Amazon, Satellite Providers Form New Trade Association for NGSOs
SpaceX, the largest NGSO, did not join as a founding member
WASHINGTON, June 25, 2026 — Amazon, Iridium, Telesat and Globalstar announced the formation of a new trade association called SpaceConnect, which will represent the non-geostationary satellite (NGSO) economy.
The SpaceConnect Association will advocate for policies that support the global growth, innovation and deployment of NGSO satellite systems. The group will engage with international institutions, governments, and the industry to ensure NGSO systems play a central role in advancing global connectivity, economic development and space sustainability.
SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile were not founding members of the new trade association.
SpaceConnect will be led by Executive Director David Redl, who previously served as head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and General Counsel Julie Kearney, the first Chief of the Space Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
“SpaceConnect will be a strong, unified voice advocating for modern, forward-looking policies that reflect the unique capabilities of NGSO technologies,” Redl said. “As governments around the world make critical decisions about spectrum, market access and space stewardship, we are committed to working with policymakers and stakeholders to enable a competitive, secure and resilient connectivity ecosystem.”
