All articles tagged with #satellite network
Russia fired missiles at Kyiv, causing fires in multiple districts and injuries, while Ukraine says long-range strikes hit a Russian airfield near Nizhny Novgorod and the Progress rocket centre in Samara that supports a satellite internet network; the briefing also notes casualties in Marhanets and references North Korea–Russia ties.
Blue Origin revealed a plan to deploy 5,408 satellites for a space-based communications network named TeraWave, set to begin in late 2027 and capable of up to 6 Tbps worldwide for data centers, governments and businesses, targeting as many as 100,000 customers and competing with SpaceX’s Starlink and Blue Origin’s own Leo/Kuiper effort.
The United States has informed Congress and its European allies about Russian advances on a new space-based nuclear weapon designed to threaten America's satellite network. The weapon, if deployed, could potentially destroy civilian communications, surveillance, and military operations. Concerns have been raised about Russia potentially abandoning the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which bans orbital nuclear weapons. While the launch of the antisatellite weapon does not appear imminent, there is a limited window of time to prevent its deployment.
Chinese automaker Geely has launched 11 low-earth orbit satellites to enhance navigation for autonomous vehicles, with plans to have 72 in orbit by 2025 and a constellation of 240 in the future. The satellite network will provide high-precision positioning support for self-driving cars and other commercial functions, including connectivity to the consumer electronics sector. This move reflects China's increasing private investment in the space industry and aligns with Beijing's five-year plan for an integrated network of satellites for communications, remote sensing, and navigation.
The Space Development Agency has awarded Rocket Lab a $515 million contract to produce and operate 18 satellites for a low Earth orbit military satellite network, with a projected launch in mid-2027. These satellites will form part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture's Transport Layer, providing communications capabilities for military forces. Rocket Lab will lead the design, development, and production of the satellites, which will be based on the satellite buses the company is developing for Globalstar. This marks a significant milestone for Rocket Lab's satellite operations and signifies a shift towards commercially produced spacecraft for military use.
SpaceX has launched a new website called "Starlink Direct to Cell" to promote its upcoming Starlink service for mobile phones. The service aims to provide seamless access to text, voice, and data for LTE phones across the globe using the Starlink satellite network. SpaceX plans to launch the service in 2022 for satellite-based text messaging, followed by voice and text in 2025. The company also intends to support cellular connectivity for IoT devices in 2025. However, SpaceX needs clearance from the Federal Communications Commission before formally launching the service, as it faces opposition from other companies. The website also invites partnerships with cellular providers to expand their mobile networks.
China is planning to launch its own satellite network to compete with SpaceX's Starlink. The Chinese government has approved the creation of a company to develop the network, which will consist of 12,992 satellites. The move is seen as an attempt to counter the dominance of US-based SpaceX in the satellite internet market.
Lockheed Martin's spinoff, Crescent Space, is building a Moon-to-Earth satellite network called Parsec, which will provide a non-stop connection between astronauts, their equipment, and people back home. The system will also provide navigation help, creating a lunar equivalent to GPS. Crescent's first Parsec nodes should be operational by 2025, and the company hopes to support NASA's Artemis Moon landings and other exploratory missions.