Iridium taps Boeing exec for board
McLean-based satellite network operator Iridium Communications Inc. announced that Boeing executive Kay Sears has been elected to its board of directors. “We are fortunate to have such an accomplished executive with a keen understanding of our industry join our Board of Directors,” Iridium CEO Matt Desch said in a statement. “Kay has a finger on […]
Intelsat donates space artifact to Smithsonian
McLean-based satellite operator Intelsat Corp. has donated the launch backup of the first commercial communications satellite in geosynchronous orbit to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. The company donated the ground spare of the Intelsat 1 satellite, also known as Early Bird. Intelsat 1 was launched on April 6, 1965, and is now inactive […]
Spacelink to add 41 jobs with Fairfax expansion
McLean-based satellite telecommunications company SpaceLink Corp. will create 41 jobs by expanding in Fairfax County, allowing it to develop a satellite communications system that will provide data relay services, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday. “SpaceLink’s expansion in Fairfax County will strengthen the commonwealth’s position as a leader in the aerospace industry,” Northa[...]
Vienna-based Spire Global to buy Canadian company for $161.2M
Vienna-based space-focused data and analytics company Spire Global Inc. has entered into a $161.2 million deal to purchase exactEarth Ltd., a Canadian maritime data provider, the two companies announced Tuesday. Spire, which is set to close on the cash and stock purchase late this year or in early 2022, will operate Ontario-based exactEarth as a […]
SpaceLink establishes HQ in Tysons
Satellite telecommunications company SpaceLink, a subsidiary of Australian aerospace and defense contractor Electro Optic Systems, has established its headquarters in Tysons. SpaceLink is building a space relay network of satellites in medium Earth orbit that will provide secure, continuous, high-bandwidth communications between its clients’ low Earth orbit spacecraft and the ground. Clients[...]
Omnispace, Lockheed Martin join forces for space-based 5G network
Tysons-based satellite telecommunications company Omnispace LLC has entered into a strategic alliance with Lockheed Martin Corp. to explore jointly developing a space-based 5G global network. “Omnispace is fully committed to the vision of creating a new global communications platform that powers 5G connectivity directly to mobile devices from space,” Omnispace President and CEO Ram Vis[...]
Herndon satellite company BlackSky to go public
Herndon– and Seattle-based global monitoring company BlackSky announced Thursday it will go public following its acquisition by Osprey Technology Acquisition Corp., a transaction that values the combined company at $1.1 billion. Under the transaction, the special purpose acquisition corporation will merge with the Herndon company. BlackSky’s shareholders will own 62% of common shares o[...]
McLean satellite operator eyes Chapter 11 emergence
McLean-based satellite operator Intelsat Corp. announced Friday it has the support of creditors to financially restructure under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which would decrease the company’s debt from nearly $15 billion to $7 billion. “Today’s filings and the significant consensus already achieved on the plan pave the way for the company’s emergence from the Chapter 11 […]
Herndon company awarded intelligence contract
Herndon– and Seattle-based global monitoring company BlackSky announced Wednesday it was awarded a contract from the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA). The company declined to release the amount awarded from the contract. The IARPA leads research programs for the U.S. Intelligence community. BlackSky will work to develop IARPA’s Space-based Machine Automated Reco[...]
Wise County is first to receive Starlink internet in Va.
Wise County Public Schools announced Monday it is the first school district in Virginia to use SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet constellation for high-speed internet. Founded by Elon Musk, aerospace company SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches spacecraft and is working to deploy its Starlink system, a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit that will delivers […]
Intelsat closes $400M cash deal for commercial aviation business
McLean-based communications satellite services provider Intelsat Corp. announced Tuesday it has completed the acquisition of in-flight broadband connectivity provider Gogo Inc.’s commercial aviation business for $400 million in cash. The acquisition was first announced in early September. Intelsat plans to pair its satellite and ground network to Gogo’s customer base of more than 3,000[...]
Raytheon Intelligence & Space to acquire Colo.-based satellite provider
Arlington-based aerospace and defense contractor Raytheon Intelligence & Space announced Tuesday it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Lafayette, Colorado-based Blue Canyon Technologies, a provider of small satellites and spacecraft systems components. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in 2008, Blue Canyon Technologies currently has more than 90 satellites in pr[...]