Sponsored By Viasat
www.viasat.com/gov-uk
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28 Nov 22. ViaSat-3 completes final integrated satellite test. Viasat Inc. has completed the Final Integrated Satellite Test (FIST) of the ViaSat-3 satellite and has now progressed to the Flight Final phase of integration, where the build-up to flight configuration will be conducted.
FIST is designed to test all the satellite’s payload and bus systems to confirm they function properly following the stresses of mechanical environmental testing, which simulated the launch of the spacecraft. The satellite had already successfully completed mechanical environmental testing and thermal vacuum testing that simulated vacuum and extreme hot and cold conditions of space where the satellite will operate during its expected 15-year lifetime. FIST provided confirmation that the satellite continued to perform as designed following the mechanical and thermal stresses of the prior test phases.
The ViaSat-3 class of Ka-band satellites are expected to provide the best bandwidth economics in the industry with substantial flexibility to move and concentrate that capacity virtually anywhere there is demand – whether it is on land, in the ocean or in the air.
The first two satellites are planned to focus on the Americas and EMEA, respectively, and the third satellite is planned to focus on the Asia Pacific region, to complete Viasat’s global, service coverage.
The ViaSat-3 EMEA satellite is currently undergoing integration with spacecraft partner, Boeing, and the third ViaSat-3 APAC satellite is undergoing final payload integration and testing at Viasat’s Tempe, Arizona facility.
“With the completion of the Final Integrated Satellite Test, we now have final confirmation that the satellite design and build process has produced a spacecraft that is ready for launch. We can now progress to the final buildup for flight and look forward to finishing the satellite soon and preparing it for transport from Boeing’s facility in El Segundo, California to Cape Canaveral, Florida,” said Dave Ryan, president of Space & Commercial Networks at Viasat.
“Completion of FIST is a significant milestone as we move towards spacecraft delivery and launch,” said Ryan Reid, president of Boeing (NYSE: BA) Satellite Systems International. “We’ve validated the design and workmanship of the spacecraft after integration of our powerful 702 platform with Viasat’s ultra-high throughput payload. These are some of the final steps as we prepare the spacecraft for delivery to launch.”
(Source: Satnews)
08 Dec 22. Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP), a global leader in satellite-based solutions primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries, today announced the formation of a new Optical Solutions Group (OSG) focused on electro-optical (EO) satellite imaging products. The new group will concentrate on development and innovation of new EO products while offering a wide variety of custom-made and off-the-shelf solutions.
Optical Solutions Group (OSG)
The Optical Solutions Group will develop and field cost-effective and responsive space-based imaging solutions for Earth Observation and Space Domain Awareness. These solutions will employ Terran Orbital’s family of satellite bus platforms featuring agile boresight and broadband communications capabilities coupled with both internally created and partner optical solutions. OSG products will be highly modular and rapidly reconfigurable with a goal of dramatically reducing latency associated with production, launch integration, launch, and on-orbit checkout. Additionally, OSG products will be highly flexible, providing significant automation for executing both routine and complex tasking.
Alex Pertica
Terran Orbital is tapping industry veteran and optical solutions expert Alex Pertica to lead the OSG. Pertica joins Terran Orbital following a 36-year career at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Pertica most recently served as LLNL’s Deputy Leader of the Space Science and Security Program where he managed a $50M+ portfolio of Space Science and Space National Security related projects. As an Associate Program Leader in SSSP, he managed the execution of projects related to nano-satellite development for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and space situational awareness (SSA). Mr. Pertica also led LLNL’s Optical Sciences Group in Physics as a Group Leader. He spent time as a Group Leader for Modeling, Simulation & Evaluation within the Advanced Technologies Division of the Global Security Principal Directorate as well. Mr. Pertica was also the Project Leader for the Remote Optical Characterization Sensor Suite (ROCSS), an airborne remote sensor for missile defense test support. He led LLNL’s efforts in spectral signatures for missile defense warhead typing and kill assessment. Pertica worked extensively with LLNL’s Laser Program, creating laser materials for inertial confinement fusion. Pertica was also a member of LLNL’s Global Security Principal Directorate, configuring the application of spectroscopic instrumentation to problems in the areas of missile defense, intelligence, and national security.
“Our new Optical Solutions Group will develop revolutionary optical satellites that fortify and cultivate cutting-edge, lifesaving defense solutions,” said Terran Orbital Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Marc Bell. “We are thrilled and thankful to the many optical intelligence industry veterans joining us on this journey. Our Terran Orbital family will create a better, safer world for our extended global family one optically enhanced satellite at a time.”
06 Dec 22. Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) announced the winners of the microlauncher payload competition at an event in Berlin today. According to the announcement, seven companies with a total payload of 136kg will launch on the first flight of RFA ONE. No other small launch provider was entrusted with payload from so many customers for their first flight. The application round for RFA ONE’s second flight is still open.
After winning the April 2022 DLR microlauncher competition, RFA received €11m in prize money and won the German government as an anchor customer for its first two flights. Satellite manufacturers, research institutes, and start-ups were then invited to apply over an DLR Announcement of Opportunity for these flights. A jury now chose the seven winners for RFA ONE´s first launch, which will fly into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 500 km. There, the satellites will be precisely deployed and can be swiftly commissioned to carry out their mission. The launch is scheduled for late 2023. The application deadline for the second RFA launch approaches in April 2023.
With a fully booked volume for the first flight, RFA can reaffirm its leadership on a technological and commercial level. No other small launch provider was entrusted with payload from so many customers for their first flight.
“We are proud to have so much capacity booked on our first flight with these seven customers. The full utilization of the payload capacity available to DLR is a strong vote of confidence in our product and services, as well as in us as a company and team,” says Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at RFA. He adds, “The collaboration with DLR is very beneficial for both sides and the German concept is a role model in Europe that others are adopting. We should continue to expand and develop it in order to be able to launch even more payloads into orbit flexibly and cost-effectively. The demand is definitely there.”
The payload competition is embedded in the microlauncher competition of the German Space Agency at DLR. The goal of this program is to advance the commercialization of European spaceflight and to improve the autonomy and competitiveness of companies and research institutions, especially in the field of smaller payloads.
“Technological excellence and cost-efficient value creation processes are the basis for positioning oneself successfully in the dynamic and growing small satellite market. Start-ups and SMEs play an essential role here due to their agility,” says Walther Pelzer, Member of the DLR Executive Board and Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR. “The reliable prospect of public contracts helps young companies in particular to secure funding. Our microlauncher and payload competitions are key elements here,” adds Pelzer, referring to the role of the state as an anchor customer.”
The seven companies that will be on board the first flight of RFA ONE are in detail:
TU Munich
Germany
ARTICA
SPACEMIND (NPC – New Production Concept SRL)
Italy
Curium Two
PTS – Planetary Transportations Systems
Germany
ERMINAZ
AMSAT-Deutschland e.V.
Germany
PCIOD
DCUBED
Germany
Separation Ring Mission
SPACEMIND (NPC – New Production Concept SRL)
Italy
SpaceDREAM
Kinetik Space
Germany
About the German Space Agency at DLR
The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is the Federal Republic of Germany’s research centre for aeronautics and space. The organisation also conducts research and development activities in the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalisation. Within DLR the German Space Agency implements the Federal Government’s space strategy. More than 330 employees based in Bonn coordinate all of the German space activities at national and European levels and represents German space interests worldwide on behalf of the Federal Government. The tasks of German Space Agency at DLR include the planning and implementation of the national space programme and the management of Germany’s contributions to the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT).
About Rocket Factory
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data generating business models in space to better monitor, protect and connect our planet Earth. Against this background, the company’s goal is to offer launch services of up to 1.300kg into low Earth orbits and beyond on a weekly basis at unmatched prices. With this, RFA wants to democratize access to space and reduce the launch costs in the space industry. The RFA ONE launch service combines three key competitive advantages: A customer focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and a high degree of mission flexibility through its orbital stage; at a highly competitive price; made possible by superior staged combustion technology, low-cost structures and usage of industrial components.
05 Dec 22. Space Software Provider Antaris™ Announces Launch Readiness of World’s First Cloud-Built Demonstration Satellite. Antaris, the software platform provider for space, announced today that the first-ever satellite fully conceived, designed and manufactured using the company’s end-to-end software is ready for launch. Creation of the satellite, dubbed JANUS-1, involved eight organizations spanning seven countries collaborating virtually through the Antaris cloud-based platform, which features open APIs and core open source elements.
The project was completed in just 10 months from concept to launch readiness with a cost savings of 75% over comparable satellite missions. Based on data captured during the build, Antaris anticipates that future spacecraft missions can be ready for launch in as few as six months.
“This is a tremendous moment for the space industry,” said Antaris Co-Founder and CEO Tom Barton. “Satellite development has historically been slow and extremely costly because of proprietary hardware and software, excessive vertical integration and outdated interfaces, APIs and protocols. Antaris has changed all that. Our cloud-based platform has enabled constellation sponsors, satellite designers, component providers and manufacturers from across the globe to come together seamlessly and collaborate to get a satellite ready for launch in just months, not years, from start to finish. Nothing like this has ever been done before.”
JANUS-1 is a 6U satellite conceived as a technical demonstration to showcase the unprecedented efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the Antaris platform and will feature five different payloads running on its SatOS™ satellite software once in orbit. XDLINX Labs and Ananth Technologies served as the primary manufacturing partners for the JANUS-1 satellite with ATLAS Space Operations providing ground station services.
“The satellite industry has historically lagged behind the tech industry in the adoption of Software-as-a-Service models,” said Brad Bode, Chief Technology Officer of ATLAS Space Operations. “The Antaris SaaS platform is a long overdue approach to the design, simulation and operation of satellites and a perfect complement to our own GSaaS, or Ground Software as a Service, model. We’re excited to be part of the historic JANUS-1 mission.”
“Ananth Technologies is pleased to be collaborating with Antaris on this novel demonstration project,” added Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, Chairman and Managing Director of Ananth Technologies. “We support their mission of driving collaboration across the space economy and see tremendous potential in this new approach to satellite design and operations. The build process for JANUS-1 was highly efficient even for a complex design with multiple payload providers from around the world.”
Antaris recently open sourced its SatOS Payload Software Development Kit (SDK), which enables users of the platform to effectively integrate payloads into SatOS-powered satellites. Additionally, Antaris released the go-satcom library to help the broader space community work with open space communications protocols.
Payload and subsystem technology providers including AICRAFT, Netra, Morpheus Space, SayariLabs Kenya, SpeQtral, Transcelestial and Zero-Error Systems (ZES) will perform internet of things (IoT) communications, advanced experimental laser communications, radio communications and machine learning (ML) inference during orbit. A virtual twin of JANUS-1 running on Antaris TrueTwin™ technology is functional today, and the physical satellite is expected to launch into orbit from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre of India under a commercial arrangement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of Indian Space Research organization (ISRO).
Antaris enabled the rapid, cost-effective production of JANUS-1 through an agile, building-block approach unique to the company’s software platform:
- The Antaris cloud-based web interface makes it easy to design and configure a production satellite from a catalog of components, subsystems and reference designs. The platform features built in API integrations with various providers including ground station operators.
- TrueTwin™ high fidelity simulation technology enables designers to mirror and test the satellite configuration by running identical code in virtual and physical environments with API-driven access and optional hardware-in-the-loop support.
- SatOS™ complete software stack manages core bus responsibilities while orchestrating multitenant payloads and onboard computing with support for real-time operating systems, Linux, artificial intelligence (AI/ML) workflows and third party applications.
- Well documented APIs and an open source SDK enables payload partners to quickly integrate their payloads into the platform.
Antaris co-founders Tom Barton and Karthik Govindhasamy, who previously worked together in executive leadership roles at Planet Labs, created Antaris in 2021 as a response to their frustration with the exorbitant cost and timelines typically associated with satellite development. The company’s founding engineering team brings decades of prior professional experience from industry pioneers Planet Labs, Microsoft, CoreOS and Apple to Antaris.
“With thousands of satellites predicted to be launched in the next three years alone, we are facing a shortage of satellite engineering talent coupled with historic legacy waste and inefficiency across the supply chain,” noted Antaris Co-Founder and CTO Karthik Govindhasamy. “We started Antaris with a mission to eliminate that inefficiency and empower space engineering talent through a software platform designed to streamline the design, simulation and operation of satellites. We thank our partners for being our first and most enthusiastic users of Antaris software and look forward to a successful launch in the days ahead.”
JANUS-1 will be available for software-based payloads once in orbit and interested parties are encouraged to contact Antaris via . More information about JANUS-1 and future tech demonstration missions can also be found at www.antaris.space/orbitwithus.
About Antaris
Antaris, the software platform provider for space, exists to make space easy. Our software dramatically simplifies the design, simulation and operation of satellites to support mission success. We bring New Space thinking to an Old Space world, giving our customers maximum control and flexibility while mitigating supply chain risk to improve time-to-orbit, reduce cost and optimize engineering reuse. With investors including Lockheed Martin Ventures, Acequia, HCVC and E2MC, Antaris is revolutionizing Software for Space. Learn more at www.antaris.space (Source: PR Newswire)
05 Dec 22. Boeing Delivers First Two O3b mPOWER Satellites to SES.
– 702X-based satellites offer new technology that Boeing is delivering on commercial and government programs.
– Each satellite is equipped with more than 5,000 steerable, flexible beams capable of allocating power wherever it is needed – a first-of-its-kind capability.
Over the weekend, Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the first two O3b mPOWER satellites to SES, a leader in global content connectivity solutions. The all-digital satellites are being prepared in Florida for launch to Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), 8,000 km from Earth, where they will provide low-latency, high-throughput connectivity to users around the world.
The satellites combine Boeing’s flight-proven 702 platform, Boeing subsidiary Spectrolab’s custom-designed solar arrays built to withstand harsh MEO radiation, and, most critically, the 702X software-defined payload providing more than 5,000 steerable beams per satellite.
“SES’s O3b mPOWER system is a true gamechanger and will transform the way people think about connectivity,” said Ruy Pinto, Chief Technology Officer at SES. “Delivering performance above all, O3b mPOWER will offer connectivity services to government organizations and enterprises based in the most remote regions. In times of natural disasters, when networks are disrupted, O3b mPOWER’s low-latency services can quickly restore critical communications networks.”
Instead of relying on fewer, larger, fixed beams or a proliferated Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation covering vast regions – systems that struggle to fulfill high-density demand – the software-driven O3b mPOWER system is equipped with shapeable beams that can be repositioned based on real-time data from SES customers’ terminals, delivering a superior end-user experience.
With Boeing contracted to deliver 11 O3b mPOWER satellites to SES, Boeing continues production, integration and testing of the remaining nine spacecraft.
“SES approached us with a vision to create global equity, by providing people with high-speed connectivity where it wasn’t economically or physically feasible to build fiber infrastructure,” said Jim Chilton, senior vice president of Space and Launch at Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “We partnered to create a super computer constellation in space to meet that goal, and we can’t wait to see what SES does as the 702X platform’s first user.”
The O3b mPOWER satellites are also flexible in their launch configuration, with the ability to launch two or three satellites at a time. To learn more about O3b mPOWER, visit ses.com/O3b-mPOWER.
05 Dec 22. Terran Orbital Aids Successful Demonstration of Record-Breaking 1.4 Terabyte Single-Pass Optical Downlink for NASA’s Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator 3 Satellite. Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP), a global leader in satellite-based solutions primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries, today announced its contribution to the successful demonstration of a record-breaking 1.4-terabytes of data delivered from space to ground by an optical downlink in a single pass.
The demonstration connected the TeraByte InfraRed Delivery (TBIRD) laser communications payload aboard NASA’s Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator 3 Satellite (PTD-3) to the ground, transmitting 1.4 TB of test data in a single ground station pass lasting less than 5 minutes. TBIRD is a NASA Space Communications and Navigation payload developed by the MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
NASA’s Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator (PTD) mission series tests the operation of a variety of novel satellite technologies to provide significant enhancement to the performance of versatile spacecraft. Terran Orbital designed, built, integrated, and operated the spacecraft for the first PTD satellite, PTD-1, to demonstrate a propulsion system with a water-based propellant generated via water electrolysis. PTD-3 is also a Terran Orbital-developed satellite with added components to support the TBIRD payload. This optical communication technology demonstration aims to advance the state of the art for high-speed, direct-to-Earth transmission of data from low Earth-orbiting satellites to ground stations, targeting downlink at the unprecedented rate of 200 gigabits per second. Fast, error-free transfer of extremely high volumes of data may transform the operations and missions of scientific, commercial, and defense satellites.
“Terran Orbital is thrilled to have contributed to the successful 1.4 terabyte space-to-ground optical link for PTD-3,” said Terran Orbital Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Marc Bell. “The flight qualification and demonstration of the groundbreaking technologies making the link possible will benefit future government and commercial missions. Terran Orbital is grateful for NASA and MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s partnership in the PTD-3 mission. We look forward to completing the next record-breaking space-to-ground optical link – at 200 gigabits per second – in the near future.” (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
05 Dec 22. Fusion robots at work in the UK space industry. Advanced robotics and remote handling technologies from fusion successfully trialled for complex operations in the space industry.
Culham and Harwell, Oxfordshire – UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Satellite Applications Catapult have partnered to demonstrate how advanced remote handling and robotics technology developed for fusion energy research can be used to provide maintenance for in-orbit satellites. The technology has been developed and tested at UKAEA’s Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) robotics centre in Culham, Oxfordshire.
The demonstration adds to evidence that the potential economic spill over of fusion research reaches far beyond the sector itself, and even as far as the servicing of spacecraft in orbit.
Fusion is the process that powers the sun and stars. The energy created promises to be a safe, low carbon and sustainable part of the world’s future energy supply.
Dr Indira Nagesh, Principal Engineer of UKAEA, said of the network spillover: “The rewards for recreating the ultimate fusion energy source here on Earth are enormous, with the potential for near limitless power for generations to come. Right now, we’re proving that our technology has lots more immediate benefits in adjacent sectors.
“Identifying technical challenges and solving them for in-orbit servicing and repair is exciting. It will greatly help to improve the longevity of spacecraft and reduce space litter.”
Jeremy Hadall, Robotics Development Lead at the Catapult, said: “Improving our ability to perform close-proximity operations in orbit with advanced robotics, will unlock a range of commercial opportunities in space including debris removal, spacecraft servicing, and even the manufacture of large structures in orbit. This trial moves the space industry one step closer to realising these exciting possibilities.”
Currently, around 6,000 satellites are in orbit around the Earth, but only 40% are operational. This space debris poses a danger to all spacecraft which have to perform thousands of avoidance manoeuvres each year to prevent collisions. Servicing and maintenance can extend operational lifetimes and the same technologies can be used to support active debris removal missions.
Hadall continued: “While the space industry has assembled structures and serviced them in the past, it has been extremely costly and required national agencies to lead. However, there is a significant commercial requirement to remove these barriers using robotics as we expand our reach beyond Earth.”
A replica section of a typical spacecraft provided by Satellite Applications Catapult was assembled at RACE.
Demonstrations were carried out in the Automated Inspection and Maintenance Test Unit (AIM-TU), a highly modular robot cell for research and development containing two UR10e (Universal Robotics) robots with 1.3 metre reach.
A ‘digital twin’ of the operation using specialist software was also completed to show how operators can take over the manual command of the operation, if required, and train the system to carry out new missions.
While the automation isn’t space-qualified, engineers have demonstrated how such processes can potentially be replicated in space by understanding technical challenges in implementing remote handling capability.
“The demonstrations have shown how fusion energy technologies can support faster and safer operations,” added Mr Hadall.
“We’re pleased to be working with UKAEA on this collaboration and envisage the relationship to continue as both organisations look to spur innovation by addressing common challenges,” he concluded.
Since its opening at Culham, Oxford, in 2016, UKAEA’s RACE facility has conducted research and development in the use of robotics to protect people in challenging environments. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
29 Nov 22. AAC Clyde Space’s first Kelpie satellite Supporting ORBCOMM’s AIS Service to Cape Canaveral launch site. AAC Clyde Space has delivered the first Kelpie satellite to Cape Canaveral, Florida, in preparation for its planned launch onboard the SpaceX Transporter 6 mission expected in December 2022. The 3U EPIC nanosatellite will deliver data to the U.S. company ORBCOMM Inc., a global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, under an exclusive Space Data as a Service (SDaaS) deal. It is planned to be followed by the launch of a second Kelpie satellite in the first half of 2023.
The project will leverage a SDaaS model in which AAC Clyde Space owns and operates the satellites to deliver Automatic Identification System (AIS) data exclusively to ORBCOMM and its government and commercial customers, which is used for ship tracking and other maritime navigational and safety efforts. The state-of-the-art satellite weighs just 4 kg and features an advanced antenna concept developed by Oxford Space Systems to maximize AIS detections of all message types.
“The Kelpie satellite is one of the most innovative satellites AAC Clyde Space has ever built. It hosts advanced low-noise core avionics for reliable, high-performance space data handling as well as the company’s first payload development. Our joint mission with an established, leading data services company like ORBCOMM represents a major milestone for AAC Clyde Space in solidifying our strategic move to a Space Data as a Service model,” says AAC Clyde Space CEO Luis Gomes.
“Through the Kelpie mission focused on enhancing our global AIS data services, ORBCOMM’s government and commercial customers will benefit from more comprehensive global coverage and enhanced performance as well as the highest expected vessel detection rates in the industry over the long term,” says Greg Flessate, ORBCOMM’s SVP of Government and AIS.
Currently, the group owns and operates a constellation of four satellites dedicated to SDaaS through its U.S. subsidiary AAC SpaceQuest. In addition to the Kelpie satellites, AAC Clyde Space plans to enhance its constellation with two satellites in the fourth quarter of 2023. Moreover, AAC Clyde Space has won a contract to deliver hyperspectral data from an additional three satellites, bringing the total number of satellites owned by the group for SDaaS purposes to eleven.
The two Kelpie satellites will join the other satellites in the constellation, dedicated to delivering AIS data used in maritime operations, and will support many applications, including domain awareness, search and rescue, environmental monitoring and maritime intelligence. ORBCOMM processes over 30 m AIS messages from more than 200,000 vessels per day for government and commercial customers to deliver a complete situational picture of global vessel activity. (Source: Satnews)
30 Nov 22. Sidus Space’s and Capital C’s MOU blends maritime satellite design and security surveillance. Sidus Space, Inc., a Space-as-a-Service company focused on mission critical hardware manufacturing combined with commercial satellite design, manufacture, launch, and data collection, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Capital C.
As part of the agreement, Sidus will assist in developing, delivering, and maintaining surveillance and tracking systems with software that uses satellite imagery, sensor data, and data delivery. Sidus will provide continued access to LEO satellite communications systems as well as the design and manufacture of specialized marine parts as a preferred vendor to Capital C.
This partnership blends Sidus’ strategic growth including satellite technology and data subscriptions as it prepares to launch its proprietary, partially 3-D printed, LizzieSat™ satellites in 2023. The use of 3-D printing, as opposed to traditional manufacturing, is a sustainable method that reduces waste, resources, cost and time. Capital C is a design and technology company specializing in designing yachts that are at the forefront of sustainability and are Carbon Positive, incorporating advanced technology, robotics, safety systems and autonomous systems within its designs, which are also focused on environmentally friendly and greatly reduced emissions capabilities.
“We are excited to establish this relationship with Capital C, a leader in sustainability, capitalizing on both our maritime experience and our growing satellite vertical,” said Carol Craig, Sidus Space Founder and CEO. “Being part of creating a sustainable space economy is important to us and we are particularly excited by this partnership.”
“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Sidus for providing us with sustainable satellite communication solutions. Sidus’ expertise in satellite communications and space-rated engineering and manufacturing will be a key component of our sustainable approach to design and build of our Sustainable Notation Yachts. As part of the development of Project Terra, it is our commitment to providing better communication and data solutions within SIDS and the emerging market. This collaboration with Sidus is an essential part to achieve this,” said Cindy Devina, Founder and Managing Director of Capital C.
LEO satellites are capable of enhancing global maritime security related to hazards in the marine environment and piracy activities which jeopardize safety and efficiency.
Sidus plans to support surveillance with the LizzieSat constellation that will monitor a variety of possible factors including piracy, changes in ocean currents, debris, and oil spillage. The plan to do this is with a combination of imagery, RF sensors, and compute at the edge technologies coupled with shipboard technologies to provide comprehensive enhanced situational awareness for Capital C products and services.
According to Euroconsult, the SmallSat (spacecraft with a mass of less than 500 kg) manufacturing market is expected to grow 258% to $55.6 bn in the next decade. The total space economy is forecast to surpass $1trn by 2040, up from $370bn in 2020. (Source: Satnews)
30 Nov 22. Satellite ground segment modernization development product debuts from Kratos. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has announced the general availability of the company’s virtual OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner for satellite ground operations.
The products are used to split and combine digitized RF signals for more effective downlink and uplink, especially to support the advanced capabilities of next generation software-defined satellites and LEO constellations. For example, to support increasing customer demand or to address potential cases of interference, a high bandwidth signal from a software-defined satellite can be split into smaller signals and routed across the ground dynamically for service delivery or for RF analysis.
The OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner are completely virtualized running on general purpose computers, replacing the racks of proprietary, RF analog devices, such as splitters and dividers that constitute today’s ground systems.
Analog hardware components are not capable of keeping up with the faster demands growing in the space layer, such as high throughput spot beams, multi-orbit constellations and programmable payloads. For example, it can take days, weeks and sometimes months to make configuration changes to hardware, often requiring technicians to fly to remote locations to re-cable and install hardware in teleports. As software, however, the OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner enable configuration and reconfiguration in just seconds in order to adapt to changing mission conditions such as interference or to support changing customer service levels.
The OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner go beyond simple virtualization. They are orchestrated together with any standards-based digitizer and with other OpenSpace Platform ground functions to support automation and the quick provisioning of new services across the ground segment, including needed uplink/downlink functions. Virtual elements can be spun up for new missions on the fly and when no longer needed, spun down so the resources can be used for other operations.
The OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner support a variety of satellite use cases for applications in two-way satellite communication (SATCOM) services, Earth Observation and Remote Sensing (EO/RS), and Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C). Intelsat will be among the first users of the OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner for SATCOM. In May of this year, Intelsat announced it would use Kratos’ OpenSpace Platform to support its coming software-defined satellites and supporting ground network.
“We are supporting our customers growing connectivity needs for high-speed and reliable coverage on a global scale by enabling software-defined capabilities across our network,” said Carmel Ortiz, VP of Systems Innovation at Intelsat. “Working in concert with our dynamic satellites, the OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner as part of the OpenSpace Platform will help us accelerate the provisioning of new connectivity services and respond to traffic spikes in a matter of seconds.”
“The OpenSpace Channelizer and Combiner are available today to support the satellite ground systems movement toward digital transformation,” said Christopher Boyd, Vice President of Product Management at Kratos. “The OpenSpace Platform is a fully digital gateway solution with digitizers that route IF signals from antennas across the ground system using virtualized channelizers/combiners to modem service chains that process the signals. The fully digital and software-based approach enables OpenSpace to be deployed in a single teleport or scaled across multiple teleports and data centers depending on service scale requirements.” (Source: Satnews)
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At Viasat, we’re driven to connect every warfighter, platform, and node on the battlefield. As a global communications company, we power ms of fast, resilient connections for military forces around the world – connections that have the capacity to revolutionize the mission – in the air, on the ground, and at sea. Our customers depend on us for connectivity that brings greater operational capabilities, whether we’re securing the U.S. Government’s networks, delivering satellite and wireless communications to the remote edges of the battlefield, or providing senior leaders with the ability to perform mission-critical communications while in flight. We’re a team of fearless innovators, driven to redefine what’s possible. And we’re not done – we’re just beginning.
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