensor suite to detect and characterise orbital threats. Lodestar’s sensor suite will be designed to interface with TEC’s Nyx spacecraft, laying the groundwork for future missions to the ISS.
Flora Fidelity: Advancing Hyperspectral Forestry Monitoring Through UK-Canada Space Collaboration, Gentian (UK) x Bullfinch Earth (Canada) – £127,000
A UK–Canadian collaboration applying Earth Observation, wearable sensors and AI technologies to solve long-standing challenges in forest monitoring: the lack of efficient forest surveys combining below-crown and above-crown forest data and the difficulty in obtaining accurate, low-cost, precisely-located ecological data for training satellite-based models.
IGNITE – Innovative GaN-based Wireless Transmission for Space Energy, Bumblebee x MDA Space (Canada) – £127,000
This project will create a proof-of-concept high-frequency Inductive Wireless Power Transfer (IWPT) system that replaces failure-prone mechanical connectors on lunar rovers, robotic arms and payload interfaces. The system has the potential to significantly extend the service life of this equipment which will increase scientific knowledge and reduce mission costs.
Physical Emulator Interface for Scalable Microgravity-R&D Modules for Quantum and Advanced Materials, Elethron x Atmos Space Cargo GmbH (Germany) – £127,000
Elethron is developing an integrated solution comprising powerful computational engines and autonomous, space-based advanced materials fabrication laboratories designed to integrate with the emerging free-flyer supply chain.
Astro-SANITAS (Stable Anti-Necrotic for In-space Tissue Augmentation and Survival): Halting Aging and Safeguarding Life in Space, LinkGevity x Delta Biosciences (Lithuania) – £120,000
A groundbreaking pharmaceutical that blocks tissue degeneration and halts aging -poised to redefine human resilience under extreme stress. Astro-SANITAS is advancing a world-first technology to protect astronaut cells from death, enable in-orbit tissue manufacturing, and unlock transformative health applications on Earth.
RootSpace: A UK–Canada Innovation Incubator for Space Biosystems and Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Take Root Bio Limited x University of Guelph (Canada) – £99,000
A UK–Canada collaboration exploring how space farming technologies could support future human missions and sustainable food systems on Earth. The project will deliver a prototype digital twin of a Martian biosphere, expand a Lunar Crop Catalogue of resilient plants, and design an incubator to accelerate startups, linking space science with climate-resilient agriculture. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
10 Dec 25. FCC Initiates “Part 100” Rulemaking to Overhaul Space. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially published its “Space Modernization for the 21st Century” Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), formally launching a regulatory transition that would replace the agency’s legacy Part 25 satellite rules with a streamlined “Part 100” framework. Published in the Federal Register on December 5, 2025, the proposal seeks to dismantle the static, one-size-fits-all licensing model in favor of a “licensing assembly line” designed to reduce administrative latency for commercial space operators. The rulemaking introduces specific provisions for emerging sectors, including In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) and lunar missions, which have historically struggled to fit within traditional geostationary (GSO) or non-geostationary (NGSO) definitions.
From Part 25 to Part 100
The proposed Part 100 rules aim to shift the FCC’s regulatory posture from prescriptive design requirements to performance-based standards. Under the current Part 25 regime, applicants often face prolonged processing times due to rigid technical constraints that do not account for novel orbital trajectories or rapid spacecraft iteration.
The new framework proposes a modular application system. Operators would be able to submit “base” certifications for standard satellite buses and payloads, allowing for expedited approval of routine operations while reserving in-depth review for complex or non-standard mission elements. This “assembly line” approach is intended to synchronize regulatory approvals with the increasingly rapid pace of commercial satellite manufacturing and deployment.
Key Technical Provisions
The NPRM outlines three primary pillars for the Part 100 regime:
- Variable Trajectory Spacecraft Systems (VTSS): A new licensing category created specifically for spacecraft that do not maintain fixed orbital parameters. This designation targets lunar landers, orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs), and ISAM platforms that require operational flexibility beyond standard GSO/NGSO station-keeping boxes.
- Automated Self-Certification: The rules propose a “bright-line” expedited pathway where applicants meeting specific orbital safety and spectrum interference criteria can leverage automated self-certification to bypass lengthy review cycles.
- Nationwide, Non-Site Licensing: For the ground segment, the FCC proposes a “Nationwide, Non-Site License” for certain earth stations, eliminating the need for site-by-site permitting in favor of a broader authorization model that requires only registration of active terminals.
Regulatory Outlook
The FCC has established a comment deadline of January 20, 2026, with reply comments due by February 18, 2026. If adopted, the Part 100 rules would represent the most significant restructuring of U.S. commercial space regulations in decades, aligning domestic policy with the requirements of a high-frequency launch and on-orbit servicing economy. (Source: Satnews)
09 Dec 25. China Executes Quadruple Launch Surge in 96 Hours. A Long March-8A carrier rocket carrying the 14th group of low-orbit internet satellites blasts off from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in south China’s Hainan Province, Dec. 6, 2025. Deploying assets ranging from the new Long March 8A to classified reconnaissance platforms, China has successfully executed four orbital missions in a span of 96 hours, a surge that underscores the nation’s accelerating launch cadence and expanding LEO infrastructure. The sequence, which concluded early Tuesday, December 9, utilized four different spaceports—Hainan, Taiyuan, Jiuquan, and Xichang—demonstrating the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)’s ability to coordinate simultaneous campaigns across its vast ground segment. This burst of activity comes as Beijing races to establish its national satellite internet infrastructure, known as Guowang (SatNet), and bolster its Yaogan remote sensing capabilities.
Strategic Shift to Commercial and High-Cadence Ports
The flurry of activity began on Saturday, December 6, with a milestone mission from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site in Hainan. This marked the successful launch of the Long March 8A, an upgraded variant of the medium-lift vehicle designed specifically for commercial payload aggregation. The mission successfully deployed a group of internet satellites, signaling the operational maturity of China’s newest coastal spaceport, which is intended to relieve pressure on inland military bases. Following the Hainan debut, operations shifted rapidly to the mainland. On Monday, December 8, a Long March 6A lifted off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. While the specific payload was not disclosed, the Long March 6A is the primary workhorse for the G60/Qianfan megaconstellation, suggesting this mission added capacity to China’s commercial LEO broadband network. Hours later, the pace intensified with two launches occurring within a short window on December 9. A Long March 4B launched from Jiuquan carrying the Yaogan 47 remote sensing satellite, followed closely by a Long March 3B from Xichang deploying the TJSW-22 (Communication Technology Test Satellite) into a geostationary transfer orbit.
The Megaconstellation Imperative
This coordinated surge reflects a broader strategic imperative driven by CASC Chairman Wu Yansheng to secure orbital slots and frequencies before the window for LEO deployment narrows. The deployment of the Long March 8A is particularly significant; as a variant capable of carrying 7000 kg to LEO, it is tailored for the high-volume “bus” launches required to build out the 13,000-satellite Guowang constellation. Simultaneously, the deployment of Yaogan 47 continues the expansion of the People’s Liberation Army’s space-based surveillance network. Western analysts typically categorize the Yaogan series as dual-use or military assets used for maritime monitoring and optical reconnaissance, critical for the PLA’s anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategies.
2025 Launch Cadence Outlook
With these four successful missions, China is on track to exceed its 2024 record. The integration of commercial providers is also accelerating; CAS Space is preparing a Kinetica-1 solid rocket for launch from Jiuquan later this week, further augmenting the state-owned CASC manifest. The operationalization of the Hainan commercial pad suggests that 2025 will see a definitive shift toward coastal launches, allowing for larger payload fairings and reduced risk of falling debris over populated inland areas. (Source: Satnews)
16 Dec 25. Viasat Introduces Next-Gen Global Ka-band Network to Support Resilient Government SATCOM. Viasat’s unified Ka-band network will support high-speed, resilient multi-network connectivity for multi-domain mission operations. Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications (SATCOM), today announced a significant evolution of its network for government customers by unifying Viasat Ka-band satellites, the Global Xpress satellite fleet, and select partner satellites into a fully integrated global Ka-band satellite communications network. Fully interoperable with MILSATCOM Ka-band networks, this evolved Ka-band network capability will provide seamless global, multi-orbit Ka-band connectivity for government and military users, offering increased performance, expanded coverage, and greater resiliency for missions across air, land, and sea. Leveraging an integrated waveform, upgraded gateways and common ground architecture, Viasat’s expanded global Ka-band connectivity for government will enable customers to seamlessly roam between Ka-band satellite networks, including Viasat satellites, Global Xpress Ka-band satellites (part of Viasat’s global fleet following the acquisition of Inmarsat in 2023), and other commercial and government Ka-band satellites. Moving forward, government users operating across domains will be able to access this evolved Ka-band network through upgraded, single terminal solutions rather than needing multiple hardware solutions. Viasat’s integrated Ka-band network will offer government users ubiquitous roaming and faster connectivity, with data rates up to 200 Mbps with a 45cm or equivalent antenna, and features electronically and mechanically steered beams that offer the flexibility to dynamically allocate bandwidth and deliver dedicated secure connectivity for mobile government platforms. The unified Ka-band network will incorporate the ultra-high-capacity ViaSat-3 satellites, each designed to move significant bandwidth to meet real-time demand in high-concentration areas. The recently launched ViaSat-3 F2 satellite will provide additional resilience for the Americas and the ViaSat-3 F3 satellite is planned to deliver coverage over the Asia-Pacific region.
“By unifying our Ka-band satellites into a single next-generation network, we are delivering the resilient, secure, and high-capacity connectivity that government missions demand around the world,” said Victor Farah, Senior Vice President of Government Services and Solutions at Viasat. “This advancement reflects our commitment to providing trusted, user-centric communication services that give warfighters the global reach and information advantage they require in today’s increasingly contested environments.”
Viasat’s global network is designed to support national security and mission operations in contested environments, including dedicated Mil-Ka access and specific features built in for increased resilience against threats attempting jamming, interference, and denial attacks to disrupt communications. Viasat’s integrated Ka-band network is part of Viasat’s global, multi-orbit network roadmap, helping Viasat further deliver resilient and secure connectivity with the flexibility to meet different customer and mission needs.
With abundant bandwidth capacity and redundant layers across the unified network, Viasat government satcom, part of Communication Services, offers customers scalable service models that enable multi-mission flexibility for entire military fleets, including dedicated beams that provide sovereign control and predictable performance. (Source: ASD Network)
11 Dec 25. USSF Authorizes Export of ‘Meadowlands’ Offensive Space Warfare System. In a historic shift for U.S. space defense policy, L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) confirmed yesterday that its Meadowlands offensive space warfare system has successfully completed an “international Initial Baseline Review.”
This milestone, announced via the L3Harris newsroom on December 10, explicitly clears the path for the export of these advanced electromagnetic warfare (EW) capabilities to allied nations. This authorization marks the first time the U.S. Space Force (USSF) has permitted the foreign sale of its premier mobile satellite jamming capability, moving the asset from a strictly U.S.-proprietary guard to a federated coalition architecture.
From Unilateral to Federated Space Control
The Meadowlands system (technically known as the Counter Communications System Block 10.2) is a mobile, ground-based weapon designed to temporarily and reversibly jam adversary satellite communications. Until now, this capability was exclusively held and operated by USSF Space Delta 3.
The decision to authorize Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) signals a distinct pivot in Pentagon strategy:
- Distributed Lethality: By equipping “Five Eyes” partners (likely the UK, Australia, and Canada) and key NATO allies with Meadowlands units, the USSF effectively multiplies the number of jamming nodes globally.
- Complicating Targeting: A distributed network of allied jammers makes it significantly harder for adversaries like Russia or China to target or characterize the source of electronic attacks, as the “kill chain” is no longer solely reliant on U.S. assets.
System Capabilities & Open Architecture
Unlike its predecessor, the heavy and static CCS Block 10.1, Meadowlands is designed for rapid mobility. The system is mounted on wheeled trailers, allowing for a smaller logistical footprint and quick deployment to forward operating bases.
Critically, the export-authorized variant features an Open Architecture (OA) design. This allows allied operators to:
- Share Threat Libraries: Rapidly ingest new frequency data on hostile satellites.
- Software-Defined Updates: Push updates across the coalition fleet instantly, bypassing traditional, sluggish hardware retrofit cycles.
Market Impact
For L3Harris, this authorization opens a lucrative new revenue stream. Offensive space control has historically been a classified, niche market limited to U.S. DoD budgets. By essentially productizing space electronic warfare for the international market, L3Harris is positioning Meadowlands as a standard defensive commodity for allied nations, similar to missile defense batteries. This development follows SatNews’ October 2024 reporting on the initial U.S. deployment of Meadowlands. The expansion to foreign sales less than 14 months later underscores the urgency the Pentagon places on countering the proliferation of Chinese and Russian military constellations. (Source: Satnews)
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