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10 May 22. Viasat has today launched its 3rd annual State of Military Communications Survey, which has uncovered 68% of US Department of Defense (DoD) personnel believe adversaries will match or surpass U.S. military communications capabilities within five years.
The survey outlines an increasing apprehension from DoD personnel that U.S. military communications’ capabilities are being overtaken by adversaries and not enough is currently being done to address this challenge. Key findings include:
- Are high standards starting to slip? – The US military is known for its enormous budget and leadership in military technology. However, the survey uncovered 68% of respondents believe adversaries will match or surpass U.S. military communications capabilities within five years, and 73% believe that U.S. defence communication technologies are level with or falling behind those used by adversaries. With clear concerns over the US’s communications and tech capabilities, the US military needs to ensure if can remain one step ahead of adversaries.
- Not enough is being done to truly champion space-based networking – Amidst 77% of respondents agreeing the future fight will require advanced space-based networking capability, just 19% of respondents stated their agency was actively investing in advanced satellite communications. This shows that in order for the US to truly take the lead in the next generation of warfare, agencies need to a cultural shift to embracing space-based technologies.• Cybersecurity needs to be taken seriously – With cyber warfare now at the forefront of modern day combats, it is concerning that just 28% of respondents don’t think their agency is adequately prepared for a cyber-attack.
New Defense-Focused Survey Finds Military Personnel Increasingly Concerned About Communications Keeping Pace with Adversaries. Survey Finds 68% of DoD Personnel Believe Adversaries Will Match or Surpass U.S. Military Communications Capabilities within Five Years; 77% Say Advanced Space-Based Network Capabilities Are Needed for Future Fight Viasat Inc., (NASDAQ: VSAT) a global communications company, today announced results from its Annual State of Military Communications study conducted by the Government Business Council (GBC), the research division of Government Executive Media Group. Despite signs of improving U.S. defense communications reliability, the survey points to growing concern among Department of Defense (DoD) personnel about U.S. military communications’ capabilities being surpassed by adversaries and a lack of current action being taken to address this challenge. A copy of the complete survey report can be found here.
According to the third annual survey, more than two-thirds (68%) of respondents said they believe near-peer adversaries will match or surpass U.S. military communications capabilities within five years, including 36% believing this will happen in the next two years. In addition, nearly three-quarters (73%) of DoD respondents believe that U.S. defense communication technologies are on par with or falling behind those used by adversaries, which represents a 13-percentage point increase from 2020.
These findings come despite DoD personnel also reporting greater reliability in their own experience with defense communications. More than half (52%) of respondents said they rarely or never experience a complete loss in connectivity, a significant increase from 34% in 2020 and 24% in 2019, indicating steady year-over-year improvement in reliability. However, 85% of respondents still reported experiencing at least one such disruption in the last year.
Other key findings from the survey include:
Actions aren’t aligned with beliefs yet on communications improvements and value in commercial capability
- 83% of respondents said they believe improvements to defense communications should be a top or high priority for their agency compared with other priorities. Also, a majority (55%) of respondents agreed commercial capabilities can deliver the same or better levels of performance compared to DoD purpose-built communications.
o Additionally, more than half of respondents (59%) agreed increasing the use of commercial solutions is critical to accelerating strategic initiatives like Joint All-Domaine Command and Control (JADC2) or other joint warfighting programs.
- However, when asked if their agency would adopt commercial defense communications technology and services in the next year to keep pace with adversaries, just 33% said commercial communications adoption was very (26%) or extremely (7%) likely to happen. Similarly, just 35% of respondents said their agency was taking advantage of new acquisition processes and mechanisms like OTAs and as-a-service models to help update defense communications technologies.
Space-based networks and commercial solutions needed for future warfighting
- More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents agree the future fight will require advanced space-based networking capability to meet operational and mission needs. But, despite acknowledging the importance of space networks, just 19% said their agency was actively investing in advanced satellite communications to support modern warfighter needs.
Cyber-attacks on defense communications technology/infrastructure remain a challenge
- 40% of respondents feel their agency is adequately prepared for a cyber-attack on defense communications technology/infrastructure. While this may signal an improvement from 2020, when only 24% of respondents were very or extremely confident in their agency’s preparedness for a cyber-attack on defense communications, it is still concerning that nearly three in 10 respondents (28%) don’t think their agency is adequately prepared for such a cyber-attack.
Next-gen technologies needed to advance defense communications, but investment is lagging
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing and 5G technology were the top technologies selected by respondents to advance defense communications capabilities. However, active investment in these technologies appears to be lagging with just 27% of respondents saying their agency is actively investing in AI and 26% in 5G. Cloud was the biggest priority next-gen technology, with 37% saying their agency is actively investing in cloud to support defense communications.
“In its third year, the State of Military Communications survey highlights both encouraging and concerning trends surrounding the future of U.S. military communications. Government is recognizing the need to modernize defense communications and the value of commercial capabilities,” said Craig Miller, president of Viasat Government Systems. “But cultural change is often more difficult than technological change. DoD personnel see adversaries closing the capabilities gap and know new approaches are needed if the U.S. is going to maintain an advantage. Multi-domain communications and data transport is not only vital to missions, but it will likely be a deciding factor in future conflicts.”
A complete copy of the State of Military Communications survey report is available online.
About the research and methodology
From August 2021 to January 2022, GBC deployed a survey to a random sample of military government employees to measure change over time in the state of military communications technology. This year’s survey is the latest of two previous iterations of the surveys deployed August-September 2019 and September-October 2020. Responses of 312 defense employees were captured after quality control and screening, including 43% ranked GS-14 and above. Respondents represent all branches of the military, with the greatest input from the Army and Air Force.
About Government Business Council
As Government Executive Media Group’s research division, Government Business Council (GBC) is dedicated to advancing the business of government through analysis, insight and analytical independence. An extension of Government Executive’s 50 years of exemplary editorial standards, GBC produces over 100 research initiatives each year, studying influential decision-makers across all sectors in government to provide invaluable insights, thought leadership content and marketing intelligence for government contractors.
13 May 22. UK, U.S. sign commercial spaceflight collaboration deal. Britain and the United States have agreed to collaborate on future commercial spaceflight missions, boosting opportunities for firms from both countries to operate from spaceports in either, the British government said on Friday.
Britain said the partnership, signed by transport minister Grant Shapps and his U.S. counterpart Pete Buttigieg in Washington this week, would make spaceflight easier and cheaper.
The new declaration “lays the foundation for rockets, high-altitude balloons and spaceplanes to lift off from spaceports across the UK very soon,” the British government said in a statement.
The partnership will see the two countries collaborate on the licensing of commercial space launches, and provide benefits including critical defence security and better weather forecasts, to enabling television services and more efficient transport, Britain said.
The United States was proud to launch a partnership with bringing more of the benefits of commercial space travel to its workers, businesses and communities.
“Commercial space travel is growing swiftly, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that these innovations advance safely, encouraging them to develop in ways that benefit us all,” Buttigieg said in a statement.
(Source: Reuters)
12 May 22. Space Force to Use ViaLite’s Wideband Links for Satellite Backhaul. With their ability to operate simultaneously across the L and S-bands, Wideband fiber optic links from ViaLite are to be used in the backhaul network for the US Space Force’s new satellite mesh network.
The Force’s initial Tranche 0 constellation will be made up of 20 transport satellites, which will send data to defense-based assets on a space-based mesh network, and eight tracking satellites tasked with sensing, command and control, and data transport.
The L and S-band Wideband cards supplied, housed in 3U rack chassis units, are designed to provide wide dynamic range performance for operation in mission critical military aerospace applications and environments.
The links can be easily and dynamically adjusted to further optimize performance when live, on the spot, ‘in-field’ functional changes are required.
ViaLite Monitoring and Control modules were also selected, allowing for full management of the RF over fiber system, along with Timing and Reference Links to deliver 10 MHz reference signals through to the equipment.
Commenting on the US Space Force partnership, ViaLite Director of Sales Craig Somach said: “We continue to greatly appreciate these kinds of partnerships and recognition of ViaLite product excellence compared with competitor brands, as well as recognition of our unrivaled team member design-in support.”
“Our customers also greatly value knowing in advance exactly what performance they can expect, even with ever-changing operational scenarios.”
11 May 22. ThinKom Solutions Joins Space Industry Consortium Developing Interoperability Standards for Satellite and Ground Digital Networks. ThinKom Solutions today announced it has joined the Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability (DIFI) Consortium, an independent space-industry group formed to advance interoperability in satellite and ground system networks.
DIFI member organizations contribute to the innovation of digital transformation of space, satellite and related space technologies for the benefit of the industry.
ThinKom develops and supplies advanced phased-array antenna systems that enable high-speed communications for satellites in space, aircraft in flight, land vehicles on the move and other applications, including terrestrial gateways for satellite communication networks.
“We believe open digital interfaces will be critical in providing an orderly transition as the new generation of non-geostationary satellite constellations and terrestrial infrastructure proliferate over the coming years,” said Bill Milroy, CTO and Chairman of ThinKom Solutions.
“We look forward to collaborating with our peers in the DIFI Consortium to develop simple, open, interoperable digital IF/RF standards that will benefit the entire industry and encourage their widespread adoption across all industry segments,” he added.
“At DIFI we are pleased to welcome ThinKom as a member,” said Stuart Daughtridge, Chairman of DIFI and Senior Vice President for Advanced Technologies at Kratos. “As a leader in phased-array antenna technology, ThinKom is a significant contributor to the digital transformation of our industry and as such will be able to help further the maturity and adoption of our interoperable digital IF standard.”
11 May 22. UK company reveals micro-launcher rocket. The UK Space Agency has welcomed news that the British rocket company Orbex has unveiled the first full-scale prototype of its Prime orbital space rocket.
Orbex’s Prime rocket reaching technical readiness represents a significant achievement that brings together key elements of the ground infrastructure and prototype launch vehicle for the first time and is a major step forward for the company and for the UK launch industry.
The UK Space Agency supported the development of Orbex’s Prime rocket with £5.5m of funding, as part of the government’s plans to enable small satellite launch from UK spaceports.
With the first integration of a full scale Orbex prototype launch vehicle on a launch pad now complete, the company will enter a period of integrated testing, allowing dress rehearsals of rocket launches and the development and optimisation of launch procedures.
Orbex recently revealed their first test launch platform at a new test facility in Kinloss, a few miles from the company’s headquarters at Forres in Moray, Scotland.
Science Minister George Freeman said: “This is a hugely exciting time for the UK space and satellite sector as we count down to the first satellite launches from UK spaceports later this summer. Orbex Prime is a remarkable feat of engineering from a British rocket company, pioneering more sustainable and innovative fuels that cut carbon emissions.
It is also fantastic to see Moray-based Orbex creating more high-quality jobs, demonstrating the value of our thriving space sector to support emerging clusters of innovation to help level up the whole of the UK.”
Orbex Prime will launch from Space Hub Sutherland, a new spaceport on the North Coast of Scotland. Space Hub Sutherland was the first vertical spaceport to receive planning permission in the UK and has committed to being carbon-neutral, both in its construction and operation.
Ian Annett, Deputy CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “We are on the cusp of an historic moment, with Orbex playing a leading role in generating a brand-new launch capability in the UK, while creating opportunities for people and businesses across the country. I can’t wait to see Prime lift off from Space Hub Sutherland.”
Space Hub Sutherland is one of seven potential spaceport sites across the UK and is being developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The spaceport is expected to generate around 60 jobs in Caithness and Sutherland, and more than 600 jobs in the wider region.
The UK already has a thriving space sector, employing 47,000 people and generating an income of £16.5 bn. The government’s National Space Strategy set out plans for the UK to be the leading country in Europe to offer small satellite manufacturers a direct end to end route to launch, building on our leading small satellite industry. Harnessing the opportunities provided by commercial spaceflight will create high skilled jobs and local opportunities around UK spaceports.
Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency, said:
I am deeply impressed with the speed at which the Orbex Prime rocket was developed. It is the first full orbital micro-launcher in Europe. But I am equally impressed by the low-carbon footprint technology applied. My sincere congratulations to the whole Orbex team for this impressive achievement.
Orbex Prime is a 19-metre long, two-stage rocket that is powered by seven engines, that is being designed and manufactured in the UK and Denmark. The six rocket engines on the first stage of the rocket will propel the vehicle through the atmosphere to an altitude of around 80km. The single engine on the second stage of the rocket will complete the journey to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), allowing the release of its payload of small, commercial satellites into Earth’s orbit.
Chris Larmour, CEO, Orbex, said:
This is a major milestone for Orbex and highlights just how far along our development path we now are. From the outside, it might look like an ordinary rocket, but on the inside, Prime is unlike anything else. To deliver the performance and environmental sustainability we wanted from a 21st century rocket we had to innovate in a wide number of areas – low-carbon fuels, fully 3D-printed rocket engines, very lightweight fuel tanks, and a novel, low-mass reusability technology.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
10 May 22. Virgin Orbit to Expand Fleet with Modification of Second Airborne Satellite Launchpad.
Highlights:
- Virgin Orbit signs agreement to secure two new airframes to meet U.S. national security and its allies’ launch demands
- L3Harris will modify one aircraft, aims to deliver Virgin Orbit’s second airborne launcher by 2023
- New cargo configuration expected to enable foreign spaceport launch and transport of rockets, support equipment
Virgin Orbit (Nasdaq: VORB), a leading satellite launch company, has signed an agreement with L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) to acquire two Boeing 747-400 airframes to support the growing need for U.S. national security and allies’ satellite launch demands.
L3Harris will modify one of the newly acquired aircrafts to serve as an additional airborne launch pad for Virgin Orbit’s small satellite launch service, with delivery expected in 2023. L3Harris will also overhaul the platform with a new cargo configuration, which is expected to allow Virgin Orbit to deliver its rockets and ground support equipment in the same aircraft that will launch from foreign spaceports.
The companies previously collaborated to produce Virgin Orbit’s flagship aircraft “Cosmic Girl,” the first customized 747-400 aircraft to carry and deploy payloads to Low Earth Orbit under Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne program.
“Virgin Orbit is at an exciting juncture in our growth as a company,” said CEO Dan Hart. “As we expand our fleet to serve customers worldwide, we’re enthusiastic to once again partner with L3Harris.”
“It’s inspiring for our team to see L3Harris’ aircraft engineering and modification experience in action on a mission-enabling platform that has performed brilliantly in its space launch role,” said Luke Savoie, President, ISR Systems, L3Harris. “We’re excited to help double Virgin Orbit’s innovative fleet so they can serve their customers with greater capacity and mission flexibility.”
Virgin Orbit’s Cosmic Girl has completed three commercial launches, successfully deploying 26 customer satellites into orbit for multiple commercial, government and military customers. The aircraft, which was previously acquired from Virgin Orbit’s sister company Virgin Atlantic, will continue to fly missions, including the first launch from the United Kingdom expected later this year out of Spaceport Cornwall. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
10 May 22. First UK satellite launch in summer 2022. As part of a three-year mission two satellites will operate close to Earth experimenting and test imaging and interoperability.
The first satellite launch from the UK will take place this summer as Prometheus-2 takes off from Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay, the Defence Procurement Minister, Jeremy Quin has announced today.
Built by In-Space Missions Ltd, based in Hampshire, and designed with Airbus Defence and Space, Prometheus-2 is a collaboration between the UK Ministry of Defence and international partners, including the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
Two shoebox-sized satellites, ‘Cubesats’, will provide a test platform for monitoring radio signals including GPS and sophisticated imaging, paving the way for a more collaborative and connected space communication system with our allies.
This space mission will allow MOD to better understand how the UK and its international partners can work together to create a more capable and flexible system at a lower cost than could be achieved alone. The technology on board the satellites will enable MOD to identify new techniques and algorithms for operating satellites and data processing.
Defence Procurement Minister, Jeremy Quin said: “Space technology is crucial for developing Defence capabilities and the launch of Prometheus-2 represents another important step forward for our homegrown space programme.”
This collaboration with In-Space Missions and Airbus paves the way for the UK to become a more resilient, more robust and more significant global space entity.
NRO Director Dr. Chris Scolose said:
We are thrilled to be part of another trailblazing endeavour with the first-ever launch of a commercial rocket from Western Europe.
It’s an honour to join the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence in announcing this historic enterprise. We look forward to this remarkable achievement as the foundation of an even stronger collaboration between our nations.
The Cubesats will each have separate equipment on-board to test novel concepts as a pathfinder in support of the Minerva constellation for future space-based intelligence and surveillance.
Director Space at MOD, Air Vice Marshal Harv Smyth said:
This is a great example of the power of international collaboration – a key tenet of our Defence Space Strategy. Prometheus 2 will deliver immense value to the UK MOD’s future space programme and, thanks to our partners in the National Reconnaissance Office, this highly-capable satellite will launch from UK soil this summer.
I am hugely proud of what we have achieved together and this is just the beginning.
Dstl’s Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead said:
The Prometheus-2 mission, with the first ever directly owned Dstl satellites, exemplifies the decades-long collaborative relationship with our international allies, and shows how we can best partner with industry. It will achieve critical R&D outcomes and help increase our pool of qualified space personnel to help grow the UK’s capability to deliver space systems in the future.
The Cubesats will be carried on Virgin Orbit’s Launcher One rocket which takes off horizontally from a modified Boeing 747 jet, named Cosmic Girl. They will operate in low Earth Orbit, around 550km above the Earth and 50-100km apart at 17,000mph.
Cubesat 1 – includes a hyperspectral imager, a laser detector and a GPS receiver. The hyperspectral imager will capture multiple slivers of pictures over different wavelengths of light for higher definition images. The GPS receiver confirms the precise time and position of the satellite over the area of the Earth to be photographed.
Cubesat 2 – includes two optical imaging cameras, a laser range finder, and a GPS receiver. One camera will be fitted with a wide-angle lens for a 180-degree view of Earth’s surface with the second camera observing the other Cubesat 1 to support space situational awareness and enables us to understand what else orbits the Earth.
These satellites will support MOD’s science and technology activities both in orbit and on the ground, through continued development of Dstl’s Hermes ground-station based in Portsmouth, and enabling improved coordination and collaboration with our international partners. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
09 May 22. Southern Launch secures $4.95m for Whalers Way space port. Southern Launch has been awarded a share of the latest round of grants from the government to “fast track” the company’s upcoming manufacturing efforts.
Among seven other Australian manufacturing businesses, Southern Launch bagged $4.95m from the government’s Modern Manufacturing Scheme, announced on Monday.
The South Australian company will use the funding to develop the first stage of the Whalers Way space port, which resides on the tip of the Eyre Peninsula.
After three unsuccessful rocket launches from home-ground last September in Whalers Way, the company hopes to carry out the next attempt in the coming months.
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the funding would “turn good ideas into commercial success stories” and would boost the state’s manufacturing capabilities.
“South Australia has a long and proud history in manufacturing. This funding is a big win for jobs and another vote of confidence in South Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability,” Minister Taylor said.
AT Space, the Australian sister company of Taiwanese-based TiSpace, which developed the rocket set to launch from Whalers Way, will benefit from the grant as it will support the creation of its R&D facility in Adelaide.
AT Space is designing and manufacturing the first commercial 3D printed hybrid rocket system, and the facility will help the company boost sub-orbital rocket research and development.
Founder of AT Space, Dr YenSen Chen, said the funding will “spearhead” the technology for clients to eventually access ‘Launch from Australia as a Service’, which will set-in-stone the nation’s sovereign launch capabilities.
“While AT Space is focused on the R&D and manufacturing of sub-orbital and orbital rockets, we will now be better placed to support the local supply chain,” Dr Chen said.
“This grant will go a long way to ensuring that our rocket projects will create more local jobs including in; logistics, construction, manufacturing, while providing greater opportunities for our research organisations.”
One of Southern Launch’s partners, Rocket Technologies International (RTI), a sister company of Rock Trade in regional Queensland, will also benefit from the funding.
The company, which is developing a rocket testing facility, will receive an upgrade including the development of a water deluge system to enable testing of next-generation rocket engines, according to Southern Launch.
Lloyd Damp, CEO of Southern Launch, said this funding round will make Australia’s space launch capabilities more internationally competitive.
“Because of Australia’s advantageous location and environment, there are emerging opportunities to partner with our international allies to support them with space launches,” Damp said.
“This grant will expediate our space launch technology and infrastructure, and ensure the Australian space industry is better placed to take on such international opportunities.”
Inovor Technologies, another space company offering satellite manufacturing services, received up to $1m to expand their electronic test and integration labs to accommodate larger spacecraft and the growth of smaller satellite batches. (Source: Space Connect)
09 May 22. Gilmour to build and launch surveillance satellite for defence. Gilmour Space Technologies has been tapped to launch a new sovereign-built surveillance satellite for defence.
As part of a $15m partnership, the Queensland-based rocket launch company will develop a G-class satellite that will blast-off from its Eris rocket from an undisclosed Australian launch site, according to Gilmour.
It comes as Gilmour is preparing to launch the first Australian-built rocket into low-Earth orbit by the end of 2022 from the Bowen spaceport in northern Queensland.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the investment is in line with the Defence Space Strategy that is focused on building combined efforts between the industries to 2040, especially to ensure Australia is developing its own space and defence equipment.
He said the spy satellite will be used for counter threat capabilities and to gather space-based intelligence of potential threats.
“Defence first established a partnership with Gilmour Space in 2020 to jointly develop defence-related space technologies, particularly rocket motor-system components,” Dutton said.
“Since that time, we have been testing materials and propulsion technologies – all with a view to developing a hybrid rocket to launch payloads and small satellites.”
A prototype satellite is set to launch in conjunction with Gilmour Space by mid-2023, Dutton added.
Adam Gilmour, the CEO of the rocket launch company said the deal is a “big milestone” for the local business set on delivering services to civil, commercial and defence customers.
“We firmly believe that partnerships like this will help to grow future Space and Defence primes in Australia and lead to more capability for Defence in the years ahead,” Gilmour said.
The partnership also is a major vote of confidence for Australia’s commitment to build and launch its own satellites, as part of an ongoing effort to reduce reliance on international space services.
In late March when the budget was announced, the federal government also committed to building four new Earth observation satellites as part of a $1.16 bn plan to boost the local industry.
The latest deal shows that the coalition “invests in defence capability and backs Australian industry”, as opposed to the Labor government that chooses to “rip money out” of defence, Minister Dutton said.
“Labor doesn’t have a plan to manage our economy, and they always fail to deliver funding for national security and defence.
“The Morrison government is investing in partnerships today and delivering capabilities now to keep our country safe and secure in the future.”
His comments come as the Liberal and Labor party battle it out before the upcoming election on 21 May. (Source: Space Connect)
01 May 22. The 2022 Future Space Leaders Grant Program Announced By The Future Space Leaders Foundation. Intended for U.S. graduate students and young professionals who are pursuing space- and satellite-related careers, the program will provide grants for participation in the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) to be held in Paris, France, September 18-22, 2022.
In addition to attending the IAC, Grant Recipients will also be involved in supplementary career development activities in Paris. These IAC-associated events include the Cross-Cultural Presentation Workshop, the United Nations/International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Workshop, the Space Generation Congress hosted by the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) and the Young Professionals Workshop.
These additional activities will necessitate Grantees’ presence in Paris, France, beginning on September 13.
Download the application at this direct link…
2021 Grant Winners
- Shayna Hume is a Ph.D. student studying Martian Entry, Descent, and Landing at the University of Colorado Boulder. In 2020, she completed her M.S. in Aerospace Engineering and M.E. in Engineering Management from CU. Previously, she interned as a Matthew Isakowitz Fellow at the Aerospace Corporation, and before that, at NASA Goddard, Lockheed Martin Space, and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. On the side, she supports the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program, volunteers with the Space Generation Advisory Council studying the logistics of lunar settlement and running the SGAC Mentorship Program, and works to understand space exploration from the perspective of human settlement through her work as an Analog Astronaut.
- Josh Ingersoll is currently serving as a Satellite Regulatory Engineer for Amazon’s Project Kuiper where his focus is on space safety and spectrum allocation. In the evenings, Josh conducts research for The George Washington University’s Space Policy Institute under the advisement of Dr. Scott Pace. This work will culminate in a Master of Arts in International Science and Technology Policy and a Master of Business Administration in STEM Management. His research is focused on developing regulatory frameworks for Non-Geostationary Operators (NGSO’s) that allow for commercial development while also protecting the commons that is Low-Earth Orbit. Outside of his professional and academic endeavors, Josh serves as the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program’s Recruitment Chair and as a member of Georgia Tech Aerospace’s “Mentor in Residence” program. He also enjoys giving space lessons to elementary school students through the Skype a Scientist platform. Josh received his Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
- Molly MacEachen is a research associate for the Space & Sustainability Initiative (SSI) at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder where she performs project management, coordinates RA and volunteer work, and plays a crucial role in the operations of the core research team. She recently graduated magna cum laude from CU Boulder with a dual degree in business and sociology. During her time at CU, Molly’s research on sustainable innovation, corporate social responsibility, and interactions between industry and society was funded by multiple grants & scholarships and showcased at conferences around the globe. In addition to her research, Molly is a consultant for the United Nations Global Compact where she focuses more broadly on the topic of corporate sustainability reporting. Ultimately, her work is centered around the private sector’s impact on the world, focusing specifically on training the next generation of leaders to be responsible and sustainable. Molly will be sharing her perspective as panelist for the Plenary Session, “Social Responsibility in Space: How the Next Generation is Leading the Charge” at the 2021 International Astronautical Congress (IAC).
- Ufuoma Ovienmhada is an Aeronautics and Astronautics PhD student in the Space Enabled Research Group at the MIT Media Lab. In her research, Ufuoma studies applications of Earth Observation (EO) technologies for sustainable management of socio-ecological systems. Her paper at the IAC discusses the creation of EO-powered data tools for the management of an invasive plant species in West Africa. Ufuoma has interned at Planet Labs and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory where she researched EO applications for the study of urbanization and methane detection, respectively. Prior to arriving at MIT, she graduated from Stanford University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. She also holds an M.S. from MIT in Media Arts and Sciences.
- Simon Shuham is a Senior Sales Engineer at Ursa Major Technologies, a Colorado-based rocket engine manufacturer. Prior to joining Ursa Major, Simon was a propulsion engineer at Blue Origin working on the design, integration, assembly, and test of the BE-3U and BE-4 engines. Before Blue Origin, Simon worked at United Launch Alliance as a propulsion engineer, developing fluid systems and components for the Atlas, Delta, and Vulcan launch vehicles. Simon is an Aviation Week 20 Twenties recipient and remains involved in a variety of young professional development organizations including SGAC, SEDS, AIAA, the Zed Factor Fellowship and Seattle’s Museum of Flight. Simon graduated from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and from the University of Colorado Boulder with a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering.
- Andrew Swackhamer is a Research Assistant at the Space and Sustainability Initiative at CU Boulder, where he is investigating how the recent rise in commercial space actors has affected the space environment, how taking safe and sustainable actions will affect space business models, and whether there exists the potential for self-governance among commercial actors in lieu of or in addition to legally binding regulation. Currently a student in the Aerospace Engineering department at CU, Andrew organizes and facilitates two of SSI’s four Working Groups, focusing on Orbital Debris and Right of Way scenarios involving conjunctions between two active satellites. In addition to his work with SSI, he was the project lead for CU Boulder’s team that finished second place in the 2020 SEDS-SSPI Competition: Taking Out the Trash, where they researched and detailed the multitude of policy, business, and technological elements involved in adequately addressing the growing congestion of near-Earth space. At IAC 2021, Andrew will be sharing his experiences working in the space sustainability field on the Next Generation Social Responsibility Plenary.
- Anna Voelker (they/them) joined the Aspen Science Center as its new Executive Director in June 2021. Anna is also the founder and Executive Director of the SciAccess Initiative, an international program dedicated to advancing disability inclusion in STEM. Through SciAccess, they lead numerous science inclusion initiatives, including an annual conference launched by their receipt of the $100,000 Ohio State University (OSU) President’s Prize in 2018. Anna is currently organizing the SciAccess 2021 Conference, which will take place virtually on November 12 and 13, 2021. Along with George Whitesides, former CEO of Virgin Galactic, Anna serves as the Project Lead of Mission: AstroAccess, a new SciAccess project that aims to pave the way for disabled space explorers. Mission: AstroAccess, in partnership with numerous nonprofit organizations, will send a crew of disabled researchers on a parabolic ZERO-G flight later this year. Anna specializes in accessible science outreach for diverse learners and has worked extensively with blind and low vision students using 3D printing and data sonification. Anna is passionate about making STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) accessible to all, as detailed in their 2017 TEDx Talk. As a student at OSU, Anna designed their own major to pursue this passion and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Science Communication and Accessibility, with a minor in Astronomy and Astrophysics. In May 2021, Anna hosted a live NASA event where astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) answered questions from students with disabilities. This was the first ISS event to feature American Sign Language in over a decade. Anna was named a 2018 Brooke Owens Fellow and previously worked at NASA Kennedy, NASA Goddard, the OSU Department of Astronomy, the OSU Center for Cosmology and AstroParticle Physics, the Space Telescope Science Institute, the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development, and the Aerospace Corporation. (Source: Satnews)
29 Apr 22. ARABSAT Contracts Thales Alenia Space To Build A Software-Defined Satellite. ARABSAT and Thales Alenia Space have signed a contract for the latter to build ARABSAT-7A, a fully flexible, Software-Defined Satellite (SDS) based on the Space Inspire (INstant SPace In-orbit REconfiguration) platform by Thales Alenia Space.
With this contract, ARABSAT joins geostationary satellite operators who have selected this technology to empower their business and transition from traditional, bent-pipe, GEO satellites, to the highly agile and adaptable SDSs, which are expected to change the face of the geostationary SATCOM industry.
The Space Inspire platform will enable seamless, telecom mission and services reconfiguration of the ARABSAT-7A satellite, instant on-orbit adjustment to broadband connectivity demand as well as superior video broadcasting performance, all the while maximizing the effective use of satellite resources.
ARABSAT 7A will join ARABSAT 6A and 5A at the data hotspot at 30.5E. This satellite will replace the bulk of the existing C- and Ku-band capacity on ARABSAT 5A as this satellite reaches end-of-life to ensure a seamless transition for customers and partners. It will also offer ample high-throughput Ku-band capacity to help ARABSAT expand its services into several verticals to enhance its portfolio of products and solutions over Middle East, Africa and beyond, to parts of Europe.
“Following a lengthy and very rigorous evaluation of the various products currently available on the market, ARABSAT has decided to go with the Space Inspire platform and entrust Thales Alenia Space, whom we have partnered with for well over four decades on several programs. This program is fully aligned with ARABSAT’s new transformation strategy, which is aimed at bringing ARABSAT closer to its loyal customers to ensure sustainable growth for the satcom business in the region as well as partnering with governments and enterprises in various countries to bridge the digital divide and connect the unconnected which has become synonymous with economic prosperity and people empowerment., said Dr. Badr N. Alsuwaidan, acting CEO of ARABSAT
“I am delighted that we have signed this contract with ARABSAT, which opens a new chapter in the long-standing cooperation between our two companies“, said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “We are very proud to be contributing to ARABSAT’s development in the MENA region by providing our state-of-the art satellite platform that is fully reconfigurable in orbit. This latest success reflects Thales Alenia Space’s technological expertise and confirms that our Space Inspire product line, which is also supported by the European and French space agencies, perfectly matches the fast evolving needs of the satcom market in terms of agility and flexibility.” (Source: Satnews)
03 May 22. KONGSBERG and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment launch new satellite capacity for Maritime Surveillance of the High North. The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) have developed instruments for satellite-based maritime surveillance. KONGSBERG is now procuring three satellites and is establishing Norway’s first satellite constellation with unique and world-leading capabilities.
KONGSBERG is the Nordic region’s largest company in aerospace and is a global leader in maritime surveillance. The company is now taking the next step to develop new technology and new space-based maritime surveillance capabilities. In combination with advanced data analysis, the surveillance capacity will contribute to defence operations and Norway’s important role in surveillance of the High North. In addition, rapid identification of vessels engaged in environmental crime, illegal fishing, smuggling and other illegal activities is made possible, as well as supporting search and rescue for vessels in distress. The capacities have been developed in close collaboration between KONGSBERG and The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI).
“FFI and KONGSBERG have a long history of close cooperation developing capacities such as missiles, submarine systems, autonomous underwater vehicles and other unique and safety-critical capacities for Norway. We are now taking this collaboration further and are developing new, world-leading capabilities that can be used for surveillance of Norwegian sea areas,” says Geir Håøy, CEO of KONGSBERG.
KONGSBERG is investing in three satellites to be produced by NanoAvionics in Lithuania. The satellites will be equipped with instrumentation developed by KONGSBERG to include ‘”Automatic Identification System” reporting (AIS) and a FFI-developed navigation radar detector that analyses vessels’ radar use. Combining these provides an overview of ship traffic in the area, to include detection of vessels not reporting correct AIS data. The satellites will also have an encryption solution, developed by the Norwegian company Eidel, which provides secure communication with the satellites.
“Norway has maritime areas that are five times our own land area. This satellite constellation with newly developed capacities gives Norway strengthened capacity for surveillance of our sea areas. This will strengthen Norway’s role as NATO in the North which is important in the current tense geopolitical situation. At the same time, it contributes to several civilian purposes for control in Norwegian sea areas. This will also expand Norwegian space expertise building our national capacities and ability within what is becoming an increasingly critical infrastructure,” says Kenneth Ruud, Director General of FFI.
“With this, we take a successful model from the defence industry with us into the space industry. Close collaboration between users, researchers and industry has created world-leading products that have succeeded in the export market and formed the basis for high-tech and future-oriented jobs in several Norwegian companies. We are now making a similar investment with the goal of creating a Norwegian satellite adventure that will lift the space industry,” says Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
Investment of NOK 300m: The satellites will be operated by Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), the world’s leading provider of ground station services. As part of the strengthened investment, a new 6,000 square meter building, with specialised facilities for the development and production of products to be launched into space, is also under construction in the city of Kongsberg. The investment in a new building and the three satellites has a total budget of approximately NOK 300 m.
“This is a significant investment where we use world-leading cutting-edge expertise from several parts of the group. KSAT’s ground station network ensures time-critical and secure delivery of the important data that the satellites generate, and in combination with advanced data analysis, maritime activity of interest will be quickly identified,” says Lie. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
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