LOW EARTH ORBIT SATELLITES
EU regulators ask if Starlink is credible rival to SES, Intelsat
EU regulators are assessing SES's $3.1 billion bid for Intelsat, seeking input on whether SpaceX’s Starlink is a credible rival. Their decision, due June 10, could clear the deal or trigger a deeper probe amid growing competition in the satellite broadband market.
US firm Vast keen to use Indian rockets for rides to its planned space station
Vast, a US-based company, aims to launch the world's first commercial space station by next year and is exploring the possibility of using Indian rockets for crew transport. CEO Max Haot met with ISRO to discuss collaborations, expressing interest in India's Gaganyaan project and the potential for hosting science payloads.
Ten satellites working 24/7 to ensure Indians' safety: ISRO chairman
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan stated that ten satellites are monitoring the nation's boundaries round the clock to ensure national security. India aims to establish its first space station by 2040, he said. ISRO is developing a satellite for G20 countries to study climate change. India has launched 433 satellites of 34 countries.
MPs to witness earth imaging satellite launch from Sriharikota on May 18
India is set to launch the EOS-09 earth observation satellite from Sriharikota on Sunday. Equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar, the satellite will enhance India's surveillance capabilities by capturing high-resolution images in all weather conditions, day or night. This launch will boost applications in agriculture, disaster management, and national security.
India Space Congress in June to discuss emerging trends in sector
Nearly 1,000 experts from over 30 countries will attend the India Space Congress in Delhi from June 25 to 27. Organised by SIA-India, the event will explore opportunities in satellite tech, space exploration, AI, and global partnerships, with top Indian and international leaders discussing innovation, collaboration, and regulatory challenges in the space sector.
10 satellites monitoring round-the-clock to ensure national safety and security: ISRO Chairman V Narayanan
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan stated that ten satellites are working to ensure the safety of India. ISRO serves in agriculture, education, medicine, and security. India ranks number one in nine space sectors. Chandrayaan-1 found water on the Moon. India launched 433 satellites for 34 countries. India also built satellites for G-20 nations.
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Reaching Mars could cost you a kidney, here are the details
A recent UCL study, featured in Nature Communications, reveals significant kidney health risks for Mars-bound astronauts. Analyzing data from numerous space missions, Dr. Keith Siew's team found that space conditions alter kidney function, potentially requiring dialysis.
EOS-09 satellite to boost India’s border monitoring and defence capabilities, launch scheduled for May 18
India is set to enhance its surveillance capabilities with the launch of the EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) radar imaging satellite on May 18. Equipped with advanced C-band synthetic aperture radar, RISAT-1B will provide high-resolution images in all weather conditions, crucial for border monitoring and national security.
Forgotten Soviet Venus mission ends with a bang as doomed spacecraft plummets to Earth after 50 years adrift in orbit
After 50 years, the Soviet Union's Kosmos 482 Descent Craft, intended for Venus, made an uncontrolled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. The mission failed in 1972, trapping the lander in low orbit. Experts predicted some debris might survive the fiery descent, but it's hoped it landed harmlessly in the ocean, posing minimal risk.
Kosmos 482 falls to Earth: lost Soviet Venus probe finally comes home
Kosmos 482, a Soviet probe launched in 1972, recently crashed into the Pacific Ocean. The mission to Venus failed due to a rocket malfunction. The probe orbited Earth for 53 years. It was designed to withstand extreme conditions. Radar tracked it over Germany before its descent. No debris has been found yet. The event highlights space exploration's challenges.
Soviet-era spacecraft plunges to Earth after 53 years stuck in orbit
Kosmos 482, a Soviet-era spacecraft launched in 1972 for Venus but stranded in Earth orbit due to a rocket malfunction, made an uncontrolled reentry after over half a century. Experts anticipated some parts, especially the titanium lander, might survive the fiery descent. While its exact landing location remained unknown, the chances of human impact were considered exceedingly low.
Trai pegs spectrum charges for satcom cos like Starlink at 4% of revenue; says levy not a blow to telcos
Telecom regulator Trai suggests satcom firms like Starlink pay 4% of revenue as spectrum charges. An additional annual fee applies to urban users. Trai also proposes subsidies for rural user terminals. Chairman Lahoti says satellite services will complement terrestrial ones. The DoT will review Trai's recommendations.
Can Kosmos 482 survive the fall to Earth and the legacy of Soviet engineering
The Soviet-era Kosmos 482, a Venus-bound spacecraft launched in 1972, is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere between May 9 and 13, 2025. Built with robust Soviet engineering, its titanium descent module may survive reentry. While potential impact zones include parts of the western hemisphere, experts believe the probability of a crash in populated areas is extremely low.
IAF recalls Gaganyaan astronaut Ajit Krishnan amid rising tensions with Pakistan
Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, selected for Gaganyaan, is recalled by the Indian Air Force. This follows rising military tensions with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. Krishnan was attending a conference in Delhi when he received the urgent call. The Gaganyaan mission aims to send astronauts into space. Training is underway in India and the US.
Elon Musk’s Starlink gets Indian regulatory go-ahead for satcom services
Elon Musk’s Starlink has received a Letter of Intent from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to begin satellite communication services in the country. The clearance follows Starlink’s agreement to comply with newly imposed national security rules. The company is expected to bring satellite broadband to remote areas, focusing on in-home connectivity. Once regulatory approvals are in place and spectrum is allocated, Starlink could become the first satcom provider in India to offer both fixed and mobile services.
India to launch 52 spy satellites over next five years: INSPACe chairman
India plans to boost its space surveillance. It will launch 52 satellites in the next five years. This initiative aims to enhance defense capabilities. The private sector will play a key role. They will build half of the satellites. ISRO will transfer SSLV technology to private companies. This will enable rapid small satellite launches.
IIT-Bombay incubated spacetech startup InspeCity secures $5.6 million in seed funding
IIT Bombay-incubated InspeCity raised $5.6 million to develop satellite life-extension and in-space servicing technologies. The startup will use the funds for R&D and commercialisation, targeting the $14B ISAM market. A demo mission is planned for 2027 to test its propulsion system in orbit.
Airtel inks pact with SpaceX to bring Starlink's connectivity solutions to Africa customers
Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX to introduce Starlink's high-speed internet across Africa, pending regulatory approvals in some regions. This collaboration aims to enhance connectivity for businesses and communities, particularly in rural areas, through satellite technology. Airtel Africa will also explore cellular backhauling and other opportunities with SpaceX to promote digital inclusion.
ISRO chief reveals updated timeline for Gaganyaan: Key details of India’s first human space flight mission out
India's Gaganyaan mission is now set for the first quarter of 2027. ISRO will launch uncrewed missions this year and in 2026, including one with the Vyommitra robot. The mission aims to send Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit. ISRO has developed key systems like the ECLSS. India will host the Global Space Exploration Conference in 2025.
Soviet spacecraft bound for Venus got stuck in Earth's orbit for 50 years and now threatens us
Kosmos 482, a Soviet spacecraft from 1972, is returning to Earth. The mission to Venus failed, trapping the spacecraft in Earth's orbit. Now, after decades, it's losing altitude. Predictions vary, but reentry is expected soon. Built to withstand Venus's harsh conditions, it might survive reentry. A previous fragment landed in New Zealand. Experts are monitoring the situation as the exact landing spot has not been confirmed.
ISRO reportedly conducts satellite 'dogfight' at nearly 29,000 kilometers per hour amid India-Pakistan tensions
India is performing a unique space experiment. It involves a 'dogfight' between two satellites. These satellites orbit Earth at high speeds. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has reportedly conducted this dogfight on SPADEX Mission. ISRO has already demonstrated docking and undocking. This mission aims for societal and strategic advancements. It showcases India's progress in space technology.
High altitude platforms can provide secure, flexible coverage compared to satellites: Telecom industry body
Telecom industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) suggests high altitude platforms as a cost-effective alternative to satellites. These platforms offer secure and flexible coverage. Countries are investing heavily in this technology. COAI urges India to develop a regulatory framework for high altitude platform operations. This includes spectrum allocation and airspace management.
India secures HawkEye 360 tech deal with US for maritime surveillance of ‘dark ships’ in Indo-Pacific
India has secured US approval to buy HawkEye 360 satellite-based surveillance technology, aimed at boosting its maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific. The $131 million deal includes software, training, and support services. This system will help India detect vessels that disable their tracking systems. It also strengthens defence ties under the QUAD alliance, and supports India's efforts to counter illegal maritime activity and expand its strategic visibility across critical sea routes.
Soviet-era spacecraft heading towards Earth this month could be a bad news; here’s why
Kosmos 482, a spacecraft now heading towards Earth, was launched by the Soviets in 1972. The mission was intended for Venus. However, a rocket failure could not let it succeed. Now, after spending decades in the Earth's orbit, the lander probe is moving back to Earth.
Is a failed Soviet spacecraft from the Cold War era about to crash into Earth; and where could it land?
A defunct Soviet spacecraft from 1972, originally built to land on Venus, is now hurtling back to Earth after over 50 years in orbit. Expected to reenter around May 10, 2025, the 500kg probe may survive reentry and crash like a meteorite. With no precise landing site known, the object could fall anywhere between 52°N and 52°S latitude.
Satellite firm SES in talks with EU over long-term option to complement Starlink
SES is in talks with EU and governments to complement, not replace, Starlink amid rising demand for secure, European-led satellite communications. CEO Adel Al-Saleh highlighted strategic efforts to reduce reliance on foreign providers and expand SES’s multi-orbit fleet to bolster defense and connectivity resilience.
Jeff Bezos' space race feud with Elon Musk reignites as Project Kuiper challenges Starlink. But is there enough room in the orbit?
The rivalry between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos heats up again as Amazon launches its first batch of Project Kuiper satellites, aiming to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink in the satellite internet market. With 3,236 satellites planned and regulatory deadlines looming, Kuiper poses a direct challenge to Starlink’s dominance, reigniting the billionaires’ long-standing space feud amidst growing concerns over orbital congestion.
Amazon launches first Kuiper internet satellites, taking on Starlink
Amazon launched its first 27 Kuiper satellites from Florida. This marks the start of its internet-from-space project. It aims to rival SpaceX's Starlink. The launch was initially delayed due to bad weather. Amazon plans to launch over 3,000 satellites. The company aims to provide internet to consumers, businesses, and governments.
Amazon set for launch of Starlink-rival satellites
After delaying an earlier attempt due to bad weather, Amazon is preparing to launch its first batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites on Monday, stepping into direct competition with Elon Musk's Starlink. Project Kuiper, a subsidiary of the online retail giant founded by Jeff Bezos, is playing catch-up with Starlink -- SpaceX's sprawling network of internet satellites that has reshaped the sector and handed Musk significant geopolitical clout.
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