Co Founder and General Partner Phil Scully said private capital is accelerating the commercialization of space at a pace that is reshaping where constraints emerge in the value chain. He noted that as launch costs fall and access to orbit becomes more routine, the limiting factor shifts from getting assets into space to connecting them reliably and efficiently back to Earth. In his view, ground infrastructure is the essential layer every orbital mission depends on, and the companies building this layer will help define the trajectory of the space economy for decades.

The Northwood investment reflects Balerion's thesis that the next phase of value creation in space will come from infrastructure companies solving real operational constraints rather than from purely speculative concepts. As orbital activity increases and satellite constellations scale in number and complexity, traditional ground systems are struggling to keep up with demand, latency, and resiliency requirements. Balerion sees Northwood's vertically integrated approach to ground infrastructure as closely aligned with its strategy of backing platforms that unlock scalable operations across a range of mission profiles.

As part of the announcement, Northwood disclosed a 49.8 million dollar contract award from the U.S. Space Force to upgrade the Satellite Control Network. The award serves as a validation of the dual use value proposition that Balerion seeks in many of its portfolio companies, demonstrating that Northwood's solutions can address both commercial requirements and critical national security needs. For Balerion, this dual use profile fits its positioning at the intersection of space and defense technologies.

Balerion's participation in Northwood's Series B follows earlier investments in companies such as Antares Industries, Samara Aerospace, and Valar Atomics. Collectively, these portfolio companies operate across launch services, in orbit systems, advanced manufacturing, energy, and defense related technologies. Balerion describes these holdings as mission critical platforms that form a backbone for the next generation of space enabled industries, from communications and sensing to logistics and energy infrastructure.

The firm emphasizes the role of its multi disciplinary team, which brings together backgrounds in aerospace engineering, venture capital, and institutional investing. This combination is intended to support rigorous technical and financial evaluation of frontier technology companies, while also providing operational and strategic guidance as those companies scale. Since 2022, Balerion has focused on founders building durable, scalable infrastructure with the potential to underpin trillion dollar markets beyond Earth's surface.

By investing in Northwood, Balerion is reinforcing its view that ground systems are emerging as a defining constraint on growth in the space sector. The firm argues that modernized, software driven, and vertically integrated ground infrastructure will be necessary to handle the rising volume of data, the proliferation of satellites, and the increasing complexity of orbital operations. As more public and private missions depend on resilient connectivity, firms that can reliably deliver this capacity are expected to play a central role in how the space economy evolves.

Balerion frames the Northwood Series B investment as part of a systematic approach to building out a portfolio that spans the full stack of space infrastructure. From launch and in orbit systems to energy and dual use defense technologies, the firm aims to assemble interlocking capabilities that together form an industrial backbone for activity beyond Earth. The Northwood deal, centered on modernizing ground infrastructure, represents a key link in that strategy as space transitions further into a domain of continuous, data intensive operations.

]]> Sat, 07 FEB 2026 10:19:11 AEST Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 26, 2026 - Aalyria has been selected by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Rapid Architecture Prototyping and Integration Development program to advance software solutions for managing complex military space communications networks under the Space Data Network Experimentation program. The award, executed through AFRL's Space Technology Advanced Research Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware initiative, will evaluate how the company's Spacetime AI-enabled orchestration software can integrate diverse satellite systems, ground infrastructure, and communications links into a single resilient network for defense operations.

The Space Data Network concept envisages a hybrid network of networks that can integrate multi-orbit and multi-domain communications assets spanning government, allied, and commercial systems. The objective is to move beyond siloed architectures toward a federated space data fabric capable of supporting joint-force missions with assured connectivity across domains.

Spacetime is a temporospatial software-defined networking platform that continuously co-optimizes the physical wireless topology and routing across space, air, maritime, and terrestrial networks. By maintaining a planet-scale digital twin of moving platforms, environmental conditions, and link performance, the software can proactively task steerable antennas and optical terminals, anticipate disruptions, and dynamically reshape the network to maintain resilient, low-latency connectivity for priority missions.

"SDNX is about proving that a truly hybrid, federated Space Data Network is ready to move from concept toward reality," said Brian Barritt, Chief Technology Officer at Aalyria. "Spacetime was built specifically to orchestrate large, dynamic constellations and directional links across land, sea, air, and space. We're excited to work with AFRL and the broader Space Force community to explore how software-driven orchestration can give warfighters assured, mission-aware connectivity over any available network."

AFRL's SDNX effort is designed to explore architectures that can integrate space-flight systems, associated ground segments, and advanced communications links into resilient, mission-tailorable capabilities for the joint force. Activities under SDNX fall within the STAR-FISH initiative, which supports research, development, prototyping, and experimentation for space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies in support of national defense.

As part of the SDNX program, Aalyria will undertake a focused technical study in close collaboration with AFRL and its partners. The work will analyze how Spacetime's network state optimization capabilities align with the government vision for a Space Data Network, identify key gaps and enhancement opportunities including warfighter-unique requirements and integration considerations, and recommend a maturation path for future experimentation and potential operational use.

Spacetime has been developed and matured for more than a decade, with heritage orchestrating dynamic airborne and space-based networks for government and commercial partners. The platform has achieved high technology readiness levels through a combination of full-system simulations, field tests, and previous experimentation with organizations such as the Defense Innovation Unit, the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and commercial satellite operators.

"Building a resilient Space Data Network requires a software-first approach," said Chris Taylor, Chief Executive Officer at Aalyria. "AFRL's SDNX program recognizes that the future fight will depend on the ability to dynamically coordinate every available link across domains and providers. Aalyria is proud to bring Spacetime to this effort and to help accelerate the transition from fragmented systems to a unified, mission-driven space communications fabric."

The SDNX award builds on Aalyria's work to advance open and interoperable interfaces, including the company's Federation APIs, which are intended to simplify integration across heterogeneous platforms and networks. Aalyria is also supporting emerging hybrid-space and Space Data Network concepts being explored across the U.S. Department of Defense, civil space agencies, and industry partners as they seek to enable more flexible, resilient communications architectures for future operations.

]]> Sat, 07 FEB 2026 10:19:11 AEST Paris, France (SPX) Jan 13, 2026 - Eutelsat has signed a new contract with Airbus Defence and Space for the manufacture of an additional 340 OneWeb low Earth orbit satellites, expanding its next generation constellation plan and securing long term service continuity for commercial and government customers. The new order follows a previous batch of 100 satellites announced in December 2024, bringing the total number of second generation OneWeb spacecraft on contract with Airbus to as many as 440 units.

The satellites will be produced on a newly installed production line at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Toulouse, France, with initial deliveries scheduled to begin by the end of 2026. Establishing a dedicated line in Europe enables Eutelsat and Airbus to industrialize the build of the new constellation elements while maintaining tighter control over schedule, quality and supply chain resilience.

Eutelsat's OneWeb constellation currently operates more than 600 satellites in 12 synchronized orbital planes at an altitude of about 1,200 kilometers, providing global high speed, low latency connectivity. The incoming satellites will progressively replace the earliest spacecraft in the constellation as they reach end of operational life, ensuring uninterrupted services across fixed, mobile and government connectivity markets.

The new spacecraft incorporate upgraded technology, including advanced digital channelizers that significantly enhance onboard processing power and flexibility. These digital payloads will allow more efficient use of spectrum and dynamic allocation of capacity to match changing traffic patterns, improving overall network performance and resilience for users.

Airbus and Eutelsat have optimized the satellite architecture to maximize long term operational performance, focusing on reliability, maintainability and in orbit longevity. The design aims to sustain Eutelsat's LEO services well into the next decade while leaving room for incremental enhancements as components and software evolve.

Eutelsat plans to use the refreshed platform to explore new business opportunities, particularly through hosted payload capabilities that could support additional missions or services on board the satellites. Such hosted payloads could include specialized communications packages, space situational awareness sensors or other government related applications, leveraging the reach and revisit of the OneWeb orbital planes.

Fully oriented toward the professional business to business market, Eutelsat's OneWeb network is one of only two fully operational low Earth orbit broadband systems in service worldwide and the only one operated by a European based company. This position gives Eutelsat a strategic role in providing sovereign grade connectivity options for European and allied governments seeking diversified, secure satellite communications solutions.

The LEO system complements Eutelsat's fleet of 34 geostationary satellites, which together with the low Earth orbit constellation form an integrated GEO LEO architecture created when Eutelsat and OneWeb combined in 2023. The combined infrastructure supports four main verticals: video distribution, mobile connectivity, fixed connectivity and government services, using space and ground assets to deliver tailored solutions worldwide.

Eutelsat Chief Executive Officer Jean Francois Fallacher said the new Airbus order underpins the growth trajectory of the OneWeb business, which delivered about 80 percent topline expansion in 2025. He said the additional satellites will secure continuity for a growing base of customers and distribution partners who rely on the low latency LEO capacity for critical connectivity needs.

Alain Faure, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, said the contract reinforces Airbus's long standing relationship with Eutelsat, which spans more than three decades across multiple satellite programs. He described the deal as a strong endorsement of Airbus's design and manufacturing capabilities for large scale LEO constellations and confirmed the company's commitment to supporting the evolution of the OneWeb system.

Eutelsat positions the expanded LEO constellation as a key asset for meeting rising global demand for broadband and resilient communications in remote and underserved regions, over land, at sea and in the air. By combining GEO and LEO capacity, the operator aims to offer flexible, scalable services that can address commercial and government requirements, including defense, emergency response and critical infrastructure support.

The company emphasizes that its connectivity services are designed to be safe, resilient and environmentally responsible, with a commitment to helping bridge the digital divide. Eutelsat employs more than 1,600 staff in over 75 countries and is listed on both Euronext Paris and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker ETL, reflecting its broad international footprint and investor base.

]]> Sat, 07 FEB 2026 10:19:11 AEST Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 14, 2026 - W5 Technologies has introduced the Mighty MUOSe system, a compact payload that extends coverage for the Mobile User Objective System military satellite communications network from Low Earth Orbit. The company positions the unit as a MUOS extender that maintains links for deployed forces when geostationary spacecraft are unavailable or out of view in high-latitude or obstructed environments, including polar regions and mountainous terrain.

The first prototype Mighty MUOSe unit is designed to provide persistent MUOS connectivity by hosting call processing functions on an orbital platform rather than relying solely on geostationary satellites. W5 Technologies developed the system in response to a U.S. Navy Small Business Innovation Research topic that called for continuous MUOS service over the North Pole, where conventional architectures struggle to maintain coverage.

Mighty MUOSe has completed full laboratory testing and uses hardware that has already undergone field trials, according to the company. The payload is built to be integrated on spacecraft or other mission platforms and is described as 5G ready so that it can interface with newer communications architectures and networks as they are deployed.

"We're focused on making dependable communications available anywhere our operators need them," said Jason Ferguson, CEO of W5. "By bringing the satellite closer to the user, Mighty MUOSe represents the kind of adaptable, resilient technology that today's missions demand. It essentially puts the satellite right over the warfighters on the frontline so they get better coverage."

Alongside the new MUOS extender, W5 Technologies offers the Mighty MUOOS system, which allows defense agencies to test MUOS-capable radios and terminals without using the live operational network. Mighty MUOOS is designed as a lab tool that can be brought into an organization's own facilities to troubleshoot MUOS terminals and validate integrations before they are deployed on real missions.

]]> Sat, 07 FEB 2026 10:19:11 AEST Paris, France (SPX) Nov 28, 2025 - European governments have backed a 2.1 billion euro funding package to expand secure satellite communications services, confirming support for space-based connectivity at the European Space Agency Council meeting at Ministerial Level in Bremen, Germany. The subscription will finance new and extended programmes intended to strengthen resilience, security and capacity in the satellite telecommunications sector for Europe and Canada.

ESA will direct the funding through its connectivity and secure communications portfolio, including the ARTES 4.0 (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) programme. ARTES is designed to move technologies and services from concept to operational use, giving companies a framework to test and mature satellite communications hardware, software and applications before they enter the commercial market.

Activities under ARTES cover geostationary satellites, non-geostationary constellations and ground segment infrastructure, and have supported developments ranging from optical and quantum links to satellite-enabled 5G systems. The latest subscription will continue support for projects such as HummingSat and Novacom, which aim to keep European industry active in the geostationary communications satellite segment.

The funding will also advance optical and quantum communications capabilities intended to reduce dependence on non-European providers and improve protection against interception or disruption. The HydRON initiative focuses on an optical communications network in space, including an expanding set of optical ground stations, to enable high-capacity data transfer described as an internet in space.

Quantum key distribution will receive dedicated support through missions including SAGA, which contributes to the European Union's EuroQCI infrastructure, as well as Eagle-1, Eagle neXt and QKDSat. These missions are planned to test and demonstrate secure distribution of cryptographic keys via satellites, which can then connect into governmental and commercial networks on the ground.

ESA's connectivity programmes will also work toward closer integration of terrestrial and satellite 5G and future networks to provide continuous coverage across urban, rural and remote regions. The agency expects this work to support emerging direct-to-device services, in which standard user handsets connect directly to satellites for messaging, voice or data when out of reach of ground networks.

Aviation, maritime and cybersecurity applications form another pillar of the investment plan, with a focus on safety-related and operational communications. ESA highlighted the Iris Global system for air traffic management, which uses satellite links to support more efficient and lower-emission flight routes, and announced further work to safeguard radio-frequency spectrum against interference.

Part of the new subscription is linked to Europe's Secure Connectivity initiative IRIS2, for which ESA will qualify and validate a multi-orbit satellite constellation led by the SpaceRISE industrial consortium. IRIS2 is intended to provide government and commercial users with secure communications capacity and to serve as a basis for future space-based connectivity services.

The evolution of IRIS2 is set to underpin ESA's European Resilience from Space concept, which combines communications, Earth observation and navigation data to support emergency response and other time-critical operations. By linking these capabilities, authorities could receive near-real-time situational information along with robust links for coordination and decision-making.

ESA's Moonlight programme is another beneficiary of the decisions taken in Bremen, with ministers agreeing to continue development of lunar communications and navigation infrastructure. Moonlight aims to deploy dedicated satellites and surface equipment to provide communications and positioning services for the many missions expected to operate around and on the Moon in the coming decade.

ESA's Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, Laurent Jaffart, said decisions at the ministerial conference will shape how ESA responds to Europe's growing demand for reliable, resilient and secure connectivity. He noted that with a subscription exceeding 2 billion euros, ESA plans to work with Member States, the European Commission and partners to reinforce Europe's leadership, autonomy and competitiveness in satellite communications.

]]> Sat, 07 FEB 2026 10:19:11 AEST Paris, France (ESA) Nov 25, 2025 - Europe has strengthened its secure-communications capabilities with the successful launch of SpainSat NG II on 24 October, wrapping up the SpainSat Next Generation programme supported by the European Space Agency (ESA). With both SpainSat NG satellites now in orbit, Europe will see its most advanced governmental communications system to date, a major step for the continent's security, crisis-response capacity, and technological autonomy.

The launch of SpainSat NG II from Kennedy Space Center comes nine months after its twin, SpainSat NG I. They are part of Spanish satellite service provider Hisdesat's SpainSat Next Generation programme, focused on advancing secure satellite communications for Europe.

Set to begin joint operations in 2026, the satellites will serve the Spanish Armed Forces, and other national and allied government agencies. It will also be used by the European Union through its GOVSATCOM HUB and help cover humanitarian response missions worldwide. Their coverage extends across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and parts of the Middle East and Asia.

Built on Airbus's Eurostar Neo platform and weighing approximately six tonnes each, the satellites have reconfigurable X-band antennas together with KaGov-band steerable antennas developed under ESA's Pacis 3 Partnership Project. European space collaboration between ESA, Hisdesat, Spanish Space Agency and Airbus Defence and Space enabled the innovative development of these antennas with pooling and sharing capabilities, so that it quickly adapts to changing uses and users.

Instead of relying on many fixed antennas, the X-band antenna system integrates an active array capable of performing the work of 16 traditional antennas. It can shift capacity in real time based on demand or environmental conditions. This is crucial when communication needs suddenly change during natural disasters or high-security operations. The antenna can also geolocate and disable jamming attempts, making sure connections stay reliable when signals are disrupted.

The satellites were built in just five years and launched within the same year, a pace that highlights the efficiency of the industrial process led by industrial prime Airbus Defence and Space. Additionally, Spanish industry contributed extensively through companies such as Sener, Indra, Arquimea, Tecnobit, GMV, and Airbus Crisa, reinforcing Europe's position in secure-satellite technology.

With SpainSat NG now complete, Europe gains a powerful and adaptable system designed to provide reliable, secure communications, strengthening Spain's capabilities and the continent's strategic autonomy in space.

"The success of SpainSat NG demonstrates what Europe's space players are capable of," said Josef Aschbacher, Director General of ESA. "ESA's role as a neutral technological expert allowed us to build a collaborative philosophy directly into the pool-and-share capabilities enabled by Pacis 3, ensuring governmental users can communicate during a crisis. We are proud to champion this collaboration across public and private spheres, which made it possible to innovate quickly and improve our collective safety and strategic autonomy."

"SpainSat NG represents the next generation of secure satellite communications in Europe. This second launch marks a key milestone in providing more adaptable and secure communications services that will benefit governmental users across Europe and beyond," said Laurent Jaffart, ESA's Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

"Pacis 3 has been an excellent collaboration between institutional and industrial organisations", said Miguel Angel Garcia Primo, Hisdesat's Chief Executive Officer. "We are proud to have developed SpainSat NG I and II, the most advanced European secure communications satellites, in collaboration with ESA, Spanish Space Agency and Airbus Defence and Space, with the participation of most of the Spanish Space sector. This project has placed Spanish industry at the forefront of active antenna technologies".

]]> Sat, 07 FEB 2026 10:19:11 AEST Sydney, Australia (SPX) Nov 18, 2025 - ST Engineering iDirect and Black Cat Systems are working together to establish an Advanced Satcom Technology Demonstration Lab to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Central to this lab is the ST Engineering iDirect 450 Software Defined Modem (SDM), which provides multi-waveform and multi-orbit capabilities, as well as interference mitigation technology tailored for defense needs.

Black Cat Systems has purchased additional Evolution Defense hubs and 9-Series modems and will demonstrate the new 450SDM model. This modem is designed for mission-critical communications and operates across HEO, GEO, MEO, and LEO orbits, supporting several waveforms on a single platform. It offers a 30 percent reduction in size, weight, and power compared to earlier models and integrates security features such as TRANSEC and FIPS 140-3 Level 3 compliance.

Terry Bleakley, Asia Regional Vice President at ST Engineering iDirect, said, "Our expanded partnership with Black Cat Systems underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge satcom solutions to the Australian Defence Force. The 450SDM, combined with our Evolution Defense platform, showcases our ability to meet the ADF's critical communication needs with unmatched flexibility, reliability, security, and performance."

Keith Rosario, Managing Director at Black Cat Systems, stated, "Black Cat Systems has been a trusted Australian provider of satcom solutions and services for the ADF for 18 years, and is investing to strengthen the sovereign industrial base through lab systems, advanced training, and local support to ensure a strong secure supply chain, seamless integration, operational excellence and 100 percent mission focus. We are proud to strengthen our partnership with ST Engineering iDirect. Our Advanced Satcom Technology Demonstration Lab will be used to showcase the 450SDM and other advanced technologies from ST Engineering iDirect that deliver secure, resilient, and mission-critical communication capabilities to empower the ADF in current and future environments."

When paired with iDirect Evolution Defense 4.6, the 450SDM provides enhanced security, resiliency, and mobility for defense uses. The modem features flexible key exchange for crypto-agility and real-time interference removal, supporting stable and secure communications in demanding scenarios. Additional capabilities will be developed for the modem in future releases.

The Advanced Satcom Technology Demonstration Lab marks a step forward in providing secure, mission-critical communications to the ADF.

]]> Sat, 07 FEB 2026 10:19:11 AEST Berlin, Germany (SPX) Nov 10, 2025 - Facing a new era of satellite surveillance and jamming, European governments are moving rapidly to strengthen their defenses in orbit. The twin challenges posed by Russian and Chinese activities have forced the continent to confront longstanding vulnerabilities in both military and civilian space infrastructure. While much of the public discourse addresses threats, a parallel focus has emerged: what is Europe actually doing about it?

Recent incidents, reported by defense officials in Germany and the United Kingdom, have spurred waves of policy response and technological innovation. Russian satellite stalking and weekly jamming of British and German assets have demonstrated the reality of space as a contested front in modern geopolitics. At the same time, the pace and sophistication of Chinese satellite capabilities - ranging from robotic arm technology to precision maneuvers - underscore the need for broader, coordinated approaches to space security.

Central to Europe's new strategy is the acceleration of defense spending and the development of countermeasures designed to detect and defeat hostile actions. Germany's headline commitment of euro 35 billion over five years signals a step change, not only in technical investment but in political will. This major budget increase covers new communications satellites, robust detection systems for jamming and laser threats, and enhanced ground network resilience.

The United Kingdom, for its part, is also taking concrete steps. Recent government initiatives have focused on testing and deploying advanced sensors, specifically crafted to detect laser interference and electronic jamming in real time. The British strategic review has underscored the need to shift more resources to space, cyber, and electromagnetic domains - a move echoed by other allies.

France, meanwhile, has advocated for the development of "bodyguard satellites" - specialized spacecraft intended to protect key assets from attack or interference. Though the design and deployment of such satellites remains under development, their conceptual introduction marks an important evolution in doctrine. The role of the European Space Agency (ESA) is also expanding, reflecting new mandates to help coordinate defense activities across the continent.

At the heart of these efforts is the recognition that the traditional distinction between civilian and military space applications has eroded. Commercial operators, airlines, and broadband companies are now the front lines of the security challenge. One recent example: navigation and positioning systems, which underpin both civil aviation and military targeting, have become visible targets for interference campaigns.

Critics and analysts caution that, for all the new investments, Europe's response may still fall short of the required urgency and scale. Think tanks such as Chatham House warn that strategic reviews fail to fully acknowledge the immediacy of satellite-directed threats, potentially leaving gaps in the collective defense posture. Calls for more rapid innovation, public-private partnerships, and pan-European "space shields" have grown louder in recent months.

NATO's decisive steps have played a vital role. Following its 2019 declaration of space as an "operational domain," Article 5 protections have been extended to cover deliberate attacks on members' satellites. This collective defense mechanism has galvanized conversations and joint planning among allies, while also raising the stakes for would-be aggressors.

Collaboration is increasingly seen as the cornerstone of Europe's progress. The complexity of space operations and defense requires integration across national boundaries, disciplines, and commercial partnerships. The rapid hardening of satellite constellations, upgrades to signal encryption, and diversification of ground station networks show the fruits of these collective efforts.

Civilian vulnerabilities loom large in the debate. European governments have commissioned new studies on aviation risks, communications blackouts, and cyber-intrusion scenarios, hoping to anticipate and neutralize threats before they materialize. The convergence of civil and defense interests reflects the reality that, in space, resilience is shared - and lapses anywhere may set off cascading effects.

Looking forward, experts urge that Europe continue on its path of expansion and innovation in space defense. Success will depend not only on technological solutions, but on sustained investment, speedy implementation, and a willingness to adapt as adversaries evolve their tactics. In this dynamic security environment, building resilience is not a one-time act, but an ongoing imperative.

As Berlin, London, and Paris ramp up resources and policy momentum, the broader European story is one of awakening - a recognition that space security is central to the region's future. The race is on to ensure that Europe's satellites remain secure, its communication lines robust, and its skies free from hostile interference.

]]> Sat, 07 FEB 2026 10:19:11 AEST London (AFP) Nov 7, 2025 - British telecoms giant Vodafone and US group AST SpaceMobile on Friday said they had chosen Germany to base satellite operations aimed at enhancing high-speed connectivity to remote areas of Europe.

The joint venture, named SatCo and first announced in March, aims to "further strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty", the two companies said in a statement.

The high-speed satellite connectivity market is currently dominated by Elon Musk's Starlink internet system.

Technology provided by Vodafone and AST will provide mobile services direct from satellites to network providers and "benefit all European citizens, businesses and public sector organisations", the statement said.

The venture aims to ensure "ubiquitous mobile broadband in underserved areas and support emergency services and disaster relief agencies," it added.

A commercial launch of the service is planned for 2026.

ajb/bcp/ach

Vodafone Group

]]> Sat, 07 FEB 2026 10:19:11 AEST Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Oct 28, 2025 - Researchers from Kyushu University have found that rising carbon dioxide levels in Earth's atmosphere may disrupt high-frequency radio communications that support air traffic control, maritime communication, and broadcasting.

The study shows that while global surface temperatures increase with more CO2, the ionosphere at heights around 100 km above sea level actually cools. This cooling thins the air, enhances wind circulation, and destabilizes satellite and debris orbits while creating plasma irregularities that interfere with radio waves.

One such irregularity, the sporadic-E (Es) layer, forms between 90 and 120 km in altitude. "Es are sporadic and difficult to predict. However, when they occur, they can disrupt HF and VHF radio communications," said Professor Huixin Liu. Their simulations showed that higher CO2 levels-modeled at 667 ppm compared to today's 422.8 ppm-strengthen Es, shift them about 5 km lower, and extend their nighttime duration.

By analyzing vertical ion convergence, the team found these effects were due to reduced atmospheric density and different wind patterns. Liu said, "These findings are the first of its kind to show how increasing CO2 affects the occurrence of Es, revealing new insight into cross-scale coupling processes between neutral air and ionosphere plasma. In other words, they show how global climate-driven changes can impact small-scale plasma phenomena in space."

The researchers conclude that the telecommunications industry should plan for the long-term effects of global warming on space infrastructure, as atmospheric changes influence ionospheric plasma and thus, vital global communications.

Research Report:How does increasing CO2 concentration affect the ionospheric Sporadic-E formation?

]]> Sat, 07 FEB 2026 10:19:11 AEST Subscribe to our daily selection of space, military, environment and energy newsletters responseText http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=0016gbbKsaiGSpQFojVO8ZoHw%3D%3D