satellite-communications

NASA’s PExT terminal has shown that spacecraft can seamlessly communicate through multiple government and commercial networks, a major step beyond traditional single-network systems. The mission is now expanding to test new capabilities that could help create a more flexible, reliable communications infrastructure for future space missions.

China’s satellite laser downlink shows how a low-power beam from extreme distance could change the race for faster, more resilient space communications.

SWISSto12, a Switzerland-based satellite communications company, has awarded a contract to German space subsystem consortium HPS/LSS for a large deployable reflector subsystem for the NEASTAR-1 mission. The reflector will be integrated with SWISSto12’s HummingSat small geostationary satellite platform. According to the company, the mission will enable direct-to-device media broadcasting capabilit…

Recent reports suggest that Samsung is planning a major connectivity upgrade for its upcoming flagship smartphone series. The Galaxy S26 might introduce the ability to make voice calls directly via satellite. This feature would represent a significant leap forward from the emergency text messaging options currently available on the market. Users could potentially stay connected...

JetBlue plans to become the first airline to sign on with Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellite broadband service, promising faster and… Read More

Instead of a dedicated satellite messaging system for emergencies, I decided to trust the new feature on my phone—and it worked The post How My iPhone’s New Satellite Messaging Function Kept Me Connected in the Backcountry appeared first on Outside Online .

Direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communication is emerging as a transformative technology, poised to revolutionize how we connect to the internet and communicate globally. It aims to bridge the digital divide by enabling seamless connectivity in areas where traditional cellular networks are unavailable or unreliable. This technology allows everyday devices like smartphones to connect directly to …

The U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed that it is paying for Starlink service in Ukraine. It did not provide details on any contract with SpaceX for access to Starlink’s satellite-based Internet service. “We continue to work with a range of global partners to ensure Ukraine has the satellite and communication capabilities they need. Satellite … Continue reading "Pentagon to Pay for Starlink…

SpaceX blocked Ukraine’s ability to use Starlink’s Internet connectivity to control its offensive capabilities, including its use of drones on the battlefield. Its reasoning? Starlink’s capabilities were “never, never meant to be weaponized,” according to SpaceX president Gwynn Shotwell. “Ukrainians have leveraged it in ways that were unintentional and not part of any agreement.” Shotwell … Conti…

Back in December 2022, KDDI announced that the first mobile tower in Japan to use Starlink has started commercial operation in Hatsushima, a remote island in Sagami Bay. The press release said: Starting with this location, KDDI will expand its coverage to 1,200 remote towers in order to pursue its vision to bring an urban mobile experience to its rural customers. 「この地球上から、つながらない場所をなくす。」 日本には、山や離島…

It’s been a crazy week for Elon Musk as he closes his deal to acquire Twitter. However, for SpaceX, it’s business as usual as it partners with a Philippines-based business called Data Lake Inc. to offer Starlink service in the Philippines. The deal with Data Lake Inc. is a first for SpaceX in the Southeast … Continue reading "SpaceX to Offer Starlink Service in Philippines" Keeping reading SpaceX…

One of Starlink’s big selling points is that it can reach regions that don’t have reliable access to affordable high-speed Internet. Now it aims to connect one of the most remote regions on Earth: Antarctica. The US National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a successful test of Starlink at McMurdo Station, a logistics station serving its … Continue reading "Starlink Tests Service in Polar Regio…

In the wake of SpaceX’s deal with T-Mobile to provide data services for mobile customers, SpaceX filed for approval to use the 1.6 and 2.4 GHz bands for mobile satellite services. The filing with the FCC will deliver Internet access to mobile devices in dead zones. SpaceX had previously hinted at interest in providing data … Continue reading "SpaceX Files for Spectrum Range for Mobile Starlink Se…

If have T-Mobile for your mobile phone and hate dead zones, you may be happy to learn that T-Mobile is hoping to eliminate some of these dead zones starting in 2023 with a new deal with SpaceX. SpaceX will open up its Starlink satellite constellation to provide connectivity for T-Mobile customers – even ones who … Continue reading "T-Mobile Selects Starlink to Improve Service" Keeping reading T-M…

In the wake of the FCC’s approval of Starlink service for large vehicles, SpaceX launched a $5,000 per month Starlink Internet service plan for yachts and oil rigs. It calls the new plan the Starlink Maritime service. Starlink’s official website advertises Starlink Maritime as a service that can provide download speeds of up to 350 … Continue reading "SpaceX Launches Starlink Access Package for B…

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, Elon Musk activated Starlink’s satellite-based Internet service in Ukraine and says he will send additional terminals. Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov had requested that Elon Musk help Ukraine maintain critical Internet connectivity amid service interruptions. He also says that Ukraine is forming an “IT army” and needs … Continue readin…