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- September, 2025
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #29
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🚀 SpaceX shakes up telecom with a $17B spectrum deal. 🚀 SpaceX shakes up telecom with a $17B spectrum deal. Elon Musk’s SpaceX is acquiring wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar for $17B to supercharge Starlink’s 5G ambitions. 📡 The deal includes access for Boost Mobile users to Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service — a game-changer for mobile coverage in underserved areas. 🔁 While Verizon and AT&T pour billions into fiber and spectrum auctions, SpaceX bypasses ground infrastructure with orbital towers. 600 satellites launched since 2024 now orbit closer to Earth, acting as floating cell towers. Starship, SpaceX’s next-gen rocket, is key to deploying larger satellites — with first missions expected early next year. 🛰️ EchoStar stock jumped 19% post-announcement, while traditional carriers dropped. The FCC praised the deal for boosting innovation and competition. SpaceX will pay half in cash, half in equity — and cover $2B of EchoStar’s debt interest. This positions Starlink not just as a global broadband provider, but a serious mobile disruptor. 🌍 Can legacy telecoms keep up with Musk’s orbital pace? Do you remember the Iridium story in the 90’s ? Enjoy your reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- August, 2025
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #28
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Delta’s AI pricing tool is flying into turbulence. Delta’s AI pricing tool is flying into turbulence. The airline is testing algorithmic fare models with Israeli startup Fetcherr, aiming to optimize prices based on demand. But U.S. lawmakers aren’t buying it: they fear “surveillance pricing” that pushes fares to each traveler’s pain point, using personal data like location, biometrics, or even social media activity Delta insists it’s not personal—everyone sees the same prices, promise! —but the lack of transparency has left trust grounded . In the age of AI, even your seat to Chicago might come with a side of algorithmic ethics . GDPR, Trust, Ethical AI, always... Enjoy your safe reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- July, 2025
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #27
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🛰️ Space cleanup just got a turbo upgrade. 🛰️ Space cleanup just got a turbo upgrade. Astroscale’s new U.S. patent turns orbital garbage collection into a multi- stop mission — think space Roomba with a relay team. ♻️ One servicer grabs dead satellites, hands them off to a “shepherd” for safe reentry, then zooms off to catch the next one. 🌍 With 36,000+ space junk pieces floating around, this scalable model could finally make orbital cleanup a real business — and a geopolitical asset. 🚀Next stop: ELSA-M launch in 2026. If it works, Astroscale won’t just clean space — they’ll own the broom. #SpaceTech #OrbitalCleanup #InnovationWithAltitude 🧹🛰️🌌 I wish you all an excellent reading !Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- June, 2025
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #26
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Space Industry going back to public funding ? Space Industry going back to public funding ? We all know the New Space Industry has been booming over the past decade, concentrating mainly on private funding but sovereignty could change the game again. France is doubling down on its space ambitions, injecting €526M into Eutelsat and claiming nearly 30% ownership — talk about putting your money where your orbit is! 🚀 President Macron dubbed Eutelsat a “strategic jewel,” and who are we to argue with royal space bling? The military’s getting in on the action too, signing a €1B framework for LEO services — because even defense needs low-latency. Investors like Bharti and CMA CGM are joining the party, proving satellites are the new black. I wish you all an excellent reading.Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- May, 2025
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #24
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GenAI Recipe for aviation: Digital Twin + Human experts! GenAI Recipe for aviation: Digital Twin + Human experts! Digital twins, virtual replicas of real-world equipment, are transforming aircraft maintenance by enabling more efficient and cost-effective predictive maintenance. With AI, these models can simulate scenarios in seconds, reducing analysis time and unnecessary replacements. Airlines like Air France-KLM are already investing in these technologies to optimize fleet availability. However, a critical shortage of skilled technicians is slowing widespread adoption. To fully harness the potential of digital twins, the industry must urgently address this talent gap alongside its technological investments. A good opportunity for the future: the best of GenAI, Humans & Technology! Enjoy your reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- March, 2025
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #23
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Airbus unveils the next single-aisle aircraft. Airbus unveils the next single-aisle aircraft. The third edition of the Airbus Summit took place last week in Toulouse. The major annual innovation event of the manufacturer could look like an Apple keynote with major announcements on future aircrafts. This internal event has now become a communication event with videos posted during & after the show. No surprise, sustainability was one of the key topics with the publication of the vision of the future single-aisle aircraft. Interesting to note that Delta Airline presented also their vision of the future fuel-efficient aircraft, which is very close to the Airbus ZEROe concept introduced years ago 😉.Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- February, 2025
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #22
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Aerospace & Defense Sovereignty ? Aerospace & Defense Sovereignty ? The geopolitical context is putting the aerospace & defense industry in the headlines again. On the financial markets, the valuation of the main industry leaders, mainly in Europe has been increasing over le last weeks. Sovereign services are now seen as a must, to make sure each country can master its own Defense strategy. Let’s hope deterrence will remain the best argument to maintain peace.Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- January, 2025
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #21
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The first Safran Electric Motor certified ! The first Safran Electric Motor certified ! A good start for aviation electrification. EASA has granted its CS-23 certification for the latest Safran electric engine ENGINeUS, delivering 125 KW. This one is designed for regional aircraft onboarding 9 to 19 seats. With the next version, the ENGINeUS XL, the engine will deliver 550 KW to 1 MW. Good luck to this ENGINeUS series ! Enjoy your reading.Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- December, 2024
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #20
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Europe back in Space Europe back in Space 2024 could be the restart of the European Space industry. The EU finally committed to the new European satellite constellation, IRIS2. A major investment of more than 10 billion euros to build an alternative to Starlink for public, private & military services. 2024 was also a nice year for the new European IoT constellations with Kineis & Sateliot for example. I wish you all an excellent year 2025 !!!Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- November, 2024
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #19
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Space launchers are now Business As Usual ... Space launchers are now Business As Usual ... Last week, Rocket Labs, originally founded in New Zealand, succeeded in their 56th mission launch to put 5 new Kineis satellites in orbit from their New Zealand station. But they also broke a new record with 2 successful launches executed within 24h ! One in the US & one in New Zealand. A good way to position themselves as the leader in small launchers. Enjoy your reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- October, 2024
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #18
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Army helicopters onboard AI Robotics. Army helicopters onboard AI Robotics. AI & Gen AI are everywhere. The US army is experimenting with a new autonomous helicopter onboarding a next gen robotic brain. Let’s hope deterrence will be enough to avoid using it live... Enjoy your peaceful reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- September, 2024
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #17
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5G, 6G, Lasers ... 5G, 6G, Lasers ... SpaceX & Tesat successfully demonstrate a new way to communicate in space. 2 SpaceX-built satellites successfully shared data using optical communications links with Tesat SpaceCom terminals, in compliance with military standards required by the US SDA (Space Development Agency). Interesting collaboration between US & Europe as Tesat is an Airbus Defense & Space subsidiary. Enjoy your safe reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- August, 2024
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #16
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Google Brings Satellite SOS Feature Google Brings Satellite SOS Feature Apple showed the way 2 years ago by offering a satellite SOS option on their iPhone in partnership with Globalstar. Google has announced the same capabilities for its new Pixel 9 phone, providing emergency messaging outside of cellular networks. This service will first be available in the U.S. on Pixel 9 devices on any carrier plan and will be free for the first two years. Enjoy your reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- July, 2024
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #15
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Ariane is back to space ! Ariane is back to space ! On Tuesday, July 9th, the brand-new Ariane 6 succeeded in its comeback after some long years of absence. A way for European states to guarantee some sovereignty regarding access to space & all related services (GNSS, Space observation, and, of course, Telecom services). I wish you all an excellent summer break.Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- June, 2024
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #14
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Aircraft Electrification & Maturity Aircraft Electrification & Maturity Universal Hydrogen, one of the leaders in hydrogen-powered aircraft, has gone bust. Their $100 million first raising was not enough to continue the industrialization of sustainable jets. Many companies, startups & scale-ups have invested massively in the greenification of the aerospace industry but the road will be long. Research & Development will have to be pursued in order the reach the first viable results before moving to the first industrialization ... Enjoy your reading as we start the summer season 😊Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- May, 2024
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #13
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Season 2, Episode 1. Season 2, Episode 1. Thanks for all your feedbacks along the first year of our new Aerospace & Defense Innovation monthly newsletter 😊. While aircraft decarbonation & electrification are still making the headlines, without forgetting AI of course, another trend is scaling in the Space industry: Standardization. Cost of Space services is still one of the biggest challenges to tackle. Low Earth Orbit satellites & standardization are showing the way to hybrid services, terrestrial & space. Kinéis made a major announcement by unveiling a partnership with Semtech to provide Lora & Space connectivity. Enjoy your reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- April, 2024
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #12
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New Space Consolidation New Space Consolidation The Intelsat acquisition by SES has finally become effective after more than one year of discussions. A new consolidation after Eutelsat & OneWeb. The race to New Space requires huge investments to compete with the Leaders & Challengers: Space X, Starlink, Blue Origin or Kuiper. Race to worldwide connectivity, not only for High Bandwidth, but also IoT. Who will be next ? Enjoy your reading !Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- March, 2024
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #11
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Space 4 All ! Space 4 All ! 2 weeks ago Satellite2024 was held, the annual Satellite Convention in Washington. All space leaders were in attendance, on stage or through their magic booths. One of the major themes addressed was definitively 5G NTN (Non- Terrestrial Networks). This standardization will be embraced by all Telco satellite companies, preparing their next generation constellations. Decrease in device cost, decrease in monthly or yearly fees, this shift should now increase the market shares of the space industry, developing & delivering brand new services for all industries, like John Deere who announced a few months ago a massive contract with Starlink to equipe all their connected tractors & fulfill the Agri-Tech business. Enjoy your reading.Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- February, 2024
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #10
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e-VTOL : from Buzz to maturity ? e-VTOL : from Buzz to maturity ? Over the last 5 years, eVTOL has made the headlines more than once. But we are still waiting for the real business case & commercial offering. Most of these prototypes are still...prototypes. Flying without humans on board or on very short distances, the promise did not yet meet the expectations. Regulation, Battery challenges, weight, many dimensions need to be explored further. We shall see if 2024 will be the eVTOL maturity year, or not... Enjoy your safe reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- January, 2024
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #9
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Sky is no more the limit ... Sky is no more the limit ... A great start of the year for Innovation in the air ! You will be able to read a lot of innovation news in the air or in Space but I want to highlight 2 of them. First of all, the comeback of the A380. Yes, the production of new aircarfts has been stopped but companies continue to operate them & Airbus will develop new Hydrogen powered A380. Another interesting news is the one coming from Starlink, delivering Phone Text messages through Space : "On Monday, January 8, the Starlink team successfully sent and received our first text messages using T-Mobile network spectrum through one of our new Direct to Cell satellites launched six days prior," a Starlink update said. Enjoy your reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- December, 2023
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #8
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All the best for 2024 !!! All the best for 2024 !!! First of all, I wish you & yours all the best for 2024 ! 2024 will definitively be a great year for the AeroSpace & Defense Industries. As you will read below in our ‘Top 5 Tech Trends To Watch In 2024’, Space is one of them. Many LEO constellations will propose new reliable services while others will expand their footprints. Governments will go on to invest in the Defense sector to promote sovereignty while AI & Gen AI will push the limits further. And let’s hope all these new technologies will also improve the sustainability of the AeroSpace industry !Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- November, 2023
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #7
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Airships are back ! Airships are back ! The startup LTA Research (financed by Sergey Brin) has unveiled its latest electric Airship prototype: PathFinder 1. The biggest aircraft built in the last century (after the famous Hindenburg) is the first of a new family. Very far from new aircrafts, EVTOL or satellites, but still another way of exploring air space ... Enjoy your reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- October, 2023
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #6
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Trust, Aviation & Space. Trust, Aviation & Space. Trust & safety have always been a #1 priority for the Aerospace industry. We have been hearing a lot around Fake news & videos produced by AI over the past months. Fake images are now reaching Space ! A new blockchain project will be launched by a European consortium to trace & ensure the integrity of Earth observation data & images. Traceability is also a priority for Airlines as many bogus parts have been identified on airplanes. No doubt that blockchain will also be explored to cope with these aircraft malfunctions... Enjoy a very safe & comfortable reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- September, 2023
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #5
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China plans a second LEO Satellite constellation ... China plans a second LEO Satellite constellation ... After Starlink, OneWeb or Kuiper, China is planning to launch a new one : G60. In addition to Guo Wang, the state-owned project planning to launch 13,000 satellites, the Shanghai municipal Government has announced G60 Starlink, a new program aiming to launch 12,000 new satellites. One more project, competing with the 2 major constellations; SpaceX’s Starlink which already operates 5000 satellites and, OneWeb which already has global coverage. Enjoy your reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- August, 2023
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #4
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Incredible India on the Moon ! Incredible India on the Moon ! August was not a quiet period for the AeroSpace & Defense sector ! Many announcements on environmentally friendly new systems, powered by AI & other innovations, new programs launched all over the world but one news story won the headlines. With the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, India became the fourth country to land on the Moon, in the south face, which could be considered as a north face for all mountain climbers 😊. Enjoy your reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- July, 2023
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #3
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Space Innovation does not take a summer break ! Space Innovation does not take a summer break ! After a massive number of announcements in June during the Paris Air Show, July has brought many other innovations in the Aerospace & Defense industry. Sustainability remains the number 1 topic addressed on the innovation front. An interesting new project, SOLARIS, will test the viability of providing clean solar energy from a power plant located in space, sending energy down to earth ... I wish you all an excellent summer break !Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- June, 2023
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #2
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Paris Air Show is back ! Paris Air Show is back ! Back after 4 years since the last edition in 2019 (due to Covid), PAS#2023 was a great edition. With more than 400,000 visitors, all passionate about AeroSpace & Defense, this week showed once again the huge interest in this industry. Sustainability was the major topic addressed by all exhibitors but Innovation went beyond Sustainable Aviation Fuels or Hydrogen prototypes. You will find below a summary of what was shown at Le Bourget. Looking forward the 2025 edition ! Enjoy your reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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- May, 2023
Aerospace and Defense Innovation Watch Newsletter #1
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AeroSpace & Defense Innovation Newsletter is launched ! AeroSpace & Defense Innovation Newsletter is launched ! Season 1, Episode 1 8 years ago, I decided to launch the Capgemini Innovation Newsletter, today shared with 20,000 readers, internal colleagues and clients. 440 releases later, let’s start a new Innovation Newsletter dedicated to our AeroSpace and Defense sector. This newsletter is public and can be shared with any other person, Capgemini, Partner or client, don’t hesitate to forward on. I will release it every month, sharing external news around our industry. Please enjoy the May A&D Innovation news, prior to the Paris Air Show opening this coming monday ! Enjoy your reading,Sincerely yours,
Patrice
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