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02 Apr 26. Space Launch Delta 45 Supports Artemis II Historic Mission. Yesterday evening, NASA’s Artemis II mission successfully launched from the Eastern Range at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, with four astronauts bound for lunar orbit. This historic moment would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of Space Launch Delta 45 personnel.
There are many steps involved in ensuring a safe and successful launch. From oversight of range operations to planning potential emergency response, members of SLD 45 aim to guarantee all launches from the Eastern Range keep the launch vehicle, range personnel and the local community safe.
The mission starts before the launch countdown begins. Members of the SLD 45 team are responsible for analyzing specific payloads, launch vehicles and their proposed trajectories to compute hazard zones. These zones span land, sea and air and are a crucial to ensuring no person or vehicle is operating within a specified distance of the pad.
“Each hazardous area reflects hours of trajectory analysis, debris analysis and coordination across multiple agencies,” said Emma Cusano, SLD 45 flight safety analyst and aerospace engineer. “When it comes to launch, safety is our No. 1 priority, regardless of whether it is crewed or not.”
Prior to launch, the SLD 45 Office of Emergency Management coordinates with state and local leaders to develop plans for an anomaly. Taking the hazard zones into account, the office proactively decides on where roadblocks should be placed, how traffic will flow and where emergency response vehicles will be staged in case of necessary response.
“We are committed to doing everything we can in the planning phase to ensure we are ready to execute our emergency response plans,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Ridgway, SLD 45 installation emergency manager. “Having effective plans in place is necessary for both ensuring the safety of the local community and the astronauts in the capsule.”
The Office of Emergency Management oversees and activates the launch emergency operations center. The operations center’s primary function is to survey and respond to any and all potential dangers a launch could pose to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Because of the inherently volatile nature of spaceflight, the center remains staffed during launch to act as a node for disseminating emergency information and direction.
To safely get the launch vehicle from the pad to orbit, the 1st Range Operations Squadron and the 45th Weather Squadron are key players in each mission. The 1st Range Operations Squadron is responsible for performing real-time command and control of the Eastern Range. The team continuously analyzes telemetry data, weather and numerous other factors to determine whether a launch is safe to proceed.
The 45th Weather Squadron supplements the squadron in its uninterrupted investigation of current and future conditions. Weather plays a crucial role in safety and launch success as inclement conditions can damage rockets and payloads. Examining the weather helps to advise SLD 45 personnel on the console.
“Access to space would not be possible without the contributions of SLD 45 and its oversight of the Eastern Range,” said Space Force Col. Joyce Bulson, SLD 45 deputy commander for operations. “These contributions enabled more than 100 launches in 2025, and we aim to only increase the pace.”
South of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the 45th Logistics Readiness Squadron postures airfield support to facilitate the Air Force Detachment 3’s human spaceflight recovery team, which plays the role of overseeing rescue forces at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida.
“I am extremely proud of the members of SLD 45 and their continued determination in executing the mission. These professionals train day in and day out to guarantee space access,” said Space Force Col. Brian Chatman, SLD 45 commander. “They are the driving force to maintaining U.S. presence and superiority in the space domain.”
In addition to the components already mentioned that support launch, SLD 45 includes many more teams and organizations that enable space launch from the Eastern Range. As the pace of launches and mass to orbit increases, SLD 45 personnel remain committed to safety and mission success. (Source: U.S. DoD)
22 Mar 26. SpaceX and GSO Giants Clash Over FCC Spectrum Sharing Rules and Power Limits.
A high-stakes regulatory battle over the future of satellite broadband intensified this week as SpaceX and incumbent geostationary (GSO) operators, including SES and Viasat, traded sharp filings at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The dispute centers on whether to modernize decades-old Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits—international standards designed to prevent Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites from interfering with legacy GSO networks.
In a filing submitted the week of March 16, 2026, SpaceX argued that the current framework “shackles next-generation satellite operations” and protects “outdated GSO systems” at the expense of millions of broadband consumers. Conversely, Viasat characterized SpaceX’s push for higher power levels as “bad science,” warning that relaxing these protections would generate unacceptable interference and further entrench SpaceX’s dominant market position.
The EPFD Framework: A Technical Bottleneck
The EPFD limits, established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in the late 1990s, act as a “speed limit” for how loudly LEO satellites can broadcast in frequency bands shared with GSO satellites. SpaceX contends these limits are based on obsolete computer models that do not account for modern beamforming and interference-mitigation technologies.
On January 9, 2026, the FCC granted SpaceX a “time-limited waiver” to exceed these limits for its Starlink Gen2 constellation within the United States. While this was a major victory for SpaceX, the waiver is contingent on the outcome of a formal FCC rulemaking process initiated in April 2025. Incumbents like SES have proposed a “periodic implementation process” as a compromise, which would involve regular check-ins and data-driven adjustments rather than a complete dismantling of the EPFD rules.
Interference Concerns and Market Competition
Incumbent operators fear that allowing 10,000+ Starlink satellites to “shout” at higher power levels will raise the noise floor, degrading the quality of service for satellite TV and fixed-data links. In a Senate hearing on March 17, 2026, Michael Calabrese, head of New America’s Wireless Future Project, testified that modernizing these rules is essential for U.S. leadership, but warned that the transition must be managed to avoid “weaponized compliance” battles.
“The question of whether the EPFD framework harms consumers by unnecessarily constraining LEO services has been definitively resolved: it does,” SpaceX stated in its latest filing. “The current framework overprotects GSO systems while relegating those who need superior next-generation service to second-class status.”
Rationale: The High Cost of the Status Quo
For SpaceX, the rationale for higher power is simple: capacity. Operating at higher power flux density (PFD) allows for higher-order modulation and symmetrical gigabit speeds, essential for competing with terrestrial fiber. For GSO operators, the rationale is survival; their business models depend on a “clear sky” policy that prevents LEO systems from encroaching on their established spectrum rights.
Outlook: The Road to WRC-27
The domestic battle at the FCC is a precursor to the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) in Shanghai. While the EPFD issue is not currently a formal agenda item for WRC-27, industry experts believe a “focused U.S. effort” could force the issue onto the international stage. (Source: Satnews)
25 Mar 26. Rocket Lab Emerging as Potential Bus Provider for 2,800-Satellite Equatys Constellation.
In the wake of Mobile World Congress 2026, industry speculation has intensified regarding a potential partnership between Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) and Equatys, the newly detailed Direct-to-Device (D2D) joint venture between Viasat and Space42. The venture aims to deploy a massive LEO constellation of up to 2,800 satellites to provide seamless 3GPP-aligned connectivity to standard smartphones and IoT devices globally.
Reports from late March 2026 suggest that Rocket Lab is a primary candidate for the satellite bus manufacturing contract. Analysts point to Rocket Lab’s recent $1 billion capital raise as a potential strategic fund for an equity stake in the venture, mirroring its successful vertical integration strategy as a prime contractor for the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA).
The Equatys ‘Space TowerCo’ Model
Announced in September 2025 and detailed in Barcelona on March 2, 2026, Equatys is designed as an independent, neutral infrastructure platform—an “industry-first space tower company.” The model allows multiple Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to share the same LEO infrastructure, significantly reducing the capital expenditure (Capex) required for standalone D2D networks.
Space42, the UAE-based AI SpaceTech entity formed by the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, has already committed $600 million in Capex for the 2026–2027 period to initiate the constellation’s build-out. The project leverages over 100 MHz of globally harmonized L- and S-band Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum held by Viasat and its partners.
Technical Specifications
The Equatys architecture is designed for “densification,” allowing the network to scale from an initial tactical layer to full global capacity without a fundamental redesign.
- Constellation Size: Up to 2,800 satellites.
- Orbits: 60 orbital planes across three distinct altitude layers.
- Spectrum: L-band and S-band (3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network Release 17+).
- Bus Platform: If awarded to Rocket Lab, the satellites would likely utilize the “Lightning” or “Photon” bus, tailored for high-cadence manufacturing.
- Interoperability: Designed for automatic transition between terrestrial and satellite networks for billions of underserved users.
Executive Perspective
“Equatys is establishing an industry-first tower company model that can deliver the lowest unit cost of satellite capacity while preserving each partner’s spectrum rights,” said Mark Dankberg, CEO and Chairman of Viasat. “By sharing infrastructure, we can achieve ubiquitous, affordable, and scalable mobility for the entire ecosystem.”
“Demand for resilient, scalable, and affordable space systems continues to grow,” noted Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab, in a recent update regarding the company’s SDA prime contracts. “Our vertically integrated approach isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s enabling a fundamental shift in how large-scale constellations are executed.”
Commercial Rollout and Partnerships
While definitive agreements for the satellite bus have not yet been finalized, Equatys has already secured commercial momentum through MoUs with e& UAE and Telkomsat (Indonesia).
The roadmap targets an initial technical demonstration in late 2026, with a phased commercial rollout beginning in 2027. If Rocket Lab is confirmed as the bus provider, it would solidify the company’s transition from a launch specialist to a top-tier satellite prime for the world’s largest commercial LEO constellations. (Source: Satnews)
31 Mar 26. SpaceLocker Becomes a Satellite Operator and Launches Its First Shared Mission. A French startup is redefining space infrastructure by turning satellites into shared platforms—enabling faster, more cost-efficient, and more sustainable missions.
- 2x faster access to orbit
- Costs divided by 3
- Up to 40% lower environmental impact
SpaceLocker is entering a new phase. Just one year after its first in-orbit mission, the French pioneer in orbital hosting announces the launch of Out of the Box, its first fully owned and operated satellite. This milestone marks its transition into the ranks of satellite operators – a domain historically dominated by legacy players such as Airbus, Thales, and Eutelsat. At the core of this breakthrough is a patented “universal space port” technology, comparable to a USB port for satellites. Plug-and-play and payload-agnostic, it transforms satellites into shared infrastructures capable of hosting multiple payloads simultaneously. With Out of the Box, SpaceLocker is deploying a 16U CubeSat (~20 kg) carrying five European customers – making access to space possible without building a dedicated satellite.
Théophile Lagraulet, CEO and co-founder of SpaceLocker, comments: “We want to do for space what cloud computing did for IT: shift from ownership to shared infrastructure. In the future, sending an instrument to orbit won’t require building a satellite. Access to space can become a standardized service.”
From Dedicated Satellites to a “Space Cloud”
Until now, sending technology to orbit required designing or procuring an entire satellite – a long, costly, and inflexible process that has remained largely unchanged for decades. SpaceLocker introduces a platform-based approach.
Customers develop their payloads independently and integrate them into a standardized “container” using the company’s universal space port. SpaceLocker then manages the full orbital stack, from integration to operations. This model dramatically reduces costs – up to three times cheaper than traditional missions – while cutting time-to-orbit in half. It also significantly lowers environmental impact through resource sharing.
A Flagship Mission for the European New Space Ecosystem
The Out of the Box mission carries five payloads from across the European ecosystem, showcasing the diversity of next-generation space applications. Among the customers onboard, the Out of the Box mission brings together four European players, illustrating the diversity of next-generation space applications. EDGX will demonstrate edge computing capabilities, enabling satellites to process data onboard and reduce reliance on ground infrastructure. Fédération Open Space Makers will fly FOSM-1, a payload dedicated to amateur radio and open communication experiments, supported by CNES. Solar MEMS will operate a high-precision star tracker for satellite orientation, while Arcsec will test two advanced star trackers to demonstrate high-performance attitude determination for small satellites.
To build its missions, SpaceLocker leverages the rich ecosystem of French and European players, working with partners such as Thales Alenia Space for testing and Skynopy for communications.
Today, nearly one in five space missions is dedicated to technology demonstration, yet these opportunities remain complex and expensive to execute. By simplifying access to orbit, SpaceLocker positions itself as a key enabler of space innovation.
Fewer Satellites, Lower Impact, Greater Efficiency
As Earth’s orbit becomes increasingly congested, the shared satellite model offers a direct response to both economic and environmental challenges.O
Rather than multiplying dedicated satellites, SpaceLocker maximizes existing capacity by hosting multiple missions on a single platform. This approach not only reduces costs but also helps limit space debris and decrease total mass launched into orbit.
It also contributes to Europe’s strategic autonomy, with the emergence of a new French operator in a critical segment of the space value chain.
Rapid Execution
Founded in 2022, SpaceLocker represents the new generation of French New Space companies. In under two years, the startup has completed its first orbital mission, secured around fifteen commercial contracts, signed multiple institutional agreements in France and internationally and generated over €4 million in total contracts.
With Out of the Box, SpaceLocker reaches a key inflection point—becoming a satellite operator and building its own mission portfolio, demonstrating rapid execution in a sector known for long development cycles. The company already plans six additional missions over the next 24 months.
Towards a New Gateway to Space
SpaceLocker’s ambition is clear: to become the leading platform for accessing orbit. In the long term, the company aims to operate across multiple orbital regimes, scale its mission cadence, and open space to a new generation of users—far beyond the traditional space industry.
About SpaceLocker
SpaceLocker provides in-orbit hosting services across a wide range of space vehicles, enabling faster, more affordable, and more sustainable space missions. With a growing track record of missions and partnerships, the company, founded in 2022, aims to become a global reference for access to orbit.
31 Mar 26. Unseenlabs Announces the Successful Launch of BRO-19, the Latest Satellite of Its Constellation. Unseenlabs announces the successful launch of BRO-19 the twentieth satellite of its constellation dedicated to maritime domain awareness yesterday, Monday, March 30th. BRO-19 was launched as part of the Transporter-16 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, U.S. BRO-19 was deployed by the German launch integrator Exolaunch.
Like the other satellites in the constellation, BRO-19 detects radio frequency (RF) signals emitted by vessels at sea to support geolocation and activity characterization, including vessels that may not be visible through traditional tracking systems such as AIS.
“With BRO-19, we continue the deployment of our constellation. The successful launch of this satellite marks a new milestone. Our goal remains the same. To help our clients better understand activities at sea, even when information is not declared or is unreliable.” said Clément Galic, CEO and co-founder of Unseenlabs.
Credits: SpaceX
Unseenlabs’ satellites detect radio frequency (RF) signals from space to monitor maritime activities and support improved maritime surveillance. This new satellite further strengthens the company’s monitoring and analysis capabilities.
This data contributes to detecting and monitoring:
- IUU fishing (Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing),
- ocean dumping,
- suspicious activities near critical infrastructure (subsea cables, offshore platforms).
Its RF solutions are used by government customers, NGOs, and private-sector stake holders (maritime insurers, oil and gas companies, shipowner…), including S&P Global, as well as by public institutions, notably through the Copernicus program with the European Space Agency (ESA).
Most satellite constellations rely on clusters of interdependent satellites that must work together to operate. Unseenlabs’ constellation uses a different approach based on monosatellite technology. Each satellite operates independently, which allows the system to be more agile.
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