The association will operate as a 501(c)(6) organization focused on the distinct regulatory needs of low and medium Earth orbit constellations. SpaceX is not a member of the new group. The existing Satellite Industry Association continues to represent the wider space economy, and both Amazon and Iridium maintain their positions within that organization alongside their roles in SpaceConnect.
SpaceConnect will be managed by executive director David Redl, former head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and general counsel Julie Kearney, who previously served as the first chief of the Space Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission. The association plans to engage with international institutions and national governments to establish industry-led best practices, with a stated focus on updating licensing processes and managing space stewardship as multi-provider satellite networks expand.
Telesat’s participation as a founding member provides a direct channel for Canadian commercial and defence interests within the body. The company is preparing for the launch and operationalization of its Lightspeed LEO constellation, making international spectrum coordination and cross-border licensing processes key operational priorities.
The Rocket Lab agreement to acquire Iridium is an 8-billion-dollar cash-and-stock transaction. The deal combines Rocket Lab’s launch services and space systems manufacturing with Iridium’s established low Earth orbit communications network. Iridium’s membership in SpaceConnect would pass to Rocket Lab if the acquisition closes.
“SpaceConnect will be a strong, unified voice advocating for modern, forward-looking policies that reflect the unique capabilities of NGSO technologies,” Redl said in a statement. “As governments around the world make critical decisions about spectrum, market access and space stewardship, we are committed to working with policymakers and stakeholders to enable a competitive, secure and resilient connectivity ecosystem.”
The founders’ decision to form a dedicated NGSO body reflects their view that the regulatory interests of large LEO and MEO constellations are now distinct enough from the broader satellite industry to require separate representation. As governments and international institutions make decisions about spectrum, market access and space stewardship, the group intends to provide a coordinated voice for those operators.
What to watch next is the closing of the Rocket Lab acquisition of Iridium, which would transfer Iridium’s founding seat to Rocket Lab, and the progress of Telesat’s Lightspeed LEO constellation toward launch and operationalization. SpaceConnect has also stated it will engage with national governments and international institutions on licensing processes and space stewardship best practices as multi-provider satellite networks expand.
