Vocus and Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) have announced that Vocus will build Australia’s first Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Landing Station.

Vocus will construct and operate the new Landing Station in New South Wales, Australia, and provide fiber connectivity to Telesat’s point of presence (PoP), connecting Telesat’s advanced LEO Lightspeed satellite constellation to terrestrial networks, providing secure, low-latency satellite services across the region.

The long-term agreement also includes Telesat Lightspeed services when the network becomes operational. These services, backed by committed information rates (CIR) and comprehensive service level agreements, will ensure resilient, low-latency connectivity for Vocus’ enterprise and government customers, complementing its already substantial LEO satellite services customer base.

A unique feature of the Telesat Lightspeed service will be its Terminal-to-Terminal direct connectivity capability, which eliminates the need for terrestrial links for customers transmitting especially sensitive information.

As a leading provider of Landing Stations and fibre network solutions, Vocus is an ideal partner to deliver the resilient, scalable terrestrial infrastructure that not only serves as a key interconnect point for customer data, but also further strengthens Australia’s digital infrastructure resilience,” said Asit Tandon, Telesat’s Chief Network and Information Officer. “Telesat will begin launching its LEO satellites in late 2026 and this new Landing Station will play a key role in satellite testing and customer field trials before global service delivery.”

We’re proud to be partnering with Telesat on establishing its network in Australia,” said Ashley Neale, Head of Vocus Space and Wireless Operations. “Vocus already has 30 ground stations currently in operation or contracted to be built, demonstrating that our infrastructure provides the critical reliability needed for LEO networks. “This will enable, for example, a naval vessel to communicate via the Telesat Lightspeed satellites directly with ground deployed soldiers via the optical laser-linked space network, completely bypassing land-based infrastructure or the public internet. This capability will be extremely valuable to customers with mission-critical communications requirements and a desire to preserve data sovereignty even outside of Australia’s geographic borders.”

Glenn Katz, Telesat’s Chief Commercial Officer, said, “In addition to public networking options via Telesat’s global Landing Stations, our flexible architecture includes options for Private Access Stations, special security add-ons, and the ability for Vocus’ customers to maintain complete control over encryption, providing valuable, differentiated capabilities in their LEO portfolio.”

Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) has announced Iridium® Chat, a companion app and messaging platform for the Iridium GO! exec® satellite communication access device, that is available as a free download for Apple (App Store) and Android (Google Play) devices.

Harnessing the truly global Iridium network, the Iridium Chat app optimizes the delivery of app-to-app messages, compressed image sharing and location updates between subscribers and their contacts when connected to an Iridium GO! exec, terrestrial Wi-Fi or cellular network.

In addition to the Iridium Chat app, the new Iridium GO! exec unlimited midband (Iridium Certus 100) data plan is ideal for lower-bandwidth features of many popular IP messaging apps, allowing users to maximize their usage without worrying about data overages.

Since its inception, Iridium GO! exec has been connecting remote workers, NGO personnel, government employees, first responders, lone workers, scientists and researchers, pilots, sailors, and everyday adventurers. The device provides a natural extension of connectivity to users off the grid to send and receive email, make phone calls, share pictures, post to social media, or get help in an emergency.

With Iridium Chat, Iridium GO! exec subscribers can now enjoy unlimited app-to-app messaging with other Iridium Chat app users over the Iridium network across all subscription plans. The app’s location sharing and picture sharing are bundled into each plan.

Unlike standard apps compatible with Iridium GO! exec, Iridium Chat utilizes Iridium Messaging Transport® (IMT®), offering users a real-time messaging experience. Iridium Chat supports group messaging for up to 50 individuals, and users can confidently confirm message delivery with real-time sending, sent and delivered status aided by the Iridium GO! exec terminal’s messaging device firmware and cloud-based messaging platform.

Other key benefits include reliable, global connectivity, lack of bill shock, and the ability for multiple Iridium GO! exec users sharing the device to keep their messages private with individual accounts. Additionally, each Iridium GO! exec can support up to four Iridium Chat users, within Bluetooth range, simultaneously sharing its IMT connection.

Users can find and download the app by visiting the iOS App Store or Google Play. With Iridium Chat, any Iridium GO! exec user, along with their friends, family, and co-workers, have access to reliable, weather-resilient connectivity anywhere in the world.

Iridium GO! exec continues to be a unique device that provides battery-powered portability for off-the-grid connectivity,” said Josh Miner, vice president, Land Mobile, Iridium. “The Iridium Chat app enhances these capabilities and user experience by helping ensure enterprise, government, and off-grid professionals stay connected and productive in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible – no matter where their work or adventures take them.”

Embraer will offer the Gogo Galileo HDX connectivity solution for its Phenom 300 aftermarket customers through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) generated in partnership with Gogo.

The installation of the compact, half-duplex antenna and one Line Replaceable Unit will allow Embraer business jet owners to enjoy in-flight connectivity with performance that mirrors the best ground-based solutions.

Passengers using Gogo’s in-flight connectivity can expect performance at the same level they have at home or in the office, with 4K streaming, high-quality video conferencing, online gaming, and large file transfers. Leveraging the Eutelsat OneWeb Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite network, the Gogo Galileo HDX system offers a unique, reliable, and speedy connectivity solution.

Embraer will provide the solution for the Phenom 300 model aircraft, followed by other configurations. Availability of the new connectivity solution will vary depending on region. FAA certification through Embraer is expected in Q3, 2025; ANAC in Q4, 2025; and EASA in Q1, 2026. The Phenom 300E model will follow suit, and dates will be announced in the future.

The Embraer Owned Service Center Network, and the Embraer Authorized Service Network will be available and prepared to support customers who wish to install the STC.

Enpulsion has launched Nexus, the company’s most advanced propulsion system to date. Designed for spacecraft up to 500 kilograms, Nexus delivers significantly increased thrust and enhanced orbit-raising capabilities, addressing the growing demand for responsive, high-performance electric propulsion in smallsat missions.

Built on Enpulsion’s heritage Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) platform, Nexus is a direct evolution of the company’s TRL 9 Micro R3 system that leverages the flight heritage of more than 280 units on-orbit. With a thrust-to-power ratio optimized for early mission phases, Nexus mitigates one of the primary limitations traditionally associated with electric propulsion—initial orbit-raising speed. With this innovation, Enpulsion’s Nexus offers a groundbreaking alternative to Hall Effect Thrusters (HET) in the smallsat class.

Nexus is ideally suited for a range of mission profiles, including orbit-raising and deorbiting for SDA-class buses, constellation maneuvering and maintenance, responsive government and defense missions, and station keeping support for larger platforms. Nexus is also designed for flexible clustering and offers a compact, non-ITAR solution for international customers seeking high-thrust performance in a scalable architecture.

Nexus continues Enpulsion’s commitment to innovative spacecraft maneuverability throughout mission life, supporting sustainable satellite operations and celestial stewardship. Seamlessly integrating with Enpulsion’s Cortex Smart Mobility Interface (SMI), the system features no pressurized tanks or chemical energy storage and uses a solid indium propellant for safe handling.

Nexus development is already underway, with Preliminary Design Review (PDR) scheduled for Q3 2025, Critical Design Review (CDR) in Q1 2026, qualification completion in Q3 2026, and production deliveries starting in Q4 2026.

With Nexus, we’re building on everything we’ve learned from years of flight heritage and direct customer collaboration,” said Alexander Reissner, CEO & Founder of Enpulsion. “This system brings new performance to the table while staying true to what sets our propulsion apart: precision, simplicity, safety, and superior performance for the entire mission life.”

Eutelsat Group and Orange have signed an agreement enabling Orange to reinforce its position in LEO satellite communications, leveraging Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation.

Through this latest investment, Orange aims to strengthen its satellite solutions portfolio with LEO connectivity solutions providing high throughput, low latency, resilient and sovereign services to its enterprise and government customers wherever they are located and support mobile backhauling globally.

By combining OneWeb’s satellite coverage with its terrestrial networks, Orange will deliver seamless continuity of service and enhanced security as part of a digital inclusion approach for businesses allowing them to access critical services even in the most complex environments and underserved or remote areas of the globe.

• New multi-year agreement builds on long-standing relationship between the two companies
• Enhances access to the benefits of LEO satellite communications to Orange’s enterprise and government customers and supports mobile backhauling to meet demand globally
• Further demonstrates the role of LEO connectivity as a complementary component of the global telecoms offer

Orange and Eutelsat enjoy a long-standing partnership. Orange is the exclusive reseller of KONNECT VHTS capacity for consumer broadband in France under an agreement dating back to 2020, while earlier this year Orange Middle East and Africa inked an agreement for capacity on the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite to deliver satellite internet over its footprint.

Cyril Dujardin, President of the Connectivity Business Unit at Eutelsat said, “Eutelsat is delighted to further reinforce its relationship with Orange and looks forward to supporting its ambitious project to provide premium, ubiquitous connectivity to its customers. LEO-enabled services are becoming an integral technology for global telco operators. We are delighted to have been selected by Orange to enhance its service to its enterprise customers.”

Jean Louis Le Roux, EVP Orange International Networks, said, “It is of strategic importance for Orange to invest in the unique LEO European solution that provides best in class, resilient, tailored and sovereign digital connectivity services to serve our customers wherever they are located. The partnership with Eutelsat for OneWeb services is of vital importance to support their digital transformation.”

Impulse Space has raised $300 million in a Series C funding round—one of the largest venture rounds in the history of the space industry—the round, led by Linse Capital, brings Impulse’s total capital raised to $525 million.

The pre-emptive raise is both a positive signal about Impulse’s business trajectory and a direct response to surging customer demand. With more than 30 signed contracts (totaling nearly $200 million in value) and growing interest from every sector, Impulse will use the funding to scale and execute a backlog of missions that require faster, more flexible, and more cost-effective in-space mobility.

This Series C funding will accelerate Impulse’s mission in three key ways:

• Growing headcount across engineering, manufacturing, and mission operations while continuing to vertically integrate for cost, quality, and schedule control.
• Accelerating R&D to expand mission profiles—including integrating electric propulsion for long-duration missions—and develop new vehicles for national security and NASA applications.
• Scaling production on Mira and Helios to meet a growing backlog of demand.

Since the company’s founding in 2021, Impulse has quietly built a track record of technical achievement, successful missions, and commercial momentum. Led by Tom Mueller, a SpaceX founding member and the architect behind the Merlin engine family, Impulse is powered by a veteran team with a proven history of designing, testing, and delivering. This raise is more than capital—it affirms Impulse’s emergence as the front runner for in-space mobility.

In less than four years, Impulse Space has already:

• Built and flown Mira—a high-thrust, highly maneuverable space vehicle for payload hosting and deployment—on two successful customer missions.
• Executed what is believed to be the two largest orbital maneuvers ever by a nitrous-based propulsion system.
• Secured more than 30 commercial and government contracts.
• Developed Helios—a high-energy kick stage to rapidly deliver payloads to MEO, GEO, and beyond—on track to fly in 2026.
• Launched a roadmap for a customizable GEO Rideshare Program, debuting in 2027.

Missions across all sectors—commercial, defense, and civil—are requiring unprecedented levels of in-space mobility. Commercial operators need faster, more cost-effective ways to deploy and reposition satellites. Defense agencies require tactically responsive capabilities to stay ahead of evolving threats. Civil missions depend on precise, flexible movement to support Earth Observation (EO) and deep space exploration—often on tight timelines and limited budgets. All of these sectors need mobility on demand.

Impulse’s team and proven track record is answering the call with its fleet of space vehicles designed to deliver reliable, cost-effective, and rapid transportation within, and across, orbits.

This raise comes as demand for Impulse’s vehicles skyrockets across the orbital economy. With Linse Capital leading, the round also includes participation from new investor DFJ Growth, as well as returning investors Valor Equity Partners, Founders Fund, Lux Capital, RTX Ventures, DCVC, Airbus Ventures, Spring Tide, First Principles Group, Balerion Space Ventures, Tamarack Global, and Trousdale Ventures.

We’ve proven that we can build fast and fly successfully. Now, the market is demanding more,” said Mueller, CEO and founder. “This raise helps us scale production and technical capabilities to meet that demand head-on. Achieving a true space age is going to require new levels of in-space mobility to move payloads quickly and precisely, both within and between orbits. That capability is what we’re building at Impulse.”

Impulse is tackling one of the most technically demanding challenges in aerospace with a speed and precision we rarely see,” said Bastiaan Janmaat, Managing Partner at Linse Capital. “Their vertically integrated approach, proven track record, and ability to execute quickly in this market give them a real advantage. We’re excited to support their vision as they build the infrastructure that will power the next generation of space missions.”

Exolaunch and INNOSPACE have signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) to collaborate on launch integration services and broaden access to orbit for global satellite customers.

Through this agreement, Exolaunch and INNOSPACE will work together on launch manifest planning, mission management and payload integration for upcoming commercial launch campaigns. Exolaunch will provide its flight-proven separation systems for cubesats and microsatellites (smallsats), with its hardware positioned as the deployment solution for INNOSPACE customers across dedicated and rideshare missions.

The partnership also includes the use of Exolaunch’s EXOtube, a modular and scalable launch platform designed to optimize multi-payload configurations, increase mission flexibility, and enhance vehicle utilization. The teams will further collaborate on launch campaign planning, system integration, and on-site execution support.

Exolaunch’s mission heritage includes more than 530 satellites deployed across 36 missions, with customers ranging from leading commercial operators and startups to space agencies, leading universities and research institutions. INNOSPACE is currently ramping up launch services with the HANBIT series powered by hybrid and methane engines.

We’re proud to partner and formalize our work with INNOSPACE to bring new flexibility and reliability to global customers seeking access to orbit,” said Jeanne Allarie, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Exolaunch. “Our separation hardware and mission services are designed to scale across launch vehicle platforms, and this partnership supports our commitment to enabling global launch diversity. We look forward to launching with the HANBIT series in the near future.”

Exolaunch’s hardware heritage and integration experience make them an ideal partner as we expand INNOSPACE’s launch cadence and international customer base,” said Soojong Kim, founder and CEO of INNOSPACE. “This collaboration will help us deliver smooth, safe, and efficient launch campaigns for a growing range of payload configurations.”

Colt Technology Services (Colt), Honeywell and Nokia are collaborating to explore quantum-safe networking using SATCOM.

As part of the initiative, the companies are planning to test new ways of protecting encrypted optical network traffic from risks presented when quantum computing potentially breaks through traditional encryption methods, leaving data vulnerable to cyber threats.

Traditional encryption methods, or cryptography, rely on complex mathematical problems that are difficult for computers to solve, but quantum computers are expected to solve these problems faster, potentially breaking through traditional encryption methods and putting data at risk.

One promising advancement in this field is quantum key distribution (QKD), a technology central to the quantum evolution. However, QKD currently faces a major limitation: terrestrial physical constraints restrict its range to around 100 kilometers. To achieve global coverage of QKD, the technology can overcome these limitations by moving into space.

Colt, Honeywell and Nokia plan to explore quantum-safe cryptography, trialling space-based and subsea techniques which are resistant to quantum computing attacks.

The companies will trial quantum key distribution—a method used to securely share encryption keys between two parties—using LEO satellites for ultra-long distances and transatlantic reach. The three companies share a collective goal: enable customers to benefit from the huge potential of quantum computing in ways that help solve pressing challenges, while protecting them from risk.

This trial is expected to be of interest to organisations responsible for vast amounts of highly sensitive data such as financial firms, healthcare and pharmaceutical organisations and government bodies. Before the trial, Colt, Honeywell and Nokia have drafted a white paper with more detail on the risks, threats and opportunities presented by quantum cryptography. The paper, entitled ’The Journey to Quantum-Safe Networking’ is available for download at this direct link…

Fundamental to the collaboration between Colt, Honeywell and Nokia is a shared passion and determination to push the boundaries of technology to find solutions which safeguard our customers and help them succeed. At Colt, we do everything we can to make life easier for our customers. It’s why we’re taking action now to protect our customers from future cybersecurity risks, tackling tomorrow’s threats, today,” said Buddy Bayer, chief operating officer, Colt Technology Services.

With over five decades of aerospace expertise, Honeywell has witnessed and adapted to the evolution of the global communications landscape. We are proud to continue as a leader in innovating future-proof solutions such as the QEYSSat and QKDSat missions for the quantum era. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in securing the future of critical data: designing solutions to enhance resilience, ensuring long-term data security for critical infrastructure and communications systems,” said Lisa Napolitano, vice president and general manager, Space, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies.

Airbus Defence and Space, the French Space Agency (CNES), and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), have signed a Declaration of Intent (DoI) to strengthen their longstanding cooperation in the field of Earth Observation (EO), building on the success of the VNREDSat-1 space program.

This agreement reaffirms the three parties’ shared ambition to develop and implement the next generation of EO satellite systems in support of Vietnam’s climate change mitigation, disaster monitoring, and natural resource management.

Airbus and VAST will pursue deeper technical cooperation to ensure the continued performance of VNREDSat-1, while jointly exploring a future program, using advanced satellite technologies developed by CNES and Airbus under the CO3D constellation. The DoI also paves the way for comprehensive definition of a training and transfer of technologies solution as part of this program.

As part of this broader collaboration, CNES and VAST intend to expand their scientific and technical exchange in areas such as EO data while exploring the development of targeted applications based on shared data sets, and supporting capacity-building programs

The partnership continues the spirit of collaboration established with the launch of VNREDSat-1 by Airbus in 2013. The satellite, which has doubled its expected lifetime, under the operation of VAST, marked a major milestone in Vietnam’s space journey and continues to deliver valuable EO data for scientific and environmental applications.

Stéphane Vesval, Senior Vice President Sales Space Systems, Airbus Defence and Space, said, “The renewed cooperation between Airbus, CNES and VAST reflects a clear dedication to long-term partnerships that build sovereign capabilities and deliver meaningful societal value. We are proud to continue supporting Vietnam’s vision of becoming a leading spacefaring nation in Southeast Asia, and we look forward to enabling the future evolution of the VNREDSat program.”

Space Norway, Northern Europe’s leading satellite operator, has signed an agreement with Starlink by SpaceX to provide Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity services starting with immediate effect.

This contract further extends the company’s strategy of offering multi-orbit infrastructure combining geostationary (GEO), Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) and LEO satellites.

The Starlink satellite constellation will enable Space Norway to provide low-latency LEO services to maritime mobility clients globally as well as land-based enterprise clients throughout the EMEA region.

The Starlink LEO service is set to roll out in the coming weeks and will be supported by Space Norway’s customer portal, allowing clients to effectively manage their service by monitoring usage, as well as upgrading and downgrading their service. Clients will be able to purchase the necessary hardware to run Starlink services directly from Space Norway.

Jan Hetland, Space Norway’s Director, Data Services, said, “This agreement allows Space Norway to complement its leading maritime mobility services, and will significantly enhance critical connectivity for our land-based enterprise customers. With Starlink’s cutting-edge LEO network and commitment to technological innovation, we are delighted to deliver resilient, world-class connectivity to both current and new clients. Our expert engineering team and 24/7 support desk are dedicated to ensuring seamless integration and continuous service excellence for our customers’ connectivity needs.”

Space Norway’s CEO, Morten Tengs, said, “This agreement as an Authorized Starlink Reseller marks a significant milestone in our journey toward becoming a comprehensive multi-orbit service provider. By leveraging Starlink’s advanced LEO satellite network, we are positioned to deliver enhanced value to our diverse clients worldwide.”