Trying to choose the most significant stories of the year, is always a challenge!  Is x more important than y and does z really have an impact?  Inevitably, the choice of topics to include will always be subjective.  So, here’s my short list.

Celestia Technologies Group has announced that it has acquired the satellite ground systems division of Antwerp Space, part of the Bremen-based OHB SE Group, in a deal that will boost Celestia’s existing expertise in EGSE and ground systems.

Hughes Network Systems and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), a satellite operator based in the United Arab Emirates and wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company, today announced the commencement of a joint venture to provide satellite broadband services in Brazil. Now operational under the established Hughes do Brasil name, the new venture combines Hughes decades of experience delivering satellite networks and services in Brazil with Yahsat’s strong position and capabilities in the region.

ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC) (“ViacomCBS”) today announced the completion of the merger between CBS Corporation and Viacom Inc. The combined company, which is renamed ViacomCBS, creates a premium content powerhouse with global scale, including leading positions in markets across the U.S., Europe, Latin America and Asia.

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) today reported its operating results for the first fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2019 and updated its fiscal 2020 guidance.  Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were US$ 170.3 million as compared to the US$ 160.8 million achieved during the first quarter of fiscal 2019, representing an increase of $9.5 million, or 5.9%.

Fiscal 2020 First Quarter Highlights

Small satellite manufacturer and mission services provider Blue Canyon Technologies (BCT) has purchased leading RF antenna manufacturer, Antenna Development Corporation (AntDevCo).

Russia’s satellite communications operator Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) and Azerbaijan’s satellite communications operator Azercosmos signed a cooperation agreement pertaining to satellite communications and broadcasting services in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the international telecommunications and IT show BAKUTEL 2019.

For its fourth and final mission of the year, Ariane 5 placed two communications satellites in geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), lifting off from the European spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana) the Egyptian satellite TIBA-1 and Inmarsat GX5. It was launch No.

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (Nasdaq: CMTL) announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire UHP Networks Inc.  a leading provider of innovative and disruptive satellite ground station technology solutions, for a purchase price of approximately US$ 40.0 million. Founded in 2005, UHP is based in Canada and has developed revolutionary technology that is transforming the Very Small Apert ure Terminal (VSAT) market.

The 38^th ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) has adopted a new innovative milestone-based regulatory approach for the deployment of non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) satellites in specific bands and services.