Iridium, Qualcomm Partner for Satellite-to-Cell Service
On January 5, Iridium Communications, Inc. (Iridium) announced a partnership with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (Qualcomm) whereby satellite-compatible chips provided by Qualcomm will enable two-way messaging on Android cell phones using the Iridium satellite network, starting with emergency messaging in the second half of 2023.
SES Obtains EIB Financing for Three Satellites
On January 11, SES, S.A. announced that it secured a €300m seven-year loan from the European Investment Bank to finance the procurement of the ASTRA 1P, ASTRA 1Q and SES-26 satellites, which will provide broadcast and broadband Internet services to users in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. All three satellites are currently being manufactured by Thales Alenia Space and scheduled to be launched in 2024.
January M&A Round-Up
January 3 – L3 Harris Technologies, Inc. announced that it closed its acquisition of the Link 16 Tactical Data Links business of Viasat, Inc., concluding the $1.96b transaction, which was originally announced in October of 2022, months earlier than expected.
January 16 – Satellite solutions provider Gapsat Development Group Ltd. announced that it is acquiring QBX Limited, a satellite solutions and consulting services company. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
January 17 – CesiumAstro Inc. announced that it is acquiring TXMission Ltd., a UK-based developer of high-performance modems for satellites, ground stations and unmanned aerial vehicles. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Read more related news in Space Business Review January 2023.
