Sponsored By Viasat
www.viasat.com/gov-uk
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06 Nov 23. Viasat supports U.S Air Force in major Indo-Pacific military exercise. Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, has successfully supported the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Air Mobility Command (AMC) during a major military exercise, Mobility Guardian 2023 (MG23), involving 3,000 personnel and 70 aircraft from the U.S. and Allied Forces.
USAF’s MG23 exercise was completed in summer 2023 and tested a rapid ‘hub and spoke’ operational model across challenging operational environments. One of the biggest of the year, the Air Force exercise featured complex test flights and operational scenarios across 3,000 miles of the Pacific region, including over Japan, Australia, and Hawaii. U.S allies also participating in the exercise included Canada, France, New Zealand, and the U.K.
For the exercise, Viasat provided resilient and interoperable airborne communications through its C-130 Hercules Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) hatch terminal. The Roll On/Roll Off high-capacity Ka-band terminal enables airborne command and control (C2) and situational awareness during missions, allowing rapid deployment, and increased maneuverability of forces. This provides Automated Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency (APACE) capabilities by seamlessly roaming across orbits and networks for resilient communications.
Viasat also provided MG23’s Contingency Response Group with its next generation interoperable tactical gateway, called Move Out/Jump Off (MOJO) Next. The latest MOJO Next terminal integrates with USAF’s operational systems to crosslink incompatible networks and provide C2 and situational awareness on the battlefield, even when troops are deployed thousands of miles from home.
The MOJO Next tactical gateway was designed for operations in remote locations where network extensions are needed to execute the mission and to crosslink incompatible networks and messages into clear and interoperable communications. This 360-degree view of the battlespace provides AMC the ability to exchange situational awareness data with other Link 16 or SADL-enabled platforms, so all assets will be fully integrated into the common operational picture. It was introduced following the AMC’s Spring Industry Preview in April, in which the Air Force presented its challenges to suppliers.
To enable ground BLOS during the exercise, Viasat’s multi-mission terminal provided a small, rapidly deployable, multi-band, multi-waveform capability, utilizing a software defined modem (CBM-400) for increased resiliency. Viasat’s NOMAD terminal also provided Ka-band connectivity with an easy, on-button activation. Lastly, the company used its NetAgility™ SD-WAN networking router to bridge these networks with APACE to ensure robust and resilient connectivity.
Mobility Guardian first launched in 2017, with 2023 being the first time it was completed outside the continental U.S to better prepare for the challenges of operating in the vast Pacific region.
“Air Mobility Command purposefully challenged itself by operating at major pace and scale with this mission – so our technology had to rise to the occasion,” said Jason Sabol, Director, C3/NC3 Programs, Viasat. “Modern military operations are all about mobility and maneuverability. We’re proud to be able to offer the connectivity, software, and terminals to provide that agility, exactly when and where it’s most needed.”
“By developing a modular, flexible, interoperable solution based on our universal Roll On/Roll Off kit, Viasat demonstrated a technology roadmap to standardize the AMC fleet utilizing a C-130 hatch mount system and standard wide body BLOS solution. By creating a homogeneous fleet, AMC will be able to drive down modification costs with future technology insertion, leveraging an attractive Viasat fleet pricing model.”
07 Nov 23. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully completed Thermal Vacuum tests on the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM), a two-satellite constellation designed to deliver broadband communications to the Northern polar region for the U.S. Space Force and Space Norway. Each Northrop Grumman-built satellite carries a Ka-band payload for Viasat and X-Band payload for Norwegian Ministry of Defense, as well as the Enhanced Polar System Recapitalization payloads for the U.S. Space Force. ASBM-1 has completed vibration testing with ASBM-2 to follow.
Northrop Grumman is also providing the Control and Planning Segment (CAPS) ground system for this critical capability. CAPS is supporting compatibility testing with the payload and space vehicle segments and interfacing with the Satellite Operations Center (SOC) in Norway. CAPS has completed formal acceptance and turnover and is ready for system activation.
09 Nov 23. Foxconn Awards Exolaunch with Contract to Deploy the Group’s 1st Satellites.
- Exolaunch adds a new APAC customer to its rapidly diversifying portfolio
- Exolaunch will provide mission management, integration services, deployment hardware and services for Foxconn’s inaugural set of satellites
- The satellites will launch onboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 on the Transporter-9 mission no earlier than November 2023
Exolaunch has signed a launch services agreement (LSA) with Hon Hai Technology Group (“Foxconn”) to provide mission management, integration services orbital deployment hardware and services for Foxconn’s first ever satellites.
Exolaunch is a global provider of small satellite launch mission management and deployment services, having deployed over 320 satellites into orbit using its proprietary separation technologies on the most frequent and reliable launch vehicles on the market. As with past integrations and deployments for A-list constellation providers like Spire Global, ICEYE and Kongsberg NanoAvionics, Exolaunch will play an integral role in Foxconn’s long-term success in space.
The satellites, named PEARL-1H and PEARL-1C, are scheduled to launch on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 via Exolaunch during the Transporter-9 mission from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California no earlier than November 2023. Along with end-to-end mission management, integration and deployment services, Exolaunch is providing Foxconn with its record-setting EXOpod Nova deployer.
Image: Foxconn and Exolaunch teams integrating a Foxconn satellite with EXOpod Nova, © Exolaunch
“This latest LSA with Foxconn comes at a watershed moment for Exolaunch, as we are broadening our team and capabilities within the launch service industry globally,” said Jeanne Allarie, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Exolaunch. “Exolaunch has worked directly with customers over the last ten years listening closely to the needs of cutting-edge satellite industry players. Supporting a company as widely known and depended on as Foxconn is an honor and culmination of this hard work.”
“This is a pilot run as proof of the concept for our efforts in LEO satellite broadband communications and next-gen, beyond 5G (B5G) capabilities. It is also a great example of collaboration between academia and industry. Exolaunch plays a crucial role in getting our mission to space,” said Dr Jen-Ming Wu, Director of the Next-generation Communications Research Center at Hon Hai Research Institute.
“In the B5G and new space era, the launch of LEO satellites will become ever more cost-competitive and convenient. Foxconn’s first PEARL is meant to show we will be ready to meet the increase in demand for key components, sub-system, and assembly integration test, driving higher circulation and innovation in the new space industry,” said Jesse Chao Sr. Director, B5G Policy, Corporate Policy at Foxconn. (Source: ASD Network)
09 Nov 23. Rocket Lab Adds New HASTE Launch from Virginia for the DoD’s Defense Innovation Unit.
- This latest dedicated HASTE contract is the seventh mission to be added this year to Rocket Lab’s suborbital launch manifest
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has signed a launch services agreement with the US Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for a HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) mission from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 in Virginia.
The HASTE mission will deploy a suborbital payload by Australian company Hypersonix called DART AE, a scramjet-powered hypersonic vehicle capable of flying non-ballistic flight patterns at speeds of up to Mach 7 (approx. 8,350 kilometres / 5,320 miles per hour). The mission will launch from Rocket Lab’s dedicated launch site at the Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island as early as Q1, 2025. The HyCat mission will demonstrate HASTE’s ‘direct inject’ capability by deploying the Hypersonix payload during ascent, while still within Earth’s atmosphere.
This latest HASTE mission is the seventh suborbital launch contract awarded to Rocket Lab this year, including Rocket Lab’s first HASTE mission launched on 17 June 2023 for Leidos under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program. Leidos has since signed on for four more HASTE missions to launch in 2024 and 2025. Another HASTE launch contract was also announced in August 2023 for a confidential customer.
The mission will be operated by Rocket Lab National Security (RLNS), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary created to serve the unique needs of the U.S. defense and intelligence community and its allies. RLNS, along with Hypersonix, was earlier this year selected by the DIU as a program partner to the DIU’s hypersonic and high-cadence testing (HyCat) project, a program to accelerate potential hypersonic technologies and concepts.
Rocket Lab’s HASTE suborbital launch vehicle is derived from the Company’s Electron rocket but has been modified to support hypersonic payload deployment. By leveraging the heritage of Rocket Lab’s low-cost Electron – the world’s most frequently launched commercial small launch vehicle – HASTE offers true commercial testing capability at a fraction of the cost of current full-scale tests. (Source: ASD Network)
07 Nov 23. UK MoD Backs Trial of Space-Based Production of Defense Components. Space Age Manufacturing to Boost Frontline Support. A British SME is building the world’s first in-space manufacturing platform that will be used to create crucial components of defence capabilities.
Technology used in radars and frontline battlefield communications could be manufactured in space, after an injection of funding to a British company.
Space Forge, based in South Wales, is building the world’s first in-space manufacturing platform that can be returned back to Earth and has been awarded £499,000 as part of a collaborative project with Northrop Grumman under the MOD’s Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP).
With multiple benefits, materials manufactured in space are especially pure because of access to extreme temperatures and lack of contamination.
This manufacturing includes semiconductors, which are crucial components of radars and frontline battlefield communications systems. Space Forge’s innovative work could see the revolution of UK defence supply chains as they deliver for our Armed Forces.
Part of a wider scheme, DTEP funding is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK to develop innovative materials, technologies and processes to enhance defence supply chains. DTEP aims to inspire companies to win new business, develop industrial capabilities, and provide new cutting-edge answers to defence problems at home and abroad.
Through DTEP funding, Space Forge will provide innovative solutions to Defence problems using cutting-edge science, and will also support highly-skilled jobs to the South Wales community, levelling up and supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy.
Demonstrating the UK government’s commitment to working with small businesses across Defence, the Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, also hosted a range of British small businesses in Cardiff today who are paving the way in new age defence capabilities.
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said: “The work taking place at Space Forge, and other SMEs, is paramount to the success of our future operations. We are committed to supporting their endeavours to ensure our defence capabilities remain at the forefront of technological innovation.
“This visit reinforces our dedication to fostering partnerships with leading institutions, who drive innovation in the defence sector and keep our Armed Forces equipped with the most modern capabilities.”
SMEs hold a crucial place in the UK defence enterprise, play an important role in sustaining industrial capability and are vital to delivering our defence aspirations. They also provide hugely important expertise and support a wide variety of high-quality jobs across the UK.
Joshua Western, CEO and Co-founder of Space Forge, said: “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for Space Forge, to be working with Northrop Grumman to secure defence supply chains for the Ministry of Defence is an important step in demonstrating the utility of in-space manufacturing. National security is shared security and this Atlantic partnership is a keystone in building new capabilities and prosperity.”
During his visit, Defence Minister Cartlidge engaged in discussions with leading experts at Space Forge to gain insight into the latest developments in space capabilities. The vital funding provided by DTEP will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of space age technology for defence, reinforcing our security capabilities for years to come. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/UK MoD)
09 Nov 23. Department of the Air Force Scheduled to Launch Seventh X-37B Mission. The Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, in partnership with the United States Space Force, is scheduled to launch the seventh mission of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Dec. 7, 2023 from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
The X-37B Mission 7 will launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket for the first time, designated USSF-52, with a wide range of test and experimentation objectives. These tests include operating the reusable spaceplane in new orbital regimes, experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies, and investigating the radiation effects on materials provided by NASA.
“We are excited to expand the envelope of the reusable X-37B’s capabilities, using the flight-proven service module and Falcon Heavy rocket to fly multiple cutting-edge experiments for the Department of the Air Force and its partners,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Fritschen, the X-37B Program Director.
X-37B Mission 7, also known as OTV-7, will expand the United States Space Force’s knowledge of the space environment by experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies. These tests are integral in ensuring safe, stable, and secure operations in space for all users of the domain.
Chief of Space Operations, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman hailed these experiments as “groundbreaking,” saying, “The X37B continues to equip the United States with the knowledge to enhance current and future space operations. X-37B Mission 7 demonstrates the USSF’s commitment to innovation and defining the art-of-the-possible in the space domain.”
The NASA experiment onboard will expose plant seeds to the harsh radiation environment of long-duration spaceflight. Known as “Seeds-2,” the experiment will build upon the successes of prior experiments, paving the way for future crewed space missions.
Previously, X-37B Mission 6 was the first mission to introduce a service module that expanded the capabilities of the spacecraft and allowed it to host more experiments than any of the previous missions. The spacecraft carried the Naval Research Laboratory’s Photovoltaic Radio-frequency Antenna Module experiment, which transformed solar power into radio frequency microwave energy, and two NASA experiments to study the results of radiation and other space effects on a materials sample plate and seeds used to grow food. The X-37B Mission 6 also deployed FalconSat-8, a small satellite developed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory.
The Director of the DAF RCO, William D. Bailey, praised the collaborative partnership with industry, noting, “The X-37B government and Boeing teams have worked together to produce a more responsive, flexible, and adaptive experimentation platform. The work they’ve done to streamline processes and adapt evolving technologies will help our nation learn a tremendous amount about operating in and returning from a space environment.” (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ US Space Force)
09 Nov 23. Starlab Space Station to boost European Space Agency ambitions in low-Earth orbit. MoU between ESA, Airbus and Voyager Space outlines collaboration on post-International Space Station infrastructure and missions
The European Space Agency (ESA), Airbus Defence and Space, and Voyager Space have signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ESA Space Summit in Seville, outlining their collaboration for the Starlab space station in the post-International Space Station era.
The MoU outlines that the parties intend to commonly foster science and technology development and explore the potential for collaboration in conjunction with post-International Space Station low-Earth orbit (LEO) destinations.
The collaboration will initially focus on, but is not limited to, exploring opportunities for sustained access to space for Europe through the Starlab space station. These could include:
- Access to the Starlab space station for ESA and its Member States, for astronaut missions and sustained long-term research activities as well as commercial business development.
- Contributions to research projects on upcoming missions, leveraging European technology across various fields, including (but not limited to) advanced robotics and automation/artificial intelligence, and advancing European science priorities, such as health and life sciences.
- Establishment of a complete ‘end-to-end’ ecosystem comprising the Starlab space station as a low-Earth orbit destination and a potential ESA-developed European transportation system (cargo and crew), leveraging standardised interfaces in the interest of an open access policy.
This agreement reflects ESA’s ambition to enable a smooth transition from the International Space Station towards the sustained exploitation of human and robotic infrastructures in low-Earth orbit after 2030, including through commercial services.
“ESA appreciates the transatlantic industry initiative for the commercial Starlab space station, and the potential that its strong European footprint holds for significant European industrial and institutional contributions to, and use of, said station,” said Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency. “Our teams are looking forward to working closely with the Starlab teams here in Europe and in the US.”
“This agreement with the European Space Agency is critical as we continue to foster international collaboration in the space domain and move towards succeeding the International Space Station with Starlab,” said Matt Kuta, President, Voyager Space. “We look forward to working with Airbus and ESA to extend Europe’s footprint in space and ensure they remain a leader in the new generation of commercial space exploration.”
“At Airbus, we are very pleased that ESA is continuing to look to the future and demonstrating such a keen interest in Starlab,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “Our collaboration on this next-generation space station builds on a long and successful partnership between ESA and Airbus in developing and operating a wide range of crewed and uncrewed spacecraft.”
In the past, Airbus has supplied ESA with iconic spacecraft such as the International Space Station Columbus Module, all five Automated Transfer Vehicles (ATV) and – most recently – the European Service Module (ESM) for Orion, Europe’s contribution to NASA’s Artemis missions back to the Moon.
In August 2023, Voyager and Airbus first announced an agreement to form a transatlantic joint venture to support a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit and a seamless transition of microgravity science and research opportunities in the post-International Space Station era. Starlab is also expected to have a European affiliated joint venture to directly serve the European Space Agency and its member state space agencies.
About Starlab Space
Starlab Space LLC is a planned transatlantic joint venture between Voyager Space and Airbus that is designing, building, and will operate the Starlab commercial space station. Starlab will serve a global customer base of space agencies, researchers, and companies, ensuring a continued human presence in low-Earth orbit and a seamless transition of microgravity science and research from the International Space Station into the new commercial space station era.
For more information on Starlab, visit the Starlab website at www.starlab-space.com and follow us on social media at @Starlab_Space (X, Instagram) and @Starlab ( Linkedin).
06 Nov 23. RoK to launch first domestically built spy satellite. The plan was unveiled days after North Korea failed to follow through on a vow to make a third attempt to launch its own reconnaissance satellite in October, likely because of technical issues.
Jeon Ha Gyu, a spokesperson for the South Korean Defense Ministry, told reporters Monday that the country’s first military spy satellite will be launched from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base on Nov. 30.
The satellite will be carried by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Under a contract with SpaceX, South Korea plans to launch four more spy satellites by 2025, according to South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
South Korea currently has no military reconnaissance satellites of its own and relies on U.S. spy satellites to monitor moves by North Korea.
The possession of its own spy satellites would give South Korea an independent space-based surveillance system to monitor North Korea in almost real time. When operated together with South Korea’s so-called three-axis system — preemptive strike, missile defense and retaliatory assets — the country’s overall defense against North Korea would be sharply strengthened, according to Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea’s Science and Technology Policy Institute.
Lee said U.S. spy satellites produce much higher-resolution imagery but are operated under U.S. strategic objectives, not South Korea’s. He said the U.S also sometimes doesn’t share satellite photos with highly sensitive information with South Korea.
Last year, South Korea used a homegrown rocket to place what it called a “performance observation satellite” in orbit, becoming the world’s 10th nation to successfully launch a satellite with its own technology.
Observers say South Korea’s 2022 launch proved it can launch a satellite that is heavier than the spy satellite, but that it needs more tests to ensure the rocket’s reliability. Lee also said it’s much more economical to use a SpaceX rocket to launch the spy satellite from the Vandenberg base.
North Korea is also eager to acquire its own spy satellite. But its two launch attempts earlier this year ended in failure for technical reasons. The country said it would make a third attempt sometime in October but did not do so and its state media have not provided a reason.
South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers last week that North Korea is likely receiving Russian technological assistance for its spy satellite launch program. The National Intelligence Service said North Korea was in the final phase of preparations for its third launch, which the NIS said would likely be successful.
The possession of spy satellites is part of ambitious arms build-up plans announced by North Korea leader Kim Jong Un in 2021. Kim said North Korea also needs more mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear-powered submarines, hypersonic weapons and multi-warhead missiles to cope with intensifying U.S. military threats.
South Korea, the U.S. and other foreign governments believe North Korea is seeking sophisticated weapons technologies from Russia to modernize its weapons programs in return for supplying ammunition, rockets and other military equipment for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Both Russia and North Korea have rejected the reported arms transfer deal as groundless.
After North Korea’s first failed launch in May, South Korea retrieved debris from the satellite and concluded it was too crude to perform military reconnaissance. Lee said the North Korean satellite would still be capable of identifying big targets like warships so it could be militarily useful for North Korea. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
06 Nov 23. France says Ariane 6 accord calls for public aid, 11% cost cuts. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire on Monday hailed a new agreement on space launches between France, Germany and Italy, saying it secured funding for 42 launches of the delayed Ariane 6 and a return to service for Italy’s grounded Vega-C.
The agreement covers the second batch of Ariane 6 launches after previous commitments covered an inaugural test flight, recently delayed to 2024, and 14 commercial launches.
The deal between Europe’s three leading launch nations also clarifies usage of the European spaceport in French Guiana and opens up competition to future launchers, Le Maire said.
The agreement provides for up to 340m euros ($365m) of public support for Ariane 6 from 2026 to address soaring costs and calls on industry to reduce its own costs by 11%.
Ariane 6 is built by Airbus-Safran (AIR.PA), (SAF.PA) venture ArianeGroup. A separate statement by France, Germany and Italy said Avio’s (AVI.MI) Vega C would receive up to 21 m euros in public support.
The deal follows six months of talks amid signs of differences as France lobbied for Ariane 6 support and Germany pressed for future competition in the France-led launch sector.
“This is a major success and a decisive point in European space history. It preserves European unity on the question of access to space,” Le Maire told reporters following talks between members of the 22-nation European Space Agency (ESA). Delegates said all ESA members had voted to back the accord. ($1 = 0.9316 euros) (Source: Reuters)
06 Nov 23. Space age manufacturing to boost frontline support.
A British SME is building the world’s first in-space manufacturing platform that will be used to create crucial components of defence capabilities.
- Innovative manufacturing of semiconductors used in frontline communications
- Small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) funding provided to drive innovation in space age defence technology
- Defence Minister’s visit to Wales reaffirms government’s commitment to SMEs
Technology used in radars and frontline battlefield communications could be manufactured in space, after an injection of funding to a British company.
Space Forge, based in South Wales, is building the world’s first in-space manufacturing platform that can be returned back to Earth and has been awarded £499,000 as part of a collaborative project with Northrop Grumman under the MOD’s Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP).
With multiple benefits, materials manufactured in space are especially pure because of access to extreme temperatures and lack of contamination.
This manufacturing includes semiconductors, which are crucial components of radars and frontline battlefield communications systems. Space Forge’s innovative work could see the revolution of UK defence supply chains as they deliver for our Armed Forces.
Part of a wider scheme, DTEP funding is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK to develop innovative materials, technologies and processes to enhance defence supply chains. DTEP aims to inspire companies to win new business, develop industrial capabilities, and provide new cutting-edge answers to defence problems at home and abroad.
Through DTEP funding, Space Forge will provide innovative solutions to Defence problems using cutting-edge science, and will also support highly-skilled jobs to the South Wales community, levelling up and supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy.
Demonstrating the UK government’s commitment to working with small businesses across Defence, the Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, also hosted a range of British small businesses in Cardiff today who are paving the way in new age defence capabilities.
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said: “The work taking place at Space Forge, and other SMEs, is paramount to the success of our future operations. We are committed to supporting their endeavours to ensure our defence capabilities remain at the forefront of technological innovation. This visit reinforces our dedication to fostering partnerships with leading institutions, who drive innovation in the defence sector and keep our Armed Forces equipped with the most modern capabilities. SMEs hold a crucial place in the UK defence enterprise, play an important role in sustaining industrial capability and are vital to delivering our defence aspirations. They also provide hugely important expertise and support a wide variety of high-quality jobs across the UK.”
Joshua Western, CEO and Co-founder of Space Forge, said: “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for Space Forge, to be working with Northrop Grumman to secure defence supply chains for the Ministry of Defence is an important step in demonstrating the utility of in-space manufacturing. National security is shared security and this Atlantic partnership is a keystone in building new capabilities and prosperity.”
During his visit, Defence Minister Cartlidge engaged in discussions with leading experts at Space Forge to gain insight into the latest developments in space capabilities. The vital funding provided by DTEP will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of space age technology for defence, reinforcing our security capabilities for years to come. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
03 Nov 23. Sidus Space Continues to Add Contracts for Data Collected by LizzieSat Satellites Ahead of Planned Launch.
- Data delivery expected to begin 30 days after planned Q1 2024 launch
Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) (the “Company” or “Sidus”), a multi-faceted Space and Data-as-a-Service company, today announced it has signed an additional agreement to sell the data that it expects to collect with its LizzieSatTM satellites.
Sidus, through its LizzieSat satellites, is expecting to collect data through multiple onboard sensors and receivers. These sensors and receivers include hyperspectral, multispectral, AIS, optical and other sensors which will provide data relevant to multiple industries and sectors. LizzieSat is designed for coincident data collection via these multiple sensors. In addition to raw data, by applying the Company’s onboard FeatherEdge AI, near real-time, actionable intelligence will be available to our customers. Delivery of data is expected to begin 30 days after deployment of LizzieSat which is manifested to launch with SpaceX in the first quarter of 2024.
“As we look to build our LizzieSat constellation over the next several years, we have focused our sales teams on securing additional contracts for our Low Earth Orbit data. While we are often prohibited from releasing the details of our client agreements, we plan to continue to update our shareholders on our progress as we build the new revenue streams that will result from the launch of our LizzieSat constellation,” said Carol Craig, Sidus’ CEO and Founder. “Data-as-a-Service is expected to provide some of the highest margins of our revenue streams, which also include technology hosting aboard our LizzieSats and mission-critical hardware manufacturing. We expect this agreement to be one of many opportunities to sell the data collected by our growing constellation.” (Source: ASD Network)
31 Oct 23. Liftoff as SpaceX soars with 23 Starlink satellites. 30 Oct 23. Solstar Space names an expert Space Advisor.
Solstar Space (Solstar) announces Dr. Alan Stern as an expert advisor to support the development of the company’s forthcoming, space-based, internet connectivity systems. Dr. Stern is scheduled to perform a research and training exercise during the upcoming Virgin Galactic spaceflight onboard Galactic 05 with a launch window that opens Thursday, November 2, for the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). Galactic 05 will launch from The Gateway to Space at Spaceport America, located North of Las Cruces, New Mexico and South of Solstar’s Santa Fe, New Mexico, headquarters. (Source: Satnews)
UPDATE #2: On Monday, October 30 at 7:20 p.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
This was the eighth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-5, GPS III Space Vehicle 06, Inmarsat I6-F2, CRS-28, Intelsat G-37, and now three Starlink missions.
UPDATE #1: The launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle with 23 Starlink satellites (Starlink-118 / Starlink 6-25) to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, was aborted on 30 October 2023, at 00:16 UTC (29 October, at 20:16 EDT). Credit: SpaceX
A pressure anomaly caused the scrub with another attempt planned in 24 hours.
29th at 2:00 a.m., PT, a SpaceX to LEO from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
This was the seventh flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Space Development Agency’s Tranche 0 mission and now six Starlink missions. (Source: Satnews)
30 Oct 23. AAC Clyde Space delivers weather payload to OHB Sweden. AAC Omnisys, part of the AAC Clyde Space group, earlier this month delivered a weather sensor payload to OHB Sweden which has now been successfully integrated into their InnoSat platform.
ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) demonstration mission aims to simultaneously improve weather forecasts in the Arctic region and globally, while enhancing our understanding of climate change.
The European Space Agency’s Arctic Weather mission will provide frequent coverage of Earth for improved nowcasting and numerical weather prediction. The program aims to build on existing Arctic monitoring satellites, such as MetOp and MetOp SG, and provide precise, short-term weather forecasts for the Arctic region.
AAC Omnisys has developed and built an innovative scientific payload in Gothenburg specifically for this mission, a passive microwave radiometer, which will provide temperature and humidity measurements of the atmospheric layers, this data will be used for Numerical Weather Prediction and Nowcasting.
AAC Clyde Space is also supplying a high-performance STARBUCK power system from its range of smallsat products, and a Sirius Command and Data Handling System, both designed and built at its Uppsala, Sweden, site.
Sirius Command + Data Handling system.
This 120 kg AWS satellite, planned to launch 2024, is the forerunner of a potential constellation of satellites that would supply an almost constant stream of temperature and humidity data from every location on Earth. Meteorologists will also use the mission to improve weather forecasts around the world.
OHB Sweden is prime contractor for the mission which also uses OHB Sweden’s InnoSat platform. The entire AWS industrial team includes 31 companies from 12 countries. The Arctic Weather Satellite is funded under a contract with the European Space Agency under the Earth Watch program.
“We are delighted to deliver our custom designed and built payload for this mission. This innovative microwave-based sensor, designed for advanced space projects, provides weather data with superior quality to support improved weather forecasting and data for climate research. Through AAC Omnisys, our capabilities in developing pioneering payloads to meet the needs of our customers have expanded. This mission will not only improve weather forecasting but will empower us with greater knowledge to conserve the planet“, says AAC Clyde Space CEO Luis Gomes.
“We are excited to receive the payload from AAC Omnisys and finally mount and integrate it on our InnoSat platform. This is the next important milestone on our plan to deliver and launch the Arctic Weather Satellite before the summer 2024, as planned from the beginning of the project. Together with AAC and our supply chain, we are very proud of Arctic Weather as a showcase of a delivery in time of a small satellite project to ESA within a challenging time frame of 3 years”, says OHB Sweden CEO Benoit Mathieu. (Source: Satnews)
30 Oct 23. Marlink renews agreement with Intelsat to deliver high throughput global VSAT capacity. Marlink will deliver the capacity to users within its hybrid digital network, available globally to customers across maritime, energy and enterprise sectors. The agreement includes the future use of satellites with a Software-Defined Operating System (SDOS), improving precision of signal delivery and a highly stable quality of service.
The agreement covers global distribution of capacity within the network provided by Marlink and joint development initiatives to prepare users for Software-Defined Satellite (SDS) services. The Marlink network spans all orbits and available frequencies enabling customers to increase the possibilities of their digitization strategies.
Marlink will ensure the contracted capacity delivers digital enablement benefits to multiple segments requiring high throughput services, including merchant shipping, cruise and ferry and offshore installations by combining multiple networks into one unified solution, maximising throughput combined with guaranteed service availability and uptime.
“We are delighted to extend our close and long-standing agreement with Intelsat which enables us to provide our clients with predictability and quality within our smart hybrid network. This agreement fully reflects the Marlink philosophy that a blended network of the best available services, tailored to customer needs and designed for specific applications is required by today’s users.” — Erik Ceuppens, Chief Executive Officer, Marlink
“This agreement marks yet another milestone in our long-term partnership with Marlink, enabling us to further extend resilient, high-throughput connectivity to ship owners and operators across maritime sectors. The flexibility and reliability of Intelsat’s multi-layered global satellite network and ground infrastructure, combined with Marlink’s diverse portfolio of communications solutions, ensures a truly seamless connectivity experience and peace-of-mind, even in the most remote locations at sea.” — Mike DeMarco, Chief Commercial Officer, Intelsat.
(Source: Satnews)
30 Oct 23. StarWin + Avanti Communications bring SOTM capabilities to Africa-band satellite. This achievement is a significant milestone for mobile satellite communications that will provide seamless broadband connectivity for government, military, and enterprise customers across Africa. During testing, StarWin’s ESA terminal demonstrated impressive capabilities, ensuring high-speed data and reliable communications while on the move.
The successful partnership sets a new standard of quality and efficiency for satellite communications, opening up new possibilities to users in motion. The Ka-band ESA terminal’s compact size, lightweight design, and easy and quick mounting process make it a versatile and practical solution for a wide range of applications that require mobility.
“We are thrilled to have joined forces with Avanti for this revolutionary project. The successful testing of our Ka-band ESA terminal is just the beginning of a new era, we look forward to further advancements in the industry. The future of mobile connectivity in Africa looks brighter than ever.” — Amelia Liu, COO and Co-founder, StarWin
“At Avanti, we are committed to delivering the very best service to our customers and users, and this latest partnership with StarWin will allow us to expand our offering in Africa’s defence and security sector, by providing greater on the move capabilities. This new chapter will further our mission to deliver secure and reliable connectivity to those who need it most.” — Donald Walker, Senior Vice President of Government and Defence, Avanti. (Source: Satnews)
01 Nov 23. Satellite breakthrough for autonomous shipping. The two-year project is co-funded with the European Space Agency (ESA) and is being tested at sea together with a Belgian short sea shipping company which has lines sailing in the Baltic Sea and from Spain to the UK and Antwerp, Belgium. The initial scope of the project is to integrate 4G and 5G with satellite communications into an ubiquitous, fully managed connectivity service allowing the critical operations of autonomous shipping.
neXat’s platform will ensure that connectivity coverage is not lost by automatically and quickly switching from 4G or 5G to satellite as required. This means that real time data, including camera feeds and performance monitoring, and navigational information is continuously shared and ensures increased situational awareness in SEAFAR’s Remote Operations Center. The unique neXat monitoring and management functionalities will also be integrated into the SEAFAR dashboards to provide captains with all the monitoring and management information necessary to ensure the required solution reliability.
The solution – called SeaNext – will also monitor all available networks, providing a connectivity ‘heatmap’, allowing ship owners and service providers to plan ahead for coverage black spots in remote locations.
The connection between remote operations center and the vessel uses 4G or 5G and in the case of unavailability of a terrestrial network, satellite communications are used and provided by neXat. 5G is used for higher bandwidths to send sensor data. The solution will provide camera streams and information about engine sounds monitor performance, position, heading, and speed of the vessel – as well as those of surrounding vessels – provided by Automatic Identification System (AIS).
neXat’s platform will provide monitoring information through APIs for SEAFAR to collect in a machine-to-machine format and integrate into its dashboard for the remote captain to access. neXat will also develop a system that continuously monitors all the communications means that the ship might use at any time, including 4G, 5G and satellite. The result is a heatmap of the availability of different telecommunications technologies as well as the quality and performance of the connections.
The space assets that will be used in SeaNext are SatNAV, SatAIS, and SATCOM. SatNAV for vessel positioning using GNSS receivers is also used. This capability is crucial as GNSS receivers can receive signals from multiple satellite systems, meaning improved positioning accuracy.
SAT-AIS will be used for providing situational awareness to the remote captains where the vessel is out of the coverage range of ground AIS stations. This technology permits vessels to transmit and receive information of nearby vessels and their movement. This feature is particularly valuable for avoiding collisions and increasing safety.
“This solution will have a positive impact on the ability of shipping companies to optimize their fleets and improve safety and reliability. For neXat, this represents our growth in an important sector following the establishment of our Maritime Business Unit and demonstrates the applicability of our neXat OSS/BSS monitoring solution for vertical markets.” — Caroline De Vos, COO + Co-Founder, neXat
“Remote monitoring and control of ships addresses the increasing need for qualified and skilled crew, as well as reducing the risk of ‘human error. But a major barrier to the development of autonomous shipping has been the ability to access ubiquitous coverage to ensure seamless communications, situational awareness and safety.” — Janis Bargsten, CCO, SEAFAR. (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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