Steely Newsletter Issue #060 |
Read all about T-Mobile and SpaceX launching commercial direct-to-cell service this fall, European Defense Fund investing in a defensive satellite weapon nicknamed Bodyguard, Verizon joining AT&T in partnership with AST SpaceMobile for direct-to-cell service, and so much more! |
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| | Light Reading | Mike Dano | 05-31-2024 This fall, SpaceX is planning to launch a new service with T-Mobile that will allow T-Mobile customers to connect to SpaceX's Starlink satellites in areas with no cell service. This could potentially eliminate all of T-Mobile's dead zones. The service is expected to include text messaging initially, with voice and data services coming next year. SpaceX is hoping to have around 800 satellites capable of this service in orbit within a few months. This is not the only phone-to-satellite service in development. Other companies like AST SpaceMobile are also working on similar offerings, but it is not clear when their services will be available. | Breaking Defense | Theresa Hitchens | 05-30-2024 The European Defense Fund is funding a project named Bodyguard to develop a satellite that can track and potentially disable enemy satellites. This project is part of a larger European effort to increase its space defense capabilities. The Bodyguard project follows a previous project called NAUCRATES which aimed to develop a stealthy satellite for monitoring other satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Both projects represent a shift in European policy towards a more robust space defense posture. | Space News | Jason Rainbow | 05-29-2024 Verizon is joining AT&T in a partnership with AST SpaceMobile to provide cell phone coverage in remote areas of the United States using satellites. This partnership will utilize existing Verizon and AT&T cell frequencies to deliver service. AST SpaceMobile is planning to launch its first group of satellites later this year with the goal of achieving full coverage in the US by the end of 2026. This project faces competition from SpaceX's upcoming texting service and Lynk Global's existing limited service. |
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🛡️Satellite Cybersecurity News |
| Via Satellite | Clemence Poirier | 05-28-2024 Eutelsat, a French satellite operator, is considering selling its ground station network, which could be worth over $850 million. The company is working with advisors to find a buyer and has received interest from infrastructure investment firms. Eutelsat has not made a final decision and may choose to keep the network. There are several options for Eutelsat if it decides to sell, including selling the stations outright, forming a joint venture, or attracting investment. Eutelsat could also sell the network and switch to using ground stations from a service provider. One advantage of using a service provider is that they handle cybersecurity, which is a major concern for satellite operators. However, using a service provider also raises concerns about data sovereignty, especially for European companies. |
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| | NDTV World | 05-30-2024 Pakistan launched a new communication satellite named PAKSAT MM1 with China's help. This is Pakistan's second satellite launch this month and is expected to significantly improve internet speeds across the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hopes the satellite will revolutionize Pakistan's digital landscape and boost economic activities. The launch is part of Pakistan's National Space Program 2047, with the goal of eventually launching satellites from Pakistan itself. |
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🏛️US Government Satellite News |
| Space News | Sandra Erwin | 05-30-2024 The U.S. Space Force is developing a new generation of anti-jamming communication satellites called PTS-R. This program aims to create a network of satellites that can withstand cyberattacks and jamming, allowing the military to maintain secure communication even in difficult situations. Two companies, Boeing and Northrop Grumman, are currently competing to build these satellites. The Space Force decided to limit the competition to these two companies because they believe they are the only ones that can meet the program's strict requirements. While Boeing and Northrop Grumman are focusing on PTS-R, there are still opportunities for other companies to be involved in related programs. The Space Force is funding another project, PTS-G, to develop a separate constellation of satellites for broader communication coverage. | Via Satellite | Rachel Jewett | 05-28-2024 The Department of Defense and the Space Force released new strategies this spring to formally integrate commercial space solutions into national security.
This is a positive step because it leverages the innovation and speed of the commercial sector. However, there are challenges to implementation, such as ingrained acquisition cultures and a lack of dedicated funding. Leaders in the commercial space industry are cautiously optimistic but are watching closely to see how the strategies are implemented. |
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