The article examines the escalating space rivalry between the US and China, highlighting China's advanced satellite maneuvers and the US's concerns over potential conflict in space. It notes China's development of space defense systems and the US's push for 'space weapons' amid rising tensions.

Donald Trump has deployed 80 spy satellites in his first 100 days as U.S. president, significantly expanding the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) satellite constellation. The deployment, part of a broader initiative to create the 'largest and most capable government satellite constellation in US history,' includes Starshield satellites developed by Northrop Grumman. The effort is led by the Space Force and NRO, with plans to quadruple satellite numbers by 2029.

Alba Orbital secures a multi-launch contract with Hello Space to deploy four 'rubik’s-cube-sized' PocketQube satellites via SpaceX, enhancing global connectivity through IoT. The satellites, each 5 x 5 x 15 cm and weighing 250 grams, will be launched in NET Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. Alba Orbital's CEO, Tom Walkinshaw, expresses excitement for the collaboration, highlighting the cost-effectiveness and versatility of PocketQubes. Hello Space's CEO, Muzaffer Duysal, praises Alba Orbital's technical competence. Scotland's Minster for Exports, Lord Offord, commends Alba Orbital's contribution to Scotland's space industry.

Harris Corp. received a $75 million order from the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) to deliver Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) narrowband satellite communication (SATCOM) upgrades for the Falcon III AN/PRC-117G manpack radio fleet. This order is part of a five-year IDIQ contract received in 2017. The upgrade will allow Marines to access the new MUOS satellite constellation, enhancing their communication capabilities and interoperability with other U.S. Defense Department and allied users.