Page 70 - SAMENA Trends - August-September 2025

SATELLITE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Echostar Taps MDA Space to Build LEO Sats for New D2D Network

Satellite communications firm EchoStar is moving ahead with
plans to join the global direct-to-device (D2D) satellite race via a
new LEO satellite constellation, and has awarded an initial US$1.3
billion contract to MDA Space to help build it. EchoStar intends to
launch a non-terrestrial network (NTN) LEO satellite constellation
to provide global voice, text and broadband services directly to
standard 5G NTN handheld devices. The initial constellation
will comprise 200 satellites, which can be expanded as demand
grows. The contract with MDA Space, has announced, covers
the design, manufacturing and testing of the first tranche of over
100 software-defined MDA Aurora D2D satellites for the system.
The MDA Aurora satellites support optical intersatellite links
that enable a mesh network configuration. MDA Space said the
satellites are also fitted with an onboard processor compliant with
3GPP 5G NTN standards and Open RAN for seamless integration
with terrestrial networks. While the initial contract for the first
batch of LEO satellites is valued at US$1.3 billion, the full contract
for over 200 satellites is valued at US$2.5 billion. The LEO project 2-GHz S-band frequencies usually reserved for mobile satellite
is estimated to cost US$5 billion in total, including launch services services (MSS). Currently, EchoStar holds exclusive licences in
and gateways. MDA Space is scheduled to deliver the first batch of the 2-GHz band in the US, as well as 30 MHz of 2-GHz licenses
LEO satellites in 2028, with commercial service starting in 2029. in Europe, 40 MHz in Canada through a long-term partnership, 20
EchoStar is planning to offer its D2D constellation primarily as a MHz in Mexico, and 30 MHz in Brazil. "The market-leading technical
wholesale option for mobile operators that want to add an NTN innovation provided by MDA Space along with our global S-band/2-
option for 5G customers, according to Via Satellite. EchoStar said GHz spectrum rights with the highest ITU priority, and our strong
all devices that support 3GPP NTN specs – to include sensor and service delivery capabilities will enable us to serve the consumer,
mobile vehicles – can use the service. Unlike D2D players like enterprise, public safety and government sectors in the US, Europe
Starlink, Lynk Global and AST Spacemobile that aim to use existing and beyond,” said EchoStar president and CEO Hamid Akhavan in
terrestrial mobile spectrum, EchoStar’s constellation will utilize a statement.

GovSat Orders Defence Telecom Satellite from Thales Alenia Space

GovSat, a public-private joint venture between the Luxembourg defence as well as for its partners. The satellite will be built on
Government and satellite operator SES, together with Thales Ale- Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus 4000B2 platform, according to a
nia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, have an- media release. As prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space will be
nounced the signing of a contract for the supply of a new defence responsible for the design, manufacturing, testing, and delivery of
geostationary communications satellite, GovSat-2. Operating in X, the satellite. GovSat-2 is expected to have an operational in-orbit
Ka and UHF frequency bands, the satellite will provide secure and service life exceeding 15 years. “I wish to express my gratitude to
jam-resistant telecommunications services for the Luxembourg GovSat and its shareholders, SES and the Luxembourg Govern-
ment, for placing their trust in our company,” said Hervé Derrey,
CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “GovSat-2 will enhance Luxembourg’s
sovereignty in the field of defence satellite telecommunications.
The achievement is a new evidence of the rebound of the defence
geostationary market. This new contract further underscores the
success of our Spacebus 4000 product line, which has represent-
ed a total of 42 satellite programmes, including 16 based on the
Spacebus 4000B2 platform.” The satellite will be co-funded by SES
and the Luxembourg Government (funding from the Luxembourg
Directorate of Defence is subject to parliamentary approval of the
corresponding draft law), the media release said. Thales Alenia
Space posted consolidated revenues of €2.23 billion in 2024 and
has more than 8,100 employees in 7 countries with 15 sites in Eu-
rope.

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