Emirati satellite operator Yahsat and geospatial AI provider Bayanat have merged to form Space42, valued at approximately $3 billion. Led by Karim Sabbagh, the company aims to enhance hybrid connectivity and geospatial services, particularly for autonomous vehicles, while leveraging AI for network optimization and data analytics. Space42 operates five geostationary satellites and has plans for additional launches, supported by a $5.1 billion commitment from the UAE government for broadband services.
EchoStar is set to expand its satellite and mobile broadband services after selling Dish and Sling TV to DirecTV for $1, along with transferring $10 billion in debt. The restructuring aims to focus on direct-to-device satellite services, with plans to raise $5.5 billion in new capital, while analysts predict a challenging environment for its wireless business and ongoing declines in satellite pay-TV subscriptions.
Apollo Global Management has improved its climate risk score, earning a B for its energy holdings, up from a D in 2022, after committing to avoid fossil fuel investments. However, it still lags behind EQT, which focuses primarily on renewable energy. The report highlights that over 67% of the analyzed private equity firms' energy portfolios are invested in fossil fuels, raising concerns about their environmental impact and accountability.
A recent report highlights the intensifying competition in the commercial remote sensing industry, with the U.S. facing significant challenges from China. While the U.S. leads in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, China outperformed in electro-optical and multispectral categories, emphasizing the need for increased government support for U.S. firms to maintain global competitiveness. The report underscores the importance of innovation and market differentiation as nearly half of the top satellite systems were launched between 2021 and 2024.
Colombia has launched a $40-billion energy transition plan aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels while promoting sustainable tourism and nature restoration. The initiative includes significant investments in ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem conservation, with a focus on mobilizing both public and private financing. As the country prepares to host the COP16 summit, it seeks to establish a donor roundtable to support its ambitious green goals amidst challenges related to its coal industry and high debt levels.
Impulse Space has secured $150 million in a Series B funding round led by Founders Fund, with participation from Lux Capital, Spring Tide, and new investor DCVC. The funds will support the development of its high-energy orbital transfer vehicles, Mira and Helios, aimed at enhancing space transportation capabilities. The company plans to launch an upgraded Mira in late 2025 and Helios in 2026, responding to the growing demand for rapid satellite deployment to geostationary orbit.
First Solar is ramping up production of its thin-film solar cells and investing in perovskites to enhance efficiency amid rising electricity demand. As a major US solar panel manufacturer, it benefits from tariffs on imports and tax credits, but faces challenges like grid interconnection delays and supply chain issues. The company is also expanding its manufacturing footprint globally, including a new factory in India.
David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital continues to lag behind the market, gaining just over 1% in Q3 and 9% year-to-date, compared to approximately 21% for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. In September, the fund's largest positions, including Green Brick Partners and CONSOL Energy, performed well, while others like Brighthouse Financial and Kyndryl Holdings saw declines. Despite mixed results, Greenlight's macro bet on gold rose over 6% last month.
Sodium-ion batteries, while heavier and less energy-dense than lithium, are gaining traction for their cost-effectiveness and abundance. China leads in their production, with small sodium-powered electric vehicles emerging for short-range travel. Northvolt aims to enhance sodium battery performance, targeting a capacity of 180 Wh/kg for future long-range applications.
Interest rate speculation has led to a rally in government bonds, with the "Eidgenoss" reaching its lowest level since February 2022. Traders now estimate an 85% chance of a 25 basis point cut by the European Central Bank in October, up from 75% on Monday and 45% a week ago. The ECB has already reduced rates by 25 basis points in both June and September, bringing the current rate to 3.5%.
