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02 Aug 23. Voyager Space and Airbus Announce Joint Venture to Build and Operate Starlab. Joint Venture to serve as a commercial successor for the International Space Station, ensuring continued US and European collaboration in space Voyager Space (Voyager), a global leader in space exploration, and Airbus Defence and Space (Airbus), the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, today announced an agreement paving the way for a transatlantic joint venture to develop, build, and operate Starlab, a commercial space station planned to succeed the International Space Station. The US-led joint venture will bring together world-class leaders in the space domain, while further uniting American and European interests in space exploration.
“We are proud to charter the future of space stations with Airbus,” says Matthew Kuta, President at Voyager Space. “The International Space Station is widely regarded as the most successful platform for global cooperation in space history, and we are committed to building on this legacy as we move forward with Starlab. We are establishing this joint venture to reliably meet the known demand from global space agencies while opening new opportunities for commercial users.”
Voyager was awarded a $160m Space Act Agreement (SAA) from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in December 2021 via Nanoracks , part of Voyager’s exploration segment. Part of NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program, this SAA sets the foundation to create Starlab, a continuously crewed, free-flying space station to serve NASA and a global customer base of space agencies and researchers. The program’s mission is to maintain continued human presence and American leadership in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Today’s announcement builds on an agreement made public in January 2023, where Voyager selected Airbus to provide technical design support and expertise for Starlab.
“With a track record of innovation and technological firsts, Airbus prides itself on partnering with companies that are looking to change history,” said Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems at Airbus. “This transatlantic venture with footprints on both sides of the ocean aligns the interests of both ourselves and Voyager and our respective space agencies. This pioneers continued European and American leadership in space that takes humanity forward. Together our teams are focused on creating an unmatched space destination both technologically and as a business operation.”
In addition to the US entity, Starlab will have a European joint venture subsidiary to directly serve the European Space Agency (ESA) and its member state space agencies.
This announcement follows a major design milestone in Starlab’s development, the Systems Requirements Review (SRR), which baselines the major space systems, technical readiness, and ability to meet NASA’s mission and safety requirements. The Starlab SRR, was completed in June 2023 in coordination with NASA’s Commercial LEO Development Program team.
“Today marks a major step forward for the future of commercial space destinations,” continues Kuta. “We are proud to have NASA’s trust to build the replacement for the ISS, a partnership that expands Starlab’s ecosystem to global space agencies, and a team that is mission driven and dedicated to reimagining the future.”
The implementation of the joint venture will be subject to applicable regulatory approvals.
02 Aug 23. UK Space Agency funding for technologies to monitor the Earth. Funding for satellite Earth Observation technologies, which are critical to improving humanity’s understanding of our planet and its climate, is now available. The £15m UK Space Agency funding will support the research and experimental development of space-based instruments, aimed at supporting a range of environmental services, which could include meteorology, climate monitoring, environmental management, agriculture and urban planning, and improving scientific knowledge.
The UK is already a world leader in Earth Observation (EO) tools, technologies, and data use. This funding will help to accelerate the development of promising UK EO technologies which could be flown on satellites in the next few years.
The National Space Strategy in Action report, published in July, set out the government’s plans for how the UK will remain at the forefront of EO technology and know-how for commercial and public services.
Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology George Freeman MP, said: “Earth Observation technology is critical to tackling the fundamental challenges of our age – from monitoring climate change to responding to humanitarian disasters – and so we owe it to the future of our planet to harness the UK’s world-leading skills in this field. This pivotal technology doesn’t stop there and from ensuring the safety of bridges to enabling our farmers get the best from their land, this £15m investment will boost our economy and drive forward our ambition to make the UK a science superpower.”
The Earth Observation Technology Programme funding, delivered by the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI), is part of a £400m package announced in November 2022 to support the UK’s Earth Observation sector.
Harshbir Sangha, Missions and Capabilities Delivery Director at the UK Space Agency, said: “Satellite technology is essential to our daily lives, helping us to monitor climate change and protect our environment, manage our resources, respond to global humanitarian disasters and support sustainable development. This funding will help catalyse investment across the sector to support a range of innovative projects, from developing new sensor technologies to using the data for improved understanding of climate change.”
The £15m funding will cover Pathfinder projects of up to £75,000, Fast Track projects of up to £250,000, and Flagship projects of up to £3m.
Pathfinder and Fast Track projects will support new and innovative ideas for technology development, including early-stage research and lab-based experimental hardware.
Flagship projects will develop technologies further, including testing instruments in relevant environments such as vacuum chambers and airborne demonstration flights.
Chris Brownsword, Director of the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation, said: “This call for grant proposals is the 16th the CEOI has released on behalf of the UK Space Agency and represents a significant increase over past funding opportunities. It will continue to support innovative new technology developments, paving the way for future novel UK developed instruments, but importantly will also provide significantly larger grants to make a step change in the pace of technology development. It has been recognised that previous CEOI calls have had major impact across the entire UK Earth Observation community; bringing together academia and industry to develop UK owned technologies. We are excited to see what successes this new call can facilitate.”
Since 2016 the Earth Observation Technology Programme has provided £20m in funding across a total of 57 projects. These include a next Generation Synthetic Aperture Radar for Oceanography led by the National Oceanography Centre with Airbus, a Compact Infrared Imager and Radiometer led by the University of Oxford, and a Laser Heterodyne Radiometer led by RAL Space.
This funding opportunity is the latest in a series of technology development activities the UK Space Agency has issued under its Earth Observation Technology Programme. Since 2016 this programme has provided £20m in funding across a total of 57 projects, with many of these now progressing on their roadmaps towards flight on commercial, societal and research space missions.
These include a next Generation Synthetic Aperture Radar for Oceanography led by the National Oceanography Centre with Airbus, a Compact Infrared Imager and Radiometer led by the University of Oxford, and a Laser Heterodyne Radiometer led by RAL-Space.
Additional quotes:
Professor John Remedios, Executive Director of the National Centre for Earth Observation, said: “The UK has a proud history of developing satellite instruments which have transformed our understanding of the global Earth system from ocean temperature change to polar ice melt. Working together, the new investment will enable the UK to design and test our next ‘eyes on our world’. The UK has a vibrant community of Earth Observation scientists in our research laboratories, universities and industry who can bring novel technologies, smart mathematical algorithms and exciting datasets into leading partnerships across the world.”
Dr Jonathan Taylor, Principal Fellow at the Met Office, said: “Investment in Earth Observations (EO) is vital for the ongoing development in weather and climate research and prediction. We look forward to working with successful applicants to understand how the Met Office and our partners can benefit a wide range of users with innovative services and information from new EO technology.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
02 Aug 23. Skykraft delivers space-based VHF communication for Air Traffic Management. Canberra-based Skykraft has successfully completed a world-first trial of space-based VHF voice communications as part of its development of satellites to provide space-based aviation communications and surveillance services. This trial supports the work on operational space-based aviation VHF services leading up to the World Radio Congress 2023 (WRC-23).
Voice radio communications in the VHF band are used for communications between pilots and air traffic controllers. VHF radios are standard aircraft equipment around the world and are vital in ensuring the safety of air travel. Currently, VHF voice communications services are only available when the aircraft is within range of a ground-based radio. This means that large areas of the Earth’s surface, including much of the world’s oceans, are not covered.
Skykraft’s trial of space-based voice communications in the VHF aviation band demonstrates the feasibility of satellite communication directly with aircraft using existing equipment. The use of satellites in place of ground-based radio systems will enable global real-time communications between pilots and air traffic controllers for the first time.
The testing took place in the southern area of Australia’s Flight Information Region. Skykraft worked in collaboration with Airservices Australia to implement appropriate test protocols that ensured that there was no interference to the operational Air Traffic Management (ATM) system.
“VHF voice and data communication that covers the entire extent of an aircraft’s journey is the missing piece for Air Traffic Management and will unlock efficiency gains globally,” said Dr Michael Frater, CEO of Skykraft.
The five satellites used for this trial of VHF voice services underwent six weeks of operational testing prior to the trials of space-based ATM services. Skykraft’s initial constellation continues to grow with two launches already in 2023, and more planned for 2024.
“The success of the current round of test activities is a tribute to the capabilities of the engineering team at Skykraft. We recognised the need to deliver these space-based ATM services to ANSPs (Air Navigation Service Providers) as soon as possible and our team of engineers, project managers and technicians has delivered” noted Mark Skidmore, Chair of Skykraft. (Source: https://www.ex2.com.au/news/)
01 Aug 23. IAI’ DS-SAR Satellite has Been Successfully Launched – and Entered Earth Orbit in Space.
- The satellite has begun its space mission and transmitted the first data to the ground station
The DS-SAR radar satellite, developed and produced by IAI, was successfully launched into space on a PSLV-C56 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket, this morning at 04:00 from the launch site SDSC SHAR Sriharikota, India.
In line with the original launch program, the satellite entered its orbit around the Earth, began transmitting data, and underwent a series of preliminary performance tests, conducted by IAI’s engineers, who validated the correct functioning and performance level of the systems. While in orbit, the satellite will begin a preplanned series of tests, and following their completion, will be formally handed over to its Singaporean customers DSTA and ST Electronics.
The DS-SAR satellite was developed based on the experience accumulated by IAI in developing a series of advanced observation satellites: OptSat and TecSAR, which are launched into space, in new generations, since 1988. The SAR sensor payload enables the collection of a wide range of data, in terms of both coverage and resolution, day and night, and under all weather conditions.
Israel Aerospace Industries, Israel’s largest defense technology company, is a national knowledge hub and world leader, in developing and producing advanced systems for use in space, aviation, marine, land and cyber applications, for both the military and civilian market. The company is a world leader in the fields of missiles, radars, satellites, unmanned platforms, civil aviation and cyber. IAI’s Systems Missiles and Space Group is tasked with the development and building of air-defense systems, including Arrow-2 and Arrow-3, Barak 8, loitering munitions, and numerous missile systems, advanced satellite systems such as observation satellites, nanosatellites, satellite launchers, communications satellites, the national ‘Dror’ communications satellite, and more. The Group also developed the Beresheet Lunar lander whose pathbreaking mission took it to the moon. (Source: ASD Network)
30 Jul 23. Beam-hopping JoeySat Passes In-orbit Tests. An advanced broadband satellite providing high-speed internet services that demonstrate next-generation 5G connectivity has passed its initial in-orbit tests.
Because they can swiftly switch their coverage between different locations, beam-hopping satellites can connect people living in or travelling over wide geographical areas. They can also vary the power of their signals, enabling them to respond rapidly to surges in customer demand, for example, during natural disasters when emergency responders need to communicate with each other.
The beam-hopping satellite – nicknamed JoeySat after a baby kangaroo – will soon demonstrate the technology that will enable a beam hopping satellite in low-Earth orbit to connect thousands of people travelling by air, sea or on land.
JoeySat was launched into low Earth orbit on 20 May, exactly two years after ESA and OneWeb signed the contract to collaborate on its creation.
Since then, it has completed commissioning tests of its platform and payload, and begun its one-year test campaign of its innovative features, which include a digitally regenerative on-board processor, a multi-beam phased array that incorporates beam-steering and beam-hopping antennas.
JoeySat is in a near-polar orbit and will send signals via ground stations in Norway and Sweden to demonstrate the full capabilities of flexible payloads in next-generation constellations with global connectivity. Experiments will include end-to-end communications with dynamic resource allocation, and 5G pilot tests with the University of Surrey.
Developed under the Sunrise Partnership Project between ESA and telecommunications operator OneWeb with support from the UK Space Agency, JoeySat is demonstrating key technologies for OneWeb’s next generation constellation.
JoeySat’s fully digital and state-of-the-art payload was built using off-the-shelf components, new space best practices, and a lean management style in less than a year. Its advanced digital regenerative payload was built by communications equipment company Satixfy, and the payload environmental tests were completed in the UK.
Harshbir Sangha, Missions and Capabilities Delivery Director at the UK Space Agency, said: “It is exciting to see OneWeb’s JoeySat pass its initial in-orbit tests so that it can move on to demonstrate the huge potential of its innovative beam-hopping technology to enhance connectivity and improve people’s lives, whether that means better broadband services in remote places, or the ability to respond more effectively to emergency situations.
“The UK Space Agency has supported the mission with more than £50m to fund both the game-changing technology behind JoeySat’s creation and the development of a wider ecosystem that will ensure a reliable and sustainable end-to-end service. We look forward to watching its next-generation capabilities come to life.”
Javier Benedicto, Acting Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications at ESA, said: “We are proud of this ESA Partnership Project with a large telecommunications operator that also includes small and medium-sized enterprises. By working in a lean style using commercial off-the-shelf components and flexible project management to bring innovative technologies to market in response to commercial needs, ESA is helping to foster innovation in next-generation 5G connectivity. ESA Partnership Projects help European space companies succeed in the highly competitive global market for telecommunications satellites.” (Source: ASD Network)
01 Aug 23. Satcom Direct and Gilat sign strategic agreement for joint ESA project to expand Plane Simple® portfolio. Satcom Direct, the business aviation solutions provider and Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, have signed a strategic agreement to develop and supply new ultra-low profile electronically steered antennas (ESA) to support in-flight connectivity (IFC) for business, government, and defense. Available from 2025 and designed for optimized compatibility with the OneWeb low earth orbit (LEO) constellation, the hardware strengthens the Plane Simple® Antenna Series portfolio with the addition of the Gilat advanced ESA that will unlock the full broadband potential of OneWeb.
The collaboration will see Gilat develop the antenna system while Satcom Direct Avionics, the Canadian hardware manufacturing division of SD, will work with OneWeb to develop the SD Modem Unit to harness the full potential of the LEO constellation. To meet soaring data demands, customers will also benefit from the antenna’s full-duplex performance, a key capability in a small-form, power-efficient device that allows data to be sent and received simultaneously.
This ESA terminal, including the radome, will aim to provide an industry-leading compact form factor (around 2.5in or 64mm) that will unlock the highest possible bandwidth from the OneWeb network. The addition to the Plane Simple antenna series reflects the SD agnostic philosophy, which enables customized connectivity solutions tailored for every mission requirement with a common terminal architecture, simplified upgrades, and flexible pricing plans.
Chris Moore, President at Satcom Direct, said: “We already have a strong relationship with OneWeb and have engaged with Gilat, due to their long SATCOM, aviation, and radio frequency pedigree, to create the next generation ESA in support of creating a solution that provides more options to our customers seeking reliable high-speed connectivity or additional redundancy. The ESA terminal will provide genuine global coverage and superior bandwidth performance, complemented by ease of installation. This most advanced terminal will also address customer requests to lower aircraft drag, weight and fuel burn. We’re excited to add this new state-of-the-art antenna from Gilat to our portfolio. We know customers will welcome the reality of the truly global coverage from such a small format terminal.”
“We are honored to have been selected by Satcom Direct to provide them with our expertise to develop this new ESA product,” said Adi Sfadia, Gilat CEO. “Together, we will create a next-generation ESA to support the dynamic connectivity demands of the global business aviation sector with a best-in-class antenna. The agreement gives us the opportunity to expand our proven technology know-how in commercial aviation and to showcase our expertise alongside Satcom Direct, the only company dedicated to delivering satcom connectivity to business and government aviation worldwide. It is a major milestone for Gilat as we extend our global IFC leadership in commercial aviation to business aviation, as well as into our strategic focus area in government and defense.”
Neil Masterson, CEO OneWeb adds, “The combined expertise of Satcom Direct Avionics, Gilat and OneWeb will deliver customers faster, more consistent broadband services across the globe. In the dynamic connectivity landscape, it is essential we team with premium partners, which is why we’re delighted to be part of this powerful offering as we reinforce our presence and service in the business aviation sector.”
31 Jul 23. Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder on U.S. Space Command. Today, following a thorough and deliberate evaluation process, and after consultation with Secretary Austin and weighing the input of senior military leaders, President Biden notified the Department of Defense that he has selected Colorado Springs as the permanent location of the U.S. Space Command Headquarters. From the start, DoD and the Department of the Air Force have worked diligently to ensure the basing decision resulted from an objective and deliberate process informed by data and analysis, in compliance with federal law and DoD policy. Secretary Austin, Secretary of the Air Force Kendall, and U.S. Space Command commander Gen. Dickinson all support the President’s decision. Locating Headquarters U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs ultimately ensures peak readiness in the space domain for our nation during a critical period. It will also enable the command to most effectively plan, execute and integrate military spacepower into multi-domain global operations in order to deter aggression and defend national interests. (Source: U.S. DoD)
28 Jul 23. Hughes JUPITER 3 Satellite Successfully Launches, Heralds the Start of a New Era of Connectivity.
- Largest commercial communications satellite ever built will more than double the capacity of the Hughes JUPITER fleet
Hughes Network Systems, an EchoStar (Nasdaq: SATS) company, today announced its JUPITER™ 3 ultra high-density satellite has successfully launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from historic Kennedy Space Center Launch Pad 39A in Florida. Also known as EchoStar XXIV, JUPITER 3 was built by Maxar Technologies in Palo Alto, CA, and is engineered to deliver gigabytes of connectivity to customers across North and South America.
On July 29 at 2:32 a.m. EDT, three hours and twenty-eight minutes after lift-off, JUPITER 3 successfully deployed from the launch vehicle. The satellite began sending and receiving its first signals, and engineers deployed the JUPITER 3 solar arrays, which unfolded in space to their full ten-story span.
“JUPITER 3 is the highest capacity, highest performing satellite we’ve ever launched. As the leading provider and inventor of satellite internet, we’re proud to herald the start of a new era of connectivity and serve more customers where cable and fiber cannot,” said Hamid Akhavan, CEO, EchoStar. “This purpose-built satellite is engineered uniquely to meet our customers’ needs and target capacity where it’s needed most, such as the most rural regions of the Americas, so they can stay connected to the applications and services they depend on every day.”
Over the next several weeks, JUPITER 3 will travel into a geosynchronous orbit 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above the Earth to its destination at the 95 degrees west orbital slot. It will then undergo extensive bus and payload testing before entering service and augmenting the Hughes JUPITER fleet with more than 500 Gbps of additional capacity.
“Whether helping a student in Mexico expand her horizons with access to technology, connecting a farmer in Idaho with the tools to monitor his crops, or connecting a senior in Montana to her doctor via a telehealth appointment, JUPITER 3 will connect our customers to what matters most,” added Akhavan.
With JUPITER 3, Hughes will enhance its HughesNet® offerings for customers in the U.S. and Latin America with more broadband capacity overall and higher speed plans in many markets—some with download speeds up to 100 Mbps. The company will also offer higher speed HughesNet Fusion® plans, the innovative low-latency home internet that leverages multipath technology to blend satellite and wireless technologies seamlessly into a low-latency satellite internet experience.
With dense, high-throughput capacity across the Americas, JUPITER 3 will also support applications such as in-flight Wi-Fi, enterprise networking and cellular backhaul for mobile network operators (MNOs). (Source: ASD Network)
28 Jul 23. UK sets out future space domain awareness requirements. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the UK Space Agency have published a joint space domain awareness (SDA) report that outlines their potential future requirements. The requirements, as detailed in the Cross Government SDA Requirements Publication on 21 July, will be delivered within a dual-use military and civil SDA system of systems.
SDA is defined in the publication as “the provision of security-focused, decision-quality information that can be used to successfully mitigate adversary space effects while supporting the integration of allied space effects into multi-domain operations”.
An MoD spokesperson told Janes. (Source: Janes)
29 Jul 23. Nighttime success as SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy lifts Hughes JUPITER 3 on its mission. UPDATE FRIDAY JULY 28: Success for SpaceX and Hughes when on Friday, July 28 at 11:04 p.m. ET, Falcon Heavy launched the nine metric ton Jupiter-3 spacecraft the world’s heaviest commercial communications satellite to a geosynchronous transfer orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
This was the third launch and landing of these Falcon Heavy side boosters, which previously supported USSF-44 and USSF-67.
UPDATE THURSDAY JULY 27: SpaceX is now targeting Friday, July 28, 11:04 p.m. EDT for Falcon Heavy’s launch of the Hughes JUPITER 3 mission to a geosynchronous transfer orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Jupiter 3 is the largest commercial communications satellite ever built, according to its operator, Hughes Network Systems. The satellite weighs 10.1 tons (9.2 metric tons) and, when fully deployed, will have a wingspan similar to that of a commercial jet.
Both of the side boosters on this mission previously supported USSF-44 and USSF-67. Following stage separation, Falcon Heavy’s two side boosters will land on SpaceX’s Landing Zones 1 and 2 (LZ-1 and LZ-2) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The 99-minute launch window opens at 11:04 p.m. ET (03:04 UTC on July 29). A backup opportunity is available on Saturday, July 29 with the same window. (Source: Satnews)
21 Jul 23. Rocket Lab’s next mission is for Capella Space opens July 30, 2023, NZST/UTC. The ‘We Love the Nightlife’ mission is scheduled to launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula for Capella Space (Capella), a provider of commercial, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery.
Artistic rendition of Capella Space’s Acadia SAR satellite, courtesy of the company.
‘We Love the Nightlife’ will be Rocket Lab’s third launch for Capella following the successful “Stronger Together” mission launched in March Believe It’s Not Optical” mission in August 2020 from Launch Complex 1, which deployed the first satellite in Capella’s SAR constellation.
The launch windows, according to time zones, are:
The live launch webcast may be viewed at this direct link…
‘We Love the Nightlife’ will be the first of four, new, dedicated launches on Electron for Capella, announced in February of 2023, to deploy Capella’s next-generation SAR Earth-imaging satellites called Acadia.
Payload integration is completed for Capella Space on Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle. Photo is courtesy of Capella Space.
Capella’s satellites deliver high quality, high resolution SAR imagery capable of penetrating all weather conditions and capturing clear imagery 24-7, day and night, anywhere on Earth, delivered through Capella’s fully-automated ordering and delivery platform.
The next-generation Acadia satellites include a number of enhancements to Capella’s existing constellation, including increased bandwidth and power and faster downlink speeds. When combined with Capella’s existing long-dwell imaging capability and extended duty-cycle – which results in more images collected per orbit than other SAR systems – Acadia will continue to set the benchmark within the SAR industry.
All four upcoming Electron missions will launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, each deploying a single Acadia satellite to a 640 km mid-inclination orbit, expanding the existing Capella Space SAR constellation and providing more rapid revisit across diverse regions around the Earth.
Each Capella Space satellite will also be supported by a Rocket Lab-manufactured Advanced Lightband: separation systems for each satellite to attach to and deploy from Electron once launched to orbit. (Source: Satnews)
23 Jul 23. Orbcomm’s ST2100 satellite device provides access to new IoT markets and geographies. The ST 2100 can be installed on both mobile assets like light-and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, railcars and heavy equipment as well as fixed assets like pipelines, pumps, generators and tanks used in industrial and utilities environments.
Orbcomm‘s new, state-of-the-art ST 2100 is a satellite communications device enabling IoT solution providers to deliver unlimited and affordable connectivity to customers, as well as enhanced reliability, improved asset visibility and access to new markets and geographies. The versatile device features a built-in antenna that enables solution providers to extend their IoT and M2M applications beyond cellular coverage.
The ST 2100 is designed for quick integration into IoT applications with minimal development. This device enables two-way satellite communications and reliable global coverage, including areas with limited cellular connectivity as a sole communications device or as a backup.
The ST 2100 provides a smaller footprint and a more flexible installation configuration compared to previous devices, such as the IDP-280.
An optional internal super capacitor maximizes reliability by allowing “last-gasp” messages to be sent, enabling continued operation during temporary power loss. A built-in GNSS module allows global location tracking and reporting. Over the air satellite updates allow the ST 2100 to receive new firmware versions, without having to send a technician on site. Other over the air capabilities include the option to use the ST 2100 to remotely reset devices and equipment.
Additionally, the device features an M12 connector for easy integration into new and existing solutions, while retaining the command set from its predecessor for a seamless upgrade.
The rugged and environmentally sealed ST 2100 is designed for use in fixed and mobile asset applications across various industries such as fleet management, maritime and utilities.
With a broad set of integration tools the Starter Kit provides tools for the solution development cycle — from development to testing and production, and includes the device, a simulation environment, an interface development board and more. (Source: Satnews)
23 Jul 23. Successful test of rotating artificial gravity space station for Above. This SAA agreement provides access to facilities and support for systems testing, technology and tools and collaboration on multiple technologies that Above is developing for commercial, civil and government customers for habitable cislunar space stations and near-term launch projects.
The test was conducted in collaboration with the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Flat Floor Robotics Lab in Huntsville, Alabama. It offers an extremely flat surface that allows objects to move across it on a near frictionless, cushion of air. Companies, such as Above, collaborate with NASA MSFC’s lab to test their space engineering technologies in the same facility where NASA space shuttle and other space technologies have been validated.
Above conducted the test to validate the internally designed rocket thrusters, structure, avionics, and control algorithms to be used in maneuvering a space station that provides hybrid gravity and the firm was able to validate the precision of its technologies just as they would function in space.
A large space station will require the ability to provide and manipulate gravity for a variety of applications including manufacturing, research, defense, and tourism. The ability to spin or rotate a station creates a level of gravity and Above was able to validate the precision of its technologies as they might function in space.
“This is exciting and further validation of our partial gravity control systems,” said who oversaw the test accompanied by the Above engineering team, partners, and investors. “Our test was conducted in collaboration with NASA as part of our recent Umbrella Space Act Agreement (SAA). We couldn’t be prouder of our stellar team who demonstrated that we could rotate and control our space station and that we are a strong competitor in the space ecosystem. Above is well positioned with commercial and government partners to provide more space in space, using existing, commercial off the shelf technologies in new and innovative ways. We’re taking the incremental steps to derisk our technology and demonstrate our near-term capabilities and relevancy for our longer-term objectives building platforms and ultimately full space station where people will live, work and play.” — Rhonda Stevenson, CEO and President, Above. (Source: Satnews)
26 Jul 23. EUTELSAT 10B satellite enters service. EUTELSAT 10B is carrying two, multi-beam, High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) Ku-band payloads: a payload covering the North Atlantic corridor, Europe, the Mediterranean basin, and the Middle East, offering significant throughput in the busiest air and sea traffic zones, and a second payload to extend coverage across the Atlantic Ocean, Africa, and the Indian Ocean.
Firm multi-year capacity commitments are secured with several leading maritime and in-flight connectivity service providers – and discussions with others are well advanced. These partners, such as Panasonic and Intelsat, will rely on EUTELSAT 10B to provide ships and airlines with mobile connectivity services, in air and at sea, for passengers and crews.
EUTELSAT 10B will also cater Eutelsat ADVANCE services, a global network of unparalleled coverage providing high-end connectivity to users beyond the range of terrestrial networks, through an innovative satellite network-as-a-service experience.
EUTELSAT 10B is also carrying two widebeam payloads in C-and in Ku-band to ensure continuity of the video services on the EUTELSAT 10A satellite, whose operational life is scheduled to end later this year. The 10° East location that EUTELSAT 10B occupies has been operated by Eutelsat since 1987 and provides unrivaled coverage of Europe, the Middle East and Africa for video services. Historic clients such as Arqiva and Eurovision will be able to benefit from the newest resources and enhanced services at 10° East.
“EUTELSAT 10B satellite will boost our global connectivity services with High Throughput capacity, to meet increasing in-flight and maritime demand. EUTELSAT 10B’s Ku-band payload complements the Ka-band of the EUTELSAT KONNECT VHTS satellite, that will enter into service progressively in Autumn, reflecting our ability to serve our customers in both Ka- and Ku-bands with the best-in-class space assets. Moreover, this satellite brings innovative new resources that will be able to complement Eutelsat’s GEO-LEO offering.” — Cyril Dujardin, General Manager for the Connectivity Business Unit, Eutelsat
“With EUTELSAT 10B we are bringing the newest resources and enhanced services to 10° East, one of Eutelsat’s long-standing, leading orbital locations and a key position for professional video networks. Satellite maintains an integral role in the media supply chain, particularly to support the live transmission of major news and sporting events. Our clients can look forward to an ever-better service with this powerful new satellite.” — Laurence Delpy, General Manager for the Video Business Unit, Eutelsat. (Source: Satnews)
26 Jul 23. Successful demonstration of new emergency warning Satellite Service takes place in France & Germany. Whether it’s wildfires in Canada or a deadly earthquake in Turkey, natural and manmade disasters highlight the importance of having innovative tools and solutions for resilient risk management and response. With end-users always at the core, the EU Space Programme continues to evolve offering services that contribute to the safety and wellbeing of European citizens.
Developed by the Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space (DEFIS) of the European Commission, the Emergency Warning Satellite Service will support and complement the current civil protection services by taking advantage of the 24/7 availability of Galileo signals and the resilience of its infrastructures.
How will this new life-saving service work?
The Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS) utilises Galileo’s messaging function to transmit an alert to smartphones with instructions to follow depending on the area the user is located in. The service is not based on the mobile network, it can reach any smartphone with a GNSS chip in a specific target area with satellite coverage. This feature enables the service to reach people in rural regions with poor mobile signal and can even be available during a disaster that affects the ground infrastructure.
EUSPA Chief Operating Officer, Pascal Claudel explains: ‘’The EWSS provides national civil protection authorities with a 24/7 “satellite” channel enabling them to broadcast alerts to the population. ‘’This comes in addition to the multiple existing national alert services such as mobile networks, TV, radio, sirens, internet or social networks, and is completely independent of terrestrial mobile networks,’’ he concludes.
This future Galileo alert service is designed to be received directly on any device capable of processing Galileo signals: smartphone, car navigation, fixed receiver on the roofs of buildings for display on public billboards, etc.
EWSS is not Galileo’s only emergency service. Galileo Search And Rescue Service (SAR) helps to save lives in emergency circumstances. Recently, a sailor in a solo round-the-world yacht race was saved thanks to the positioning given to rescuers by his emergency beacon after waves destroyed his vessel.
Two demonstrations based on a true disaster
The demonstration of the EWSS was carried out as part of a Horizon Europe STELLAR Project which has been receiving funding from the European Union. The first demo aimed to replicate the deadly explosion which occurred at the AZF facilities in September 2001 in Toulouse, France and claimed the lives of 31 people.
This exercise took place in three different sites:
A: The operation centre of the Haute Garonne prefecture, responsible for issuing the alert
B: The Galileo Search and Rescue service centre based at CNES facilities in Toulouse
C: In the city of Toulouse where mobile phone users received the alert messages.
The EWSS demonstration conducted by the STELLAR consortium was met with great success and enthusiasm. The service efficiently transmitted distress messages to citizens’ mobile phones within seconds of activation. With Galileo’s superior accuracy, end users were able to visualize the affected area with precision.
The demonstration was carried out in the presence of the French Ministry of Interior, the Prefecture of Haute-Garonne, and civil protection authorities (SAMU, Town Hall, Firefighters/SDIS).
A similar exercise took place on June 30th, 2023, in Leverkusen, Germany replicating the Chempark explosion which occurred two years ago.
STELLAR brings together a unique consortium of EU companies with expertise in satellite navigation and emergency management. It is led by Telespazio France, together with CNES, EENA, F24 and Thalès Alenia Space.
This article is provided by European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). (Source: Satnews)
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