Satellite News

Eutelsat Communications has acquired NOORSAT, a satellite service provider in the Middle East, from Bahrain’s Orbit Holding Group.

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. announced it has completed its acquisition of DigitalGlobe, Inc.

Northrop Grumman Corporation and Orbital ATK, Inc. announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Northrop Grumman will acquire Orbital ATK for approximately US$7.8 billion in cash, plus the assumption of US$1.4 billion in net debt.

The Space Alliance, formed by Thales Alenia Space (Thales 67%, Leonardo 33%) and Telespazio (Leonardo 67%, Thales 33%), today signed a partnership with the US-based company Spaceflight Industries.

Iridium Communications Inc. announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Magnitude Space, an emerging small satellite company. The signing of this MoU signals Iridium’s interest in exploring collaborative partnerships with complementary NewSpace players, particularly those in the SmallSat low-power arena.

United Technologies Corp. and Rockwell Collins, Inc. announced that they have reached a definitive agreement under which United Technologies will acquire Rockwell Collins for US$140.00 per share, in cash and UTC stock.

ICEYE, which is developing synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) technology for microsatellites, announced US$13 million in new funding, including an US$8.5 million financing round led by Draper Nexus.

DigitalGlobe, Inc. announced that it signed a Direct Access Program (DAP) contract with the Australian Department of Defence. This multi-year agreement will allow the Australian government to access DigitalGlobe’s industry-leading commercial satellite imaging constellation to support defence and intelligence missions.