Satellite Communications

The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Kymeta a development contract to integrate compute, software-defined radio, and networking into the Osprey u8 satellite terminal’s modular cartridge. The upgrade is intended to support tactical-edge missions, including RF Space Domain Awareness, while maintaining multi-orbit communications; contract value, award date, and any follow-on procurement timeline were not disclosed.

Canada is committing roughly $5 billion to Telesat while expanding satellite partnerships with Europe, South Korea, and Norway, aiming to reduce reliance on a single provider. The move raises potential opportunities across satellite capacity and supporting services, but no funding mechanism, procurement requirements, award schedule, or open solicitation has been identified.

Eight bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers urged the Department of Defense to expand its Starshield contract and restore uninterrupted, unlimited-speed satellite communications for Ukraine, with adequate geographic coverage. They also asked DoD to assess Title I Defense Production Act authorities and ensure continuity during any transition from commercial Starlink; no award, solicitation, contract value, or procurement timeline was announced.

The U.S. Space Force exercised an option to continue Iridium Communications’ Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services at the existing rate through March 2027. A 2027 renewal is anticipated but unconfirmed, leaving follow-on timing and acquisition strategy unspecified as Iridium’s proposed acquisition by Rocket Lab remains subject to approvals and closing conditions.

Ukraine’s Starlink communications rely on government-supported service and equipment, private subscriptions, and volunteer repair networks. The reported arrangements highlight continuity and accountability considerations for buyers, but the article identifies no new solicitation or award.

Eutelsat Network Solutions announced CMMC Level 2 certification after an independent assessment of its internal and external enclaves, validating its ability to handle Controlled Unclassified Information and Federal Contract Information. The milestone strengthens its readiness to compete for U.S. government satellite connectivity requirements that call for the certification, but is not a contract award or guarantee of eligibility for a specific procurement.

The U.S. Navy remotely controlled an MQ-25A Stingray from USS Ronald Reagan using the MD-5C Ground Control Station and a proliferated low Earth orbit satellite network. The test advances integration across unmanned aircraft, carrier systems, and satellite communications, but no new solicitation, contract value, or award timeline was announced.

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Viasat a seven-year, $307 million contract for satellite communication services to support the Marine Corps. This IDIQ contract signals continued investment in multi-orbit connectivity, emphasizing the need for resilient communication capabilities in modern military operations.

The U.S. Army seeks industry input for the Distributed Aperture Resilient Terminal System (DARTS) with an RFI aimed at developing a Technology Readiness Level 7 prototype. This move presents significant procurement opportunities for contractors specializing in satellite communications technologies, with responses due by September 30, 2026.

Fractal Antenna Systems has unveiled its Mesh-to-Gateway (M2G) technology, which facilitates connectivity between unlicensed wireless networks and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This innovation presents potential procurement opportunities for agencies and vendors focused on IoT and satellite communication technologies, particularly as the FCC considers regulatory changes.

In August 2026, the US Space Force awarded Voyager Technologies a vital contract for developing satellite data link technologies. This initiative reflects a significant investment in improving secure satellite communications, representing new opportunities for contractors within the space technology sector.

Tesla has launched its Cybercab, an autonomous vehicle combined with Starlink V5 satellite broadband, aimed at transforming urban transportation. This innovative service, initially focused on Texas, presents substantial procurement opportunities for contractors in connected vehicle and smart city infrastructure while complying with NHTSA regulations.

The Japanese government allocates $926 million to support a domestic low-Earth orbit satellite communications network led by Rakuten Group. This investment presents significant contracting opportunities for companies in satellite manufacturing and infrastructure development, focusing on enhancing Japan's sovereign capabilities in space communication.

The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a substantial $4.16 billion contract to develop the Space-Based Advanced Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) satellite system, part of the broader Golden Dome missile defense initiative. This investment underscores a strategic push towards enhancing missile defense capabilities through cutting-edge satellite technologies.

NASA's Polylingual Experimental Terminal (PExT) successfully demonstrated switching between satellite networks, emphasizing the importance of interoperability in future missions. This development opens procurement opportunities for contractors involved in satellite communications and ground station integration as agencies focus on versatile solutions.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has secured a significant contract for developing advanced space surveillance capabilities. This award signifies increased federal focus on space domain awareness, reflecting a shift in defense priorities and potential opportunities for subcontractors in the sector.

The U.S. Space Force has allocated $437.7 million to Viasat and Intelsat for the PTS-G satellite program aimed at enhancing jam-resistant military communications. Scheduled for launch by 2028, this initiative emphasizes the modernization of satellite systems and provides expansive opportunities for contractors in the defense sector.

In May 2026, the U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a substantial $2.29 billion contract to develop a cutting-edge low Earth orbit communication network. This initiative underscores a significant pivot towards enhancing military satellite communications and missile defense integration, expected to achieve operational capability by the end of 2027.

The U.S. Space Force has awarded a **$438 million** contract to Viasat and Intelsat General for the Protected Tactical Satellite-Global (PTS-G) program. This initiative focuses on enhancing secure military communications through advanced satellite technology, with implications for future procurement strategies and collaborations in defense.

The GSA has documented 275 satellite-to-cellphone partnerships across 101 countries, indicating robust growth in non-terrestrial 5G networks. This trend presents significant procurement opportunities for government contractors aiming to enhance connectivity in underserved areas.

SpaceX has secured nearly all of the **$12.8 billion** in federal revenues since fiscal 2023, driven by substantial contracts from **NASA** and the **Department of Defense**. The growth of Starlink and Starshield services indicates a rising demand for satellite capabilities across federal agencies, presenting opportunities for contractors in this expanding market.

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a **$398 million** contract to develop the Enhanced Protected Tactical Satellite Communications-Prototype (Enhanced PTS-P), aimed at bolstering tactical communications capabilities. This initiative emphasizes new acquisition strategies to accelerate deployment, with full rollout expected by **FY2030**.

The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded a **$307.1 million** contract to Viasat to enhance global satellite communications under the MECS2 program. This contract signifies a strategic move towards modernizing communication capabilities, presenting subcontracting opportunities for related vendors.