13 Sept 24. Spaceflux, a leading provider of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) solutions, has been awarded the “Infra-Red Sensor Technology Demonstrator System for Space Domain Awareness” contract by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), a UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) executive agency.
The contract to design and build an infrared telescope testbed to de-risk the technology for ground-based surveillance and characterisation of satellites marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to advancing SSA capabilities and reinforces the firm’s position as a world leader in SSA. This project will be led by Spaceflux’s new innovation hub, Spaceflux Labs, a dedicated research division that will propel the future of SSA technology.
Spaceflux Unveils Unique Daytime Satellite Tracking Capabilities
Spaceflux’s innovative solution features a large optical telescope equipped with two cameras, integrating both Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) and visible sensors. This advanced setup will enable daylight tracking and unprecedented characterisation capabilities of satellites and space debris across all orbital regimes. Daylight tracking expands the operational window for tracking space objects beyond nighttime observation, allowing for 24/7 monitoring. This will help mitigate potential collisions, prevent accidental interference with operational satellites or missions and reduce the risk from in-space hazards. Advanced characterisation on the other hand, improves understanding of the behaviour of such objects and helps to optimise satellite deployments, de-orbiting procedures, and other space operations in increasingly congested orbital environments.
As part of the project, Spaceflux will enhance its existing data analytics platform, Cortex, to further improve the characterisation of space objects. These enhancements will be integrated into the Spaceflux Miru Stations, a fully integrated optical SST (Space Surveillance and Tracking) system, and the Track & Guard service, further enriching the company’s product offering capabilities.
The new infrared sensor system will be installed at the firm’s observatory in Spain, a strategic location that benefits from optimal weather conditions for infrared observations. Following the installation, Spaceflux will conduct a series of experiments over several months, and the results will be delivered to Dstl for assessment. Following the technology demonstrator, the company will integrate this advanced sensor into its global network permanently, enhancing Spaceflux’s ability to provide high-quality, timely space situational awareness data to its clients.
Marco Rocchetto, CEO of Spaceflux, commented, “Winning this Dstl contract is a testament to Spaceflux’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space technology. By integrating innovative sensor technologies with our AI-driven analytics platform, CORTEX, we are poised to advance the UK’s capabilities in Space Domain Awareness significantly.”
Dr William Feline, Senior Principal Scientist at Dstl, commented, “Dstl are delighted to be working with Spaceflux in this novel and exciting area of research. We hope that this project will lead to significant enhancements in the UK’s sovereign SSA capabilities in support of the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC).”
Launch of Spaceflux Labs: A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
In tandem with the recent Dstl contract award, Spaceflux is thrilled to announce the official launch of Spaceflux Labs on October 1st 2024. Situated in London, Spaceflux Labs will serve as a dynamic hub of innovation, committed to pushing the boundaries of Space Domain Awareness through advanced research and close collaboration with customers and partners. Spaceflux Labs will act as a collaborative nexus, facilitating engagement with leading academic research in AI and Space Situational Awareness to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge science into market-ready solutions.
Led by Prof. Ingo Waldmann, one of Spaceflux’s co-founders and a distinguished astrophysics professor at University College London, Spaceflux Labs will focus on pioneering projects such as self-calibrating sensors, track-before-detect technologies, and sensor fusion. These initiatives aim to enhance the detection capabilities of smaller and fainter objects in space, contributing to global efforts to ensure a safer and more sustainable orbital environment.
Prof. Waldmann, who will be joining Spaceflux full-time as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the Labs, stated, “Spaceflux Labs represents the next chapter in our journey to revolutionise space situational awareness. Our goal is to drive innovation in AI and sensor technologies, fostering collaboration and co-creation with our partners to deliver transformative solutions that meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
This dual achievement showcases Spaceflux’s leadership and expertise in the field of space situational awareness and aligns with the firm’s recent successes and strategic objectives in the UK. This project not only advances Spaceflux’s technological capabilities, but also positions the company for future opportunities to supply next-generation state-of-the-art systems to other clients.
About Spaceflux
Spaceflux is a UK-based company founded in 2022 with the aim of tackling the problem of space congestion in view of rising satellite deployment. Leveraging a proprietary optical sensor network and a unique, AI-driven analytics platform, the company provides unparalleled tracking and mapping services of space objects.
The firm’s dynamic analytics ensure actionable insights about objects’ characteristics and behaviours derived from static image data. Catering primarily to satellite operators, governments, and the insurance industry, Spaceflux’s goal is to reduce congestion and create a safer space environment.
Since 2023, the company has become the only contracted commercial provider of geostationary satellite tracking data for the UK MoD and the UK Space Agency. Spaceflux’s mission is to support safe operations in space to ensure a sustainable space environment for future generations. (Source: PR Newswire)
16 Sept 24. Apex Announces Nova. Apex, the Los Angeles-based spacecraft bus platform manufacturing company, today announced Nova, its ESPA-Grande class satellite bus platform supporting payloads ranging from 200 to 500 kg.
Nova deliveries will begin in Q3 2025 and are focused on meeting the needs of operational proliferated LEO missions, including the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency (SDA) architecture and classified programs. Similar to Apex’s Aries bus, Nova is designed with multiple configuration packages. Nova is offered in base and heavy configuration packages, with the base package fitting in a SpaceX Falcon 9 XL Rideshare envelope. When configured with the full suite of features, Nova can deliver over 2.5kw OAP to 500kg of payload.
“After seeing the success of our Aries platform, customers are increasingly looking at Apex to support their critical missions. We designed Nova to meet this need and support a wide range of payloads. Nova is ideal for customers looking to launch constellations requiring more power, higher mass, and other performance factors without sacrificing speed and production reliability,” Apex CEO Ian Cinnamon said.
As the U.S. Department of Defense’s and other government customers’ demand to launch new satellites ever increases, Nova and the other buses in Apex’s product line are well positioned to help the US and allied nations compete in the congested space domain. Apex’s differentiated productized approach to satellite bus manufacturing will reduce barriers for the development and exploration of space.
Nova is Apex’s third satellite bus product available to customers. It follows Aries, which successfully launched on March 4, 2024, and GEO Aries, the first productized satellite bus for geostationary orbit. As a mission driven organization that enables governments and companies around the world to further develop and explore space, Nova will help deliver on Apex’s core principles of standardization, production at scale, and rapid delivery for customers.
16 Sep 24. Anduril Expands Capabilities into the Space Domain Back Anduril Expands Capabilities into the Space Domain.
Anduril Expands Capabilities into the Space DomainToday we are expanding our advanced, AI-powered hardware and software capabilities into the final frontier: Space. This effort will enhance mission-critical Space Domain Awareness, Space Control, and Command and Control (C2) for U.S. military warfighters and allied partners, providing end-to-end solutions to address the growing threats posed by adversaries in space.
Our goal is to develop fully integrated hardware and software systems, utilizing Lattice for Space Missions, modular mission payloads, and strategic partnerships across the space industry. Space is a contested warfighting domain and we recognize the importance of equipping spacecraft with advanced autonomy and cutting-edge payloads, ensuring our Guardians maintain a decisive advantage in every mission.
With multiple hardware and software payloads already deployed on orbit, we are not waiting. We are investing our own internal dollars to mature our capabilities for the space domain. Today, Anduril is rapidly delivering advanced systems that range from on-orbit edge processing of sensor data to resilient satellite command and control. These advancements build upon our work with Space Systems Command to enhance communications within the Space Surveillance Network, by now working to advance the state of the art in linking ground-based sensors and space-based assets for better awareness of orbital threats.
As space becomes an increasingly congested and contested battleground, autonomy and edge processing has never been more critical to sustaining operations. Anduril is extending our software platform, Lattice, to autonomously monitor and manage space-based assets, improving situational awareness and reducing operator workload. The platform’s proven capabilities in air, land, and sea operations will now be extended to the space domain, integrating with spacecraft, payloads, and software built across the industrial base. Anduril will design, manufacture, and integrate modular mission payloads designed to enable unique mission requirements, leveraging our extensive expertise across imaging, electronic warfare, command and control, and mission autonomy. These payloads will provide warfighters with real-time data exploitation, autonomous coordination of satellites, and resilient communication capabilities. Anduril’s focus on modularity and adaptability ensures that these solutions can evolve alongside the rapidly changing threats across a variety of different orbits.
Like all other domains, regular deployment and testing is critical to building the best technology. Anduril is committed to investing its own IRAD to design, build, and launch our own fully integrated systems by the end of 2025. This mission will serve as a testbed for maturation of multiple Anduril and third party payloads which we will be announcing in the coming months. By launching and flying systems frequently, we can ensure that lessons are quickly learned and incorporated ahead of critical customer operations.
Anduril is dedicated to fostering partnerships across the space industry to ensure the most advanced solutions are delivered to the warfighter. We believe that an open and collaborative approach within the U.S. industrial base is essential to compete with adversaries making significant investments in this domain. In the coming months, we are excited to announce upcoming partnerships with satellite hardware suppliers, launch service providers, and ground system developers that will drive the development of best-in-class solutions on behalf of the government. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Sept 24. ReOrbit Enters into Strategic Agreement with Uzma for Small GEO Communications Satellite. ReOrbit, a Helsinki-based leading provider of software-enabled satellites, has entered into an agreement with the leader in the energy and technology landscape in Malaysia Uzma Berhad in relation to a Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) communications satellite project.
Under this agreement, ReOrbit together with Uzma aims to provide a software-enabled state-of-the-art GEO communications satellite to bring connectivity and ensure consistent coverage across Malaysia.
Uzma Group’s CEO, Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan bin Muhamed, emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration: “Satellites and new space technologies are revolutionizing the way we connect, observe, and understand our world. Together, using our combined skill sets, we aim to unlock new opportunities and create a sustainable future in the New Space Economy.”
“This landmark agreement with our strategic partner, Uzma Berhad, solidifies our collaboration in unlocking connectivity in Malaysia. As a leader in cutting-edge GEO communications satellites, ReOrbit is happy to work alongside Uzma to map out ways our satellite technology, extensive in-house knowledge and expertise can support the booming economy and benefit the people in Malaysia”, said Sethu Saveda Suvanam, CEO and Founder of ReOrbit.
About ReOrbit
ReOrbit builds software-enabled satellites as network nodes. Our top-notch team of software engineers and system architects develop in-house software, procure hardware from the best-in-class suppliers, and seamlessly integrate the components to create flexible and secure satellites. By implementing onboard edge-processing and interoperability with other architectures, ReOrbit delivers the insights directly to the decision maker and ensures rapid response.
ReOrbit works with the most prominent entities within security, satcom and Earth observation. Our technology is supported by Business Finland, the European Space Agency and the European Commission.
Founded in 2019, ReOrbit is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, with a subsidiary in Argentina. For more information, please visit https://www.reorbit.space/
About Uzma Berhad
Uzma Berhad is a leading energy and technology solutions provider in Malaysia, specialising in the development and advancement of innovative solutions in various sectors, especially in the Energy sector, and now including the space industry under the new business venture. With a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future, Uzma continues to spearhead technological advancements in Malaysia and beyond.
(Source: PR Newswire)
17 Sept 24. NL EASP AIR confirms SD Government as Satcom solutions provider to strengthen European border and coastal surveillance operations. SD Government, SDG, the satellite communications provider, has been named by NL EASP Air, the Dutch service provider for aerial maritime surveillance, coast guard, search and rescue (SAR) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, as its preferred provider of satcom connectivity solutions. The agreement with SDG strengthens the NL EASP Air offering by delivering a first-of-a-kind solution that enhances connectivity and live video transmission capabilities to support real-time surveillance and monitoring operations for European border and Coast Guard entities.
NL EASP Air selected SDG based on its ability to define and design an optimal end-to-end solution that delivers reliable and secure satellite communication solutions for specific mission needs. The new agreement will see SDG provide a comprehensive satcom and video transmission solution, by optimizing connectivity hardware including antennas and routers, and leveraging Viasat’s L-Band SwiftBroadband satellite network. Working in conjunction with ASMIRA, the cutting-edge video encoding software from AnsuR Technologies, the service enables crew to stream high-quality video from air to ground over data rates as low as 100 Kbps.
“We are pleased to partner with SDG as its proven expertise, reliability, and innovative spirit in developing satellite communications, coupled with the power of AnsuR Technologies, ensures that we can optimize state-of-the-art technology to complete our customer missions,” said Pieter Voeten, CEO of NL EASP Air. “Having a dedicated provider that delivers exceptional aerial surveillance services contributes to the safety and security of European borders and coastlines and brings real value to our operations by augmenting our operational efficiency and effectiveness.” In addition to managing flight operations through SD Pro®, the digital operations platform, NL EASP Air will benefit from an end-to-end solution that includes high-speed satellite connectivity, 24/7/365 customer support, Satcom traffic filtering, and cybersecurity services for seamless and uninterrupted communication across its fleet of three Dornier 328 special-mission aircraft.
“Supporting the needs of NL EASP Air in conjunction with AnsuR Technologies will save lives and protect European borders, and we remain committed to supporting the continued evolution of their advanced aerial surveillance solutions,” says SD Global Government Director Ben Massey. “We have extensive experience delivering sophisticated, customized solutions for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations and are proud that we can support the essential services provided by NL EASP Air.”
The agreement allows for continued growth should further aircraft join the NL EASP Air fleet. SDG secured the contract following conversations around defining and subsequently delivering the new solution. The relationship showcases SDG’s responsiveness, heritage in successfully supporting complex connectivity needs, and ability to work with diverse solution providers to create singular connectivity solutions.
16 Sept 24. Intelsat Unveils Terminal Strategy to Power Multi-Orbit Satellite Services. Intelsat operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and leading provider of in-flight connectivity (IFC), will be the first operator in the world to offer multi-orbit solutions for all relevant business units by the first half of 2025 thanks to a new satellite terminal strategy that will deliver advanced capabilities and improved economics.
“Intelsat is making strategic bets on new technologies, including new investments in innovative terminal providers,” said Intelsat CEO David Wajsgras. “More and more customers will come to count on the broad reliability profile of multi-orbit solutions, and it is key to our future success. No single-orbit solution can match what Intelsat can offer when it comes to performance, resiliency and commercial flexibility.”
Intelsat has an unmatched network of geostationary satellites as well as partnerships with low Earth orbit providers. With the launch of a new robust terminal strategy, Intelsat is now able to deliver multi-orbit managed-service solutions across all relevant verticals including commercial aviation, government and mobility applications.
“Intelsat began the process of delivering operational multi-orbit terminals to the military and commercial airlines about two years ago,” Wajsgras said. “Today, our multi-orbit strategy is resonating with customers and validating our approach.”
The Intelsat multi-orbit terminal strategy includes minority investments with a few cutting-edge terminal providers. Intelsat recently invested in Paris-based Greenerwave and signed a technology agreement to develop an innovative electronically-steerable antenna that will be integrated into high throughput, multi-orbit terminals for Network and Data applications, as well.
Fast switching between multiple networks and multiple orbits, Greenerwave’s Electronically Steered Array (ESA) terminal will include Intelsat custom features to deliver unmatched reliability and performance for a differentiated connectivity experience for broadband, mobility, media and government customers, globally.
“Strategic investments with terminal providers allow us to work in partnership to bring these technologies to market faster while delivering a step change in the customer experience,” Wajsgras said.
The new scalable terminal will be available as part of the Intelsat’s Managed Service offerings, high-throughput, reliable connectivity without the worry and hassle of managing a satellite network. This new terminal combines flexible beamforming, real-time reconfiguration, and low-power consumption. A key innovation includes smaller dimensions that features interleaved receivers and transmitters on a single antenna panel. The antenna can operate as either a half-duplex or full-duplex terminal based on requirements, all while reducing the panel size by up to 50%.
16 Sept 24. Skynopy Adds AWS Ground Station to Its Service to Improve Satellite Data Receiving. Skynopy, a French space start-up specializing in satellite connectivity, is collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to expand Skynopy’s current global network of ground stations with 12 additional stations and improve satellite data acquisition. By making satellite communication effortless and intuitive, Skynopy seeks to revolutionize the way data is obtained. This collaboration will allow Skynopy to expand its network of ground stations and, more broadly, further streamline the complex communication processes between Earth and space. A member of the AWS Partner Network (APN), Skynopy has built its platform using AWS Ground Station and other AWS services according to best practices in the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
Addressing the Major Challenge of Satellite Connectivity
Satellites are used for a wide variety of use cases, including weather forecasting, surface imaging, and communications. Ground stations form the core of global satellite networks. Satellite connectivity—which is essential for controlling satellites and transmitting generated data back to Earth—remains a major bottleneck in the market. It impacts the speed of space program deployments and their performance in terms of data volume, speed, and latency. Using AWS helps Skynopy continue developing its turnkey connectivity service for low Earth orbit satellite operators in response to the growing demands of a rapidly expanding space industry.
The collaboration between Skynopy and AWS provides satellite operators a streamlined, seamless solution that significantly reduces the technical and commercial complexities of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications. The service developed by Skynopy using AWS Ground Station infrastructure embodies this vision. In just a few months, Skynopy successfully established communications with commercial satellites in orbit, including those of Endurosat.
Skynopy x AWS: A Collaboration for the Future of Space
AWS Ground Station is a fully managed service that lets customers command and control satellite communications, downlink and process satellite data, and scale their operations without having to worry about building or managing ground station infrastructure. With AWS Ground Station, you have direct access to AWS services and the AWS Global Infrastructure, including a low-latency global fiber network. Customers can configure their contacts with the AWS Ground Station console and deliver data in the following AWS regions: US West (Oregon), US East (Ohio, N. Virginia), Middle East (Bahrain), Europe (Stockholm, Ireland, Frankfurt), Asia Pacific (Dubbo, Seoul, Singapore), Africa (Cape Town), and South America (São Paulo).
“This is a pivotal milestone for Skynopy. This collaboration enhances Skynopy’s offerings by allowing operators to fully leverage AWS’s global infrastructure and services for their satellite receive-communication needs. By taking advantage of our ‘as a service’ approach, customers can focus entirely on their missions without worrying about the technical details of connectivity or the costly investment in ground antenna infrastructure,” concluded Pierre Bertrand, co-founder of Skynopy.
Earlier this year, Skynopy raised €3.1 m in funding to bring connectivity simplicity to the world of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The company aims to transform the often complex and costly process of satellite communication into a streamlined, user-friendly experience. Leveraging this hybrid network of ground antennas, universal connectors, and innovative software solutions, Skynopy offers a turnkey connectivity service that makes it easier and faster for satellite operators to send commands and receive data. This approach not only reduces the capital expenditure required for traditional ground infrastructure, but also positions Skynopy as a leading player in the rapidly expanding space industry, with early clients including HEMERIA and CNES.
16 Sept 24. Hanwha Defence Australia, Hanwha Aerospace and Gilmour Space sign MoU. As South Korea’s leading space solution provider, Hanwha Aerospace provides critical support across the nation’s space programs.
“The trust built through the agreements for K9 self-propelled howitzers and Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) serves as a strong foundation,” Sean Yim, Space Program Manager at Hanwha Aerospace said. “This will pave the way for enhanced cooperation between South Korea and Australia in the increasingly important space industry.”
Hanwha Defence Australia will explore with its parent company to expand its R&D and manufacturing footprint in the country.
“The MoU signed here today demonstrates our firm intention to place Hanwha Defence Australia in the space domain,” Acting Managing Director Hanwha Defence Australia Dean Michie said. “All three companies are at the cutting edge of their fields, and I look forward to working with our partners to bring together new and innovative capabilities.”
Image courtesy of Gilmour Space: MOU signing – David Jervis, Head of Sales at Gilmour Space; Dean Michie, Acting Managing Director of Hanwha Defence Australia; Sean Yim, Space Hub/Business Development at Hanwha Aerospace. (Source: Google/https://spaceanddefense.io/)
10 Sep 24. SpaceX’s Success at last as Polaris Dawn soars to the highest orbit with humans since the Apollo 17
SpaceX announced that on Tuesday, September 10 at 5:23 a.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched Polaris Dawn to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
It’s OK to write on these walls. The astronauts sign their names adding to the autographs of former brave astronauts. Photo captured on Tuesday, September 10, by Satnews from SpaceX’s video stream.
During their multi-day mission to orbit the passengers will attempt the first spacewalk of private astronauts, using spacesuit technology developed by SpaceX, and ascend to 1,400 kilometers, the highest orbit with humans since the Apollo 17 moon mission.
They will also test laser-based communications with Starlink a satellite broadband provider, and conduct 36 research studies and experiments from 31 partner institutions designed to advance both human health on Earth and during long-duration spaceflight, and test Starlink laser-based communications in space. (Source: Satnews)
12 Sep 24. SpaceX sends off second launch on Thursday, this one is 21 Starlink smallsats including 13 Direct to Cell.
Despite the curtain of overcast California skies SpaceX’s Falcon 9 successfully sent off 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, on Thursday, September 12 at 6:45 p.m. PT. This was SpaceX’s second launch today.
Earlier today SpaceX launched AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites from Cape Canaveral.
This is the 18th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, transporter-8, Transporter-9, NROL-146, and 10 Starlink missions.
Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
(Source: Satnews)
12 Sep 24. SpaceX sends BlueBirds flying as AST SpaceMobile’s largest satellite communications array launches in low Earth orbit. On Thursday, September 12 at 4:52 a.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 1-5 mission to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The first five commercial satellites, called BlueBirds, each featuring the largest ever commercial communications arrays to be deployed in low Earth orbit, represent a significant milestone in AST SpaceMobile’s mission to bridge the digital divide and provide reliable cellular broadband service to bns worldwide in partnership with mobile network operators (MNOs). This was the 13th flight for the Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-6, O3b mPOWER, USSF-124, and nine Starlink missions, making it the 347th successful landing.(Source: Satnews)
12 Sep 24. SpaceX to launch ESA’s Galileo L13, two more satellites for Europe’s alternative to American GPS.
SpaceX is scheduled to launch Galileo L13 (FOC FM26 & FM32) to Medium Earth Orbit, on Sunday, September 15th, at 3:57 PM – 4:39 PM PDT from Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The launch is of two satellites for Europe’s Galileo navigation system. Originally planned for launch on Soyuz-ST and then Ariane 6 but both were unavailable.
Galileo provides Europe with an alternative to the American GPS and Russian GLONASS constellations, but will be interoperable with both systems.
Three months after their launch from Cape Canaveral, Galileo satellites 29 and 30 have reached their target positions at an altitude of 23 222 km, where they have been fully tested and declared operational.
Galileo is Europe’s own global navigation satellite system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. Currently providing Initial Services, Galileo is interoperable with GPS and Glonass, the US and Russian global satellite navigation systems. By offering dual frequencies as standard, Galileo can deliver real-time positioning accuracy down to the metre range.
Galileo services The current Galileo system consists of 28 satellites in all. All but two of these are positioned in three circular Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) planes at 23 222 km altitude above the Earth, and at an inclination of the orbital planes of 56 degrees to the equator. The remaining pair were placed in incorrect orbits by a Soyuz launcher error, and are currently employed for search and rescue but not as operational members of the constellation.
Initial services became available on 15 December 2016. Then as the constellation is built-up beyond that, new services will be tested and made available.
Galileo navigation signals provide good coverage even at latitudes up to 75 degrees north, which corresponds to Norway’s North Cape – the most northerly tip of Europe – and beyond. The large number of satellites together with the carefully-optimised constellation design, plus the planned availability of three active spare satellites per orbital plane, should ensure that the loss of one satellite should have no discernible effect on the user.
Ground infrastructure Two Galileo Control Centres (GCCs) have been implemented on European ground to provide for the control of the satellites and to perform the navigation mission management. The data provided by a global network of Galileo Sensor Stations (GSSs) are sent to the Galileo Control Centres through a redundant communications network. The GCCs use the data from the Sensor Stations to compute the integrity information and to synchronise the time signal of all satellites with the ground station clocks. The exchange of the data between the Control Centres and the satellites is performed through up-link stations.
As a further feature, Galileo is providing a global Search and Rescue (SAR) function, based on the operational Cospas-Sarsat system. Satellites are therefore equipped with a transponder, which is able to transfer the distress signals from the user transmitters to regional rescue co-ordination centres, which will then initiate the rescue operation.
At the same time, the system will send a response signal to the user, informing him that his situation has been detected and that help is on the way. This latter feature is new and is considered a major upgrade compared to the existing system, which does not provide user feedback. (Source: Satnews)
08 Sep 24. NASA and Boeing welcome the uncrewed “Starliner’s safe return” to Earth.
NASA and Boeing welcomed Starliner back to Earth following the uncrewed spacecraft’s successful landing at 10:01 p.m. MDT Sept. 6, 2024,
at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.
NASA and Boeing safely returned the uncrewed Starliner spacecraft’s return to Earth following its landing at 10:01 p.m., MDT, on September 6th at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico, concluding a three-month long flight test to the International Space Station (ISS).
“I am extremely proud of the work our collective team put into this entire flight test, and we are pleased to see Starliner’s safe return,” said Ken Bowersox, associate administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Even though it was necessary to return the spacecraft uncrewed, NASA and Boeing learned an incredible amount about Starliner in the most extreme environment possible. NASA looks forward to our continued work with the Boeing team to proceed toward certification of Starliner for crew rotation missions to the space station.”
The flight on June 5 was the first time astronauts launched aboard the Starliner. It was the third orbital flight of the spacecraft, and its second return from the orbiting laboratory. Starliner now will ship to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for inspection and processing.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program requires a spacecraft to fly a crewed test flight to prove the system is ready for regular flights to and from the orbiting laboratory. Following Starliner’s return, the agency will review all mission-related data.
“We are excited to have Starliner home safely. This was an important test flight for NASA in setting us up for future missions on the Starliner system,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “There was a lot of valuable learning that will enable our long-term success. I want to commend the entire team for their hard work and dedication over the past three months.”
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched on June 5 aboard Starliner for the agency’s Boeing Crewed Flight Test from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. On June 6, as Starliner approached the space station, NASA and Boeing identified helium leaks and experienced issues with the spacecraft’s reaction control thrusters. Following weeks of in-space and ground testing, technical interchange meetings, and agency reviews, NASA made the decision to prioritize safety and return Starliner without its crew. Wilmore and Williams will continue their work aboard station as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew, returning in February 2025 with the agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission.
The crew flight test is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The goal of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station and low Earth orbit. This already is providing additional research time and has increased the opportunity for discovery aboard humanity’s microgravity testbed, including helping NASA prepare for human exploration of the Moon and Mars. (Source: Satnews)
13 Sept 24. Terma announced its membership with Space Foundation, a leading non-profit organization that advocates for space education, exploration, and industry growth.
The membership agreement was signed at Space Foundation’s headquarters in Colorado Springs on 11 September, 2024, marking a significant step for Terma as it continues to strengthen its position in the U.S. space market. As a key focus area for the company, Terma is dedicated to expanding its activities and success in the U.S., a market that holds major growth potential.
“Joining Space Foundation is a natural next step for Terma as we grow our presence in the U.S. space market,” said Günther F. Lackner, Senior Vice President for Terma Space. “Our aim is to be an active participant in this thriving ecosystem, and we believe that membership with Space Foundation will provide us with the visibility, support, and networks we need to succeed.”
With a proven track record in delivering space solutions such as flight equipment, spacecraft operation solution, and testing services for over 75 space missions since 1972, Terma is well-prepared to support future US space missions and projects. The company looks forward to developing strong relationships through its membership and further advancing space technology alongside Space Foundation.
By partnering with Space Foundation, Terma strengthens its commitment to driving innovation and contributing to the success of space exploration.
13 Sept 24. France tests space lasers for secure satellite downlink in world first. French technology firms used laser to communicate between a low-orbit nano satellite and a commercial ground station in an experiment sponsored by the French Defence Innovation Agency, with France’s Armed Forces Ministry dubbing the test a world first.
A satellite from Unseenlabs with a laser payload established a stable link for several minutes with an optical ground station supplied by Cailabs, according to the ministry, which provided €5.5 m ($6.1 m) in funding for the project. The successful test this summer opens the way to integrating the system on France’s future military satellites, the ministry said.
The point-to-point nature of lasers makes them more secure than radio frequencies, and they can’t be jammed the way radio can, Cailabs CEO Jean-François Morizur told Defense News in an interview on Thursday. Additionally, a laser link can transfer very large files such as detailed Earth images in minutes, something that might require multiple orbits using radio signals, the CEO said.
“Anti-jamming is a big one,” Morizur said. “Low probability of detection, low probability of intercept means you can deploy it in some difficult contexts, you just don’t have the same signature as an RF antenna. Putting that on a ship makes sense, because you then reduce the radio footprint of your ship – both for ship-to-ship and ship to satellite.”
The higher data rates offered by laser are important for intelligence applications, as the growing volume of detailed satellite images of Earth is creating “very, very big files” that can be “quite tricky” to transfer with today’s satellite radio transmitters, according to the Cailabs CEO.
The successful test will make it possible to use space-based laser comms on mobile, land-based, naval and airborne platforms, the Armed Forces Ministry said. While the experiment is not the first for space-to-Earth laser communications, it’s the first using a commercially available ground station, according to Morizur.
The French government is keeping some information around the testing under wraps, including details on the date or who provided the laser payload. The ministry said the Keraunos project contributes to objectives in the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law to strengthen France’s space capabilities.
One of the goals of the Keraunos optical communications satellite project is to mitigate the effect of atmospheric turbulence that can hurt transmission quality, the ministry said. While the laser system used in the test will pass through some clouds, it can’t penetrate heavy cloud cover, according to Morizur.
The changed security situation in the world has accelerated government thinking around space, “one of the battlegrounds,” with a growing realization that space supremacy will be important, according to Morizur. In addition, the reduction in launch costs and cheap access to space are speeding up the space economy, he said.
“The more the space economy is growing, the more you have new tools, it becomes a field like any other, basically, where battle happens.”
The Cailabs ground station used in the test consists of a dome with a large telescope and several smaller ones, with the complexity being in processing the laser light, “that’s kind of where the magic happens,” Morizur said. The ground station can be made truck-sized, according to the CEO. Cailabs competitors include Safran in France and BridgeCom in the United States, he said.
Cailabs has seven ground stations under contract, including the one used in the test for the Armed Forces Ministry and a second one on order for the French government, as well as stations to be built for civilian clients including the European Space Agency and South Korea’s Contec. Most orders are for civilian applications, mainly for imagery, according to Morizur.
Morizur said the market for radio satellite gateways is valued at around $3 bn a year, and while optical ground stations will initially be a fragment of that, over time the opportunity will be “in the bns.”
Cailabs is currently leading in technology, price point and product maturity with its ground stations, and was picked for a number of recent competitive contracts, according to the CEO. The company has set up a team in the United States, where it sees contract opportunities, “and we are looking forward to supporting the U.S. government in many different ways,” Morizur said.
The company, which was co-founded by Morizur in 2013 and which has raised €46 m from investors, is unprofitable for now as it continues to spend on R&D and expansion, the CEO said. Cailabs received more than €10 m in orders last year, and “we stopped calling ourselves a startup a few years ago,” he added. (Source: Defense News)