Web Posting Date: July 27, 2025

Web Posting Date: July 27, 2025

In the realm of technology and communications, two significant stories are unfolding. On one hand, AST SpaceMobile is seeking to expand its operations, while on the other, Microsoft is making a significant move towards sustainability.

AST SpaceMobile's Spectrum Request

AST SpaceMobile, a company specialising in satellite communications, has applied for the use of the 70-cm band (430–440 MHz) for Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) operations for their satellite constellation. This application, currently under regulatory review, has sparked controversy within the amateur radio community.

The FCC Space Bureau has accepted an application from AST & Science LLC for deploying 243 additional satellites using this band. However, organisations such as AMSAT-SM and the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) have expressed concerns about potential interference with amateur radio operations and have urged the FCC to protect the band for its traditional use.

Microsoft's Sustainable Strides

Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced a significant investment in sustainability. The tech giant has agreed to purchase close to two billion dollars worth of manure, sewage sludge, and agricultural waste over the next twelve years. This move is aimed at offsetting the greenhouse emissions from their data centers. The waste will be turned into a slurry and pumped deep underground to sequester carbon dioxide and methane.

Other Notable Developments

In other news, Tool Trace, a service that creates Kaizen foam inserts for organising tool drawers directly from a photo, has revealed that their foam inserts are Gridfinity-compatible.

Tom Lehrer, a renowned nerd icon and satirist, passed away at the age of 97. Lehrer was known for his witty and humorous songs that often poked fun at scientific and mathematical topics.

The shortest day in recorded history occurred last July, when the 5th was 1.66 milliseconds faster than the nominal 24-hour day. This action was followed by the second-shortest day on record, which occurred on Tuesday, with the length of the day being 1.34 milliseconds shorter than a nominal 86,400-second day. The cause of these speedy days remains unexplained, with theories ranging from redistribution of mass due to melting polar ice to strange phenomena occurring inside the planet's liquid core.

Knights of Old, a trucking company in Northamptonshire, UK, ceased operations due to a ransomware attack that exploited an easily guessed email password. The attackers encrypted files and demanded £5 million, which was beyond the company's means.

AST SpaceMobile aims to build a constellation of 248 large communication satellites. The company has already secured ITU priority rights to Mobile Satellite Services spectrum in the S-band (1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz) to support their global broadband mission, which could reduce pressure to rely on the 70-cm band for their broader services, though not necessarily for TT&C. The trend in recommendations and stakeholder comments is toward AST transitioning TT&C out of the amateur 430–440 MHz band towards commercially appropriate bands.

For amateur radio enthusiasts, the 70-cm band is frequently used for repeaters, which newbie hams can easily access. The 70-cm band allocation in the US is under threat, but it covers the entire band for hams in Europe and the UK. IARU has formally communicated its concerns about AST’s use of this band and encourages national regulatory authorities to consider its impact on amateur operations. AMSAT-SM has also filed public comments opposing the application, highlighting the band’s importance for emergency communications and scientific activities and urging the FCC to consider alternative frequency bands.

The regulatory review of AST’s proposal for spectrum use in the 70-cm band remains under active consideration, without final approval. The trend suggests that AST may transition TT&C out of the amateur band towards commercially appropriate bands. Stay tuned for updates on these developing stories.

1. The hardware industry witnessed a surge as AST SpaceMobile applied for the 70-cm band for their satellite constellation, sparking controversy among amateur radio users.
2. Despite concerns from AMSAT-SM and the IARU, the FCC Space Bureau accepted AST & Science LLC's application for additional satellites.
3. In a bid to reduce its carbon footprint, Microsoft announced a substantial investment in manure, sewage sludge, and agricultural waste.
4. tool Trace's foam inserts are now compatible with Gridfinity, offering a solution for organising various tools.
5. Tom Lehrer, a well-known satirist, passed away at age 97, leaving behind a legacy of witty songs about scientific and mathematical topics.
6. The shortest day ever recorded occurred last July, mysteriously faster than the nominal 24-hour day.
7. Knights of Old, a UK trucking company, ceased operations due to a ransomware attack exploiting an easily guessed email password.
8. AST SpaceMobile aims to build a satellite constellation using spectrum in the S-band, potentially easing pressure on the 70-cm band.
9. IARU has voiced concerns about AST's use of the 70-cm band, urging national regulatory authorities to consider the impact on amateur operations.
10. AMSAT-SM has filed public comments opposing AST's application, emphasizing the importance of the 70-cm band for emergency communications and scientific activities.
11. The regulatory review of AST's proposal for spectrum use in the 70-cm band is ongoing, with a trend towards AST transitioning TT&C to commercially appropriate bands.
12. Smartphones, gadgets and wearables continue to dominate the consumer electronic market, driving significant sales in the technology industry.
13. Concerns about potential interference with amateur radio operations have arisen as AST SpaceMobile seeks to expand its operations.
14. In the food and drink sector, beverage companies are investing in sustainable packaging solutions to reduce plastic waste.
15. Home-and-garden brands are leveraging artificial intelligence to develop smart-home devices that make everyday living more efficient and convenient.
16. The increased adoption of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) as a spectator sport has led to an uptick in sports-betting activities, particularly online.
17. Cybersecurity firms are investing heavily in data-and-cloud-computing solutions to protect businesses and individuals from escalating cyber threats.
18. Lifestyle brands are incorporating mindfulness practices into their product offerings, appealing to consumers seeking holiday and self-improvement experiences.
19. Outdoor-living enthusiasts can find the best camping equipment, apparel, and food options on shopping websites, curated through extensive product reviews and user recommendations.
20. Travel investments in budget travel are on the rise as social media influencers and digital nomads inspire adventures across the globe, while skill-training opportunities allow career development in the travel industry.

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