Satellites

Communications and remote sensing technologies are the biggest markets for military and commercial satellites. Satellite communications systems enable data transmission even in remote places on Earth and, for the military, facilitating seamless command and control operations. Remote sensing satellites equipped with advanced sensors gather invaluable data about Earth's surface and atmosphere, supporting applications like environmental monitoring, weather forecasting, and natural resource management. As the space industry evolves, in-orbit servicing has emerged as a potential game-changer. This innovative technology allows specialized spacecraft to rendezvous with and service operational satellites, extending their lifespan and reducing space debris. Satellite servicing vehicles can perform tasks like refueling, repairing, and even upgrading components, maximizing the value of existing space assets and enabling more sustainable space operations.

News & Analysis

Jul 24, 2025
Blue Origin will fly a space domain awareness sensor built by Scout Space on its inaugural Blue Ring mission targeted for spring 2026, the company said.
Jul 24, 2025
SES and the Luxembourg government plan to add a second GovSat communications satellite, again opting to use Thales Alenia Space for the system.
Jul 24, 2025
Spire Global is expanding its space systems offering to detect radio frequency signals, including efforts to disrupt global navigation satellite services such as GPS.
Jul 24, 2025
The U.S. may be losing ground in a global race to develop highly maneuverable spacecraft.
Jul 23, 2025
NASA’s Tracer twin-satellite mission launched successfully with a handful of other small spacecraft payloads on July 23.
Jul 23, 2025
Iran has conducted a suborbital Qased launch in what may have been intended as a show of capability after the country’s 12-day conflict with Israel.
Jul 23, 2025
Thales CEO Patrice Caine says the outcome of talks with Leonardo and Airbus to merge some satellite operations is uncertain.
Jul 23, 2025
As components decrease in size, more capability can be packed into small spacecraft.