Sponsored By Viasat
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09 Feb 23. Nova Space Inc. Announces Key Partnership with Logical Innovations, Inc. to Expand Space Training and Education for the Space Industry.
Pure Capital Solutions’ (OTC: PCST) wholly owned subsidiary Nova Space is proud to announce a partnership with Logical Innovations, Inc. creating a market leading team of subject matter experts to tackle the workforce challenges of the space industry.
The space economy continues to grow at a historic rate, on pace to become a $1T industry by 2040. This growth requires a pipeline of human talent across all disciplines and space sectors. Current training and education models are not keeping up with the talent demand necessary to sustain the expected growth of the industry.
Nova Space and Logical Innovations will focus on identifying and addressing industry skills gaps with focused training and education beyond the award-winning learning content that Nova Space has developed to date.
Nova Space digital courses are designed to help current and prospective space professionals become more productive while helping provide their employers a competitive advantage in the space ecosystem. Nova Space currently supports employers in both the commercial and government space industry, within all sectors, to include launch, satellites, manufacturing, industrials, and government agencies.
This partnership will leverage existing relationships with NASA, industry, and academic institutions to develop and expand space training and education solutions to fill the technician workforce talent gap, which is a recurring challenge for NASA and space companies alike. The partnership will also address the need of training solutions in pre-collegiate institutions to further invigorate STEAM skills for K-12 students, by contextualizing career opportunities in the space economy.
ABOUT NOVA SPACE INC: Nova Space is already well known for its signature space professional-development programs, designed to support the growth of space industry professionals, entrepreneurs and business leaders, commercial companies, and governmental organizations. The founders of the company have more than five decades of combined experience in space operations, astronautics, and custom learning development in both commercial and government settings. To learn more, visit novaspaceinc.com.
ABOUT PURE CAPITAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
Since 2006, Pure Capital Solutions, Inc has been assisting small to medium sized businesses via investment and consulting. We have provided short-term financing, factoring, loans, and consulting services using our diverse expertise. We also directly invest in our subsidiaries and help them grow. (Source: PR Newswire)
08 Feb 23. Espresso Communications joins international Space Communications Alliance. Espresso Communications has become a member of the Space Communications Alliance to deliver applications and benefits for the domestic space industry. The communications consultancy will join other space innovators in the world’s first marketing communications network dedicated to the space sector.
Espresso Communications chief executive officer and founder Corrie McLeod said EC will help space tech companies that have or want to have a presence in Australia, to tell their stories and deliver applications and benefits to the nascent domestic space industry.
“The cosmos has always been a realm of possibility and ambition, and today’s space industry is vibrant, entrepreneurial and rich in innovation.
“With the space sector becoming central to national defence and security, climate change and connectivity, it is an area ripe with opportunity,” she said.
“Areas including positioning, navigation, earth observation and communications technologies are advancing and becoming more critical to global economies and industries.
“We are excited to collaborate with SCA’s global network, map together our collective intelligence about space technology and innovation, and support the continued growth of the sector.”
Espresso Communications also welcomed Australian autonomous robot and artificial intelligence systems developer, ANT61 to its client roster earlier this year. ANT61 aims to reduce risk and empower sustainable development in space through its next-generation robotic technology.
Space Communications Alliance president Lukasz Wilczynski welcomed EC to the alliance.
“As the first global PR and communications network for the space sector, we are privileged to welcome Espresso Communications among members of the SCA.”
“Their long-time experience and unique competencies strongly reinforce our mission to deliver the best quality of services to space companies worldwide.”
The SCA launched in 2022 and aims to connect space innovators with customers and partners internationals through an integrated network of experienced strategic, public relations, content marketing, social media consultants and delivered campaigns. (Source: Space Connect)
08 Feb 23. SES, ThinKom and Hughes demonstrated revolutionary high-performance multi-orbit service capable of supporting multiple solutions for government airborne missions, the companies announced today. The open architecture ThinKom ThinAir Ka2517 airborne satcom terminal was successfully demonstrated over SES’s Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geostationary (GEO) satellite networks during testing at ThinKom’s Hawthorne, CA, facilities and on an aircraft in Mojave, CA. To enable roaming across the satellites, the architecture included the Hughes Network Systems software-defined ruggedized HM400 airborne modem. The testing validated the formal release of the latest ThinAir Ka2517 software, interfacing with the Hughes HM400 modem for MEO and GEO operations.
The latest generation Ka2517 antenna is designed for full commercial Ka-band and mil-Ka band satellites operating over 17.7 – 21.2 GHz (forward link) and 27.5 – 31 GHz (return link), providing governments and the military with broad airborne communications capabilities.
The Ka2517 is based on ThinKom’s field-proven patented VICTS (Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub) phased-array technology, that has proven its unparalleled spectral efficiency and reliability with installations on over 1,600 commercial aircraft or more than 33 m operating hours, over eight years of service. The Ka2517 is operational on SES’s GEO satellite services and the innovative high-throughput SES-17 satellite. The antennas have also been providing continuous service on U.S. government aircraft for five years, and boast a very low profile, minimizing drag and increasing time on station. The new demonstrated MEO and GEO capability enables industry-leading performance and multi-orbit resiliency for critical mission success, especially in contested environments.
“As the industry shifts towards a multi-orbit model to boost performance and resiliency, ThinKom is leading the way with a flexible open architecture platform to support connectivity from every orbit to every mission,” said Bill Milroy, ThinKom’s co-founder and Chief Technical Officer. “We are proud to be flying in continuous service on U.S. government aircraft since 2018 and look forward to extending that partnership with the next generation of ThinAir solutions.”
“The demonstrated architecture leveraging the phased-array antenna and open-standards modem has the versatility to interoperate with satellites in GEO and non-geostationary (NGSO) orbits, ensuring global connectivity that meets the governments’ Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) requirements for multi-orbit operations,” said Will Tong, Vice President of Strategic Government Initiatives and head of the Aero ISR market at SES. “This demo showcases that through our partners’ and SES’s innovative satellite technology, such as the O3b mPOWER system, we can address the rapidly growing sensor needs and future-proof tomorrow’s fleets of C2/ISR aircraft programs, enabling manned and unmanned ISR and C2 high-workload missions.”
“The success of the Joint All Domain Command and Control mission depends on secure, resilient and reliable high-bandwidth satellite communications,” said Rick Lober, vice president and general manager of Hughes Defense and Government Systems Division. “In cooperation with SES, ThinKom and others, Hughes continues to deliver innovative software defined modem technology for missions around the globe, ensuring comprehensive, efficient service delivery for our warfighters.”
At the start of operation, SES’s O3b mPOWER MEO system featuring thousands of high-performance, low-latency steerable spot beams, will provide truly uncontended seamless connectivity service for sending and receiving high-volume data and unlock full access to real-time information, high-resolution images and video for government airborne missions. (Source: PR Newswire)
09 Feb 23. Inmarsat, Hughes develop new manpack satcom solution. Inmarsat and Hughes have developed a new on-the-move (OTM) manpackable satellite communications (satcom) terminal for use with Inmarsat’s L-Band Tactical Satellite (L-TAC) service. Speaking to Janes at the SAE Media Mobile Deployable Communications 2023 conference in London, Daan Ruhe, Inmarsat global product specialist for L-TAC, said that the Hughes 9203 BGAN Patrol will be available from April 2023 and has three confirmed customers. Ruhe explained that the current L-TAC system provides an alternative manpack solution to ultra-high frequency tactical communications satellite (UHF TACSAT), offering global beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) voice and data communications in the L-band frequency range using existing tactical radios and Spectra SlingShot radio frequency (RF) converters. (Source: Janes)
07 Feb 23. China to construct satellite ground station in Antarctica: CCP outlet confirms. Chinese Communist Party outlet The Global Times has announced that China would be building a ground station in Antarctica to support ocean observation activities.
Under current plans, the ground base will be built in the Zhongshan Station with support from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
It is expected that the new stations will be able to collect data from satellites in polar orbits.
According to The Global Times, the objective of the base is to help develop the “marine economy”.
The revelation comes days after China detailed their ambitious plans to conduct more than 50 space launch missions over the coming year as part of a report released by the CASC.
The report, released during the 2023 Model Work Conference, aims to achieve the “spirit” of the CCP’s National Congress which seeks to enhance both the Chinese military as well as China’s place in space.
According to a release from the organisation, the CASC remains committed “to the guidance of Xi Jinping’s new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics”. (Source: Space Connect)
06 Feb 23. CACI Enters Agreement with U.S. Army to Develop and Test Advanced Capabilities on Demonstration Satellite. CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) signed a five-year cooperative research & development agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Technical Center (USASMDC-TC) to further the development of advanced payload technologies, space sensor applications, and resilient Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT).
Previously, CACI announced a 2023 satellite launch to test a multi-mission small satellite payload. The payload includes two software-defined technology applications that enable precise, resilient PNT and tactical signals intelligence (TacISR) capabilities while in low earth orbit (LEO). CACI’s PNT and TacISR payloads highlight the unique power of software-defined radio-based modules that can be configured for multiple missions. The USASMDC-TC expressed interest in participating in the program to evaluate these technologies for military use. The CRADA also includes technologies for laser communications, laser sensing, artificial intelligence, and secure communication technologies.
Todd Probert, CACI President of National Security and Innovative Solutions, said, “These payloads feature mission-proven, ground-based technologies that are tailored for the unique challenges of the contested space domain. They enable increased resiliency and security through low size, weight, and power (SWaP) software-defined applications. We look forward to working closely with the Army on this critical program to bolster our nation’s dominance in space.”
The time-focused PNT payload application is the critical enabler of precision positioning and navigation and will demonstrate GPS-independent earth-space time synchronization that exceeds current performance by 100 times. The resulting time accuracy will be used to produce high-precision geolocation solutions in proliferated LEO constellations, contribute to GPS resiliency, and provide augmentation in GPS-denied or degraded environments. Concurrently, the tactical ISR payload application will demonstrate the ability to collect, geolocate, demodulate, and decode digital mobile radio signals. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
03 Feb 23. UTAS, ASA unveil new comms antenna. Addressing gaps in Australia’s space infrastructure, the Greenhill-based antenna is expected to transform the nation’s satellite tracking capabilities.
Funded by the Australian Space Agency’s Space Infrastructure Fund to improve the nation’s space situational awareness, the new $2m antenna will enable the monitoring of space-based objects including satellites and debris.
It is hoped that the new asset will enable Australia to play a leading role in space situational awareness, with demand for innovative monitoring techniques due to grow with the expansion of satellites in orbit and the risk of spacecraft collisions.
According to the Commonwealth, the 7.3 metre antenna will be operated by a team from the University of Tasmania at the Greenhill Observatory, with one of the team’s primary tasks to provide space-to-earth communications for satellites in low-earth-orbit.
“Australia is deeply experienced in spacecraft tracking and communications, and our geographical advantages provide an added boost to this capability,” Enrico Palermo, head of the Australian Space Agency explained.
“University of Tasmania’s upgraded facilities will further advance Australia’s expertise in this area and open doors to exciting new research and commercial partnerships.
“Space technology, like satellites, is critical in supporting our everyday life and national wellbeing, and the new antenna will track and protect vital technology in space that we rely on here on Earth.”
(Source: Space Connect)
03 Feb 23. Space Development Agency (SDA) issues DRAFT Solicitation for Tranche 2 Transport Layer — Beta.
Original Response Date: March 1, 2023
SDA has issued a DRAFT solicitation for the first of several types of Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) space vehicles—T2TL Beta. This DRAFT solicitation establishes the foundation for Tranche 2 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
To provide the warfighter full utility, the PWSA requires a global data and communications Transport Layer provided by a proliferated constellation of relatively small, mass-producible space vehicles in LEO.
The T2TL space vehicles will be similar to those currently under development for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) and Tranche 1 Development and Experimentation System (T1DES), with targeted technology enhancements, mission-focused payload configurations, increased integration, and greater production efficiencies.
T2TL will provide global communications access and deliver persistent regional encrypted connectivity in support of warfighter missions around the globe. Specifically, T2TL features multiple space vehicle and mission configuration variants procured through a multi-solicitation and multi-vendor acquisition approach.
Please review the full DRAFT solicitation for details and submission instructions. This DRAFT solicitation may be used to inform future solicitations.
The SAM.gov online solicitation listing
Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Beta Program Solicitation (DRAFT)
The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks input on its Draft Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Beta (T2TL-Beta) Program Solicitation.
T2TL features multiple space vehicle (SV) and mission configuration variants procured through a multi-solicitation and multi-vendor acquisition approach.
T2TL-Beta furthers the resilience and advances the capability of the Tranche 1 Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) with an initial global proliferation of Integrated Broadcast Service – LEO (IBS-L) and TACSATCOM capabilities.
This draft solicitation is for development, manufacture, test, launch integration, and deployment of the T2TL-Beta space vehicles, payloads, and mission-enabling ground systems.
The Draft T2TL-Beta Program Solicitation downloadable attachment PDFs may be accessed at https://sam.gov/opp/3e3eb41990ef4098b893b10cd6d297b6/view
To receive the additional Draft Program Solicitation Attachments and the Draft T2TL-Beta Bidder’s Library, please send an email to with the subject line “SDA Draft T2TL-Beta Solicitation Content Request.”
Please include your organization’s CAGE code and location in your request. Requests received from organizations that do not possess a facility clearance of at least Secret will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
SDA will endeavor to respond to all requests in the order that they are received and within one business day of receipt. All feedback should be provided via email to no later than March 1, 2023 at 12:00pm, Eastern, with the subject line “SDA Draft T2TL-Beta Solicitation Feedback.”
Please note that the above email address differs from the Special Notice number. This is intentional. SDA-PS-23-03 will be the final T2TL-Beta solicitation number. (Source: Satnews)
03 Feb 23. Thales starts Syracuse IV station deliveries to French Navy.
The ground/naval stations support secure transmission and reception of SatCom across all theatres of operation. Thales has started delivering the Syracuse IV satellite communication (SatCom) naval/ground stations to the French Navy as part of the ongoing Syracuse IV programme. The delivery commencement further signifies that the Syracuse IV programme has now entered its deployment phase, in terms of naval stations. Led by the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), the programme aims to modernise and boost the French Navy’s military SatCom capabilities.
The new Syracuse IV stations have been designed to gradually replace the assets deployed under Syracuse III.
The modernisation effort will improve the performance of the ground segment across all the maritime command centres and theatres of operation for the French Armed Forces.
It will further increase the secure communication capabilities of surface vessels, submarines, fighting vehicles on the move as well as different aircraft.
The initial contract for the delivery of naval/ground stations for the Syracuse IV programme was awarded to Thales in 2019, followed by the second increment of the ground segment in February 2021.
The company is responsible for supplying all the SatCom stations for the French naval forces.
The first ship to be equipped with the new Syracuse IV SatCom station is the FREMM European multi-mission frigate Lorraine. This milestone was completed in November last year.
According to the company, among the three domains, air, water and ground, naval environment is the first to receive the upgraded SatCom stations under the Syracuse IV programme.
The new stations will allow French forces to communicate and exchange data in a more secure and protected SatCoMm network.
Thales’s Syracuse IV stations offer dual-band X and Ka capability that can provide protection against various communication threats, including jamming, cyber-attacks and interference, while ensuring end-to-end connectivity in support of multi-domain operations. (Source: naval-technology.com)
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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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