Amazon Expands Satellite Network Capabilities Through Globalstar Acquisition (heise.de)

• Acquisition of Globalstar secures vital LEO spectrum and infrastructure.
• Amazon accelerates Project Kuiper rollout to challenge incumbent market leaders.
• Consolidation of space-based assets poses risks to European strategic autonomy.

"Amazon has acquired satellite operator Globalstar, previously 20 percent owned by Apple, to accelerate its Project Kuiper LEO satellite network. This move provides Amazon with critical spectrum and operational assets necessary to compete with SpaceX's Starlink. The acquisition represents a significant consolidation in the low-Earth-orbit communication sector, impacting global connectivity infrastructure. For Europe, this highlights the necessity of accelerating indigenous initiatives like IRIS² to maintain sovereignty in space-based communication networks and minimize reliance on US-owned mega-constellations."