Featured

The good news for Canada-based satellite operator Telesat is that its backlog for its Lightspeed mega-constellation is likely to be worth more than C$1.1 billion (0.7 billion euros) by the end of this year. The bad news is that the first Lightspeed LEO satellite will not be orbited until the end of 2026 and service will not commence until 2027.

Further bad news is in its core DTH transmission business for Canadian (and U.S.) viewers and where revenues are down 25 percent when compared to the same period last year. The company’s Operating Income is down 53 per cent y-o-y.

The Lightspeed backlog is likely to see further growth helped by a contract with Viasat. Telesat CEO Dan Goldberg told analysts during its Q1 2025 call on May 6th that he’s optimistic Telesat will secure additional commitments over the course of this year, which would bring Lightspeed’s backlog to more than the backlog for services from GEO.

We continue to believe that our year-end 2025 LEO segment backlog will exceed our year-end 2024 GEO segment backlog. The Viasat contract is a very meaningful contract. I think there will be other commercial players that will sign significant deals. Maybe they won’t quite be at the Viasat level, but they could be still in that nine-figure [value], when I think about conversations we’re having and what the pipeline looks like.” Goldberg said. “We have had multiple conversations with various governments around the world as governments think about leveraging LEO to meet their growing space requirements.”

But meanwhile, Goldberg admitted that Telesat’s revenue expectations would remain under pressure. The company is anticipating a 27 percent decline in revenues at the mid-year point.

For the quarter ended March 31st 2025, Telesat reported consolidated revenue of C$117 million, a decrease of 23 per cent (C$35 million) compared to the same period in 2024. When adjusted for changes in foreign exchange rates, revenue declined 26 percent (C$40 million) compared to 2024. The decrease was primarily due to a lower rate on the renewal of a long-term agreement with a North American DTH television customer and to reductions in services for certain customers, particularly on an agreement to provide services to an Indonesian rural broadband program, combined with lower equipment sales to Canadian government customers.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has announced the launch window for the firm’s next mission for multi-launch customer, Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS).

The mission, named ‘The Sea God Sees’, will launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand during a launch window that opens on May 17, 2025. The mission will launch a single, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging satellite called QPS-SAR-10 (nicknamed “WADATSUMI-I” for the Japanese god of the sea) to a 575 km circular Earth orbit, from where the satellite will join the iQPS constellation in providing high resolution images and Earth monitoring services globally.

The mission will be the third overall Electron launch for iQPS and the second in a line-up of eight dedicated missions across 2025 and 2026 to deploy iQPS’s constellation. The first mission of the multi-launch contract, ‘The Lightning God Reigns’, was successfully deployed to space by Electron just weeks ago on March 15, 2025.

“The Sea God Sees” will be Rocket Lab’s sixth mission of 2025, its 64th Electron launch overall, and will bring the total number of satellites delivered to space by Rocket Lab to 225.

As Eutelsat moves into the next phase after the integration with OneWeb and fully aligned with an IRIS2 future, the company has appointed Jean-François Fallacher as the firm’s new CEO.

The appointment was decided at a Board Meeting held on May 4th, 2025, upon the recommendation of the Nomination and Governance Committee, and will be effective on June 1st, 2025. This appointment comes as a natural change that fully aligns Eutelsat to the telecom ecosystem.

A seasoned telecoms professional, Jean-François Fallacher joins Eutelsat following a lengthy career at Orange where he was latterly Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Orange France. Prior to that, he led Orange’s operations in various countries including Spain, Romania and Poland.

Before his career at Orange, Jean-François Fallacher held several roles in R&D, sales and operations, including Chief Operating Officer of Wanadoo in the Netherlands and Chief Executive Officer of Sofrecom, a consulting company specializing in the telecoms sector. A French national, Jean-François Fallacher is a graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique and Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications in Paris.

Jean-François Fallacher succeeds Eva Berneke, who has steered the company since January 2022, presiding over some of its most significant strategic and operational achievements. These include the merger with and integration of OneWeb in 2023 to create the world’s only LEO / GEO satellite operator, its appointment as one of the core players in the planned EU IRIS2 multi-orbit constellation, and the pioneering disposal of its passive ground segment, the first operation of its type among satellite operators.

Dominique D’Hinnin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eutelsat, said, “On behalf of myself, Vice-Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, and the other members of the Board, I warmly thank Eva Berneke for her dynamic and committed leadership through these significant milestones in Eutelsat’s development and for delivering on our telecoms pivot strategy, in a period that has seen significantly increased competitive and geopolitical pressure. I am delighted to welcome Jean-François Fallacher as he picks up the baton from Eva. With his proven track record of success and wealth of experience and expertise, I am convinced he is the right leader to take Eutelsat forward and successfully steward the company through the opportunities and challenges which will undoubtedly present themselves in the coming years.”

Jean-François Fallacher said, “I am excited to be joining Eutelsat at such a pivotal moment in its history. Technology is evolving faster than ever, and in today’s increasingly complex geopolitical context, satellite networks have become a key element in the Connectivity landscape. I am convinced Eutelsat has the fundamentals to be a winner in this environment, and I look forward to building on Eva’s foundations, and working with its talented teams to ensure we achieve our goals.”

AAC Clyde Space has won an order valued at 570,000 euros for PCDU-systems (Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit)—delivery is scheduled for March of 2026. The costumer is a European satellite manufacturer.

We are proud to see our Starbuck MINI technology continuing to earn the trust of leading players in the space sector. Its proven reliability and performance make it a preferred choice for advanced satellite missions,” said AAC Clyde Space CEO Luis Gomes.

About Starbuck MINI
Starbuck MINI is an advanced PCDU developed by AAC Clyde Space. Often described as the electrical heart of a satellite, it manages and distributes power to all onboard systems, ensuring stable and efficient operation throughout the mission.

Originally designed for small satellites, Starbuck MINI has become a trusted standard in the industry thanks to its reliability, robust design and strong performance. It is used in a wide range of leading-edge space missions, including ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite, Astroscale’s orbital debris removal service, and the lunar lander Nova-C developed by Intuitive Machines.

Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR) now has an expanded space services agreement with Myriota to design, build and operate 16 satellites with enhanced, second-generation payloads for the IoT provider.

These new launches will see Myriota’s IoT connectivity become operational across 40+ satellites. Since initially partnering in 2021, Myriota has scaled its IoT connectivity platform rapidly and cost effectively by deploying its network software on Spire satellites that are optimized to host and run Myriota’s advanced network in space. With this agreement, Myriota is expanding into satellite hardware in space through Spire Space Services.

Satellites on-orbit enable IoT services and products to meet their users’ needs anytime, anywhere, unlocking economic potential where traditional cellular connectivity struggles

The expansion of Myriota’s global space infrastructure will allow for more scalable and reliable IoT connectivity for smart devices worldwide. Myriota customers will have enhanced security, faster data access, reduced latency, and improved device control and firmware updating capabilities.

In a world where IoT connectivity is increasingly crucial, satellites and space technology are more than just tools; they are foundational to the future of global communication networks,” said Theresa Condor, CEO of Spire Global. “As Myriota’s constellation grows, so does our collaboration with them, expanding from software to hardware with payloads that address the critical gaps in IoT communication. With Spire Space Services we are thrilled to continue our long-term work with Myriota in reimagining how the world connects.

Across sectors from agriculture and water to logistics, satellite-connected IoT sensors offer unparalleled insights into operations and are driving dramatic improvements in operational efficiency,” said Ben Cade, CEO of Myriota. “At Myriota we are working with customers around the globe delivering ultra-low power networks, with sensor battery lives measured in years. We are delighted to be working with Spire to further extend our network to help more industries, in more countries gain critical intelligence from the field, and apply this to deliver better outcomes for industry, society and the planet.”

SFL Missions Inc. is continuing the development of barrier-breaking, budget-aggressive, small satellite missions for commercial, government and academic customers worldwide by building upon the extraordinary legacy of Space Flight Laboratory (SFL). This evolution of customer-oriented service expands upon SFL’s 26-year highly successful experience of small satellite innovation and mission delivery.

Building on the SFL heritage that produced 86 operationally successful missions and 370+ cumulative years in orbit, SFL Missions Inc. is developing nano-, micro-, and small satellites and constellations using space-proven bus designs for Earth observation, communications, environmental monitoring, maritime situational awareness, space astronomy, scientific research and more.

SFL Missions will continue the tradition of devising and implementing innovative technologies for low-mass spacecraft, including precision attitude control, accurate sensor pointing, autonomous formation flying, scalable power & propulsion, and deployable antennas. In addition, SFL Missions is offering a Flex Production program that will give customers the option of having satellites developed in their own location, at a third-party site, or at the SFL Missions facility.

Additionally, SFL Missions will soon announce the launch of a new Apprenticeship Program to train the next generation of small satellite aerospace engineers.

The market for small satellite missions has evolved rapidly in recent years, especially in the NewSpace era,” said SFL Missions Founder, Dr. Robert E. Zee. “We have created SFL Missions with the right combination of business responsiveness, expertise, and capabilities needed to meet smallsat mission challenges now and far into the future. We are expanding our spacecraft development capacity in Toronto and are signing new mission contracts now—our order book is filling fast.””

About SFL Missions Inc.
SFL Missions Inc. generates bigger returns from smaller, lower cost satellites. Small satellites built by SFL Missions consistently push the performance envelope and disrupt the traditional cost paradigm. We build quality small satellites at low cost that work the first time and enable NewSpace companies to mass produce through our Flex Production program. Satellites are built with advanced power systems, stringent attitude control and high-volume data capacity that are striking relative to the budget. We arrange launches globally and maintain a mission control center accessing ground stations worldwide. The pioneering and barrier-breaking work of SFL Missions is a key enabler to tomorrow’s cost-aggressive satellites and constellations.

OroraTech has opened their U.S. headquarters in Denver, Colorado—based in Munich, Germany, the company’s expansion to the United States marks an important milestone in its mission to support wildfire resilience in America.

The Denver office will serve as a central hub connecting U.S. wildfire emergency services, utility providers and government agencies with OroraTech’s state-of-the-art space technology.

OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution platform combines the world’s largest constellation of dedicated wildfire satellites with predictive modeling, advanced thermal imaging and real-time data analytics. The system comprises 10 proprietary satellites and data from numerous additional public satellites, forming a network of 40+ that operate in LEO and GEO orbit. The constellation can detect heat anomalies and emerging fires as they erupt, mapping their location, severity and speed of spread. This creates unmatched situational awareness for fire management, faster response capabilities and year-round readiness.

The expansion to the United States, and specifically to Denver, is already generating positive momentum. Larimer County, Colorado—a region highly vulnerable to wildfire risk—recently signed as one of OroraTech USA’s first customers in its Wildfire Solution Coop program. 

OroraTech began establishing its comprehensive global satellite network in 2022. In addition to the U.S. expansion, the company recently entered a contract with the Greek government to develop a €20 million ($22.7 million) national satellite-based wildfire early warning system, making Greece the first country to implement such a system. 

Wildfires are one of the most devastating natural disasters facing the United States today, with the 2025 LA fires costing about $135 billion in damages alone,” said Thomas Gruebler, president and CEO of OroraTech USA and co-founder of OroraTech. “We are deeply committed to introducing American firefighters and emergency responders to our satellite technology that will give them a new layer of situational awareness to make faster, smarter decisions when every minute counts.”

Proactive preparation is the key to reducing wildfire risk and protecting our communities,” said Justin Whitesell, emergency services director for the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.“However, tools for wildfire intelligence and situational awareness are still critical. The synergy between OroraTech’s cutting-edge technology and the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services’ local initiatives exemplifies a comprehensive approach to wildfire resilience, setting a precedent for other regions facing similar challenges.”

Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), earlier this month informed the industry of the commercial availability of the firm’s HL1100W single panel electronically steerable antenna (ESA), a cost-effective, high performing addition to the Eutelsat OneWeb user terminal family.

Approved by Eutelsat OneWeb for operation in its LEO satellite network, the HL1100W was designed to meet growing market demands for a lighter solution that delivers low-latency, high-speed connectivity to customers around the world. It serves as a continuation of the Hughes innovative product roadmap as we further push the boundaries of technology and what’s possible for connectivity.

The HL1100W delivers reliable connectivity in a compact form factor and is designed for durability. The compatible mounts allow the HL1100W to be installed on a wide variety of buildings and structures, including, trailers, cabinets, and onshore oil rigs, ensuring reliable service in diverse operational environments. The HL1100W follows the successful launch of the HL1120W and is backed by Hughes extensive expertise in satellite technology.

The size, weight, and performance (SWaP), as well as the ease of installation of the HL1100W, make it uniquely suited for global enterprise use. Inventory is already produced and the HL1100W is set to make a significant impact on the market, offering a reliable and affordable solution that addresses the critical challenges of modern connectivity demands.

Hughes Managed LEO service provides a reliable, high-speed option for low-latency applications and services in hard-to-reach places. As a strategic Eutelsat OneWeb distribution partner, Hughes can deploy LEO capacity as a managed broadband service, a multi-orbit mobility, or enterprise solution, or as part of a multi-transport Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) or highly specialized military network.

Connectivity today demands innovative, flexible solutions that can meet customers where they are,” said Royce Hernandez, vice president mobility product management at Hughes. “The introduction of the HL1100W marks another milestone in Hughes leadership in providing scalable and robust connectivity solutions to customers around the world. This device is an evolution of our innovation strategy and a demonstration of our commitment to enhancing global connectivity. We are proud to partner with Eutelsat OneWeb to bring our solution to market for enterprises and governments everywhere.”

The HL1100W brings another dimension of connectivity to our product portfolio and to our customers around the world,” said Filipe De Oliveira, vice president for commercial at Eutelsat OneWeb. “At a time when low-latency, high-performance connectivity has never been more vital, this device will deliver the flexibility and speed that our customers need. We are excited to continue building on our longstanding partnership with Hughes to realize a future of seamless global connectivity, no matter where you are.”

Visit the Hughes website for more information about the Hughes ESA and Managed LEO Service.

RTX’s (NYSE: RTX) small satellite manufacturer and mission services provider, Blue Canyon Technologies, earlier this month introduced their largest reaction wheel to date, the RW16 reaction wheel—a reaction wheel is a motor-driven flywheel that enables attitude control by applying torque to a spacecraft without the need for external propulsion.

The new RW16 reaction wheel offers 16 Newton-meter seconds of momentum, providing low-jitter attitude control for spacecraft 400 kg and larger. The RW16’s higher momentum allows torque to be commanded for longer durations enabling larger spacecraft to take advantage of this technology or augmenting existing spacecraft to support larger or even multiple payloads.

More than 800 Blue Canyon reaction wheels have launched, many operating on the 70-plus spacecraft built by Blue Canyon. Each reaction wheel features an advanced lubrication system for long life, a built-in vibration isolation system for ultra-low disturbance, and a state-of-the-art digital control system for exquisite torque and momentum accuracy.

The company’s suite of reaction wheels has supported successful missions in dynamic environments and in multiple orbital classifications, including interplanetary journeys, demonstrating on-orbit operation for more than eight years.

Blue Canyon was founded to enable missions that otherwise wouldn’t be possible because of the price point and long schedules,” said Chris Winslett, general manager of Blue Canyon Technologies. “Our new reaction wheel provides exceptional dependability at a value that makes sense for our customers, paving the way for the design and production of larger, more advanced spacecraft.”

About Blue Canyon Technologies
Blue Canyon Technologies, RTX’s small satellite manufacturer and mission services provider, offers a diverse portfolio of innovative, reliable and affordable spacecraft and components that enable a broad range of missions and technological advancements for the new space economy. The company currently supports numerous unique missions with more than 160 spacecraft orders.

Umbra has been selected for a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) opportunity by SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force—STRATFI is designed to accelerate the transition of mature technologies into operational use for the Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial partners.

By connecting private-sector innovators, defense stakeholders and investors, STRATFI strengthens the defense industrial base and accelerates the transition of advanced capabilities to the warfighter. The initiative is within the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, and defense agencies, including the Space Development Agency (SDA), are working with Umbra to explore the development of a new space capability. Through STRATFI, matching funds can enable development of new space capabilities valued at up to $60 million, pending contracting and co-investment commitments.

Additionally, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is supporting the advancement of this SAR imagery with R&D funds over the next 3 years in support of the SpaceWERX STRATFI efforts to bring the best commercial solutions to bear for DoD space efforts.

Through this program, Umbra plans to design, build, and launch a next-generation constellation of spacecraft to demonstrate the advantages of comprehensive, wide-area SAR coverage for search and find missions in open ocean and maritime applications. This system is designed to provide an agile, highly affordable, tip-cue capability to the U.S. and its allies to support the Combatant Commander, focusing specifically on the Indo-Pacific region. Umbra’s proven formation flying, multi-static, and moving target detection capabilities provide the foundation for this strategic initiative.

Last year, the company released bistatic imagery from its tandem SAR satellites, and building from that success, the company will advance cooperative satellite operations, enabling wide-area search and target detection through its cutting-edge SAR capabilities. The initiative will help accelerate the transition of these next-generation defense technologies from the development stage to operational deployment, ensuring that critical capabilities reach the warfighter faster.

We’re proud to have the opportunity to take this additional step to provide our mission-critical capabilities directly to the warfighter at a time when speed of acquisition is paramount,” said Dr. Bonnie Kean, Director of Mission Solutions at Umbra. “For the past four years, we have been dedicated to serving DoD customers and remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering innovative, reliable, and high-performance satellite solutions that strengthen national security.”

About Umbra
Umbra is a vertically integrated space technology company providing satellite technology solutions and intelligence data as a service to commercial and government customers. Our cutting-edge products help customers solve complex business, environmental, and security challenges. Umbra is founded, funded, built, and operated in the United States with facilities in Santa Barbara, CA, and Arlington, VA.

About SpaceWERX
As the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, SpaceWERX inspires and empowers collaboration with innovators to accelerate capabilities and shape our future in space. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX employs 40 military, civilian and contractor personnel executing an annual $457 million budget. Additionally, SpaceWERX partners with Space Systems Command’s Commercial Space Office (COMSO) as a collaborative program. Since it was aligned under AFRL in Aug. 2021, SpaceWERX has executed 1,106 contracts worth more than $897 million to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability.