Satellite

The US Space Force is investing billions of dollars in next-gen tech to expand its threat detection capabilities. One of its programs will see flat-pack satellites being deployed to low earth orbit to track airborne threats.

Following the recent launch of its satellite-based internet service, Amazon's now aiming to provide direct-to-cell connectivity in the next few years. Using its Leo service, you'll be able to make calls and send texts beyond the reach of cell towers.

For the first time, a European Southern Observatory (ESO) study has quantified the threat to astronomy posed by a large number of highly reflective satellites planned to launch in the coming years.

The Fi Ultra adds T-Satellite with Starlink to a rugged GPS dog tracker, promising live location updates beyond cell coverage, plus sound-and-vibration recall cues, waterproofing and up to five days of battery life.

City Labs has launched the world's first commercial satellite carrying a nuclear-powered payload into orbit. Lofted atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Betavoltaic Orbital High-Reliability (BOHR) CubeSat is designed to demonstrate using tritium as an energy source.

The US Space Force has proven it has battlefield teeth like the other armed forces by adding "Meadowlands" to its arsenal – a ground-based space weapon designed to blind, bamboozle, and blast orbital threats with electromagnetic beams.

MIT engineers have tested a thumbnail-sized thruster that runs on a single green fuel to power both chemical and electric propulsion, potentially sending inexpensive CubeSats all the way to Mars, and beyond.

"Ground Control to Major Tom," the iconic lyric from 70s hit, Space Oddity. Oddly, the giant parabolic dishes behind those transmissions are still in use 50 years on ... until now. Engineers are proposing sleeker, more efficient ground station tech.

"Ghost ships" may not be able to hide on the high seas much longer thanks to new technology being developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The system uses a dynamic satellite camera and advanced data processing to visually track ships in real time.

Overview Energy, a Northern Virginia-based startup, has raised $20 million to fund its attempt at transmitting solar power from satellites down to solar panels on Earth, enabling a 24/7 supply.

Star Wars becomes more than a film franchise title as the British government moves to protect the country's satellites from laser attacks. The £500,000 (US$670,000) investment for new sensor systems is part of a broader strategic realignment.

Garmin just released the new Fenix 8 Pro fitness and outdoor smartwatch, which brings LTE and satellite connectivity to let you ditch your phone at home. There's also a nutso US$2,000 price tag on the "top-end" model, thanks to a new MicroLED screen.