Maxar Technologies today announced it has closed the sale of MDA, previously a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, to a consortium of investors led by Northern Private Capital for CAD$1 billion. Net proceeds, including customary adjustments, and after application of currency hedges related to the transaction is expected to be approximately US$729 million.

The global COVID-19 pandemic that is making shockwaves through every industry in the world will have a significant impact on the satellite industry. Even the most optimistic projections indicate that the restrictions on movement, travel and public events will continue to be in place for at least the next two months in most of the world.  With more than half of the world and nearly 90 percent of the US and Europe in lockdown, the very strength and resilience of the industry will  be put to the ultimate test.

Most of the attention surrounding the early success of the SES Networks’ MEO constellation and the pending arrival of LEO constellations has focused skyward.  It is all about the satellites and their orbits, interference with GEO and the economic potential and risks of delivering global coverage to a planet that is 70% covered by water.

In life, it’s the connections that count. It’s the phone call and the text message.  The emails for work. The online shopping and the credit card in the store.  The visit to the ATM, the airplane trip, the medical emergency. Without those connections, life grinds to a halt. 

The global spread of coronavirus, and the impact of the COVID-19 disease it causes, is changing our world.  GVF is acutely sensitive to this impact.  As the global association of the satellite industry, we are responding to the effects the virus is having on our Members’ operations by exploring ways to increase the digital exposure of our Members’ news, products and services, while also creating digital learning opportunities that add to our already existing suite of online training courses and certifications.

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) provided a business update on the impact of the coronavirus, including the withdrawal of its business outlook for its fiscal year ending July 31, 2020, and a status update on the Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. acquisition.

Coronavirus Update and Withdrawal of Business Outlook for Fiscal 2020

AXESS Networks (AXESS)  signed a joint venture agreement with the Saudi Arabian communications provider Middle East Telecommunications Co. (METelecom). The intention is to provide end-to-end managed satellite communications solutions that are designed to enhance performances of customers operating in Saudi Arabia.

​The March 2020 issue of  the Satellite Executive Briefing magazine sponsored by Spacebridge is now available.  Featuring:

New Space Trends  by Omkar Nikam

AXESS Networks: A Merger with a Lot of Synergy by Virgil Labrador

Interview with Guido Neumann, Chief Development Officer and President EMEA, AXESS Networks

Antennas for Comms on the Move Applications by Bernardo Schneiderman

The Next Decade in Space Innovation by Stuart Daughtridge

The Importance of Link Budgets by Alvaro Sanchez

Work Microwave: A Diversified Portfolio for Changing Market Demands

Amphinicy Technologies: Building on its Strengths and Engineering Expertise

Executive Spotlight: Mitja Lovsin, General Manager, STN

Satellite Operators' Minimum Antenna Requirements  by Martin Jarrold

Before there was Nomophobia, there was the Teleport Awards  by Lou Zacharilla

PLUS Products and Services MarketPlace Guide to Satellite 2020 and CABSAT 2020, Mergers and Acquisitions, Executive Moves, Market Briefs, Vital Statistics, Satellite Markets 20 Stock Index and many more. Click here to read or download the file

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation operator OneWeb announced today that the company and certain of its controlled affiliates have voluntarily filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

The company intends to use these proceedings to pursue a sale of its business in order to maximize the value of the company.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has decided not to hold the NAB show this year and instead announced the launched of NAB Show Express to launch in April 2020. This digital experience will provide a conduit for exhibitors to share product information, announcements and demos, as well as deliver educational content from the original selection of programming slated for the live show in Las Vegas, and create opportunities for the community to interact virtually.