The Sentinel-1 mission, which provides radar vision for the Copernicus Earth observation program, has added the on-orbit arrival in SSO of the final first generation series of satellites, the Sentinel-1D, launching from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on Tuesday, November 4th.

Thirty-four minutes post launch, the satellite gained its assigned orbit, with signal acquisition confirming the satellite is on-orbit and is actively communicating with the ground systems.

The Sentinel-1 mission delivers high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of Earth’s surface whenever needed, in all weathers, day-and-night. This service is used by disaster response teams, environmental agencies, maritime authorities, climate scientists, and the wider Earth Observation (EO) user community worldwide, who depend on frequent updates of critical data.

Sentinel-1D will join its twin, Sentinel-1C and will replace Sentinel-1A when fully commissioned. When fully commissioned. these satellites will work in tandem, orbiting on opposite sides of the globe, 180° apart, to optimize global coverage and data delivery. Both satellites carry a C-band SAR instrument on board, together with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) instrument to improve the detection and tracking of ships in maritime zones. Both the 1C and the 1D are Galileo compatible as well as with other GNSS and are ready to support

When Sentinel-1D is fully operational, it will enhance AIS observations, including more data on vessel identity, location and direction of travel, and precise tracking. Sentinel-1D and Sentinel-1C are both compatible with the Galileo navigation system, as well as other Global Navigation Satellite Systems.

Additionally, both satellites will be ready to support the European Space Agency’s Earth Explorer Harmony mission, which will be comprised of two satellites to provide new data on various Earth processes, ranging from shifts in the shape of the land surface caused by earthquakes as well as volcanic activity and glacier movement insights. They will orbit Earth in convoy with a Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite to yield new information to answer important questions on Earth system processes.

Expected to bolster Canada’s sovereign space capabilities and create a competitive option for the global launch services market.

MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA) has announced a $10 million equity investment into Maritime Launch Services Inc. This investment marks a key milestone in advancing Canada’s sovereign launch capability, strengthening the country’s domestic space value chain, with complete capability from ground to orbit.

The equity investment will accelerate Spaceport Nova Scotia’s readiness for orbital launch operations, providing reliable domestic launch capability for commercial, civil, government, and defence clients in Canada. MDA Space expects to become an operational partner at Spaceport Nova Scotia, supporting the development and future operations of the spaceport.

Maritime Launch is a Canadian-owned commercial space company that is developing Spaceport Nova Scotia, Canada’s first commercial orbital launch complex. Located near Canso, Nova Scotia, on the Atlantic coast, Spaceport Nova Scotia is designed to provide responsive, cost-effective, and sustainable access to space for launch vehicle developers and satellite delivery services to low-Earth orbit over a wide range of inclinations from a single site.

MDA Space’s investment and partnership come at a pivotal moment for Maritime Launch and for Canada’s space future,” said Stephen Matier, President and CEO of Maritime Launch Services. “By combining MDA Space’s world-class technical heritage with our operational focus at Spaceport Nova Scotia, we are creating the conditions our launch vehicle clients need: reliability, responsiveness, and integration across the full mission campaign. Together, we are building a complete sovereign launch solution that strengthens Canadian innovation, drives economic growth, and enhances security in space.”

Maritime Launch has been methodically advancing the development of Spaceport Nova Scotia, focused on doing it right, with safety, community, and operational excellence, to address the needs of the domestic and global space ecosystem,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. “In a rapidly changing space industry, establishing sovereign launch capacity in Canada that will respond to the global demand for alternate launch capabilities on Canada’s Atlantic coast is important. This is an example of strategically located critical infrastructure that is needed. MDA Space is pleased to partner with Maritime Launch on this exciting new chapter for the Canadian space industry.”

Four PocketQubes will be deployed by PocketQube broker, Alba Orbital, in collaboration with SEOPS as part of the Transporter-15 rideshare mission with SpaceX.

The PocketQube standard was first developed in 2009 at Morehead State University (MSU) and Kentucky Space to help universities and researchers across the globe perform space science and exploration at a fraction of the traditional cost. Each PocketQube measures just 5 cm³ per unit (or “1P”), making them among the smallest operational satellites ever developed.

In spite of their size, the capabilities of PocketQubes are immense—their compact form factor allows for launches starting from as little as €25k through Alba Orbital’s dedicated launch services. This affordability has opened space access to high schools, universities, startups, and research institutions worldwide.

Since the first PocketQube launch in 2013, mission types have ranged from Earth Observation (EO) and Internet of Things (IoT) experiments to communications and technology demos. The result is an ecosystem of smallsat innovation, proving that impactful space missions can be achieved in the smallest of sizes.

The growing popularity of the PocketQube standard has led to rapid innovation. Alba Orbital’s own 3P Unicorn-2 satellite is the world’s smallest commercial Earth observation platform, capable of capturing high-resolution imagery that rivals much larger satellites.

From commercial applications to student-led success, the RomSpace and HYPE missions highlight how PocketQubes have allowed young engineers and researchers to design, build, and launch real satellites.

RomSpace, a team of high school students aged 15 to 18 from the International Computer High School of Bucharest, successfully launched Romania’s first functioning satellite, ROM-2 (1P), followed closely by ROM-3 (1.5P).

The HYPE mission, from students at the AGH University of Krakow, was a 1P n-orbit demo featuring an onboard OLED display that shows uploaded images and messages, which are then photographed in space by a selfie-stick camera.

Satellites on the upcoming, historic, 100th PocketQube Launch

• HUNITY (NMHH-1) – Hungary Built by students and lecturers at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, HUNITY tests a new PocketQube platform while supporting student experiments and hands-on learning, advancing Hungary’s educational satellite programs.

• SARI-1 & SARI-2 – Saudi Arabia Developed through the Saudi Space Agency’s Sari competition, these student-built PocketQubes carry imaging, IoT, and telemetry payloads, giving participants practical experience in satellite engineering and operations.

• ANISCSAT – Azerbaijan Created by a university team in Azerbaijan, ANISCSAT hosts sensor experiments and a custom telemetry framework, providing students with real-world spacecraft design and mission experience while supporting the country’s growing space research efforts.

• PartnershipsIdeia Space, a Brazilian education startup, coordinated the Saudi and Azerbaijani missions, offering international collaboration, guidance, and mission support for student teams.

With the 100th PocketQube set to reach orbit, we’re fulfilling the revolution to democratize access to space,” said Tom Walkinshaw, CEO of Alba Orbital.

About Alba Orbital
Alba Orbital (UK, USA, Germany) is the world’s leading PocketQube company, having delivered 53 pico-satellites on orbit to date. Alba is a vertically integrated NewSpace company “democratizing access to space,” providing turnkey solutions from advanced pico-satellite platforms, low-cost launch opportunities, and ground station services. Alba has worked with over 30 customers across the globe.

Collaboration for rollout in Saudi Arabia and select markets in the Middle East and Africa

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) and stc group have signed a 10- year commercial agreement to enable direct-to-device satellite mobile connectivity across Saudi Arabia and key regional markets.

As part of this agreement, stc has committed to a prepayment of $175 million for future services and made a significant long-term commercial revenue commitment.

AST SpaceMobile will integrate its space-based cellular broadband connectivity with stc’s terrestrial infrastructure to expand mobile coverage across Saudi Arabia, as well as select countries in the Middle East and Africa. The partnership aims to eliminate connectivity gaps by delivering 5G and 4G LTE services directly to standard mobile phones without the need of any specialized software or device support or updates, for consumers, enterprises, and government sectors, ensuring seamless voice and broadband access

Under this agreement, the first in the region for AST SpaceMobile, the company will build three ground gateways in Saudi Arabia and establish a Network Operations Center (NOC) in Riyadh to support the network’s operations and service quality. These key infrastructure developments will be instrumental in providing seamless connectivity across the region.

The partnership will extend broadband cellular coverage to remote and underserved areas, empowering millions of people with reliable, high-speed connectivity. By complementing stc’s existing mobile networks, AST SpaceMobile’s technology will help drive economic development, education, and digital inclusion across the region.

With this agreement, stc group will become the first operator in the region to adopt direct-to-device satellite broadband connectivity, advancing its strategy to expand digital access, invest in next-generation infrastructure, and shape the future of mobile connectivity across the Kingdom and beyond. By leveraging AST SpaceMobile’s technology, stc group aims to extend its network far beyond the limits of traditional terrestrial infrastructure, delivering enhanced mobile access to customers and reinforcing its position as a leading digital enabler in the region.

Commercial services are anticipated to launch during the fourth Q of 2026, contingent upon securing full regulatory authorization, licensing, and compliance from the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) of Saudi Arabia and other relevant regulatory bodies across the 15-country operating footprint.

stc group regional leadership and commitment to innovation, combined with our pioneering space-based network, will create a paradigm shift in how people connect,” said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile “We are pleased to partner with stc as the first regional operator to collaborate with us on this groundbreaking initiative. This partnership is another major leap forward to deliver on the promise of truly universal mobile broadband coverage, bridging the digital divide and empowering millions with reliable and easy-to-use connectivity.”

Olayan Alwetaid, CEO of stc group, said, “By expanding coverage by using the latest innovations in telecommunications technology, stc and AST SpaceMobile are bridging connectivity gaps and ensuring no one is left out of the digital future. It’s a step forward in our ambition to lead in digital infrastructure and deliver world-class connectivity access to everyone, no matter where they are located.”

Pramatra Space and Infostellar Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner to establish and conduct joint development for networks to link Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) ground stations that offer secure space communications.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in building the foundation for a global quantum communication network, leveraging both organizations’ complementary strengths. Under the scope of the MoU, Infostellar will provide access to its global ground station network, spanning optical and RF systems, to support Pramatra’s upcoming satellite missions. This includes Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) operations and the integration of third-party ground segments.

In parallel, both companies will engage in collaborative R&D to design and validate a QKD-enhanced ground station framework that supports secure satellite-to-ground data links. The partnership is expected to open future commercial pathways for quantum-grade encryption services, data relays, and hybrid space-terrestrial communication systems addressing various applications.

The collaboration underlines a shared commitment to advancing quantum resilience in data exchange infrastructure. Both companies aim to explore opportunities in joint demonstrations, technology validation missions, and commercial deployment strategies in alignment with emerging space and cybersecurity regulations.

This MoU reinforces the strategic alignment between India’s expanding quantum-space ecosystem and Japan’s leadership in ground networking technologies—creating a platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and deployment of secure space-driven connectivity across continents.

Richa Hukumchand, Founder and Director of Pramatra Space, said, “We see this partnership as a pivotal step in strengthening global collaboration between India and Japan in the domain of secure space communications. Infostellar brings exceptional expertise in scalable and interoperable ground infrastructure, which perfectly complements Pramatra’s quantum communication roadmap.”

Naomi Kurahara, CEO of Infostellar Inc., said, “We’re excited to partner with Pramatra Space to advance quantum-secure satellite communications. This MoU combines Infostellar’s proven ground network infrastructure with Pramatra’s cutting-edge quantum capabilities, positioning both companies to lead in the next era of space-based secure connectivity.”

WISeKey International Holding’s subsidiaries WISeSat.Space and SEALSQ Corp. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership with INNOSPACE Co., Ltd., a South Korean satellite launch service company.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing secure and efficient satellite deployment, leveraging South Korea’s rapidly growing space ecosystem.

WISeSat aims to diversify the launch locations of its next-generation satellites to expedite the establishment of its infrastructure. Through this partnership, WISeSat will deploy its latest generation of secure satellites using INNOSPACE’s HANBIT-SERIES launch vehicles, ensuring reliable, cost-effective, and innovative access to space. Collaborating with INNOSPACE reinforces WISeSat’s commitment to providing quantum-resistant, secure IoT connectivity solutions on a global scale.

INNOSPACE, recognized for its groundbreaking achievements in private space launches, offers flexible and affordable launch solutions tailored to the unique needs of satellite operators such as WISeSat. This collaboration will facilitate efficient satellite deployment, supporting critical sectors such as cybersecurity, IoT, environmental monitoring, and secure communications.

This announcement comes at a time when the European market for satellite connectivity is experiencing rapid expansion, with growing demand for European alternatives in the sector. The partnership between WISeSat and INNOSPACE underscores the importance of international collaboration in fostering secure and sustainable space technology.

This is beginning of a long-term collaboration between WISeSat and INNOSPACE. The companies will continue to explore further opportunities for cooperation in space-based cybersecurity, AI-driven satellite applications, and beyond.

Partnering with INNOSPACE marks a significant advancement in expanding WISeSat’s capabilities in secure satellite communications,” said Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey. “South Korea has emerged as a key player in the global space industry, and INNOSPACE’s cutting-edge technology aligns seamlessly with our vision of delivering highly secure and resilient connectivity solutions.”

Partnering with WISeSat represents an opportunity to combine INNOSPACE’s agile launch capabilities with WISeSat’s cutting-edge satellite technologies,” said Soojong Kim, Founder and CEO of INNOSPACE. “Together, we look forward to enabling new possibilities in secure and reliable access to space.”

AAC Clyde Space has begun integration of the first satellite in its VIREON constellation. This phase involves assembling the spacecraft and verifying that the onboard systems work together as designed. The constellation is designed to deliver actionable, high-quality data to multiple customers worldwide.

VIREON is built to provide frequent, reliable data on land and vegetation. Its insights support agriculture and forestry, helping users improve productivity and sustainability while addressing growing environmental and climate pressures.

Combining advanced imaging capabilities with analysis-ready data, VIREON delivers both the detail and the insight users need, offering exceptional value for money across commercial and institutional applications.

The constellation advances AAC Clyde Space’s expansion in Data and Services, providing recurring revenue through the delivery of decision-ready data to multiple customers worldwide.

VIREON connects every part of our business, showing the strength of our full value chain,” said Luis Gomes, CEO of AAC Clyde Space. “We build our own satellites, use our own components, and deliver unique data that helps customers turn information into insight and make better decisions.”