https://spacewatch.global/space-for-earth-1/space-for-earth-news/ AN INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVE ON SPACE Thu, 12 Nov 2026 07:29:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://spacewatch.global/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SpaceWatchGlobal-Sign-90x90.png https://spacewatch.global/space-for-earth-1/space-for-earth-news/ 32 32 https://spacewatch.global/2026/11/mynaric-demonstrates-bidirectional-space-to-ground-optical-communications/ Thu, 12 Nov 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=80123 Mynaric's CONDOR optical communications terminal has supported a successful demonstration of bidirectional data transfer between a satellite and a ground station, validating its application in space-to-ground laser communications. The demonstration establishes the ability to exchange data between orbit and terrestrial infrastructure using optical links, an important capability for future satellite networks seeking higher-capacity communications.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/11/orbital-eye-to-monitor-dutch-electricity-transmission-grid-construction-from-space/ Tue, 10 Nov 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=80031 Dutch transmission system operator TenneT has selected satellite monitoring company Orbital Eye to oversee construction of a major high-voltage electricity connection between Rilland and Tilburg in the Netherlands. The company will use its COSMIC-EYE satellite platform to provide weekly reports on construction activities along the route, giving TenneT's project teams greater visibility into construction progress and contractor activities without requiring routine visits to every site.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/11/ohb-secures-e554-million-esa-contract-for-next-generation-sentinel-3-topography-mission/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=79860 OHB System AG has secured a €554 million contract from the European Space Agency to develop the Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography mission for the European Union's Copernicus Earth observation program. The mission will comprise two identical satellites, with OHB serving as prime contractor and leading a European industrial consortium responsible for developing the spacecraft and their onboard instruments.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/11/ermis-3-demonstrates-1-gbps-optical-downlink-in-milestone-for-greek-space-program/ Tue, 03 Nov 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=79767 Greece's ERMIS-3 CubeSat has successfully established an optical communications link with a ground station in the country, demonstrating laser-based data transmission between a small satellite in low Earth orbit and Earth. The achievement marks Greece's first successful optical link with a LEO satellite and represents a step toward validating high-capacity laser communications on smaller spacecraft.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/10/eshailsat-and-arabsat-partner-to-expand-satellite-broadcasting-and-communications-services/ Fri, 30 Oct 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=79625 Es’hailSat and the Arab Satellite Communications Organization have signed a strategic partnership agreement to expand cooperation in satellite broadcasting and communications services. The agreement was signed during the Arab Radio and Television Festival in Tunisia, and establishes a framework for joint initiatives across broadcasting, satellite communications and connectivity.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/10/esa-orders-four-more-galileo-second-generation-satellites-to-expand-europes-navigation-fleet/ Wed, 28 Oct 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=79506 The European Space Agency has extended contracts with Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space to procure four additional Galileo Second Generation satellites, bringing the number under contract to 16. Announced on October 27, 2026, the procurement adds two satellites to each manufacturer’s existing order and forms part of Europe’s effort to upgrade its global satellite navigation system. ]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/10/earthdaily-secures-3-million-nasa-task-order-to-advance-landsat-integration-with-commercial-eo-data/ Tue, 27 Oct 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=79460 EarthDaily has secured a $3 million NASA task order to assess whether data from its commercial satellite constellation could be incorporated into the Landsat programme, a joint U.S. government effort that has monitored changes across Earth’s land surface for more than five decades.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/10/iceye-nokia-explore-sovereign-satellite-communications-with-ukraine-as-iceye-partners-with-ororatech/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=79345 ICEYE and Nokia have signed a Letter of Intent with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense to explore cooperation on sovereign satellite communications, potentially giving Kyiv greater control over connectivity supporting its defense operations. Separately, ICEYE has partnered with German space technology company OroraTech to integrate thermal satellite data with radar observations for wildfire detection, progression monitoring, and damage assessment. ]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/10/reflect-orbital-books-two-skyroot-launches-to-deploy-sunlight-reflecting-satellite-network/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=79012 Reflect Orbital has booked two dedicated launches with India’s Skyroot Aerospace for its planned constellation of sunlight-reflecting satellites, designed to redirect sunlight to selected locations after sunset.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/10/esa-selects-planet-subsidiary-to-develop-slovenias-satellite-based-disaster-response-system/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=78964 ESA has selected Planet’s Sinergise Solutions to develop the Slovenia Space Resilience Node, a 12-month pilot linking automated Earth observation with rapid tasking of higher-resolution imagery, starting with wildfire management.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/09/indian-startup-takeme2space-to-launch-orbital-computing-satellite-on-spacex-transporter-18-mission/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=78271 Indian space startup TakeMe2Space is preparing to launch what it describes as India’s first orbital computing satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, as it seeks to process Earth observation data in orbit rather than send raw imagery back to Earth for processing.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/09/uk-space-agency-opens-tender-for-international-disaster-charter-support/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=78073 The UK Space Agency is seeking a commercial Earth observation provider to deliver operational support to the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters under a procurement estimated at £546,693. The contract, scheduled to run from January 2027 through March 2029, is intended to support the provision of satellite data during Charter activations.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/09/space-norway-marks-40-years-of-satellite-operations-at-nittedal-teleport/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=78122 Space Norway marks 40 years of satellite operations at Nittedal Teleport near Oslo, now one of Europe's largest earth stations with more than 50 antennas.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/09/scotlands-aurora-avionics-prepares-for-first-flight-test-with-german-research-partnership/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=78143 Aurora Avionics has integrated its PF1 computer into a German research rocket ahead of its first flight test, expanding the Scottish firm's European footprint.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/09/gogo-and-insitu-complete-leo-connectivity-integration-for-group-3-uncrewed-aircraft-system-integrator/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=78039 Gogo Special Missions and Boeing subsidiary Insitu have integrated LEO satellite connectivity into the Integrator UAS, adding beyond-line-of-sight communications for government and defence users.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/09/galileo-demonstrates-first-civil-authenticated-position-fix-under-spoofing/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=77854 The European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation system has demonstrated its first civil authenticated position fix under real-world spoofing conditions, marking a step toward more resilient and trustworthy positioning for civilian users.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/09/space-scotland-joins-global-space-for-climate-observatory-network/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=77642 Space Scotland has become the 61st signatory to the Space for Climate Observatory, following an agreement with CNES signed at the International Space Summit in Paris.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/09/noaa-selects-14-companies-for-new-commercial-environmental-data-supply-framework/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=77648 NOAA has selected 14 commercial providers for a new Space-Based Environmental Monitoring IDIQ, widening the role of commercial observations in US weather and space-weather forecasting.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/09/hydrosat-and-kazakhstan-target-thermal-satellite-capability-for-central-asian-water-security/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=77357 Hydrosat and Kazakhstan's KGS have established a framework to evaluate a dedicated thermal infrared constellation, giving Central Asian governments independent access to thermal satellite intelligence.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/09/isus-space-studies-program-returns-in-2027-in-orlando/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=77327 The International Space University will hold its 38th Space Studies Program at the University of Central Florida in Orlando from 21 June to 13 August 2027 - the first confirmed programme date since the liquidation of its Strasbourg central campus in July.]]>