Advanced Television

satellite

SpainSat-NG II a total loss

It has been determined that the space particle that hit the SpainSat-NG II satellite struck it in a vital area, meaning that it cannot perform its mission as planned. Hisdesat, the government-focused division of Hispasat, has already given the go-ahead to build the SpainSat-NG III satellite to replace it. The 6,000 kgs satellite is likely […]

January 19, 2026

Russia vows 300 Starlink rival satellites by 2027

Russia’s Roscosmos space agency has repeated its promise to launch around 300 broadband satellites by 2027, and that local manufacturers will supply 200,000 user terminals this year. However, observers say that with Russia’s aging Soyuz rockets are only able to carry about 15 satellites per rocket launch, consequently it would take 20 launches to carry […]

January 19, 2026By Chris Forrester

AST SpaceMobile, Amazon Leo choose launch partners

AST SpaceMobile’s next BlueBird satellite (#7/FM2) launch will be aboard a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket. There had been speculation that a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket would be used, but it seems that SpaceX will be used for a slightly later Q1 flight and launch in February. The New Glenn launch date has not been […]

January 19, 2026By Chris Forrester

China wants 200,000 satellites

China has filed paperwork with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for a truly mega-constellation of 200,000 satellites. Chinese authorities have also called for greater transparency in the satellite sector and closer coordination. According to the ITU, multiple Chinese satellite operators submitted applications for more than 200,000 satellite frequencies during the final week of 2025. This […]

January 13, 2026

ESA: 2026 Budget rises 7.6%

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) budget has risen by 7.6 per cent to a total of €8.26 billion. Of that total, some 56 per cent will be allocated to Earth Observation, Navigation & Connectivity and Secure Communications. ESA’s 3-year spending plans amount to €22.3 billion ($26.1bn) and represents an overall 31 per cent increases over […]

January 12, 2026By Chris Forrester

Frost & Sullivan cites Hughes as #1

EchoStar-owned Hughes Network Systems has been named a Leader in Managed SD-WAN Services by Frost & Sullivan. Frost & Sullivan also recognised Hughes with its 2025 Customer Value Leadership Award for its secure hybrid connectivity and comprehensive service model. Hughes, said Frost & Sullivan, has proven its ability to adapt and lead in a rapidly […]

January 12, 2026

Northern Jet expands IFC with Starlink

Northern Jet has announced the successful integration of Starlink high-speed inflight connectivity on seven aircraft, with additional installations planned throughout 2026. With its low-Earth-orbit satellite network, Starlink delivers fast, stable, low-latency internet that supports connectivity from the ground through cruise altitude, across domestic and international routes. “This isn’t just faster Wi-Fi,” commented Chris Bull, CEO of Northern Jet. […]

December 23, 2025

Report: Wi-FI connectivity now a core service for airlines

Moment, a specialist in passenger experience, has released the Inflight Connectivity Benchmark 2025, a data-driven analysis of connectivity deployment, pricing structures and satellite provider dynamics. The report analyses 106 airlines worldwide, covering connectivity deployment, pricing models, and technology suppliers across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa. Traditional airlines eager to be at the forefront […]

December 22, 2025

RockletLab wins $816m contract

New Zealand-originated RockletLab, founded by Sir Peter Beck, has secured a contract from the US Space Development Agency worth $816 million (€695.5m). This is the largest single contract RocketLab has ever received. RocketLab is quoted on the Nasdaq exchange and has its formal headquarters in Long Beach, California. The order covers the supply of 18 […]

December 22, 2025By Chris Forrester

Starlink loses a satellite

On December 17th, Starlink experienced an anomaly on one of its 9,000 orbiting satellites (official reference satellite 35,956), resulting in loss of communications with the vehicle at 418km altitude. The anomaly led to venting of the propulsion tank, a rapid decay in semi-major axis by about 4km, and the release of a small number of […]

December 22, 2025By Chris Forrester