All articles tagged with #satellites
China has filed ITU proposals to deploy up to 200,000 internet satellites—including two ambitious 96,714-satellite megaconstellations (CTC-1 and CTC-2)—as part of a broader push to build Chinese space networks and compete with SpaceX’s Starlink, amid concerns about orbital congestion and regulatory timelines.
The FCC has approved SpaceX to expand its Starlink satellite constellation to 15,000 satellites, following a recent launch of Starlink V2 Mini satellites from Cape Canaveral, which brings the total in orbit to over 9,400. This expansion aims to enhance satellite broadband capabilities and improve space safety by adjusting satellite orbits.
Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellites, orbiting 60 to 250 miles above Earth, offer advantages like higher resolution images and faster communication, but face challenges from atmospheric drag and corrosion. Researchers are developing innovative propulsion systems, such as air-breathing microwave plasma thrusters, to maintain VLEO satellites, which could revolutionize Earth observation, weather forecasting, and communications. Significant investments are driving this emerging space frontier closer to reality.
SpaceX plans to lower around 4,400 Starlink satellites from 550 km to 480 km altitude in 2026 to enhance space safety, reduce collision risks, and address recent debris incidents, amid a significant increase in space object traffic and collision mitigation efforts.
SpaceX plans to lower the orbits of approximately 4,400 Starlink satellites from 550 km to 480 km in 2026 to enhance safety and reduce collision risks, especially as solar activity decreases and atmospheric drag lessens, impacting satellite decay times and space debris management.
Planet and Google are collaborating on Project Suncatcher to develop orbital data centers for AI, launching two demonstration satellites by 2027 to test high-bandwidth intersatellite links and heat dissipation in space, with long-term plans for large satellite clusters to provide continuous solar-powered data processing in orbit, reflecting growing industry interest in space-based computing solutions.
Iran launched three Earth-observation satellites into space using a Russian Soyuz rocket as part of a larger rideshare mission from Siberia, which included Russian, UAE, and other international satellites, totaling 52 satellites launched.
Texas startup AST SpaceMobile launched its largest satellite yet, BlueBird 6, aiming to create a space-based cellular network that offers direct-to-cell service, competing with SpaceX's Starlink. The satellite is part of a plan to deploy a constellation of 243 next-generation satellites to provide 5G connectivity across the US and other markets, with larger antennas and faster speeds, amidst a rivalry with SpaceX over satellite space and industry dominance.
NASA's satellites captured a striking image of a massive tsunami, highlighting the power of earth observation technology in monitoring natural disasters.
Rocket Lab's stock surged nearly 18% after securing a potential $1 billion contract with the US Space Development Agency to develop and produce advanced satellites for missile warning and defense, marking its largest single deal to date.
The U.S. Space Force awarded $1.6 billion in contracts to Rocket Lab and Northrop Grumman to build 36 satellites for missile warning and tracking, focusing on hypersonic missile threats, marking significant growth for Rocket Lab as it transitions into a major space contractor.
NASA's PUNCH mission, involving four small satellites, has captured unprecedented images of the Sun's corona and solar wind, providing new insights into solar activity and space weather, while also tracking comets invisible to other telescopes.
SpaceX has expressed frustration after a Chinese satellite nearly collided with one of its Starlink satellites, highlighting the growing risk of orbital collisions due to the increasing number of satellites and space debris. The incident underscores the urgent need for better coordination among satellite operators to prevent potentially catastrophic collisions in Earth's crowded orbit.
Satellites are being used to detect and reduce methane leaks from landfills, with a recent case study in Madrid demonstrating how high-resolution satellite and aircraft data can identify leaks, guide repairs, and improve emissions monitoring, ultimately aiding efforts to combat climate change.
The increasing number of satellites, especially from megaconstellations like Starlink, is significantly impairing the ability of space telescopes like Hubble to capture clear images, with projections indicating a worsening problem that could hinder astronomical research and space safety. Solutions such as designing less reflective satellites and better coordination are urgently needed to ensure sustainable coexistence in space.