All articles tagged with #satellite communications
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 introduces satellite communication capabilities for emergency SOS, messaging, and location sharing, supporting users in remote areas. It features a larger display, improved battery life, 5G support, and health features, with satellite services included for two years. The device's satellite functions are similar to those on the iPhone 14 and are designed to enhance safety and connectivity in off-grid situations.
The U.S. Space Force has awarded contracts to five companies, including Astranis, to develop satellite communication concepts for a new geostationary satellite constellation, advancing military space capabilities.
Google's Pixel Watch 4 is expected to feature continuous blood oxygen monitoring, emergency satellite communication capabilities, and a notification cooldown feature, with other minor hardware improvements and a possible repair-friendly design, launching at an event on August 20.
The U.S. Space Force awarded Boeing a $2.8 billion contract to develop the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) system, replacing the older satellite constellation with more resilient and cyber-capable satellites, as part of a broader strategy to deliver faster, cost-effective, and lower-risk satellite communication capabilities, including the cancellation of the PTS-R program.
SpaceX and T-Mobile are launching a direct-to-cell service this fall, connecting T-Mobile customers to Starlink satellites to provide coverage in areas lacking terrestrial networks. Initially supporting text messaging, the service aims to expand to voice, data, and IoT services. SpaceX has launched over three dozen satellites for this purpose and is seeking regulatory adjustments to enhance coverage. This initiative could significantly improve mobile connectivity, especially in remote areas, and position both companies as leaders in satellite-based mobile services.
AST SpaceMobile collaborates with TSMC to enter the tape-out phase for its AST5000 ASIC, a key component of its BlueBird Block 2 program, aiming to improve processing bandwidth on each satellite and enable space-based cellular broadband services. The company has achieved 3 Bits/Hertz using BlueWalker 3 and plans to support up to 10,000 MHz of processing bandwidth per satellite in the future. With strategic investments from AT&T, Google, and Vodafone, as well as agreements with over 40 mobile network operators globally, AST SpaceMobile is advancing its mission to provide global cellular broadband network in space, accessible directly by standard mobile devices.
Starlink, a satellite telecommunications service under SpaceX, plans to offer global LTE coverage accessible from mobile devices by 2025, potentially revolutionizing internet access. The new "Direct to Cell" technology will operate as "cell towers in space" and provide satellite connectivity through partnerships with telecom operators. However, concerns have been raised over Elon Musk's influence and control over the technology's deployment, given his ownership and voting rights in SpaceX, highlighting potential implications for global communications.
A group of U.S. lawmakers, led by Rep. Mike Gallagher, is urging Elon Musk to make SpaceX's Starshield military-specific satellite communications network available to American defense forces in Taiwan, citing SpaceX's contractual obligation to provide the U.S. Department of Defense with "global access" to its satellite internet services. The lawmakers argue that a robust communication network for U.S. military personnel in and around Taiwan is crucial for safeguarding U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the event of Chinese aggression against Taiwan. The issue has become more pressing as the Pentagon focuses on the future of Taiwan and the growing threat of a potential invasion by China.
The French and U.S. navies are preparing for degraded operational conditions, including loss of satellite communications, by conducting drills reminiscent of the 1980s. This preparation is in response to new threats such as hypersonic missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles, drones, and cyber warfare. Navies are focusing on making their systems more resilient to attacks, emphasizing deception and emissions control, and integrating artificial intelligence to fend off these new threats. The challenge for carrier strike groups is to integrate all available data to create a "superiority bubble" around the carrier in a more contested battlespace.
The United Nations' WRC-23 conference concluded with new rules for dividing radio spectrum bands, particularly focusing on the clash between non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) and geostationary orbit (GSO) satellite operators. Resolutions included limits on NGSO satellite positions, protection of radio astronomy, and equitable access to space. While GSO operators expressed concerns about megaconstellations' impact, NGSO advocates saw the outcomes as favorable, with generous orbital tolerance limits and potential changes to signal strength regulations. The conference also addressed terrestrial telecoms' push for more space frequencies and recognized the role of satellites in extending terrestrial network coverage, setting the stage for future debates at WRC-27.
The telecom bill in India has disregarded objections from domestic telecom operators, including Reliance Jio, by allowing the allocation of spectrum for satellite communications without auction. The bill proposes the administrative allocation of spectrum to satellite communications companies, meeting the demands of global providers like Elon Musk's Starlink and rejecting the argument for auction-based allocation made by domestic players. This move could benefit Starlink and Airtel-backed OneWeb in expanding their services in India.
Alex Rodriguez's special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), Slam Corp., plans to merge with satellite communications provider Lynk Global in a deal worth at least $800 million. The merger is expected to take place in the back half of 2024, with the combined company being listed on the Nasdaq stock index. Lynk Global aims to provide direct-to-standard phone connectivity worldwide through its satellite constellation. The deal aligns with Slam Corp.'s investment criteria and has the potential to provide broadband access to underserved populations. The competition includes Elon Musk's Starlink, which recently faced a setback in funding from the Federal Communications Commission. Slam Corp. seeks targets in the media, entertainment, health and wellness, and consumer technology sectors.
Astronomers have expressed concerns over the increasing light pollution caused by BlueWalker 3, a communications satellite resembling a Tetris block. The satellite's peak brightness is comparable to some of the brightest stars in the night sky, posing challenges to ground-based and space-based astronomy. The large reflective brightness of such satellites leaves streaks in telescope detectors, making it difficult to recover affected data. Additionally, the radio frequencies used by BlueWalker 3 could interfere with radio astronomy. Efforts are being made to mitigate the impact, but the trend towards launching larger and brighter satellites continues. Researchers have called for a cap on low-altitude satellites to reduce light pollution and preserve the ability to study the night sky.
SpaceX has secured its first contract from the US Space Force to provide customized satellite communications for the military as part of the Starshield program. The contract, worth $900 million, allows SpaceX to compete with 15 other companies for work orders through 2028 under the Space Force's new "Proliferated Low Earth Orbit" contracts program.
The leader of the United States Space Command, General James H. Dickinson, highlighted the importance of megaconstellations like SpaceX's Starlink network in providing resiliency and redundancy in satellite communications during Ukraine's efforts to deter a potential invasion by Russia. Megaconstellations make it difficult for adversaries to take countermeasures and frustrate them by creating uncertainty about the number of satellites that would need to be targeted. Dickinson also emphasized the growing reliance on commercial space companies for various functions, but acknowledged the need to strike a balance between military and commercial services in the space domain.