News Analysis

Satellite TECHBrief on Mx-DMA Technology

TECHBrief on Mx-DMA MRC Technology for All Applications sponsored by ST Engineering iDirect

A summary of the innovative features and benefits of ST Engineering iDirect's new Mx-DMA Multi-Resolution Coding (MRC) Technology.  Featuring:

No Compromises: Mx-DMA MRC Technology for All Applications  by Elisabeth Tweedie

Interview with Ban Van Poucke, Vice-President-Product Management, ST Engineering iDirect

Case Study: BIRDSAT-Netting the Benefits of Mx-DMA MRC 

To read or download the pdf of full report click here.

Comtech Telecommunications Closes Acquisition of UHP Networks

Melville, NY, Mar. 3, 2021--Comtech Telecommunications Corp.  (NASDAQ: CMTL), a global leader in the advanced secure wireless communications market, announced today that it has closed the acquisition of UHP Networks Inc., a leading provider of innovative and disruptive satellite ground station technology solutions. Founded in 2011, UHP is based in Canada and has developed revolutionary technology that is transforming the growing Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) market.

KVH Industries Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Results

Middletown, R.I., March 2, 2021—KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), a leading provider of innovative, technologydriven connectivity and navigation solutions, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020. Highlights of the results for the fourth quarter include:

• Total revenues from continuing operations increased by 4% year-over-year to US$ 44.1 million.

• Revenues for AgilePlans, our all-inclusive Connectivity as a Service program for the commercial maritime sector, were up more than 53% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.

• AgilePlans amounted to 73% of total commercial maritime mini-VSAT Broadband shipments, and 58% of the total mini-VSAT Broadband shipments for the quarter. AgilePlans now represent 38% of our mini-VSAT Broadband subscriber base.

In These ‘Uncertain Times’ a Little Satellite Goes a Long Way

by Lou Zacharilla

New York, NY, March 2, 2021-- How many presentations, emails, articles and Zoom webinars start with the phrase, “In these uncertain times…”? I did a quick search: 549,000. Occam’s Razor applies here. The simplest explanation is usually true. And in March 2021 the simple explanation is that we are in uncertain times because of COVID.  Now can we please move on? 

Rocket Lab, to Become Publicly Traded Through Merger with Vector Acquisition Corporation

Long Beach, Calif., March 1, 2021--Rocket Lab USA, Inc. a provider of launch and space systems, and Vector Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: VACQ) a special purpose acquisition company backed by technology investor Vector Capital, announced today that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement that will result in Rocket Lab becoming a publicly traded company. The transaction is estimated to be completed in Q2 2021 and, at that time, Vector will change its name to Rocket Lab USA, Inc. and the combined company will trade under the Nasdaq ticker symbol RKLB.

Spire Global to go Public through a Merger with NavSight Holdings

San Francisco, Calif., March 1, 2021--Spire Global and NavSight Holdings, a special purpose acquisition company, today announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement for a business combination that would result in Spire becoming a publicly listed company.

Redwire Acquires Deployable Space Systems

Jacksonville, Fla., February 23, 2021--Redwire has acquired Deployable Space Systems (DSS), a leading supplier of mission-enabling deployable solar arrays, structures and mechanisms for space applications.Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Axiom Space Raises Series B Funding

Houston, Tex., February 16, 2021--Axiom Space, which is developing the world's first commercial space station, has raised US$ 130 million in Series B funding. The round was led by C5 Capital and includes TQS Advisors, Declaration Partners (the investment firm backed by David M. Rubenstein), Moelis Dynasty Investments, Washington University in St. Louis, The Venture Collective, Aidenlair Capital, Hemisphere Ventures, and Starbridge Venture Capital.

RUAG Reorganizes, to Layoff up to 100 Employees

Zurich, Switzerland, February 16, 2021--RUAG International’s Space business is currently being reorganized as part of a project called Ambition 21. The reorganization is a response to a changing market environment and an unsatisfactory performance in 2020. The  focus of the reorganization is on strengthening RUAG Space’s position in Europe as a leading supplier to the space industry, on selectively expanding its subsystem offering and to further expand RUAG Space’s business in the US and globally.  

Gilat Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Results

Petah Tikva, Israel – February 16, 2021 – Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions and services, today reported its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020.  The company reported revenues of US$ 42.6 million versus US$ 78.3 million in Q4 2019 and improved from US$ 37.3 million in the previous quarter.