Engadget by M. Moon 4/21/2022
NASA enlists SpaceX and Amazon to help develop next-gen space communications
NASA has picked SpaceX, Amazon and four other American companies to develop the next generation of near-Earth space communication services meant to support its future missions. The agency started looking for partners under the Communication Services Project (CSP) in mid-2021, explaining that the use of commercially provided SATCOM will reduce costs and allow it to focus its efforts on deep space exploration and science missions.
"Adopting commercial SATCOM capabilities will empower missions to leverage private sector investment that far exceeds what government can do," NASA wrote in the official project page. By using technology developed by commercial companies, the agency will have continued access to any innovation they incorporate into the system. At the moment, NASA relies on its Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system for near-Earth space communications. Many of its satellites were launched in the 80's and 90's, though, and it's set to be decommissioned in the coming years.
More:
https://www.engadget.com/nasa-spacex-amazon-next-gen-space-communications-114045951.html
