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Amazon Eyes $9B Globalstar Deal to Challenge Starlink

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Amazon is reportedly in talks to acquire satellite communications firm Globalstar in a deal valued at around $9 billion, as it accelerates efforts to compete in the low-Earth-orbit satellite market.

Globalstar, which provides voice, data and asset-tracking services through its satellite network, has seen its market value rise sharply over the past year. The potential acquisition would strengthen Amazon’s position in space-based connectivity as it expands its satellite initiative, known as Project Kuiper.

A key complication in the negotiations is Apple’s roughly 20% stake in Globalstar, requiring coordination between Amazon and Apple as part of any potential agreement.

The move is widely seen as a strategic push to rival Starlink, operated by SpaceX. Starlink currently leads the market with thousands of satellites in orbit and millions of global users.

Amazon has launched hundreds of satellites so far under its own program and aims to scale rapidly to serve enterprise, government and consumer markets. The company is seeking to close the gap with SpaceX as demand for global satellite internet and connectivity services continues to grow.

Discussions are ongoing, and no final agreement has been confirmed.

Eutelsat Signs Launch Deal With MaiaSpace for LEO Satellites

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European satellite operator Eutelsat has signed a multi-launch agreement with French startup MaiaSpace to deploy future low Earth orbit satellites, strengthening Europe’s push to reduce reliance on SpaceX.

The deal, which begins in 2027, adds MaiaSpace as a complementary launch partner alongside existing providers, Eutelsat said. MaiaSpace is a subsidiary of ArianeGroup and is developing a partially reusable mini-launcher, a first for Europe.

Eutelsat owns OneWeb, currently the only operational LEO constellation rivaling Starlink. OneWeb is considered strategically important by France and the UK, providing secure connectivity to governments, militaries and businesses.

The agreement comes as Europe seeks to accelerate its space capabilities. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged stronger use of LEO constellations to counter Starlink’s dominance.

Eutelsat plans to launch 440 Airbus-built LEO satellites in coming years, while MaiaSpace expects to start commercial operations in 2026.

Intuitive Machines to Expand Beyond Lunar Missions with $800 Million Acquisition of Lanteris Space Systems

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Intuitive Machines announced on Tuesday that it will acquire Lanteris Space Systems — formerly Maxar Space Systems — from private equity firm Advent International in an $800 million deal aimed at transforming the company into a full-spectrum space services provider. The acquisition marks a major strategic shift for the Houston-based lunar lander manufacturer, broadening its scope well beyond the Moon.

The transaction, comprising $450 million in cash and $350 million in stock, is expected to close in the first quarter of next year pending regulatory approval. Following the news, Intuitive Machines’ shares fell about 5% in premarket trading.

CEO Steve Altemus said the acquisition “moves Intuitive Machines beyond the Moon and into a wider range of space projects.” The combined company will generate an estimated $850 million in annual revenue and hold about $920 million in future contracts as of September 30.

Lanteris builds satellites and spacecraft used for defense, communications, and scientific missions. It was previously the satellite manufacturing arm of Maxar Technologies, which Advent took private in 2023 for $4 billion. Advent will retain a minority stake in the merged entity.

The deal follows Intuitive Machines’ recent acquisition of deep-space navigation firm KinetX and several new U.S. government contracts, as the company positions itself as a key player in both lunar and orbital missions.

Separately, the company reported third-quarter revenue of $52.4 million, below analyst expectations of $68.1 million, and a net loss of $10 million, according to LSEG data.