In considering the theme for this month’s column my prompt came from threads of discussion featuring in GVF’s continuing online events program (https://gvf.org/webinars/) which resumed in January, following our successful 2020 online content response to the limiting circumstances of a pandemic world.  Mid-February’s Zoom into the subject of ground segment attracted 400 registrations, 300 actual attendances from 60 countries, and over 30 live questions, in addition to the moderator-led Roundtable dialogue.  

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.

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? 

Isn’t it refreshing, in these uncertain times, that when you come across something close to certain that the flux seems not only manageable but inspiring? This explains the persistence of the entrepreneur and why we embrace them.

NAB Amplify™ launches today with a free Early Access Bundle offer for those who sign up prior to March 31. Designed by the creators of NAB Show, NAB Amplify serves as the new digital hub for media and entertainment professionals to connect year-round, explore product innovations, discover new perspectives and gain trusted insights on important industry developments.

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.

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.

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.

“DSS has an unmatched reputation for innovative deployable space technologies and infrastructure, and that is a perfect fit for Redwire’s technology portfolio,” said Peter Cannito, Chairman and CEO of Redwire. “These new capabilities will expand our set of space infrastructure solutions and deliver even greater value to our customers.”

Building on its mission of Empowering Content Everywhere and serving the media, entertainment and technology industry, IBC today announced its strategic plan for 2021, focusing on the return of a live event in Amsterdam this year. IBC revealed plans to deliver a hybrid (physical and digital) event from 10^th – 13^th September 2021 and unveiled a fall-back option in early December 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.

Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights

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.