Space Economy

Space used to be a game for superpower governments — spend tax money on a rocket, fly it once, then drop it in the ocean. But once SpaceX made rockets reusable, the price of putting something in orbit crashed from tens of thousands of dollars per kilo to a few thousand — and that unlocked everything above us, from satellite internet to real-time images of Earth to going back to the Moon. This lesson is the map that strings the 7 categories of the space economy together — who does what, how they connect, and where the real value sits (each category has its own deep-dive chapter).

Theme index · base 100 · USD total return

Why is Space Economy moving?

Q2 2026
▲2▼1

SpaceX's record IPO reshapes space sector with capital and concentration risks

  • SpaceX's record $86B IPO validates sector and floods it with capital SpaceX's $86 billion initial public offering was the largest ever for a space company, proving the sector can attract massive public investment and providing a huge capital boost.

    This was the dominant event of the period, setting the tone for the entire space economy.

  • SpaceX IPO drains attention and money from smaller space peers On SpaceX's first trading day, shares of Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, and EchoStar fell sharply as investors shifted focus and funds to the new giant, highlighting concentration risk.

    This shows the immediate negative impact on other space companies, a key counterweight to the positive IPO news.

  • SpaceX's AI pivot boosts demand but financial strain raises sector costs SpaceX's AI expansion (buying Cursor, $76B compute deals) increases launch and satellite demand, but its $25B bond raise, 30% stock decline, and unprofitability push up capital costs for the whole sector.

    This captures both the demand boost and the financial risks that affect the broader space economy.

  • Rocket Lab's $8B Iridium acquisition signals consolidation Rocket Lab agreed to buy Iridium for $8 billion, creating a vertically integrated rival and signaling a wave of consolidation that could strengthen the sector's structure.

    This is a major strategic move that reshapes competition and indicates a positive trend toward consolidation.

Latest
▲2▼1

Starship reaches orbit as launch supply tightens and GEO broadband cracks

  • Starship's first orbital flight deploys Starlink V3 Starship reached orbit for the first time and released 26 Starlink V3 satellites, each handling about 10 times more data than today's models. An engine failed mid-flight, so high-frequency reuse is not proven yet, but the milestone lifts launch capability and satellite capacity across the theme.

    First orbital Starship flight is the period's biggest new force on launch supply and satellite capacity.

  • Hughes bankruptcy shows GEO broadband being displaced Hughes filed Chapter 11 with $1.5 billion of bonds due, blaming low-orbit rivals like Starlink and Amazon Leo; subscribers fell about 22%. It is the clearest sign yet that older geostationary satellite broadband is being structurally undercut, even as it reorganizes around government and defense work.

    A major operator's collapse shows the competitive damage low-orbit satellites are inflicting on legacy satellite businesses.

  • FAA move to waive launch environmental reviews A proposed FAA rule would waive environmental reviews for qualifying commercial launches, cutting red tape and cost. The agency sees licensed operations rising from 214 this year to as many as 507 by 2036, which would speed satellite deployments and help launch providers and connectivity operators alike.

    Regulatory relief directly lowers a cost and delay barrier that has capped launch cadence.

  • China lands a reusable rocket stage, closing the gap China's Zhuque-3 became the first privately built Chinese rocket to land its first stage on legs, after a Long March booster was caught at sea. Reusable rockets cut launch costs and raise flight rates, expanding the whole industry, but they also erode SpaceX's cost advantage and sharpen competition.

    China's reusable-rocket progress is a new competitive force on the theme's cost curve and leadership.

Q3 2026
▲2▼1

Space demand surges, but SpaceX's losses and China's rise reshape sector

  • Record private investment and demand Space companies attracted a record $31.6B in private funding, while NASA awarded $590M in lunar contracts, Rocket Lab reported a record backlog, Amazon planned a 5,105-satellite constellation, and the military granted $1.6B in launch awards.

    This shows the broad surge in demand and capital that drove the space economy in Q3.

  • SpaceX's operational and financial wins SpaceX's revenue jumped 92%, Starlink reached 12 million users, its AI cloud became profitable, Starship reached orbit, and Blue Origin raised $10B, highlighting strong execution and growth across key players.

    These milestones demonstrate the sector's operational progress and revenue growth.

  • SpaceX's losses pressure sector funding SpaceX posted a $4.28B quarterly loss, burned $16B in cash, and spent heavily on AI, pushing up funding costs for the whole sector and causing its stock to fall 49%.

    This is a major counterweight: despite demand, financial strain at the largest player raised costs and risk for others.

  • China competition and SpaceX dominance squeeze others China's reusable rocket breakthrough and antitrust scrutiny intensified competition, while SpaceX's dominance squeezed satellite operators, and ending Falcon 9 rideshare raised prices for small satellite firms.

    This captures the competitive and pricing pressures that are reshaping the sector's landscape.

News & notes moving Space Economy
United States
Direct-to-Device (satellite-to-cell)▼

AST SpaceMobile Hit by Securities Class Actions Over Funding Disclosures

Law firms Schall, Brown & Schwartz LLP and Rosen Law Firm have announced securities class action lawsuits against AST SpaceMobile, alleging misleading statements about its capital resources, competitive position and user adoption between March 4, 2025 and July 15, 2026. The cases focus on whether AST SpaceMobile misrepresented its balance of cash, debt and share issuance while scaling its satellite network, raising fresh questions about how robust its funding model really was during this critical buildout phase. The allegations land against the backdrop of the August 2026 launch of BlueBird satellites 11 to 13, which pushed the constellation further toward continuous coverage in initial markets. Before these lawsuits, the most pessimistic analysts already assumed revenue might reach about US$2.1 billion by 2029 while warning that heavy dilution and a possible 7 percent annual share count increase could still leave AST SpaceMobile trading at over 100 times earnings. AST SpaceMobile's narrative projects $2.2 billion revenue and $190.9 million earnings by 2029, requiring 165.5% yearly revenue growth and an $809.7 million earnings increase from -$618.8 million today.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Direct-to-Device (satellite-to-cell) ▼Capital
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▼Capital
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment Capital
ASTS · Regulation · Negative Securities class actions allege AST SpaceMobile misled investors about its capital resources, competitive position and user adoption.
Read original ↗
Simply Wall St·4hRead more →
United StatesNew ZealandJapan
Launch Services & Propulsion▲2

Rocket Lab Wins Synspective's Record 20-Launch Electron Contract

Rocket Lab Corporation announced a multi-year agreement to launch 20 new Electron missions from Launch Complex 1 for Synspective, carrying StriX synthetic aperture radar satellites to sun-synchronous orbit annually from 2028 through 2031. The contract is the largest commercial launch deal for Electron so far and lifts Rocket Lab's backlog above 100 missions, deepening its role in building Synspective's global Earth-imaging constellation. The deal reinforces Electron's position as a high-cadence small-launch workhorse and slightly reduces near-term lumpiness risk in the launch book, though the key near-term catalyst and risk remain Neutron test progress and ongoing cash burn. Rocket Lab's US$1.944 billion equity raise to fund the pending Iridium acquisition shows management leaning on the balance sheet to expand into higher-value space systems and communications, amplifying the benefits of large multi-year contracts like Synspective's while raising the stakes around dilution and execution. Analysts had already modeled revenue near US$2.2 billion and earnings around US$365 million by 2029 on the optimistic side, against a more cautious consensus that treats cash burn and contract lumpiness as core risks.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion ▲Demand
RKLB · Demand · Positive Wins largest commercial Electron contract, 20 Synspective launches lifting backlog above 100 missions.
RKLB · Capital · Neutral US$1.944B equity raise to fund Iridium acquisition raises dilution and cash-burn stakes.
290A.JP · Demand · Positive Secures 20 Electron launches from 2028-2031 to build out its StriX Earth-imaging constellation.
Read original ↗
Simply Wall St·15hRead more →
United States
Earth Observation & Geospatial Data▲2

Planet Labs Launches 20 Satellites, Including Google Project Suncatcher Prototype

Planet Labs launched 20 satellites on SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare from Vandenberg, sending up a stack that included a prototype for Google's Project Suncatcher, Tanager-2, and 18 SuperDoves, according to a company press release. Planet Labs established contact and began commissioning Tanager-2, the Suncatcher prototype, and two SuperDoves. Google is using the Planet-hosted demo to run four TPUs with the Gemma AI model in orbit, a step toward space-based AI compute. Shares of the earth imaging satellite company jumped 7.8% in the afternoon session on the news. Planet Labs is down 14.5% since the beginning of the year, and at $17.44 per share it is trading 66.1% below its 52-week high of $51.40 from May 2026.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Earth Observation & Geospatial Data ▲Technology
PL · Technology · Positive Planet Labs launched 20 satellites including Tanager-2 and a Google Suncatcher prototype, and established contact to begin commissioning.
GOOG · Technology · Positive Google's Project Suncatcher prototype launched and is running TPUs with the Gemma AI model in orbit, advancing space-based AI compute.
Read original ↗
Yahoo Finance·1dRead more →
United States
Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device▲

WISeSat.Space Completes Columbus Acquisition Merger, Begins Nasdaq Trading as SAIQ

WISeSat.Space Holdings Corp. has completed its previously announced business combination with Columbus Acquisition Corp. and begun trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol "SAIQ" as of October 2, 2026. CAC shareholders approved the business combination at an extraordinary general meeting on September 30, 2026, and the transaction closed on October 1, 2026. The deal establishes WISeSat.Space, a space technology company and subsidiary of WISeQey Corp., as a separately listed public company focused on post-quantum-secure satellite communications and Internet of Things connectivity. WISeSat.Space has deployed satellites into orbit since 2024 and aims to integrate hardware-based security, device authentication and post-quantum protection into its satellite communications architecture. Carlos Moreira, Chief Executive Officer of SEALSQ, WISeQey and WISeSat.Space, called the Nasdaq listing an extraordinary milestone and said trust and post-quantum security must be built into satellite infrastructure from the outset. Maxim Group LLC served as WISeSat.Space's financial advisor, with Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP and Harney Westwood & Riegels (BVI) LP as legal counsel, while Loeb & Loeb LLP and Ogier represented CAC.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Capital
Quantum Computing › Quantum-Safe / Post-Quantum Cryptography Capital
Cybersecurity & Digital Trust › Post-Quantum & Cryptographic Trust ▲Capital
COLA · Capital · Neutral Columbus Acquisition Corp completed its business combination with WISeSat.Space, closing the SPAC merger and ceasing to exist as a standalone entity.
Read original ↗
GlobeNewswire·1dRead more →
United States
Launch Services & Propulsion▲

SpaceX Shares Stabilize After Post-IPO Drawdown as Starship Reaches Orbit

SpaceX shares have stabilized after notching an all-time low of $104.83 in early August, with the company citing fresh catalysts that could drive the stock higher into year-end and into 2027. Starship, SpaceX's two-stage rocket and the largest human-made flying object, recently reached orbit for the first time, and the recent flight deployed the first 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites. Anthropic expanded its computing agreements with SpaceX, committing up to $84.5 billion through May 2029 for NVIDIA-based AI infrastructure, while Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest SpaceX will grow revenue by 147% in 2027. The odds of a SpaceX and Tesla merger by the end of next year have spiked to 63% on Polymarket. The company also pointed to Planet Labs and Google's launch of the first AI satellite as proof of concept for its ambitions in space-based AI data centers.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion ▲Technology
Artificial Intelligence › AI Data Center & Build-out ▲Technology
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Technology
SPCX · Technology · Positive Starship reached orbit for the first time and deployed the first 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites.
SPCX · Demand · Positive Anthropic expanded its computing agreements with SpaceX, committing up to $84.5 billion through May 2029.
NVDA · Demand · Positive Anthropic's up-to-$84.5B SpaceX computing commitment through 2029 is for NVIDIA-based AI infrastructure, implying demand for NVIDIA chips.
TSLA · · Neutral Only referenced via Polymarket odds of a SpaceX-Tesla merger by end of next year; no Tesla-specific development.
Read original ↗
Zacks Investment Research·2dRead more →
United States
Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device▼

AT&T CEO Stankey Says SpaceX's Starlink Cellular Plan Won't Work, Touts Fiber

AT&T CEO John Stankey said Elon Musk-led Space Exploration Technologies Corp.'s plan to roll out a cellular network will not work, arguing fiber-based connectivity beats satellites. In an interview with Axios on Tuesday, Stankey said fiber is three times faster than satellite networks and that satellite, even at its best over the next 10 years, still will not beat fiber. Asked about SpaceX's plan to install cellular base stations alongside Starlink dishes, Stankey said it would cost as much as building a macro network to handle those capabilities, and that companies cannot radiate cellular signals from someone's house without permission. He cited a whole bunch of reasons why SpaceX's plan would not work. Earlier this month, SpaceX won Federal Communications Commission approval to provide international telecommunications services, boosting its plans for direct-to-cell 5G connectivity via the Starlink constellation, and the FCC is set to vote on September 30 on unlocking an additional 1,000 MHz of spectrum for satellite broadband.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▼Competition
Space Economy › Direct-to-Device (satellite-to-cell) ▼Competition
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment ▼Competition
Cloud & Digital Infrastructure › Telecom Towers, Fiber & Colocation ▲Competition
T · Competition · Positive AT&T CEO touts fiber as superior to satellite and dismisses SpaceX's Starlink cellular plan, positioning AT&T's fiber connectivity as the winning approach.
SPCX · Competition · Negative AT&T CEO Stankey publicly argues SpaceX's Starlink direct-to-cell plan won't work and fiber beats satellites, casting doubt on the viability of SpaceX's cellular ambitions.
Read original ↗
Yahoo Finance·2dRead more →
SEAASEANMalaysiaVietnamIndonesiaPhilippinesSingaporeThailandUnited States
Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device

Kiatnakin Phatra says Starlink has yet to hit ASEAN mobile operators, picks ADVANC as top dividend stock

Kiatnakin Phatra Securities said in an analysis dated October 1, 2026, that over the next three to four years low-earth-orbit satellite services, especially Starlink, are unlikely to significantly affect the market share of ground-based telecommunications operators in ASEAN, due to network capacity constraints and prices that remain higher than terrestrial services. Starlink's monthly service fee in Malaysia is about 58% higher than comparable-speed ground broadband, and nearly four times higher in Vietnam. As for direct-to-device, or D2D, satellite-to-handset connectivity, Kiatnakin Phatra sees it serving more as a supplementary service than a replacement, with the potential to support average revenue per user, or ARPU, but over the longer term it will be necessary to watch competition from Starlink more closely, as network capacity will increase significantly by 2030 with the deployment of the Starship rocket and V3 satellites. Since SpaceX's initial public offering in mid-June 2026, about half of ASEAN telecom stocks under Bank of America's coverage have underperformed the market, which Kiatnakin Phatra attributes to factors other than concerns about LEO competition. Its top pick in the ASEAN communications sector is Advanced Info Service, or ADVANC, on the back of an appropriate dividend yield, alongside Globe Telecom, or GLO, Indosat-Hutchison, or ISAT, SingTel, and PT Telkom, or TLKM. Starlink currently operates in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam, but has not yet launched in Thailand because of a rule limiting foreign shareholding in entities granted rights to use ground stations to no more than 49%. OneWeb has already offered fixed broadband services in Thailand since 2025, and Amazon LEO plans to launch services in Indonesia and Thailand in the future.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device Competition
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment Competition
Space Economy › Direct-to-Device (satellite-to-cell) Competition
ADVANC.BK · Capital · Positive Kiatnakin Phatra names ADVANC its top pick in ASEAN communications on an appropriate dividend yield.
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison · · Neutral ISAT is only listed among Kiatnakin Phatra's sector picks with no company-specific development.
Read original ↗
Kaohoon·2dRead more →
United States
Earth Observation & Geospatial Dataimpact 4

Google and Planet Labs launch Project Suncatcher AI satellite on SpaceX rocket

Google said Thursday that its prototype satellite for Project Suncatcher, built in partnership with Planet Labs, launched into orbit aboard the Transporter-18 rideshare mission with SpaceX. The tech giant said its team has confirmed contact with the satellite, and it is operating as expected. Travis Beals, senior director of Project Suncatcher, wrote in a blog post following the launch that this is the first step in a long-term research moonshot exploring whether space could one day host scalable machine learning infrastructure, and that over the coming weeks the team will gather in-orbit data on how its TPUs handle the physical stress of spaceflight and the radiation and thermal extremes of space. Alphabet holds a stake worth more than $82B in SpaceX, which went public in June in a record IPO. SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has also announced that it plans to build and launch its orbital data centers.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Earth Observation & Geospatial Data Technology
Artificial Intelligence › Custom Silicon / ASIC ▲Technology
Artificial Intelligence › Foundation Models & Research Labs ▲Technology
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion ▲Technology
GOOG · Technology · Positive Google's Project Suncatcher prototype satellite launched and is operating as expected, advancing its space-based ML infrastructure research.
PL · Technology · Positive Planet Labs built the Project Suncatcher prototype satellite in partnership with Google, which launched successfully and is operating as expected.
SPCX · Demand · Positive SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare mission carried the Project Suncatcher satellite to orbit, adding a launch customer mission.
Read original ↗
Seeking Alpha·2dRead more →
United StatesCanadaRussia
Human Spaceflight & Space Tourism▲

SpaceX Launches Crew 13 to ISS as Dragon's Future Remains Uncertain

SpaceX launched four astronauts to the International Space Station on Thursday aboard a Crew Dragon capsule, marking the company's 13th crew rotation mission for NASA. The crew, consisting of two Americans, one Canadian, and one Russian cosmonaut, lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a Falcon 9 rocket. According to Bloomberg space correspondent Lauren Grush, the mission comes amid speculation that SpaceX may retire the Crew Dragon once the ISS program ends, with only four more crew rotation missions currently scheduled. The crew will spend roughly a week aboard the station before the previous Crew 12 team returns to Earth following a handover. Three of the four astronauts on this flight are first-time flyers.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Human Spaceflight & Space Tourism ▲Supply
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion ▲Supply
SPCX · Demand · Positive SpaceX launched its 13th NASA crew rotation mission, a concrete operational contract win for its Crew Dragon/Falcon 9 services.
Read original ↗
Bloomberg·3dRead more →
United States
Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device2

Musk Mocks Delta Wi-Fi After Airline Picks Amazon Leo Over Starlink

Elon Musk mocked Delta Air Lines' in-flight internet on Tuesday, joking that the carrier's connectivity could serve as an artificial-intelligence containment system, after warning Delta could lose customers for choosing Amazon's Leo over Starlink. "Best way to sandbox an AI is to put it on a Delta flight – it will have no chance of accessing the Internet!" the SpaceX CEO wrote on X. The jab followed his public prediction that Delta CEO Ed Bastian would "lose his job" over reported remarks suggesting the airline rejected Starlink partly because it did not want to work with Musk, comments Delta has not confirmed. Delta chose Amazon Leo instead and will begin installing the service on 500 aircraft in 2028, integrating it with Delta Sync; Bastian called it "the fastest and most cost-effective technology available." Delta says its existing free Delta Sync Wi-Fi, presented by T-Mobile, reaches more than 1,200 aircraft and has logged more than 160 million customer sessions since launch, while American Airlines plans to install Starlink on more than 500 narrowbody aircraft beginning in 2027.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device Competition
DAL · Competition · Neutral Delta chose Amazon Leo over Starlink and faces Musk's public mockery and prediction its CEO will lose his job, but no clear financial impact stated.
AMZN · Demand · Positive Delta selected Amazon Leo for in-flight Wi-Fi on 500 aircraft starting 2028, a concrete customer win for Amazon's satellite internet service.
AAL · Competition · Neutral Mentioned only as another airline planning Starlink installation on 500 narrowbodies from 2027, no direct development for American.
Read original ↗
Yahoo Finance·3dRead more →
United States
Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device▲

MoffettNathanson Warns Starlink V3 Satellites Threaten Comcast and Charter Broadband

MoffettNathanson analyst Craig Moffett said Tuesday that SpaceX's Starlink is becoming a more credible competitor to terrestrial broadband providers, particularly in rural and lower-density markets, as the service begins deploying higher-capacity V3 satellites. Moffett told CNBC that Starlink poses a much greater competitive challenge to Comcast Corp. and Charter Communications Inc. than to traditional wireless carriers such as AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., saying the terrestrial broadband business where they deliver ISP service is a very credible product that already is having a significant impact. SpaceX's first Starship orbital flight deployed 26 V3 Starlink satellites, which Moffett said carry substantially more capacity and should improve the service, though he expects it will be after 2030 before most of the Starlink constellation consists of V3 satellites. Even with V3 satellites, he does not expect Starlink to match the speeds offered by terrestrial fiber or cable broadband, leaving pricing and customer segmentation as major competitive factors, with Starlink potentially competing more effectively for value-oriented customers. Moffett compared the challenge with the pressure Comcast and Charter already face from fixed wireless access, noting the cable operators have responded by bundling broadband with wireless services, a strategy he said has proven relatively successful.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Competition
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment ▲Competition
Cloud & Digital Infrastructure › Telecom Towers, Fiber & Colocation ▼Competition
CHTR · Competition · Negative Starlink's higher-capacity V3 satellites make it a more credible broadband competitor, pressuring Charter's ISP business.
CMCSA · Competition · Negative Moffett warns Starlink V3 poses a much greater competitive challenge to Comcast's terrestrial broadband business.
SPCX · Technology · Positive SpaceX's Starship deployed 26 V3 Starlink satellites, boosting capacity and improving the service.
T · Competition · Neutral Mentioned only as facing less competitive threat from Starlink than cable operators.
VZ · Competition · Neutral Mentioned only as facing less competitive threat from Starlink than cable operators.
Read original ↗
Yahoo Finance·3dRead more →
United States
Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device▲

AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Form Joint Venture to Close U.S. Coverage Dead Zones, Name Paul Roth Interim CEO

AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have entered into a joint venture agreement aimed at expanding satellite-enabled coverage in underserved areas across the U.S., following a May announcement that the three carriers would pool limited spectrum resources to help eliminate coverage dead zones. Paul Roth, a wireless industry veteran who previously held leadership roles at AT&T, Cingular Wireless and Ameritech, will serve as interim CEO while a search for a permanent chief executive is underway, and the venture will be managed by a board with representatives from each founding member. The JV is designed to complement terrestrial mobile networks rather than replace them, with the goal of nearly eliminating dead zones currently without mobile service, providing redundant connectivity during natural disasters, and improving direct-to-device access as a first step. The partners said the venture will support industry competition and innovation, work with rural mobile network operators, and pursue a standards-based approach to device compatibility, while existing carrier-satellite agreements remain in place and the three companies can continue connectivity efforts independently.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Supply
Space Economy › Direct-to-Device (satellite-to-cell) ▲Supply
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment Supply
Cloud & Digital Infrastructure › Telecom Towers, Fiber & Colocation Supply
T · Demand · Positive AT&T is a founding partner in the JV to expand satellite-enabled coverage and eliminate dead zones, expanding its service reach.
TMUS · Demand · Positive T-Mobile is a founding partner in the JV pooling spectrum to close U.S. coverage dead zones, extending its connectivity offering.
VZ · Demand · Positive Verizon is a founding partner in the JV to expand satellite-enabled coverage in underserved U.S. areas.
Read original ↗
PR Newswire·3dRead more →
Thailand
Earth Observation & Geospatial Data▲

Digital Economy Ministry tests Tomorrow.io technology using LEO satellites and AI for disaster warnings

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, or DE, is testing the feasibility, or POC, of technology from the company Tomorrow.io, which uses low Earth orbit, or LEO, satellites equipped with Microwave Sounder instruments to measure water mass in the atmosphere, with AI helping to process the data so that updates can be issued more frequently than once per hour, approaching real-time reporting. Mr. Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, said that after the POC period ends, the ministry is still studying and comparing technologies and the cost-effectiveness of the project, since it takes the form of annual service fees rather than an outright purchase, and the ministry is open to other companies with similar technology coming forward to propose solutions, for transparency and to prevent accusations of locking in specifications. The project will be carried out within the agency's annual budget framework and does not need to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. At the same time, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is also adjusting its disaster warning criteria, from previously waiting for confidence of more than 90% to issuing warnings once the system assesses a risk of about 60-70%, and it is cooperating with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to push forward the One Map project and to push for data from the Meteorological Department to become open data, as well as designating the spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office as the main person to make announcements during crises.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Earth Observation & Geospatial Data ▲Technology
Climate Adaptation & Water › Catastrophe & Climate Risk Analytics Technology
Tomorrow.io · Demand · Positive Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is running a POC of Tomorrow.io's LEO-satellite/AI disaster-warning technology, a potential annual-fee service deal.
Read original ↗
ทันหุ้น·3dRead more →
European UnionFinland
Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device▲

ICEYE and Nokia Partner on Sovereign LEO Satellite Communications

ICEYE and Nokia announced a partnership to develop secure, sovereign and high-performance broadband low Earth orbit satellite communications systems for governments, supporting missions from defense and border security to emergency services and disaster response. Built on trusted European technology, the jointly developed systems will give nations ownership and control of the satellites, ground segment and terminals, with the first communications satellites expected to be launched in 2028. The systems will deliver targeted, high-throughput, low-latency connectivity over priority mission areas, designed to complement military and commercial networks rather than replace them. The partnership combines ICEYE's track record delivering sovereign satellite missions with Nokia's experience in secure networking technologies and growing defense portfolio, integrating satellites, ground infrastructure and ruggedized end-user terminals. ICEYE CEO and Co-founder Rafal Modrzewski said nations must be able to fully own and control their communications without dependency on a foreign commercial operator's terms of service, while Nokia President and CEO Justin Hotard said sovereign operations depend on secure, resilient connectivity across land, sea, air and space. Modrzewski and Hotard will take the stage at the Helsinki Security Forum on October 2 for a session titled "How to Salvage Europe's Technological Sovereignty."
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Technology
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment Technology
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing ▲Technology
Defense & Geopolitical Fragmentation › Space Defense & Missile Warning ▲Technology
NOK · Demand · Positive Nokia partners with ICEYE to develop sovereign LEO satellite communications systems, a new product/order opportunity for its secure networking and defense portfolio
ICEYE · Demand · Positive ICEYE partners with Nokia to jointly develop sovereign LEO satellite communications systems for governments, expanding its satellite mission business
Read original ↗
PR Newswire·3dRead more →
United States
Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device▲

L3Harris wins $461.9M satellite communications contract

L3Harris Technologies has won a $461.9M firm-fixed-price contract to provide commercial satellite communications connectivity for designated executive airlift aircraft. The contract supports authorized government personnel, with work expected to continue through October 2028. A total of $62.3M in FY2026 operations and maintenance funds is being obligated at award. The U.S. Space Force at Los Angeles Air Force Base is the contracting activity.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Demand
Defense & Geopolitical Fragmentation › Defense Electronics, EW & Sensors ▲Demand
Defense & Geopolitical Fragmentation › Space Defense & Missile Warning ▲Demand
Defense & Geopolitical Fragmentation › Defense Primes — United States ▲Demand
LHX · Demand · Positive L3Harris won a $461.9M firm-fixed-price contract to provide satellite communications connectivity for executive airlift aircraft.
Read original ↗
Seeking Alpha·3dRead more →
United States
Lunar & Cislunar Logistics▲

Firefly Aerospace signs Starcloud for lunar AI computing test

Firefly Aerospace shares rose about 6% Wednesday morning after the space technology company announced a commercial agreement with Starcloud to test advanced artificial intelligence computing in lunar orbit. Under the deal, Starcloud's computing payload will fly aboard Firefly's Elytra orbital vehicle as part of a mission targeted for no earlier than 2028, with Starcloud's SC-1L processor receiving data from Firefly's Solux vision system, performing AI computing in orbit and sending the processed information back to Earth. The Starcloud payload is scheduled to join Firefly's third lunar mission, in which Elytra will initially serve as a transfer vehicle and communications relay for the company's Blue Ghost lander, expected to touch down at the Moon's Gruithuisen Domes under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. After that portion of the mission is completed, Firefly plans to keep Elytra in lunar orbit for five years to support commercial and government payloads as well as imaging operations, including the Starcloud computing demonstration. Firefly is also developing its Ocula lunar imaging service and recently announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to process Ocula data aboard Elytra before transmitting results to Earth, while the company plans to send its first Elytra vehicle into lunar orbit with Blue Ghost Mission 2, targeted to launch no earlier than 2027.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Lunar & Cislunar Logistics ▲Technology
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion ▲Technology
FLY · Demand · Positive Firefly signed a commercial agreement with Starcloud to fly its AI computing payload on Elytra, a concrete customer deal for its orbital vehicle.
StarCloud · Technology · Positive Starcloud's SC-1L processor will perform AI computing in lunar orbit aboard Firefly's Elytra under the new agreement.
Read original ↗
Seeking Alpha·4dRead more →
United StatesIsrael
Launch Services & Propulsion

Kratos and RAFAEL Commit Up to $175 Million to Solid Rocket Motor Venture

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is expanding its solid rocket motor capabilities through Prometheus Energetics, a joint venture with RAFAEL that will build a state-of-the-art energetics manufacturing campus on an approximately 500-acre site near the U.S. Navy and Army facility in Crane, Indiana. Kratos Defense and RAFAEL have committed up to $175 million in capital for the venture, covering the manufacturing facilities, property, equipment and personnel needed for the planned operations. Following construction and completion of RAFAEL's technology transfer and certification, Prometheus is expected to begin solid rocket motor production in 2027, with Kratos' investment in the venture ramping up during 2026 to support development of the planned manufacturing infrastructure. The new capacity could strengthen Kratos' position in propulsion and rocket systems, adding another manufacturing base alongside its existing Zeus solid rocket motors. Rivals Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are also expanding solid rocket motor manufacturing capacity across their U.S. facilities to support defense and space propulsion programs and strengthen the domestic propulsion supply chain.
About megatrends
Defense & Geopolitical Fragmentation › Missiles, Munitions & Energetics ▲Supply
Defense & Geopolitical Fragmentation › Ammunition & Energetics ▲Supply
Defense & Geopolitical Fragmentation › Defense Primes — United States Supply
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion Supply
Defense & Geopolitical Fragmentation › Missiles & Precision-Guided Munitions ▲Supply
KTOS · Capital · Positive Kratos commits up to $175M to the Prometheus Energetics JV to build a solid rocket motor manufacturing campus, expanding its propulsion capacity.
Prometheus Energetics · Capital · Positive Prometheus Energetics, the Kratos-RAFAEL JV, receives up to $175M to build its energetics manufacturing campus and begin production in 2027.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. · Capital · Positive RAFAEL is the JV partner committing up to $175M and transferring technology for the Prometheus Energetics solid rocket motor venture.
Read original ↗
Zacks Investment Research·4dRead more →
United KingdomIrelandLuxembourg
Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment

SES and Sky Extend Satellite Capacity Deal Into Next Decade

SES and Sky have signed a new multi-year agreement extending their long-standing partnership for direct-to-home satellite services across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, running into the next decade. Under the deal, Sky will continue to use SES satellite capacity at the 28.2 degrees East orbital position to deliver television services to millions of households in the region. The renewal extends a partnership that dates to 1988 and reinforces satellite's ongoing role in delivering premium television experiences at scale. Sky Group Chief Operating Officer Nick Herm said satellite continues to play an important role in how the company delivers services to customers across the UK and Ireland, while SES President Media Vertical Deepak Mathur called the significant multi-year renewal a demonstration of the confidence leading broadcasters continue to place in satellite. SES is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on the Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges under the ticker SESG.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device Supply
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment Supply
SESG.PA · Demand · Positive SES signed a multi-year renewal with Sky to continue providing satellite capacity at 28.2°E for DTH TV across UK and Ireland.
Sky Group Limited · Supply · Positive Sky secured continued SES satellite capacity at 28.2°E to deliver TV services to millions of households into the next decade.
Read original ↗
Business Wire·4dRead more →
United States
Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing▲

Sophia Space and Redwire Sign MOU on Orbital Data Center Infrastructure

Sophia Space and Redwire Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance the development and deployment of scalable computing infrastructure in orbit. The agreement combines Sophia Space's modular TILE architecture, which integrates high-performance computing, solar power and passive radiative thermal management for AI inference and data processing in orbit, with Redwire's deployable space systems, solar power generation and distribution, heat management and rejection, spacecraft integration, avionics and systems engineering. Under the MOU, the two companies will explore collaboration across near-term demonstration missions and longer-term orbital data center architectures, aiming to move the emerging orbital computing market from individual technology demonstrations toward the repeatable, scalable infrastructure needed for a global build-out of orbital data centers. Sophia Space and Redwire intend to jointly pursue select U.S. government and commercial opportunities, including potential programs involving DARPA, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Space Development Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office, across areas such as concept development, joint proposals, internal research and development, customer engagement and international market opportunities. Rob DeMillo, CEO and Cofounder of Sophia Space, said the question is now how quickly high-performance computing in orbit can be scaled, while Al Tadros, Chief Technology Officer of Redwire Space, said the maturation of the orbital data center market represents opportunities to build next-generation architectures that could unlock significant economic value.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing ▲Technology
RDW · Demand · Positive Redwire signed an MOU with Sophia Space to jointly develop orbital data center infrastructure and pursue US government and commercial opportunities.
Sophia Space · Demand · Positive Sophia Space signed an MOU with Redwire to advance its TILE architecture and jointly pursue government and commercial orbital computing programs.
Read original ↗
PR Newswire·4dRead more →
China
Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device

Tianyin Electromechanical Fully Funds Foshan Satellite Testing Service Company

Tianyin Electromechanical has established a satellite testing service company. Qichacha app shows that Foshan Tianyin Satellite Testing Service Co., Ltd. was recently incorporated, with a business scope including satellite navigation services, satellite communication services, engineering and technical research and experimental development, and information system integration services. Qichacha equity penetration shows that the company is wholly owned by Tianyin Electromechanical.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device Supply
300342.CS · Capital · Positive Tianyin Electromechanical wholly funds and owns the newly incorporated Foshan Tianyin Satellite Testing Service Co., expanding its business scope into satellite testing/navigation services.
佛山市天银卫星检测服务有限公司 · · Neutral The article only reports the incorporation of this wholly owned subsidiary; no financial or operational impact is stated.
Read original ↗
证券时报·4dRead more →
United States
Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing▲

Terran Orbital Appoints Jamin Brown as Chief Operating Officer

Terran Orbital, a Lockheed Martin company, announced the appointment of Jamin Brown as Chief Operating Officer. Brown will lead the satellite manufacturer's operational execution from its Irvine, California headquarters, focusing on increasing production capacity, strengthening operational performance, and delivering at greater speed, scale, and cost efficiency alongside President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Krauss. He joins Terran Orbital from Lockheed Martin Space, where he most recently served as Vice President of Missile Defense Programs and Huntsville Site General Manager, overseeing a portfolio that included Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, Targets and Countermeasures Programs, directed energy, hypersonic defense, and space surveillance. Brown spent more than two decades at Lockheed Martin, beginning as an Electronics Engineer and later serving as Deputy Vice President of the Hypersonic Strike Weapon Systems mission segment and as Fleet Ballistic Missile Reshaping Site Director in Colorado. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering, a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and an MBA from San Jose State University, and is a graduate of Stanford University's Certified Program Manager program.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing ▲Talent
Defense & Geopolitical Fragmentation › Space Defense & Missile Warning Talent
Read original ↗
Business Wire·4dRead more →
United States
Launch Services & Propulsion4

TD Cowen Starts SpaceX at Buy, Sees AI Compute Leasing as Top Revenue by 2027

TD Cowen initiated coverage of SpaceX with a Buy rating and a $200 price target, arguing that leasing terrestrial AI computing capacity will become the company's fastest-growing revenue stream. The target implies about 37% upside from Monday's closing price of $145.47, and SpaceX shares were up 1.03% in premarket. TD Cowen expects AI compute leasing, whose customers include Alphabet's Google and Anthropic, to make up the majority of SpaceX's revenue by the first quarter of 2027, driven by a ramp in terrestrial gigawatt capacity. The firm built a gigawatt capacity model covering 2024 through 2031 and a utilization model for the leasing business, alongside a Starlink valuation model and a 90-country analysis sizing Starlink's global opportunity, and it valued the space segment on a standalone basis assuming all launches are sold as external payloads. The call joins other bullish views after Starship's recent Flight 14, the first to insert satellites into orbit, with Clear Street reiterating a Buy rating and a $217 target after the rocket deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites and Mizuho holding a $200 target that matches TD Cowen's.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion Demand
SPCX · Capital · Positive TD Cowen initiates SpaceX at Buy with a $200 target, citing AI compute leasing as its fastest-growing revenue stream.
Read original ↗
GuruFocus·5dRead more →
United States
Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device▲

weBoost Launches Sky, World's First Vehicle Signal Booster for Satellite Texting

weBoost, part of Wilson Connectivity, announced weBoost Sky, which it calls the world's first vehicle signal booster engineered to strengthen satellite direct-to-device connectivity. The patent-pending system mounts an exterior antenna on a vehicle and amplifies a phone's 200 milliwatt uplink to 1 watt, the FCC ceiling, a fivefold increase in transmission power, then rebroadcasts the amplified signal inside the cabin through an interior antenna. In Wilson Connectivity field testing outside St. George, Utah, Sky improved RSRP from -116 dBm to -96 dBm and lifted SNR from 1-6 dB to 11 dB, turning an unreliable T-Satellite connection into a dependable one for messaging, location sharing and supported data applications. The same hardware amplifies T-Mobile Band 25 for T-Satellite D2D connectivity and supported terrestrial cellular signal, draws less than 5W over USB-C and installs without drilling or vehicle modification. weBoost Sky, SKU 471086, goes on sale beginning September 28, 2026 at weBoost.com and through select retailers and dealers at an MSRP of $149.99 USD, backed by a two-year manufacturer's warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Technology
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment ▲Technology
Space Economy › Direct-to-Device (satellite-to-cell) ▲Technology
weBoost · Technology · Positive weBoost launched Sky, the world's first vehicle signal booster for satellite direct-to-device connectivity.
Wilson Connectivity · Technology · Positive Wilson Connectivity developed and field-tested the patent-pending Sky booster, its new product.
TMUS · Demand · Positive weBoost Sky amplifies T-Mobile Band 25 for T-Satellite D2D connectivity, supporting T-Mobile's satellite texting service.
Read original ↗
GlobeNewswire·5dRead more →
ThailandUnited States
Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing▲4

KCE surges 11%, broker sets new target at 104 baht on AI-S Curve tailwinds and Tesla order hopes

KCE shares jumped 11.07% to 75.25 baht, up 7.50 baht, with trading value of 2.357 billion baht as of 10:50 a.m., from an opening price of 71.25 baht, a high of 75.25 baht and a low of 71.25 baht. This morning also saw a big lot of 150,000 KCE shares worth 11.89 million baht trade at an average price of 79.25 baht, above the board price. Kiatnakin Phatra Securities, together with BofA Global Research, initiated coverage of KCE Electronics with a buy rating and raised its target price to 104.00 baht, based on a target P/E of 38.1 times, from 67.75 baht previously. It expects net profit to recover 95% year on year to 1.529 billion baht in 2026, surge 110% year on year to 3.212 billion baht in 2027, 69% above market expectations, and reach 4.174 billion baht in 2028. The drivers include the recovery cycle in the PCB industry, the growing electronic content in electric vehicles and software-defined vehicles, indirect benefits from the AI wave that is tightening automotive PCB supply, LEO communications satellites whose revenue share is expected to rise to 16% in 2027 and 30% in 2028 of total PCB revenue, and humanoid robots, with management confirming it is in talks with Tesla, having passed some qualification tests and awaiting final design approval. BofA expects the global humanoid robot market to be worth 100 billion US dollars by 2033, with global shipments growing nearly fivefold from 290,000 units in 2027 to 1.2 million units by 2030. Meanwhile, Sureeporn Teewasuwet, assistant managing director of the securities analysis department at FSS International, sees second-half profit better than the first half after KCE raised PCB prices from the second quarter of 2026 on higher raw material prices such as copper and fiberglass, together with AI-driven PCB demand that is diverting supply. She recommends trading the stock, maintains a target price of 61.00 baht, and warns investors to be cautious in 2027 because new PCB supply will start to gradually come on stream in the second half of 2027.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing ▲Demand
Robotics & Physical AI › Humanoid Robots Demand
Electrification & Mobility › Passenger EV OEMs (BEV / PHEV) Demand
Electrification & Mobility › Western / Legacy & Pure-play OEMs Demand
Electrification & Mobility › China NEV Leaders Demand
KCE.BK · Capital · Positive Kiatnakin Phatra and BofA initiated coverage with a buy rating and raised target price to 104 baht on expected profit recovery.
KCE.BK · Demand · Positive Drivers cited include EV/software-defined-vehicle electronic content, AI-tightened automotive PCB supply, LEO satellite revenue rising to 30% by 2028, and Tesla humanoid robot order talks.
KCE.BK · Pricing · Positive KCE raised PCB prices from Q2 2026 on higher raw material prices such as copper and fiberglass.
TSLA · Demand · Positive KCE management confirmed it is in talks with Tesla, passed some qualification tests and awaits final design approval for humanoid robot PCB supply.
BAC · Capital · Neutral BofA Global Research co-initiated coverage of KCE with a buy rating and 104 baht target, but this is BofA's analyst action, not a development for Bank of America itself.
KKP.BK · Capital · Neutral Kiatnakin Phatra Securities initiated coverage of KCE with a buy rating and 104 baht target, an analyst action rather than a development for the bank itself.
Read original ↗
InfoQuest·5dRead more →
United States
Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device▲

Musk's Trillionaire Path Stalls as Tesla and SpaceX Face Key Tests

Elon Musk's net worth ended the week at $925 billion, up more than $305 billion since January, as his path to trillionaire status stalled amid fading momentum at Tesla and SpaceX. Tesla will unveil the long-delayed Roadster, with the base model starting at around $200,000 and the Founders Series at $250,000, limited to 1,000 vehicles, while traders on Polymarket expect third-quarter deliveries of between 450k and 475k vehicles after 480k in the second quarter. SpaceX is set for its first orbital launch on Monday, a test that will carry the third version of Starlink to space; Starlink made over $4.29 billion in the second quarter, accounting for 53% of SpaceX revenue, and analysts expect total revenue to jump to $44 billion this year and $108.3 billion next year. Most of Musk's wealth comes from his 48.5% stake in SpaceX and about 20.3% of Tesla, plus large holdings in Neuralink and The Boring Company.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Demand
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment ▲Demand
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion ▲Technology
Electrification & Mobility › Western / Legacy & Pure-play OEMs Demand
Electrification & Mobility › Passenger EV OEMs (BEV / PHEV) Demand
SPCX · Technology · Positive SpaceX is set for its first orbital launch Monday, a key test carrying the third version of Starlink to space.
TSLA · Technology · Neutral Tesla will unveil the long-delayed Roadster, but faces fading momentum with Q3 deliveries expected below Q2.
Read original ↗
Yahoo Finance·5dRead more →
Thailand
Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing▲4

KKPS recommends buying KCE with a 104 baht target and HANA with a 61 baht target, citing the upturn in the PCB cycle and AI projects

Kiatnakin Phatra Securities Public Company Limited, or KKPS, issued a research note dated 29 September 2026 recommending a "Buy" on KCE Electronics Public Company Limited, or KCE, with a target price of 104 baht, and maintaining a "Buy" on Hana Microelectronics Public Company Limited, or HANA, while raising its target price to 61 baht from 42 baht. It views both companies as entering a new growth cycle driven by a recovery in their core businesses and opportunities from artificial intelligence, or AI, related operations. For KCE, the research team sees it entering an upcycle in the printed circuit board, or PCB, business, expecting normal earnings per share to grow by about 95% in 2026 and 110% in 2027, which is about 69% above the market average. It expects net profit attributable to the company after excluding special items of about 1.529 billion baht in 2026, rising to 3.212 billion baht in 2027 and 4.174 billion baht in 2028. The communications business, especially PCBs for low Earth orbit, or LEO, satellites, is expected to increase its share to about 16% of PCB revenue in 2027 and 30% in 2028. As for HANA, KKPS raised its 2026 and 2027 earnings forecasts by 8% and 31% respectively, expecting profit growth of about 20% in 2026 and 53% in 2027, supported by a rise in capacity utilisation in its OSAT business in Ayutthaya province to 62% from 55%. It expects net profit attributable to the company after excluding special items of about 999 million baht in 2026, rising to 1.533 billion baht in 2027 and 1.78 billion baht in 2028. Meanwhile, two of HANA's three AI projects, Phononic TEC and High-density PCBA, have begun ramping up production and are expected to generate combined revenue of about 2.5 to 3.5 billion baht in 2027.
About megatrends
Semiconductors › Printed Circuit Boards (PCB & HDI) ▲Demand
Semiconductors › Advanced Packaging & Test (OSAT) ▲Demand
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing ▲Demand
Artificial Intelligence › Foundry & Advanced Packaging ▲Demand
HANA.BK · Capital · Positive KKPS maintains Buy and raises HANA's target price to 61 baht, lifting 2026-27 earnings forecasts on OSAT utilization and AI project ramp-up.
KCE.BK · Capital · Positive KKPS initiates Buy on KCE with a 104 baht target, citing a PCB upcycle and ~95%/110% EPS growth in 2026-27.
Read original ↗
Kaohoon·5dRead more →
United States
Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing▼

Precision Optics Guides Fiscal 2027 Revenue to $30M-$33M Despite 40% Q1 Satellite Cut

Precision Optics Corporation forecast fiscal 2027 revenue of $30 million to $33 million, roughly flat with fiscal 2026, as it absorbs an anticipated 40% first-quarter revenue reduction from its existing satellite customer. CEO Joseph Forkey said the slowdown, driven by constrained satellite launch capacity and customer excess inventory, is temporary and will be most pronounced in the first half of the fiscal year, with an additional reduction expected in the second quarter. The company guided fiscal 2027 adjusted EBITDA to negative $1.2 million to negative $1.7 million, with quarterly losses early in the year before a return to quarterly profitability by the end of the year. Forkey noted the satellite program is a higher-margin contributor, so replacing its revenue with other business does not immediately replace the same amount of profit. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, revenue reached a record $8.8 million versus $6.2 million a year ago, gross margin improved to 25.3% from 13.0%, and adjusted EBITDA was positive $355,000; full-year revenue was $31.5 million compared to $19.1 million last year, and the net loss narrowed to $3.6 million, or $0.43 per share, from $5.8 million, or $0.85 per share. CFO Wayne Coll said IEEPA tariff refunds reduced reported quarterly revenue by approximately $558,000 while retained refunds cut cost of goods sold by approximately $707,000, and cash and cash equivalents stood at $9.8 million at June 30 versus $1.8 million a year earlier. Forkey said the company has no particular plans to raise equity in fiscal 2027 unless unusual events occur, and that higher-value assemblies for the satellite customer should begin contributing higher margins in the latter half of fiscal 2027.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing ▼Demand
POCI · Capital · Negative Guides fiscal 2027 adjusted EBITDA to negative $1.2M-$1.7M with quarterly losses early in the year.
POCI · Demand · Negative Guides fiscal 2027 revenue roughly flat as it absorbs an anticipated 40% Q1 revenue cut from its satellite customer due to constrained launch capacity and excess inventory.
Read original ↗
Seeking Alpha·5dRead more →
United StatesChile
Launch Services & Propulsion▲3impact 4

SpaceX's Starship Achieves First Successful Insertion into Earth Orbit

SpaceX's fully reusable rocket Starship, which the company is developing, succeeded for the first time in reaching Earth orbit on its 14th flight test on September 28, 2026. A vehicle combining the upper-stage spacecraft Ship 41 with the first-stage booster Booster 21 was launched, and although one of the six Raptor engines on the upper stage shut down earlier than planned during ascent, it achieved orbital insertion and released all 26 next-generation communications satellites, Starlink V3, into orbit. The original plan called for roughly six orbits of low Earth orbit at an altitude of about 275 kilometers over about 10 hours, followed by a controlled splashdown in the Pacific Ocean west of Chile, but the flight time was shortened to about three hours following the upper-stage engine malfunction. Previous flight tests of Starship and Super Heavy had deliberately remained on suborbital trajectories with safety as the priority, and the shift to true orbital flight and the demonstration of its capability as a means of transporting operational satellites mark a turning point. SpaceX has won a 2.89 billion dollar HLS development contract from NASA and aims for a crewed lunar landing on Artemis 4 in 2028 and the construction of a long-term activity base on the lunar surface.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion ▲Technology
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Supply
Space Economy › Lunar & Cislunar Logistics ▲Technology
Space Economy › Direct-to-Device (satellite-to-cell) ▲Supply
SPCX · Technology · Positive Starship reached Earth orbit for the first time and deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites, demonstrating its operational satellite-transport capability.
Read original ↗
楽天証券経済研究所·5dRead more →
United States
Launch Services & Propulsion▲

SpaceX's Starship Reaches Earth Orbit for the First Time on Its 14th Launch

U.S. space company SpaceX conducted a launch of Starship, the world's largest rocket, on the 28th, placing it into Earth orbit for the first time on its 14th launch. Nikkei reported the news, saying it gave momentum toward commercialization. Meanwhile, an engine problem occurred during flight, shortening a planned 10-hour mission to 3 hours. Space-related companies are likely to draw attention.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion ▲Technology
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing Demand
SPCX · Technology · Positive Starship reached Earth orbit for the first time on its 14th launch, advancing SpaceX's rocket commercialization despite an engine problem that shortened the mission.
Read original ↗
フィスコ·5dRead more →
United States
Human Spaceflight & Space Tourism▲2

Boeing and NASA in Talks to Add 10 or More Starliner Missions

Boeing and NASA are in discussions to expand the Starliner vehicle's flight manifest by 10 or more future missions, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal. The potential expanded operational mandate comes as NASA prepares for sustained low Earth orbit objectives, offering Boeing a vital opportunity to stabilize its Defense, Space & Security segment. Boeing's Space segment recorded $7.5 billion in Q2 2026 revenue, up 13% year-over-year, despite a small operating loss of $15 million, and the company carries a $715 billion total corporate backlog along with $20.0 billion in cash and short-term investments. Any Starliner expansion directly affects the competitive landscape for private launch leaders like Space Exploration Technologies Corp., which delivered 55% sequential growth in Space segment revenues to $962 million in Q2 2026 while executing 78 launches. Boeing's Defense, Space & Security posted a negative 0.2% operating margin in Q2 2026, dragged down by fixed-price program cost overruns including a $280 million charge on the VC-25B, and the company holds $45.9 billion in consolidated debt.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Human Spaceflight & Space Tourism ▲Demand
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion Competition
BA · Demand · Positive Boeing and NASA are in talks to add 10+ Starliner missions, a concrete expansion of its space flight manifest.
SPCX · Competition · Negative A Starliner manifest expansion directly affects the competitive landscape for private launch leader SpaceX.
Read original ↗
The Wall Street Journal·5dRead more →
United States
Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing3

Alphabet to Launch First Orbital TPU Test in Project Suncatcher

Alphabet plans to put its first Tensor Processing Units in orbit during the week of September 28 as part of Project Suncatcher, an effort to test whether Google can eventually run AI workloads in space. Shares of the Google parent fell about 0.5% to $339.395 at 10.05am ET on Monday, September 28. The first mission will test how the chips perform in orbit, while a network capable of handling larger workloads remains a longer-term ambition. Google says satellites could generate up to eight times more solar power than installations on Earth, though cooling, communications and the economics of launching hardware into orbit still need to be solved. The article was first reported by GuruFocus.
About megatrends
Artificial Intelligence › Custom Silicon / ASIC Technology
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing Technology
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion Demand
GOOG · Technology · Positive Alphabet is launching its first orbital TPU test under Project Suncatcher to see if Google can run AI workloads in space.
Read original ↗
GuruFocus·6dRead more →
United States
Launch Services & Propulsion▲impact 4

Nvidia Authorizes Additional $150 Billion Buyback, Total Reaches $235 Billion

Nvidia announced an additional $150 billion share buyback authorization, bringing its total remaining authorized amount to $235 billion, which the company said it plans to use through the end of fiscal 2028. The buyback, described by panelists as potentially the largest authorization ever announced, helped lift Nvidia shares, which are up about 21% this year. Nvidia also unveiled a new AI security system called the open agent safety platform, developed with several partners including Anthropic but notably not OpenAI, in response to recent hacking incidents. CEO Jensen Huang told CNBC the platform is designed to keep agentic AI systems within minimal rights, and he said OpenAI is welcome to adopt the open-source technology. The announcements came as Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei met President Trump for a private dinner, with no headlines emerging on what was discussed. Separately, SpaceX launched Starship Flight 14, its first flight into low Earth orbit, carrying 26 Starlink V3 high-speed internet satellites; one of the rocket's six engines went out, but the mission still reached low Earth orbit. Meta introduced a new Meta enterprise platform and hired MongoDB CEO CJ Desai to run it, sending MongoDB shares sharply lower in pre-market trading. President Trump is set to roll back Biden-era fuel economy standards, cutting the 2031 fleet target from roughly 50 MPG to 34.5 MPG, and said he is looking very seriously at a diesel export ban.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion ▲Technology
Cybersecurity & Digital Trust › AI Security & Agent Guardrails ▲Technology
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Supply
Artificial Intelligence › Agentic AI & Autonomous Workflows ▲Technology
Artificial Intelligence › GPU & Merchant Accelerators Capital
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment ▲Supply
Artificial Intelligence › AI Tooling, Data & MLOps Talent
Artificial Intelligence › AI Applications & Copilots Competition
NVDA · Capital · Positive Nvidia authorized an additional $150 billion share buyback, bringing total remaining authorization to $235 billion.
NVDA · Technology · Positive Nvidia unveiled a new open agent safety platform for AI security developed with partners including Anthropic.
MDB · Competition · Negative Meta hired MongoDB CEO CJ Desai to run its new enterprise platform, sending MongoDB shares sharply lower.
META · Technology · Neutral Meta introduced a new Meta enterprise platform and hired MongoDB's CEO to run it; no clear positive or negative for Meta itself.
Read original ↗
Yahoo Finance·6dRead more →
United States
Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing▲2

Astro Digital to Go Public in $587M SPAC Merger with Proem Acquisition Corp I

Satellite maker Astro Digital has agreed to go public through a merger with Proem Acquisition Corp I, a blank-check company, in a deal valuing the combined business at about $587 million. The transaction is expected to provide Astro Digital with as much as $180 million in gross proceeds, including up to $130 million from Proem's trust account and about $50 million from private investments led by Proem Asset Management and Leon Capital Group. Astro Digital designs, builds and operates satellites used for Earth observation, communications, space infrastructure and defense, and since 2018 has delivered nearly 40 satellites to more than 30 customers, including NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, Boeing and Sony. The merger is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to customary conditions, and the combined company is expected to trade on the Nasdaq.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing ▲Capital
Space Economy › Earth Observation & Geospatial Data Competition
PAAC · Capital · Positive Proem Acquisition Corp I is the SPAC merging with Astro Digital in a $587M deal, providing up to $130M from its trust account.
Astro Digital, US, Inc. · Capital · Positive Astro Digital goes public via SPAC merger at ~$587M valuation, raising up to $180M in gross proceeds.
Read original ↗
Seeking Alpha·6dRead more →
United States
Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing

Star Catcher's Protostar Power Node Ready for October SpaceX Launch

Star Catcher Industries has prepared its prototype power node, Protostar, for launch at Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission scheduled for October 2026. The mission aims to conduct a landmark power beaming demonstration between two untethered spacecraft, a feat that has never been achieved, and is a key milestone in actualizing the orbital energy infrastructure the company is building. Protostar is the first end-to-end prototype of Star Catcher's core technology stack on orbit, covering energy harvesting, satellite acquisition and tracking, and energy transmission; following launch and commissioning, it will deploy and track a CubeSat and beam measurable power to off-the-shelf solar panels. Star Catcher has publicly announced ten major commercial Power Purchase Agreements with space companies including Starcloud, Loft Orbital, Astro Digital, and Aethero, alongside over 40 Letters of Intent, a $60M Strategic Funding Increase Award from the United States Space Force, and $88M in venture capital. The company has begun development on its follow-on satellite to beam operational levels of orbital power, is recruiting to more than double its team size, and is building out a new 100,000 square foot headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing Technology
Star Catcher Industries, Inc. · Demand · Positive Star Catcher has announced ten commercial Power Purchase Agreements with space companies plus over 40 Letters of Intent for its orbital power services.
Star Catcher Industries, Inc. · Technology · Positive Protostar prototype power node is ready for October SpaceX launch to conduct the first untethered spacecraft power-beaming demonstration, a key milestone for its orbital energy technology.
Read original ↗
PR Newswire·6dRead more →
United StatesSpain
Launch Services & Propulsion

icMercury Tapped for In-Orbit Software Validation on SpaceX Transporter-18 PocketQube

Interstellar Communication Holdings Inc., known as icMercury, announced it has been selected as Software Payload Partner for an in-orbit validation mission launching aboard SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare mission on October 1, 2026. As part of that mission, icMercury will contribute an experimental onboard software payload and application-layer interface designed for in-orbit execution and validation under operator supervision. The payload will fly on HADES-L, an amateur radio PocketQube satellite operated and controlled by AMSAT-EA and open to the amateur radio community, and will support interaction with onboard software, broadcasting of messages to the amateur radio community, and access to mission data and telemetry. HADES-L will also carry a scientific materials experiment by Lofith Composites to evaluate composite materials under space conditions, with Hydra Space serving as satellite platform provider and mission integrator and UARX providing launch services support. The flight builds on previous in-orbit software testing efforts, including the HADES-ICM mission, as icMercury continues to evaluate and enhance its platform capabilities across multiple operational environments.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion Demand
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing Technology
Interstellar Communication Holdings Inc. · Demand · Positive icMercury was selected as Software Payload Partner for the HADES-L in-orbit validation mission, a concrete customer/partner win.
Read original ↗
GlobeNewswire·6dRead more →
United States
Launch Services & Propulsion▲

SpaceX Prepares Starship for First Orbital Launch Attempt

SpaceX plans to launch its massive Starship rocket early Monday, aiming to send the spacecraft into orbit for the first time. According to SpaceX's website, the 75-minute launch window begins at 8:15 a.m. ET, or 7:15 a.m. local time, from the company town of Starbase, Texas. The Federal Aviation Administration told CNBC that it issued a license authorization for the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy Flight 14 launch and reentry operations on Sept. 26. With the 14th test flight of Starship, Elon Musk's aerospace and defense company also plans to deploy 26 of its new Starlink V3 satellites. Starship is critical to SpaceX's expansion plans; on SpaceX's earnings call in August, Musk said it is not out of the question that at some point Starlink will deliver a majority of the world's internet, at least in countries where the company is allowed to operate.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion ▲Technology
Space Economy › Satellite Connectivity & Direct-to-Device ▲Supply
Space Economy › Satellite Broadband, MSS & Ground Equipment Competition
SPCX · Technology · Positive SpaceX is preparing Starship for its first orbital launch attempt, a major product/R&D milestone for the company.
SPCX · Regulation · Positive The FAA issued a license authorization for the Starship Super Heavy Flight 14 launch and reentry operations.
Read original ↗
Seeking Alpha·6dRead more →
GlobalUnited States
Earth Observation & Geospatial Data▲

HawkEye 360 Secures $18 Million in Middle East Contracts

HawkEye 360 has secured roughly $18 million in new Middle East contracts for its space-based signals intelligence services. The wins come as the RF-focused defense stock's share price return sits down about 17% over the past month and roughly 53% year to date, a backdrop of fading momentum despite recent index additions and new European partnerships. HawkEye 360 last closed at $16.10, while the most followed narrative pegs fair value near $32.56, implying the stock is 50.5% undervalued under a model using a 7.9% discount rate. Bulls point to the fresh contracts, index inclusions and the gap to analyst targets, while bears focus on share price losses and ongoing net income pressure.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Earth Observation & Geospatial Data ▲Demand
Defense & Geopolitical Fragmentation › Space Defense & Missile Warning ▲Demand
HAWK · Demand · Positive HawkEye 360 secured roughly $18 million in new Middle East contracts for its space-based signals intelligence services
Read original ↗
Simply Wall St·7dRead more →
United StatesGermany
Earth Observation & Geospatial Data▲

Planet Labs Opens Berlin Plant, Sends Pelican-12 Satellite to Cape Canaveral

Planet Labs PBC advanced its Pelican program, with the upgraded Gen 2 Pelican-12 high-resolution satellite arriving at Cape Canaveral for launch and the company opening a Berlin facility capable of producing up to 60 Pelican satellites annually. The Berlin plant scales Pelican-class satellite manufacturing to as many as 60 units per year from a single site, supporting Planet's push toward higher-resolution imaging, faster data delivery and scaled production for environmental and commercial applications. Planet Labs also took part in the Amazon.ia biodiversity initiative and holds about US$865 million in cash. The company's investment narrative still hinges on converting a US$815 million backlog and a US$4 billion pipeline into profitable, repeatable contracts, while rising capex and launch costs pressure already negative earnings. Planet Labs' narrative projects $791.4 million in revenue and $54.3 million in earnings by 2029, with a $34.00 fair value estimate implying 95% upside to its current price.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Earth Observation & Geospatial Data ▲Supply
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing Supply
PL · Supply · Positive New Berlin plant scales Pelican-class satellite manufacturing capacity to up to 60 units per year.
PL · Technology · Positive Pelican-12 Gen 2 high-resolution satellite arrives at Cape Canaveral for launch, advancing Planet's imaging technology.
Read original ↗
Simply Wall St·8dRead more →
United States
Earth Observation & Geospatial Data▲4impact 4

Google to Launch First Project Suncatcher AI Satellite on Oct. 1

Alphabet will launch an experimental AI satellite as the first hardware of Project Suncatcher on Oct. 1, months ahead of schedule, according to a New York Times report. The satellite, named MVP, will fly on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California carrying four Google tensor processing units with roughly the computing power of one data-center server, powered by solar panels delivering about one kilowatt. Google had first said its Suncatcher prototypes with Planet Labs would launch in early 2027, and to accelerate the timeline it installed its chips in a ready-made Planet Labs satellite, accepting added risk; Google, an investor in Planet Labs, still plans to launch a pair of satellites next year and has designs for fleets of more than 80 satellites flying in close formation. The chips can run for about 15 minutes before shutting down to cool, and the satellite is designed to operate for about a year. Google estimates orbital data centers could become cost-competitive with ground facilities by the mid-2030s, though senior vice president for research James Manyika said, "We don't expect, to be perfectly frank, that we'll have anything usefully operational in the next few years."
About megatrends
Space Economy › Earth Observation & Geospatial Data ▲Technology
Cloud & Digital Infrastructure › Mega-cap Hyperscalers Technology
Artificial Intelligence › Custom Silicon / ASIC Technology
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion Demand
Space Economy › Satellite & Spacecraft Manufacturing Demand
GOOG · Technology · Positive Alphabet is launching its first Project Suncatcher AI satellite (MVP) on Oct. 1, months ahead of schedule, advancing its orbital data-center R&D.
PL · Demand · Positive Google installed its TPU chips in a ready-made Planet Labs satellite for the accelerated Suncatcher launch, and Planet Labs is Google's partner/investee for the prototype satellites.
SPCX · Demand · Positive The Suncatcher MVP satellite will fly on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg, giving SpaceX the launch contract for this mission.
Read original ↗
Yahoo Finance·8dRead more →
New ZealandUnited StatesJapan
Launch Services & Propulsion▲2

Rocket Lab Launches 97th Electron Mission, Deploys 13th StriX Satellite for Synspective

Rocket Lab launched its 97th Electron mission, delivering the 13th StriX satellite for Earth-monitoring constellation operator Synspective into a 559km low Earth orbit. The 'Owlright Owlright Owlright' mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 12:39 p.m. NZST on 26 September 2026. The deployment expands Synspective's synthetic aperture radar imaging constellation, which provides high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night imaging of the Earth's surface. The flight was Rocket Lab's 18th launch this year, sustaining Electron's position as the world's most frequently-launched small-lift orbital rocket. Across a multi-year partnership, Electron has now deployed all 13 StriX satellites with 100% mission success, and another 14 launches remain on schedule to deliver the rest of Synspective's constellation by the end of the decade.
About megatrends
Space Economy › Launch Services & Propulsion ▲Demand
Space Economy › Earth Observation & Geospatial Data ▲Supply
RKLB · Demand · Positive Rocket Lab successfully launched its 97th Electron mission, deploying a Synspective StriX satellite, with 14 more launches remaining on the multi-year contract.
290A.JP · Demand · Positive Synspective's StriX constellation expanded with its 13th satellite deployed, with 14 more launches scheduled to complete the constellation by decade's end.
Read original ↗
GlobeNewswire·8dRead more →