MaiaSpace, a launch services startup, has signed its first commercial contract with Exotrail, a French space logistics specialist. The two companies plan to integrate MaiaSpace's modular launch services with Exotrail's spacevan platform for payload hosting and satellite delivery. MaiaSpace aims to support various satellite types, from nano-satellites to 1.5-tonne satellites, using a reusable engine with MethaLox fuel. The partnership is a significant step for MaiaSpace, demonstrating its commitment to competitive space launch services.
Recent #satellites news in the semiconductor industry
Argotec, an Italian space company, has unveiled the HAWK Plus, a modular platform for microsatellites up to 130kg. The platform allows payload integration at the final stage, enabling mission-specific customization. HAWK Plus aims to provide faster and more cost-effective missions for LEO and deep space exploration. Argotec has a history of working on deep space missions with NASA and is developing the technology further for Earth observation projects.
➀ The 2025 SIG Awards highlighted innovations in satellite communications at SATShow '25 in Washington D.C.;
➁ Mission Microwave Technologies won the Innovation of the Year for its one-kilowatt Hub mount Ku-band BUC;
➂ Kacific Broadband Satellites was recognized for providing affordable high-speed internet in the Asia-Pacific region;
➃ Space Skills Alliance won the Educational Project of the Year for addressing UK space skills shortages;
➄ Lukas Nyström of Satcube was named Young Engineer of the Year.
➀ The UK Space Agency has awarded £1.8 million to SatixFy for the development of a software suite for digital satellite payloads.
➁ The software aims to enable flexible, adaptive, and intelligent satellite networks for LEO, MEO, and GEO payloads.
➂ The project is part of the C-LEO programme and is designed to support the rapid growth of the global space sector.
➀ Magdrive, a UK space tech startup, has raised $10.5 million in seed funding led by Redalpine.
➁ The funds will be used for R&D, building a manufacturing facility in the UK, and establishing a US office.
➂ Magdrive is developing a satellite propulsion system using metal propellant, aiming to improve maneuverability and longevity of spacecraft.
➀ Urban Sky, a 'stratospheric platform company', has raised $30 million in Series B funding for its Microballoon technology;
➁ The funding will be used to develop and commercialise products for military and commercial customers;
➂ The company's technology includes high-resolution data monitoring and AI-driven forecasting systems.
➀ NASA正在展示其在星座自主卫星测试方面的进展，使用名为分布式航天器自主（DSA）的技术；
➁ 目标是让单个航天器能够独立做出决策，同时与其他航天器协作；
➂ 长期目标是提高多航天器任务的适应性，通过分布式空间任务中的临时网络有效地分配任务。
➀ Vodafone has conducted the UK's first satellite-enabled smartphone video call from a remote mountain in Wales;
➁ The call was made using a standard mobile phone and Vodafone's new space-to-land gateway;
➂ The company aims to add satellite connectivity to its UK network by the end of 2025 and across Europe in 2026.
AST SpaceMobile, aiming to build a space-based cellular broadband network accessible by everyday smartphones, has announced $460m of debt funding. The net proceeds from the offering are estimated at approximately $388 million, which will help accelerate its manufacturing plans for the BlueBird satellite network. Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, stated that this financing will enable the company to fast-track the production and launch of its revolutionary network. The goal is to provide 4G or 5G broadband connectivity from space, with strategic investments from AT&T, Google, and Vodafone.
➀ Loft Orbital, a space-as-a-service company, has raised $170m in Series C funding. The round was led by Tikehau Capital and included new investors like Temasek and Supernova. The company plans to scale up its satellite launch operations and expand its AI application partner ecosystem. ➁ The founders, Pierre-Damien Vaujour and Alex Greenberg, aim to increase the number of satellites launched annually from a few to over 10. ➃ Loft Orbital is already reaching 'fleet scale' with over $500m in lifetime bookings and clients including NASA and ESA.
➀ Maxar Intelligence wins a €13.6m ($14.4m) contract from the Dutch Ministry of Defence for geospatial intelligence. The contract includes a four-year subscription to the Maxar Geospatial Platform (MGP) Pro. ➁ Maxar's platform will support the Netherlands' Defence Geographic Agency (DGA) in mapping, intelligence, and operational support missions. ➂ Maxar's technology includes a 20-year imagery archive, WorldView Legion imagery, and satellite tasking capabilities.
➀ Iceye, a Finnish specialist in satellite-based SAR imagery, has raised an additional $65 million in funding. This brings the total raised in 2024 to $158 million, and over $500 million since its founding in 2014. The funds will be used to address the growing demand for space-based technology in defense and ISR markets. ➁ The latest round of funding includes participation from Solidium Oy, a Finnish state-owned investment company, and other investors. ➂ The funding round extension indicates a strong momentum for Iceye’s growth and investment in its capabilities.
➀ ION-X, an electrospray propulsion specialist, has raised €13 million to industrialize the production of its ion thrusters. The goal is to produce 200 ion thrusters per year by 2028. ➁ The company is a spin-off from CNRS and Technofounders, with funding from Expansion, Technofounders Participation, EIC Fund, and Île-de-France Region. ➂ ION-X aims to revolutionize the space mobility market with its propulsion solutions, contributing to sustainable and cost-effective space missions.
➀ Anduril Industries, an American defense technology company, has won a $99.7 million contract to modernize the U.S. Space Surveillance Network (SSN).; ➁ The SSN tracks objects in space such as debris and both active and inactive satellites.; ➂ Anduril will be using its 'Lattice' product, with a mesh networking capability, to deploy the Space Domain Awareness Network (SDANet).
➀ Optimum Technologies has secured a contract from the U.S. Space Force for an optical imaging payload. The payload is for the VICTUS SURGO mission, scheduled for 2026 launch. ➁ The contract is worth $4.5 million and is a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 3 agreement. ➂ The payload includes a telescope, camera, processing electronics, and software, to be built at the company's expanded satellite manufacturing facility.
➀ Horizon Technologies is developing the Amber-2 satellite to enhance maritime security; ➁ The satellite has completed its Critical Design Review and is set for launch in mid-2025; ➂ Amber-2 will detect 'dark vessels' involved in illegal activities and can track vessels even when their AIS is turned off.
➀ Spire Global has won a contract from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to improve wildfire detection; ➁ The company will work with OroraTech to develop an early detection and active monitoring system; ➂ The system aims to provide near real-time satellite data for improved decision-making and response times in fire management.
➀ Orbit Fab, specializing in spacecraft refueling systems, has partnered with four space sector companies; ➁ The agreements aim to deepen partnerships and expand expertise in spacecraft technology, propulsion, and in-orbit servicing; ➂ Orbit Fab's focus is on extending the lifespan of satellites, moving away from the single-use paradigm; ➃ The partnerships were signed at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan.
➀ The Goonhilly Earth Station receives £2 million from the UK Space Agency to enhance its deep space communication capabilities; ➁ The funding is aimed at supporting more missions and expanding the station's capacity; ➂ The station plays a crucial role in international space missions and lunar exploration.
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