Governmental entities are ramping satellite communications spending, encouraging commercial players to unite to grab their share of expected revenue growth.

In the US, federal agencies are increasing spending via mechanisms such as…

Google’s US$500m acquisition of Earth observation startup Skybox Imaging five years ago opened many doors for the bourgeoning newspace market. Satellite technology has been raising record levels of VC funding since the deal helped catapult the sector’s profile for a new investor class.

It is often celebrated as the market’s most notable exit, even though just two and a half years later a u-turn would...