Tag: Airbus
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ESA Orders Four Additional Galileo Second Generation Satellites From Airbus and Thales
On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced contract extensions with Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space to construct four additional Galileo Second Generation (G2G) navigation satellites. Acting on behalf of the European Commission, the agency exercised contract options for two additional spacecraft from each manufacturer, expanding Europe’s planned next-generation…
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EU Moves to Fast-Track Antitrust Review of European Satellite Venture
Over the past year, discussions have focused on identifying and resolving potential competition concerns before the project receives formal notification for approval. The companies have not yet filed their application, but EU officials anticipate a submission in the coming weeks. The initiative, called Project Bromo, seeks to establish a company that would reduce Europe’s dependence…
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How to Mass-Produce Satellites Like Cars
Imagine walking into two factories. On an automotive assembly line, bodies move forward as wiring harnesses, seats and glass arrive at each workstation in sequence. In a satellite integration facility, engineers gather around a spacecraft to check interfaces, wiring and test records. Some argue that satellites should be built like cars, rolling off an assembly…
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NASA Awards Commercial Satellite Data Contracts to Eight New Providers
NASA has awarded contracts to eight commercial satellite data providers under its Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition (CSDA) program, expanding the range of Earth observation data available to support scientific research and operational applications. The awards were issued under the CSDA On-Ramp 2 Multiple Award contract, a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) agreement with a cumulative ceiling value…
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Saudia Debuts NSG Skywaves Inflight Connectivity on First Airbus A321XLR
Neo Space Group (NSG) and Saudia have activated the NSG Skywaves inflight connectivity (IFC) service aboard the airline’s first Airbus A321XLR aircraft, marking the first line-fit deployment of the system. SpaceTechnology The service combines NSG Skywaves with SES’s Open Orbits multi-orbit network, integrating geostationary (GEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite capabilities to provide low-latency,…
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NewOrbit Raises $18.5 Million to Commercialize Very Low Earth Orbit Satellite Operations
European satellite manufacturer NewOrbit has closed an oversubscribed $18.5 million Series A funding round to accelerate the commercialization of very low Earth orbit (VLEO), a region of space that has historically been considered too challenging for long-term commercial operations. The funding round was led by Voyager Ventures and included participation from several new and existing…
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ESA Seeks Proposals for Studies on European-Led Modular Space Station in Low Earth Orbit
The European Space Agency (ESA) has issued a call for tenders to conduct studies exploring the feasibility of a European-led, modular space station in low Earth orbit as the International Space Station approaches retirement. NASA announced in January 2022 that the ISS is expected to be decommissioned and deorbited in the first quarter of 2031…
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Unions Oppose Airbus Plan to Absorb Constellation Satellites Unit
French labour unions are pushing back against Airbus as it moves to consolidate its satellite manufacturing activities, with Airbus Defence and Space set to absorb Airbus Constellations Satellites (ACS). In a statement, the Union Nationale des Syndicats Autonomes (UNSA) described the planned move as “industrial, economic and social nonsense,” arguing that there was no justification…
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ArianeGroup Appoints Christophe Bruneau as CEO, Succeeding Martin Sion
ArianeGroup, jointly owned by Airbus and Safran, said its board has appointed Christophe Bruneau as chief executive officer, effective April 1, succeeding Martin Sion. Bruneau joins ArianeGroup from Safran Aircraft Engines, where he has served since 2020 as executive vice president and general manager of the Military Engines division. His appointment follows Sion’s earlier decision…
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SpainSat NG II Suffers Irreparable Damage, Hisdesat Seeks Replacement Satellite
Hisdesat said the SpainSat NG II military communications satellite has suffered non-recoverable damage after being struck by a space particle, prompting the company to begin the process of procuring a replacement spacecraft. In a statement issued on January 16, Hisdesat said the satellite was hit by a particle estimated to be only a few millimetres…