Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Space

GX5 now guided by SCC

Inmarsat’s newest satellite, GX5, has passed another milestone with 24/7 control of the spacecraft now taken over by the company’s Satellite Control Centre (SCC) in London.

Launch teams from Inmarsat and the satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space have been carrying out rigorous testing and calibration since GX5, the fifth satellite in the Global Xpress fleet, was launched from Kourou, French Guiana on 26th November 2019.

Since then, more than 700 tests have been performed across the payload’s multi-beam antennas and the four steerable antennas, which will deliver more capacity than the entire GX1-GX4 fleet combined.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle


Courtesy Inmarsat

The SCC will now guide GX5 on the journey towards its final on-station location. When the satellite enters commercial service later this year, it will meet growing demand across Europe and the Middle East, in particular for aviation Wi-Fi and commercial maritime services.

Over the next four years, the GX fleet will be joined by a further seven advanced payloads, which represent enhancement in overall capacity and capabilities of the GX network; the world’s first and only, globally available, seamless mobile broadband network.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle


 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
UK Government introduces ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK Government introduces ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms

9 February 2026

Young people will be given a quicker route into high-quality jobs on major projects as the UK Government slashes red tape to fast-track the process.

UK Space Agency launches studies on manufacturing advanced materials in orbit

Space

UK Space Agency launches studies on manufacturing advanced materials in orbit

9 February 2026

The UK Space Agency has awarded contracts to three UK companies to investigate producing advanced materials in Low Earth Orbit, where the conditions – including microgravity, natural vacuum and extreme temperatures – can create products that are difficult, expensive, or impossible to manufacture on Earth.

Two-thirds of parents back apprenticeships as first choice after school

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Two-thirds of parents back apprenticeships as first choice after school

9 February 2026

To coincide with the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9th – 15th February), one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers, BAE Systems, has analysed Censuswide’s survey of the latest attitudes of young people and parents

UK Space Agency investment helps launch electric propulsion lab

Space

UK Space Agency investment helps launch electric propulsion lab

6 February 2026

A new laboratory that will help UK companies develop and test the engines powering the next generation of satellites has opened at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Spirent Partners with ESA on PNT resilience for CNI

Space

Spirent Partners with ESA on PNT resilience for CNI

6 February 2026

Spirent Communications has partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead an initiative aimed at increasing the resilience of Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems used in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

5 February 2026

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has revealed its members reported sales in 2025 were up by 5% over 2024 but that orders and business to business sales, were flat.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner