Spacecraft, Launch Vehicles & Satellites

BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Yank Technologies has received a U.S. Space Force Small Business Innovation Research Phase I contract to develop wireless power transfer technology for satellites and other orbital assets.

The contract was awarded through SpaceWERX, the Space Force organization responsible for supporting commercial technology development. The effort will examine the use of wireless power transfer during on-orbit servicing missions, where spacecraft may need to receive electrical power from another vehicle.

Traditional power transfer methods can require physical connectors and precise mechanical alignment between spacecraft. Yank Technologies is developing a resonant inductive wireless power system intended to transfer electricity without a wired connection or mechanical docking interface.

The company said its technology is designed to maintain power-transfer efficiency as spacecraft position and electrical loads change. The Phase I effort will assess the technology's suitability for use in orbital servicing applications.

The technology could provide an alternative to traditional wired interfaces and increase flexibility for future satellite servicing and life-extension missions.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: https://www.yanktechnologies.com/

CARLSBAD, Calif. - Viasat, Inc. announced that its ViaSat-3 F3 satellite has entered service, with capacity now available for customers operating across fast-growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The milestone marks the beginning of revenue-generating operations for one of the most advanced high throughput communications satellites ever deployed. ViaSat-3 F3 is expected to deliver greater flexibility, coverage, and capacity with competitive bandwidth economics driving new growth opportunities across Viasat's markets.

ViaSat-3 F3 is designed to deliver more than one terabit per second of throughput capacity and is the second of three satellites in Viasat's next-generation Ka-band constellation. This enhanced capacity will allow the company to pursue growth opportunities in underpenetrated attractive markets. ViaSat-3 constellation nearing completion

With ViaSat-3 F1 in service since 2024, ViaSat-3 F3's service entry brings the company’s next-generation ViaSat-3 fleet to two high throughput satellites. ViaSat-3 F2, which will serve the Americas, is in the final stages of in-orbit testing and expected to enter service soon, at which point the company's next-generation constellation will be complete.

Source: Viasat
Associated URL: https://www.viasat.com/news/latest-news/corporate/2026/viasat-3-f3-enters-service-asia-pacific/

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. -- Karman Space & Defense has finalized its acquisition of Walker Precision Engineering, expanding its footprint into the European defense market. Following the purchase, the acquired operations in Scotland, England, and Poland will be rebranded as Karman Space & Defense, Europe.

Walker Precision Engineering manufactures subsystems used in tactical missiles and air defense hardware. Its technical capabilities include advanced engineering, materials design, precision machining, electroplating, and electromechanical assembly. Through this integration, Karman absorbs supplier roles across more than 25 European tactical missile and air defense programs that serve major international defense contractors.

The acquisition allows Karman to establish an onshore presence within both the United Kingdom and the European Union, positioning the company to supply missile seekers, guidance components, and control systems directly within the region.

This transaction highlights a broader trend of U.S. defense firms expanding their operational bases in Europe to capture rising military expenditures. As European nations increase defense spending and prioritize regional security, defense contractors are seeking direct industrial footprints within Europe to secure long-term supply chain contracts and streamline procurement with allied governments.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: www.karman-sd.com