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Foxconn Launches New LEO Satellites With SpaceX

Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn has launched its second-generation low-Earth orbit satellites, PEARL-1A and PEARL-1B, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California. The mission marks another major step in Foxconn’s growing expansion beyond electronics manufacturing into space technology.

According to the company, both satellites successfully entered their planned orbits and are expected to carry out operational missions for five years. Their primary role is to test and validate payload technologies focused on communications systems and space science applications.

This launch highlights Foxconn’s broader diversification strategy as it moves into advanced technology sectors beyond consumer electronics and semiconductor manufacturing. By investing in LEO satellite systems, Foxconn joins a rapidly expanding global race in satellite communications, an area increasingly dominated by both commercial and national players.

The PEARL-1A and PEARL-1B mission is particularly important because it positions Foxconn as a more serious contender in aerospace-adjacent innovation, potentially opening future opportunities in satellite infrastructure, communication networks, and scientific research.

As demand for satellite-based communication and data systems continues to rise, Foxconn’s latest move signals that major electronics manufacturers are seeking a role in the evolving commercial space economy.

Amazon Eyes $9B Globalstar Deal to Challenge Starlink

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

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.