From the beginning, with Arthur C. Clarke’s 1945 Wireless World article proposing that just three “geostationary” satellites would cover the entire surface of the Earth from their (relative to a point on the surface below) stationary positions, the idea of using satellites for communications was conceived to achieve global wireless connectivity. 

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ, TASE: GILT), announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend to shareholders in the amount of US$ 0.63 per share (approximately US$ 35 million in the aggregate) following receipt of court approval for the distribution of the dividend. The dividend will be paid in US$ on January 20, 2021 to shareholders of record on January 11, 2021.

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.  (NASDAQ: CMTL) reported today that Comtech and UHP Networks, Inc., a leading provider of innovative and disruptive satellite ground station technology solutions, agreed to extend their agreement for Comtech’s purchase of UHP, which was originally announced in November 2019, until February 28, 2021. UHP is based in Canada and has developed revolutionary technology that is transforming the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) market.

Voyager Space Holdings today announced its intent to acquire a majority stake in XO Markets and its largest subsidiary Nanoracks. Nanoracks is one of the world’s leading provider of commercial space services, offering low-cost, high-quality solutions to the most pressing needs for satellite deployment and basic and educational research in more than 30 nations worldwide.

Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire RigNet, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNET), a leading provider of ultra-secure, intelligent networking solutions and specialized applications, in an all-stock transaction that values RigNet at an enterprise value of approximately US$ 222 million based on Viasat’s share price as of the date of the agreement and RigNet’s net debt at September 30, 2020.

HISPASAT, the Spanish satellite telecommunications operator, and the Gran Teatre del Liceu Foundation have signed a renewal agreement today in Barcelona to broadcast three operas live via satellite, both in Spain as well as abroad. These broadcasts form part of the theatre's Multimedia Project, which is focused on developing and promoting opera culture.

Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AJRD) for US$ 56 per share in cash, which is expected to be reduced to US$ 51 per share after the payment of a pre-closing special dividend. This represents a post-dividend equity value of $4.6 billion and a total transaction value of $4.4 billion including the assumption of net cash.

Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), Aannounced the expansion of the company’s management team with the appointment of Tammy Nam as Vice President, Finance.