Aviation & Aerospace

Amazon Leo has unveiled ambitious plans to launch more than 5,100 Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellites, aiming to connect smartphones directly from space. Leveraging Globalstar's spectrum and advanced satellite technologies, the network will deliver voice, messaging, broadband data, and emergency services worldwide, expanding connectivity far beyond the reach of traditional cellular infrastructure.

Reliance Jio has cleared a major regulatory milestone after IN-SPACe deemed its proposed 1,600-satellite LEO constellation technically sound. The project aims to deliver up to 5 Tbps of satellite capacity across India, advancing the country's ambitions for sovereign broadband infrastructure, secure communications, and strategic space capabilities.

Lockheed Martin is expanding its venture capital footprint in Europe with a $100 million investment commitment targeting defense and dual-use technology startups across the U.K. and Europe. The initiative aims to accelerate innovation, strengthen transatlantic defense cooperation, and help emerging companies bring next-generation technologies into operational defense programs.

Slingshot Aerospace has secured a $69.2 million U.S. Space Force contract to develop MENTAT, an AI-powered mission rehearsal platform that enhances Guardian readiness through realistic digital space simulations. Built on the company's Digital Space Twin and powered by the TALOS AI engine, the program marks a major step toward continuous, AI-enabled operational training for future space defense missions.

Image credits: Unseenlabs French space technology company Unseenlabs has taken a major step forward in the evolution of space-based radio frequency (RF) intelligence with the deployment of its second-generation satellite architecture. The milestone significantly expands the company's capabilities beyond maritime surveillance, enabling comprehensive multi-domain awareness across maritime, terrestrial, and space environments. The announcement comes with the successful launch of

KONGSBERG and SpinLaunch have unveiled a sovereign satellite communications solution powered by the Meridian LEO constellation, enabling allied governments to deploy secure, high-capacity, fully controlled space-based networks for defense and civil operations.

Xoople raises $130M to build a real-time “system of record” for the physical world, positioning itself at the core of the AI and agentic revolution. With scientific-grade Earth data and enterprise integrations, the company aims to transform how industries, from defense to supply chains, make decisions in an increasingly autonomous, data-driven world.

Synspective has secured a ¥105.6B subcontract under Japan’s ¥238.1B Ministry of Defense Satellite Constellation Project. As part of a public-private initiative led by Tri-Sat Constellation, the company will deliver small-SAR imagery to strengthen Japan’s sovereign ISR capabilities through 2031.