Sponsored By Viasat
www.viasat.com/gov-uk
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28 Nov 23. Viasat Unveils GX LITE Terminal for Mobile Use by Land Forces.
- Portable, flat-panel user terminal built for high bandwidth data rates.
Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced the availability of the GX LITE terminal. Built with land expeditionary users’ requirements in mind, GX LITE readily translates to any “grab and go” situation and enables secure, flexible, high-throughput communications worldwide.
GX LITE was developed with Viasat’s value-added manufacturer partner, Get SAT, an innovator in lightweight satellite communications terminals for ground, airborne and maritime applications. It leverages Get SAT’s highly efficient flat panel antenna technologies and enables fully autonomous operation to transmit and receive high-bandwidth data rates.
The GX LITE terminal is designed to operate across commercial Ka-band with reliable service via the Global Xpress (GX) network, the company’s globally available, high-throughput commercial Ka-band network.
Matt Wissler, Chief Technology Officer, Viasat Government Services, said “Viasat is committed to delivering innovative solutions that support our customers’ missions on land, at sea, in the air and in space. We are proud to partner with innovative terminal manufacturers like Get SAT to develop technology that is tailored specifically to U.S. Government land users’ requirements. GX LITE is another successful example of this collaborative approach.”
Viasat and Get SAT designed GX LITE to align with the current and future needs of land expeditionary users. It is lightweight and easily transportable with a carrying case that can fit into a commercial airline’s overhead compartment. Additionally, the terminal’s low power consumption and ability to operate on batteries for up to seven hours is designed to deliver increased flexibility. The terminal is easy to set up and operate, enabling network connection anywhere in the global footprint with no user configuration. It features a user-friendly front panel interface and a Wi-Fi capability that can be configured, enabled, and disabled by the user. (Source: ASD Network)
01 Dec 23. First SouthPAN dish successfully installed. Lockheed Martin has successfully installed the first SouthPAN satellite dish as part of a project to help improve the accuracy of GPS signals to as little as 10 centimetres.
The prime was selected to work with Geoscience Australia and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand as part of a $1.18 billion contract announcement in September 2022. Lockheed said SouthPAN’s improved positioning accuracy will support the Australian industry.
“By enabling accuracy down to as little as ten centimetres, we’re not just enhancing positioning services; we’re revolutionising how industries operate and how emergency services respond across the region,” Warren McDonald, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, said.
The Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN) project aims to deliver Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) services to Australia and New Zealand, providing improved positioning accuracy through a combination of reference stations, telecommunications infrastructure, computing centres, signal generators, and satellites.
The installation is being supported by NSW-based Av-Comm, which was selected by Lockheed last year to oversee the creation of the ground station uplink facilities.
Friday’s announcement marks the completion of the first 11-metre dish, alongside a control centre and dual radio frequency uplinks.
“The project will not only support Australian industry, but will also improve Australian technology,” Michael Cratt, AV-Comm’s managing director, explained.
“As a family-run Australian company, we’re not only contributing to the nation’s space sector but hopefully sparking innovation across industries dependent on precise positioning. It’s a step forward for Australian technology on the global stage.”
SouthPAN works by using a number of distributed ground stations to monitor signals broadcast by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites. It then compares each station’s known location with position data from the satellites.
“The GNSS signal data and measurement information is sent to correction processing facilities,” Geoscience Australia explained.
“The facilities aggregate the data from all ground stations, produce error corrections and status information about the GNSS satellites, and format the data in a standardised series of messages.
“These messages are sent to an uplink station, which transmits data to a satellite in geostationary earth orbit. The data is broadcast to all precise positioning users, who combine SouthPAN’s data with their own observations of GNSS satellites.” (Source: Space Connect)
30 Nov 23. Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket to launch June 15-July 31, 2024. Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket will stage an inaugural flight between June 15 and July 31 in 2024, the European Space Agency said on Thursday.
The keenly awaited window for the first test flight came after a test model of the new rocket passed a key long-firing engine test in French Guiana last week.
ESA nations agreed in 2014 to develop Ariane 6 in response to growing competition in the commercial launch market but its arrival, originally due in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed.
“I am really happy to make this announcement today because it shows that we are on the good track to flight access to space for Europe,” ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher told a news conference.
The maiden flight will carry some smaller satellites, including two from NASA, but since it is still considered a test flight, it will not carry “a major payload”, ESA added.
The ESA will carry out a few additional tests before the launch to make sure the design is “fault tolerant”.
The ESA said it planned a second flight by the end of 2024 and would ramp up further in 2025 to reach a target of 9-10 flights per year.
The launcher is being developed by ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus (AIR.PA) and Safran (SAF.PA), in order to better compete with U.S. private launch provider SpaceX.
Its predecessor, Ariane 5, flew for the last time in July and the smaller Vega C remains grounded following a failure in December last year, leaving Europe without independent access to space. Russia blocked European use of its Soyuz rockets last year in response to Western sanctions over Ukraine.
Last week’s test at the European spaceport in French Guiana involved igniting the core-stage Vulcain 2.1 engine and then running it for seven minutes, which is about the time it would take for the launcher to reach space.
Aschbacher said last month he hoped to be able to announce a launch window for an inaugural flight to be held in 2024, depending on the results of the engine test. (Source: Reuters)
30 Nov 23. China: Launch of high-orbit satellite internet network will enhance global communication capabilities. On 30 November, China announced the completion of its first high-orbit satellite internet network, a potential competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink. The system uses satellites ChinaSat 16, 19 and 26, providing coverage over China, parts of Russia, Southeast Asia, Mongolia, India and areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, corresponding with Belt and Road Initiative regions. The network’s total capacity is expected to exceed 500 gbps by 2025. High-orbit satellites provide broader coverage with fewer units compared to low-orbit satellites like Starlink. This technology is crucial for sectors such as aviation, navigation and emergency services. While offering stable connectivity, the high-orbit system faces challenges in resilience and cost compared to the more numerous and cheaper low-orbit satellites. China’s advancements in satellite technology marks a significant step in the global satellite internet race, enhancing communication capabilities within China and across Belt and Road countries. The deployment of its high-orbit satellite network is anticipated to bolster economic and business resilience, especially in remote areas, by improving connectivity that will potentially stimulate economic activity and digital transformation. (Source: Sibylline)
28 Nov 23. Space Development Agency demonstrates Link 16 satellite connectivity. The Space Development Agency demonstrated the ability to connect its satellites to radios on the ground through a signal known as Link 16, showing the potential for in-orbit sensors to network with military systems operating in multiple domains.
The agency conducted demonstrations from Nov. 21 to 27, transmitting signals from its satellites in Low Earth orbit — about 1,200 miles above Earth — to a test site on the ground, SDA said in a Nov. 28 statement.
According to SDA Director Derek Tournear, the demonstrations are a significant milestone for the agency, which is developing a space-based Transport Layer made up of small satellites and sensors designed to provide global connectivity for military users.
“I can’t underscore enough the significance of this technical achievement as we demonstrate the feasibility of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture and its ability to deliver space-based capabilities to the warfighter over existing tactical data links,” SDA Director Derek Tournear said in the statement.
The Defense Department established SDA in 2019 to build a constellation of low Earth orbit transport and missile tracking satellites on rapid timelines, augmenting constellations of large spacecraft with hundreds of small, relatively low-cost satellites. Those satellites make up what SDA calls its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
Link 16 is a tactical communications system that U.S. forces, NATO and international allies rely on for real-time data exchange. During the demonstration, SDA used three satellites from its Transport Layer, all built by Denver-based York Space Systems. The Air Force’s 46th Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., supported the mission from the ground.
The satellites used on-board radios to send signals to a test site located “within the territory of a Five Eyes nation,” SDA said, declining to disclose which country it partnered with for the effort. Besides the U.S., other members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance include Australia, the U.K., Canada and New Zealand.
SDA’s goal had been to conduct the demonstration over U.S. air space. However, the Federal Aviation Administration requires certification to use Link 16 to broadcast signals from space through the U.S. National Airspace System, and has not yet granted approval for SDA’s systems. So, the agency opted to perform the test over international waters.
“SDA’s requirement remains to test over U.S. air space to fully demonstrate the feasibility of the [Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture] and its ability to deliver fire control information to the warfighter over existing tactical data networks,” the agency said.
The satellites that enabled the Link 16 demonstration were part of SDA’s first batch of spacecraft, dubbed Tranche 0, which includes 19 transport satellites and eight for missile tracking. Tranche 1 satellites are slated to start launching in 2024 and will feature 126 transport and 35 tracking spacecraft. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
23 Nov 23. Skyrora and Spirit to Enhance Future UK Launch Capability.
Skyrora and Spirit AeroSystems have announced a collaboration on orbital launch capability. The companies celebrated the announcement on the conference’s opening day in Belfast, home to Spirit’s largest UK manufacturing facility.
UK-based, launch-vehicle manufacturer, Skyrora is developing an agile, end-to-end, launch service to provide access to space for small satellites globally. Having conducted a test launch of the suborbital Skylark L vehicle in October 2022, as part of the company’s incremental learning approach to launch, Skyrora is well on track to become the first UK company to vertically launch satellites from the UK, expecting to conduct up to 16 launches per year once operating at scale.
“This alliance is a real testament to the strides Skyrora has made, and continues to make, towards our mission of being the first British company to launch from UK soil. It will allow us to renew our focus on localising our supply chain as much as possible, which is a key part of our mission to create a responsible and sustainable approach to orbital launch,” said Volodymyr Levykin, CEO and Founder, Skyrora.
“By collaborating with innovative partners like Spirit, Skyrora will be able to access manufacturing and testing capacity right here in the UK. Historically, space has not been an environmentally friendly industry, but we are committed to being a responsible player that continues to foster talent and skills nationally as the ambitious new space economy goes from strength to strength,” Mr Levykin added.
Spirit’s presence in UK space is growing. Its broad offering of highly adaptive manufacturing and testing solutions in metallics and composites, at both its Scotland and Northern Ireland facilities, brings significant industrial capacity to Skyrora’s launch proposition. Leveraging Spirit’s aerostructures expertise, the companies will explore opportunities to transition Skyrora’s orbital launch vehicles from development to full-scale production.
“Through our support of innovative, sustainable, space technologies and clusters, we can add real value to building UK launch capability. Spirit’s role will be to fully industrialise Skyrora’s future production requirements, ensuring a smooth path from development to manufacture,” said Sir Michael J Ryan CBE, Vice President, European Space and Defence, Spirit AeroSystems.
“The UK Space Conference provides a fantastic platform for companies like ours to cement relationships enabling commercial success within the sector including, importantly, UK launch activity,” Sir Michael added.
The UK Government has made orbital launch a key priority, with the National Space Strategy outlining plans to secure an increased portion of a global space economy expected to be worth £490 bn by 2030. “This collaboration between Skyrora and Spirit clearly demonstrates the attractiveness of the UK’s thriving launch sector and the growing interest from both UK-based and international companies,” said Matt Archer, Director of Launch, UK Space Agency.
“Relationships such as this will not only build our domestic spaceflight capability but also help deliver Government’s ambition for the UK to be Europe’s leading provider of small satellite launch by 2030, creating highly skilled jobs and local opportunities across the UK,” Mr Archer added.
Collaborative goals also include the research of space technologies, particularly in additive manufacturing. Skyrora will provide Spirit with access to Skyprint 2, the largest in-house hybrid 3D printer of its kind in Europe. Located in Skyrora’s manufacturing facility just outside Glasgow, research enabled by Skyprint 2 has the potential to unlock a localised supply chain to reduce costs and lead times for Spirit, bolster industrial cooperation, and promote growth within the UK space sector. (Source: ASD Network)
29 Nov 23. Northrop exit from UK satellite bid recasts big-ticket Skynet 6 race. Defense contractors have been given until March next year to submit bids to provide the U.K. military with a new generation of wideband communication satellites as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Skynet 6 program.
Procurement officials for Skynet 6 released an invitation earlier this month to Airbus Defence and Space, Lockheed Martin and Thales Alenia Space with instructions to respond no later than March 2024, said an industry executive who asked not to be named while discussing internal discussions with the government.
The three companies were announced by the MoD as being shortlisted earlier this year after responding to a pre-qualification questionnaire for that segment of the program, known as Skynet Enduring Capability Wideband Satellite System.
The British are in the midst of a competition to build a network of geostationary-orbit, narrow- and wideband communication satellites to replace existing Skynet 5 capabilities, built and operated by Airbus, as part of a wider £6 bn ($7.6 bn) program.
Submission of the bids for the wideband requirement will trigger a period of negotiations, followed by the MoD launching a second phase of the competition starting December 2024. A winner is expected to be announced the following year.
The government’s new solicitation came just days before a separate competition to build narrowband satellites for Skynet 6 was thrown into disarray when the Financial Times reported that Northrop Grumman was pulling out of the contest, seemingly leaving Thales Alenia Space as the only bidder left in the race.
The withdrawal has raised concerns here over whether the competition should be reset or proceed on a sole-source basis with the Franco-Italian bidder.
Thales Alenia Space declined to comment for this article.
For the moment, defense officials said the narrowband procurement is going ahead. But, according to the industry insider, they were furious about Northrop’s withdrawal announcement, which came as a surprise.
Northrop Grumman told the FT that it had withdrawn from the narrowband competition “after thoroughly reviewing” the government’s invitation to negotiate.
The U.S. space giant was to be the prime bidder in a partnership with Airbus Defence and Space. In return Airbus is taking the lead for the transatlantic bid for the wideband business, with Northrop Grumman as its junior partner.
Northrop Grumman declined to comment on the reasons for its withdrawal. Airbus said it wouldn’t comment on the commercial decisions of other companies.
Airbus and Northrop Grumman announced Oct. 23 that they had signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue the wideband satellite requirement in what the companies termed a “strategic partnership.”
That element of the Skynet tie-up between the two space companies continues.
Airbus is already building a satellite, known as Skynet 6A, to fill a capability gap ahead of the new generation of spacecraft becoming available in 2028. Skynet 6A is scheduled to launch in 2025. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
22 Nov 23. Viasat and Skylo Technologies launch world’s first direct-to-device network. Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), provider of satellite communications, and Skylo Technologies, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) service provider, launched the world’s first global direct-to-device (D2D) network. The companies’ global infrastructure agreement will, for the first time, enable Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), device makers and chipset manufacturers to take 3GPP Release 17 compliant products to market, within Viasat’s global network coverage.
Combining Skylo’s industry-first Release-17-based satellite technology with Viasat’s geostationary, L-band satellite constellation and licensed spectrum holdings (through its subsidiary, Inmarsat), as well as those of other satellite operator partners, the new network will support consumer smartphone services and unlock the potential for massive Internet of Things (IoT), automotive and defense applications.
The combination of the network with MNO and chipset manufacturer collaboration will provide new opportunities for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that wish to embed connectivity into their smartphones, wearables, vehicles, machinery and other devices. IoT solution providers stand to gain access to ubiquitous connectivity and economical hardware to scale their solutions globally.
Food producers, miners and logistics businesses will gain access to enhanced connectivity experiences, through cellular or satellite, without the need for proprietary satellite hardware, reducing end-user costs and contributing to the optimization and sustainability of global production and supply chains.
The new network will use Viasat’s global L-band capabilities as well as partner satellite operator networks. L-band is widely known for its reliability and is trusted by governments to deliver mission-critical data, ensuring Viasat’s and Skylo’s D2D network will be capable of securely delivering data to serve the needs of businesses, governments and out-of-reach consumers. Viasat’s geostationary licensed L-band network delivers D2D services and will not require the use of terrestrial spectrum or global regulatory changes or approvals.
Initial deployments are planned for early 2024 in North America, using the Ligado SkyTerra satellite network, followed by a global rollout. Partners and customers will be able to access the services through Viasat or Skylo.
Andy Kessler, Vice-President, Enterprise and Land Mobile at Viasat, said, “Our agreement with Skylo marks a pivotal point for global connectivity. There is now the framework for a global narrowband non-terrestrial network with unique levels of resilience, that can support the innovation of MNOs, chipset manufacturers, OEMs and IoT solution providers, as they come together and build next-generation solutions for businesses, governments and consumers. The global production and supply chain will now gain access to data from the remotest edge, where it is often-most valuable, with the same level of effort as they would in a city connected by cellular 5G.”
Anton Monk, Vice-President, Wireless Initiatives at Viasat, added, “We are delighted to work with Skylo and our launch partners to deliver a global network, which will unleash the potential of direct-to-device connectivity for all. This network is available for testing today and will enable global market entry for innovators. Building the network on L-band geostationary satellite technology means it doesn’t require special licensing of terrestrial spectrum and by utilizing the 3GPP standard there is assured interoperability, particularly as exciting new Releases follow Release 17.”
Tarun Gupta, CPO and Co-Founder of Skylo concluded, “This collaboration with Viasat represents an inflection point in the evolution of connectivity. By merging our groundbreaking 85+ patents and 3GPP Release-17-based satellite technology with Viasat’s extensive geostationary network, spectrum capabilities and partnerships, we are unlocking a world of unprecedented connectivity. This network is not just a technological breakthrough; it’s a catalyst for inclusive, global innovation — bringing high-quality, affordable connectivity to every corner of the planet, revolutionizing industries from agriculture to transportation, and enhancing lives in both urban and remote communities.” (Source: Satnews)
27 Nov 23. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will soon launch a unique wideband Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) payload demonstrator to show the company’s investment in advanced technology to perform missions faster once on orbit.
Based on an innovative, proprietary design, Lockheed Martin expects to calibrate this new ESA sensor in a fraction of the time it takes to operationalize traditional on-orbit sensors, which historically can take months to be powered on, fully calibrated and ready to perform their mission.
The payload demonstrator, which will launch aboard Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket, extends Lockheed Martin’s significant investment in scalable wideband ESA technology development to showcasing an actual on-orbit capability. This technology is critical to future remote sensing architectures.
“Our customers’ mission needs and operational tempo have increased dramatically,” said Maria Demaree, vice president and general manager of National Security Space at Lockheed Martin Space. “We designed this technology to showcase how a highly producible ESA antenna could be built, launched, and quickly calibrated and fielded on orbit, in support of 21st Century Security.”
The ESA payload is built on a novel, scalable design, using highly reliable commercial parts for quick, mass-producibility. For this demonstration, it was integrated on a Terran Orbital Nebula small satellite bus.
The payload, nicknamed Tantrum, was developed in Lockheed Martin Space’s Ignite organization, a new team established to target three main missions: exploratory research and development, accelerating the pace of technology development and, lastly, introducing new product innovations.
“Within the Ignite construct, the payload was developed from early architecture to flight-ready product in 24 months on an accelerated schedule piloting many streamlined agile processes,” said Sonia Phares, vice president of Ignite at Lockheed Martin Space. “For this demonstration, Lockheed Martin has invested its own resources and is embracing more calculated risks from initial development through on-orbit operations to bring new technologies to the forefront of space faster and to keep our customers ahead of ready.”
The payload demonstrator is expected to launch in December on a Firefly Aerospace Alpha rocket as part of the agreement with Lockheed Martin that Firefly announced in June. Most recently in September, Firefly’s Alpha successfully launched the U.S. Space Force’s VICTUS NOX responsive space mission following a 24-hours’ notice.
Lockheed Martin also is producing several other self-funded technology demonstrator spacecraft, including Pony Express 2, which will further demonstrate mesh networking among satellites, and the Tactical Satellite, which will demonstrate on-orbit processing, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. These on-orbit demonstrators are part of an ongoing investment plan to showcase technology maturity and new capabilities.
Earlier this year, the company successfully launched and tested its In-space Upgrade Satellite System (LM LINUSS™) demonstrator, which proved how small satellites can help upgrade and sustain space architectures with new capabilities.
18 Nov 23. Starship’s second launch a success using helpful data from first launch. “We have liftoff,” as Starship returned to integrated flight testing with it’s second launch from Starbase in Texas. While it didn’t happen in a lab or on a test stand, it was absolutely a test. What we did will provide invaluable data to continue rapidly developing Starship.
During this morning’s preparation to the launch the on air hosts at SpaceX informed us that helpful data learned after the first launch resulted in modifications such as design changes and ultimately hardware changes. The delay yesterday was to replace a grid fin actuator on the launch stack, and then it was decided to also replace two other actuators as a precaution.
Starship successfully lifted off under the power of all 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy Booster and made it through a successful stage separation. The booster experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly after stage separation and boostback burn while Starship’s engines fired for several minutes on its way to space.
With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s test will help us improve Starship’s reliability as SpaceX seeks to make life multiplanetary.
Cheers heard all around with today’s successful stage separation!
“Starship successfully lifted off under the power of all 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy Booster and made it through a successful stage separation.”
We’ll continue to share updates here as the team reviews data from today’s test. Thank you to our customers, Cameron County, and the wider community for the continued support and encouragement. And congratulations to the entire SpaceX team on an exciting second flight test of Starship!
The second flight test of a fully integrated was originally set for November 17, but SpaceX delayed it by 24 hours to replace a grid fin actuator on the launch stack. The launch is currently scheduled to occur from the company’s Starbase site near Boca Chica, Texas.
SpaceX launched its first Starship on April 20, but the rocket was intentionally exploded after its stages failed to separate as planned. The 33 engines of the Super Heavy first stage carved a huge crater beneath its launch mount, which SpaceX spent months repairing and upgrading.
SpaceX has since installed a water deluge system beneath the launch pad to avoid creating another crater on this launch. Additionally there is now a hot-staging technique for stage separation, in which the upper Starship stage begins firing its engines before separating from the Super Heavy.
“This is another chance to put Starship in a true flight environment, maximizing how much we learn,” SpaceX wrote in a November 16 update on X, formerly known as Twitter. “This is another chance to put Starship in a true flight environment, maximizing how much we learn. Rapid iterative development is essential as we work to build a fully reusable launch system capable of carrying satellites, payloads, crew, and cargo to a variety of orbits and Earth, lunar, and Martian landing sites.”
The second flight test of a fully integrated Starship is set to launch Friday, November 17. A two-hour launch window opens at 7:00 a.m. CT.
A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 35 minutes before liftoff, which you can watch on X @SpaceX. Be aware of possible updates as is the case with all developmental testing, the schedule is dynamic and likely to change.
As the most powerful launch system ever developed, Starship will be able to carry up to 100 people on long-duration, interplanetary flights. Starship will also help enable satellite delivery, the development of a Moon base, and point-to-point transport on Earth.
Hot-stage separation system
Starship’s first flight test provided numerous lessons learned that directly contributed to several upgrades to both the vehicle and ground infrastructure to improve the probability of success on future flights. The second flight test will debut a hot-stage separation system and a new electronic Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system for Super Heavy Raptor engines, in addition to reinforcements to the pad foundation and a water-cooled steel flame deflector, among many other enhancements.
UPGRADES AHEAD OF STARSHIP’S SECOND FLIGHT TEST
The first flight test of a fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy was a critical step in advancing the capabilities of the most powerful launch system ever developed. Starship’s first flight test provided numerous lessons learned that are directly contributing to several upgrades being made to both the vehicle and ground infrastructure to improve the probability of success on future Starship flights. This rapid iterative development approach has been the basis for all of SpaceX’s major innovative advancements, including Falcon, Dragon, and Starlink. SpaceX has led the investigation efforts following the flight with oversight from the FAA and participation from NASA and the National Transportation and Safety Board.
Starship and Super Heavy successfully lifted off for the first time on April 20, 2023 at 8:33 a.m. CT (13:33:09 UTC) from the orbital launch pad at Starbase in Texas. Starship climbed to a maximum altitude of ~39 km (24 mi) over the Gulf of Mexico. During ascent, the vehicle sustained fires from leaking propellant in the aft end of the Super Heavy booster, which eventually severed connection with the vehicle’s primary flight computer. This led to a loss of communications to the majority of booster engines and, ultimately, control of the vehicle. SpaceX has since implemented leak mitigations and improved testing on both engine and booster hardware. As an additional corrective action, SpaceX has significantly expanded Super Heavy’s pre-existing fire suppression system in order to mitigate against future engine bay fires.
The Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) automatically issued a destruct command, which fired all detonators as expected, after the vehicle deviated from the expected trajectory, lost altitude and began to tumble. After an unexpected delay following AFSS activation, Starship ultimately broke up 237.474 seconds after engine ignition. SpaceX has enhanced and requalified the AFSS to improve system reliability.
SpaceX is also implementing a full suite of system performance upgrades unrelated to any issues observed during the first flight test. For example, SpaceX has built and tested a hot-stage separation system, in which Starship’s second stage engines will ignite to push the ship away from the booster. Additionally, SpaceX has engineered a new electronic Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system for Super Heavy Raptor engines. Using fully electric motors, the new system has fewer potential points of failure and is significantly more energy efficient than traditional hydraulic systems.
SpaceX also made significant upgrades to the orbital launch mount and pad system in order to prevent a recurrence of the pad foundation failure observed during the first flight test. These upgrades include significant reinforcements to the pad foundation and the addition of a flame deflector, which SpaceX has successfully tested multiple times.
Testing development flight hardware in a flight environment is what enables our teams to quickly learn and execute design changes and hardware upgrades to improve the probability of success in the future. We learned a tremendous amount about the vehicle and ground systems during Starship’s first flight test. Recursive improvement is essential as we work to build a fully reusable launch system capable of carrying satellites, payloads, crew, and cargo to a variety of orbits and Earth, lunar, or Martian landing sites.
This rapid iterative development approach has been the basis for all of SpaceX’s major innovative advancements, including Falcon, Dragon, and Starlink. Recursive improvement is essential as we work to build a fully reusable transportation system capable of carrying both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, help humanity return to the Moon, and ultimately travel to Mars and beyond. (Source: Satnews)
22 Nov 23. Maxar Space Systems hands over ops of the largest commercial satellite ever built to EchoStar. The JUPITER 3 satellite at Maxar, photo courtesy of the company. The satellite includes 14 solar panels on board that, when fully deployed, could span a 10-story building. Maxar Space Systems manufactured the spacecraft, which is also called EchoStar XXIV, in their Northern California facility. The satellite was launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
JUPITER 3 is an ultra-high-density satellite that will join the Hughes JUPITER fleet, which includes two other Maxar-built spacecraft. This newest spacecraft takes a significant leap forward in satellite engineering, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in communication satellite design and functionality.
The incorporation of industry-leading Q- and V-band gateway feeder links, along with miniaturized, solid-state electronics, highlights the pioneering spirit of Maxar Space Systems in pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in space technology. The sheer scale of JUPITER 3, with its 9 metric ton launch mass and 14 expansive solar panels, underscores the magnitude of this spacecraft, dwarfing conventional satellite dimensions.
“JUPITER 3 demonstrates that the Maxar 1300™ platform is the ideal platform to support any variety of high-bandwidth communications missions, including deep space missions like NASA’s PPE program, which is part of Gateway. Maxar continues to serve the GEO communications market and push the boundaries for what is possible, and JUPITER 3 shows that thinking in action.” — Chris Johnson, Maxar Space Systems CEO. (Source: Satnews)
23 Nov 23. Hot Fire: Ariane 6 Ready to Rumble.
- ESA’s new Ariane 6 rocket passed a major full-scale rehearsal today in preparation for its first flight, when teams on the ground went through a complete launch countdown followed by a seven-minute full firing of the core stage’s engine, as it would fire on a launch into space.
For this rehearsal, the boosters were not ignited so Ariane 6 stayed firmly on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, as planned.
The engine-fire trial reenacts how the Ariane 6 core stage will fire during a normal flight into space. Once complete the main engine would shut down and the core stage would separate from the upper stage, which would then take over propulsion and complete its mission.
The trial, conducted with a test model on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, was the longest ‘full-stack’ run yet for Ariane 6’s lower liquid propulsion module with a Vulcain 2.1 engine.
“The teams from ArianeGroup, CNES and ESA have now run through every step of the rocket’s flight without it leaving Earth,” says ESA’s Director General Josef Aschbacher.
“This milestone rehearsal comes after years of designing, planning, preparing, building and hard work from some of the finest space engineers in Europe. We are back on track towards resecuring Europe’s autonomous access to space. Well done to all involved!”
The Vulcain 2.1 engine burnt through almost 150 tonnes of propellant in the Ariane 6 core stage tanks – liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, the latter supercooled to temperatures below -250°C. Vulcain 2.1 is an evolution of the Vulcain 2 engine which made Ariane 5 Europe’s most successful launch system to date. The upgrade has a simplified and cheaper design, and new technology in the engine nozzle and ignition system has been moved from the engine to the launch pad structure, to make the stage perform better and cost less.
It took just over two hours and required teams of people and delicate operations to load the rocket’s central core with fuel. The filling operations were performed during a long countdown that included other qualification tests, similar to the previous rehearsals this year. For fidelity and to guarantee launcher stability, the upper stage tanks were also fueled – even though the upper stage engine only kicks in once in orbit after separation from the main stage and so was not fired during this ground test.
The launch pad – operated by France’s space agency CNES – used its water deluge system to temper the heat from the engine.
ESA’s Director of Space Transportation, Toni Tolker-Nielsen, added his vote of confidence in the teams across Europe working to bring Ariane 6 to service: “A huge thanks to all of our dedicated colleagues who are committed and working tirelessly to see this rocket fly.”
The test followed a shorter burn in September (known as CTLO1) when Ariane 6’s tanks were filled and its Vulcain 2.1 engine briefly ignited and switched off, and the filling and draining test executed in October (known as CTLO2.1) to check the launch system functions such as draining fuel in the presence of multiple simulated failures.
A last hot-fire test of the upper stage is being prepared and planned for December 2023 at the Lampoldshausen test centre from Germany’s DLR aerospace agency. (Source: ASD Network)
19 Nov 23. Amazon confirms 100% success rate for Project Kuiper Protoflight mission. Within 30 days of sending two prototype satellites into space, Project Kuiper has achieved a 100% success rate for its Protoflight mission. The mission validated key technologies that underpin the network and moving the program another step closer toward that long-term vision. Every major system and subsystem on board the two prototypes—from flight computers and solar arrays to our propulsion system and advanced radio frequency (RF) communications payload—demonstrated nominal or better performance following launch. Together, these tests have allowed the team to validate the architecture and design of the satellite constellation and to conduct demonstrations of 4K video streaming and two-way video calls over the network. With initial testing complete, Project Kuiper is on track to begin mass satellite production ahead of a full-scale deployment starting in the first half of 2024, before entering beta testing with select customers later in the year.
“Kuiper was an idea on a piece of paper a few years ago, and everything we’ve learned so far from our Protoflight mission validates our original vision and architecture,. We still have a lot of hard work ahead, and scaling for mass production won’t be easy. To get these results on your very first mission though—and so quickly after launch—is an incredible feat, and it’s only possible because of the expertise and dedication of our team here at Amazon.” — Rajeev Badyal, Vice President of Technology, Project Kuiper
The Protoflight mission allowed the team to test the full range of hardware, software, and infrastructure that underpin our network. This includes the key systems and subsystems that allow our satellites to operate safely and reliably in space—satellite structures and mechanics, flight computers, propulsion systems, solar power generation and distribution systems, batteries, reaction wheels, and more—as well as the advanced RF communications payload we use to send and receive data through the Kuiper network.
The mission has also allowed for technology and infrastructure on the ground validation, including prototypes of the customer terminal; telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C) stations located in locations such as Hawaii and Mauritius; the ground gateway station in Texas; and connection points to the terrestrial internet via Amazon Web Services (AWS).
The most recent Protoflight tests involved the RF communications payload, which includes a combination of parabolic antennas, phased array antennas, and additional innovations that allowed the team to send customer data traffic across the network. This was the last major satellite system that was set out to be proven in space, and through a series of experiments during the week of November 5, end-to-end network functionality was successfully demonstrated. Data traffic was also sent in both directions from the internet over an AWS fiber-optic connection to the ground gateway station, up to the satellites, and then down to a customer terminal at the test location.
The tests were designed to showcase different performance characteristics of the Project Kuiper network, on top of the basic functions of transmitting and receiving data. In the first demonstration, an Amazon Prime account was logged onto, searched for a product, added it to the cart, and then checked out.
In the second demonstration, Prime Video was logged onto and a search conducted for the Amazon Original movie A M Miles Away, and then streamed that title as an ultra-high definition (UHD) 4K video. This test highlighted network throughput and low latency.
For the third demonstration, the team conducted a two-way video call over Amazon Chime between the test site in Texas and the mission operations center in Washington. In addition to requiring low latency for a smooth video call, this test involved “full duplex” performance, with the antennas simultaneously sending and receiving data.
Project Kuiper’s customer terminals, photo courtesy of the company.
The demonstrations occurred during brief contact windows each day as the prototype satellites’ elliptical orbits took them over the test site, and a link was successfully established to receive internet connectivity. Each contact window ranged from approximately 30-120 seconds, based on the satellites’ position relative to the test site. That experience was unique to the Protoflight mission as there are only two satellites on-orbit. When commercial service starts, there will always be a satellite within range of customers, and the software-defined network will seamlessly hand off the data link from one satellite to the next as they pass overhead for uninterrupted connectivity.
The mission also gave the teams on the ground a chance to demonstrate and refine procedures for satellite processing, launch, and mission operations—critical experiences as we prepare for a rapid launch cadence beginning in 2024. Although validation of the core satellite and network design has already been accomplished, the Project Kuiper will continue running experiments over the next several months under different conditions and observe how these prototype satellites hold up to the extremes of space.
When Amazon initiates beta testing of Project Kuiper in the second half of 2024, early partners such as Vodafone and Verizon will be among the first to participate in those service pilots. Additional enterprise, telecommunications, and government customers and partners seeking to take part in our pilot program can register interest through early 2024.
(Source: Satnews)
22 Nov 23. NASA Wallops supports hypersonic rocket launches. This test was executed with Sandia National Laboratories from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. Data collected from this test will be used to inform the development of the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) offensive hypersonic strike capability, MDA’s hypersonic defensive capability, and to mature other hypersonic technologies.
This test demonstrated advanced hypersonic technologies, capabilities, and prototype systems from partners across government, academia, and industry. During weapon system development, subscale tests such as this campaign fill a critical gap between ground testing and full system flight testing by allowing for experiments and prototypes to be flown in a realistic operating environment more frequently and affordably. The increased rate of testing and reduced costs of subscale flight testing supports the rapid maturation and transition of offensive and defensive hypersonic technologies.
This test is a component of the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) that accelerates U.S. hypersonic technology development and transition by providing an affordable, rapid hypersonic flight test capability for DoD programs, NASA, national labs, academia, and industry.
The MACH-TB program was initiated by the Navy CPS Program and NSWC Crane in 2022 to accelerate hypersonic technology development by increasing opportunities for testing of hypersonic technology.
The program is being managed by OSD TRMC to ensure opportunities provided by MACH-TB can be leveraged across the entirety of DoD hypersonic efforts. (Source: Satnews)
25 Nov 23. Neumann Space collaborates with CNES, REDARC on EMI testing. Adelaide-based Neumann Space has signed a collaboration agreement with the French Space Agency, the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) and fellow Adelaide company REDARC Defence & Space to pursue Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) certification of the Neumann Drive®.
The Neumann Drive uses the company’s patented Centre-Triggered Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (CTPCAT) technology to convert a solid conductive fuel rod into plasma and produce thrust. It therefore offers an efficient, scalable and risk-free in-space electric propulsion or reaction control system for satellites and spacecraft. Due to its unique nature, the Neumann Drive enables refuelling through in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) of space debris.
Since no existing EMI qualification standard accurately captures the complex nature of pulsed propulsion systems, Neumann Space and its partners have developed a new test methodology aimed specifically at pulsed propulsion, with the goal of qualifying our Neumann Drive system.
This is an important part of Neumann Space’s product validation process, providing confidence to the company’s customers and ensuring that a clear quality certification process is in place.
Neumann Space approached CNES, which brings deep technical knowledge for EMI testing of Space hardware, and REDARC, who offer a certified test facility in Adelaide, to collaborate on the qualification effort.
A key component of the testing will be a unique, specialised vacuum chamber specifically designed and built for EMI testing of space-rated hardware. This is provided by Neumann Space and will be integrated into REDARC’s facility for the duration of testing.
(Source: https://www.ex2.com.au/news/)
20 Nov 23. MDA Ltd. (TSX:MDA) has received an Authorization to Proceed (ATP) contract from an undisclosed customer to start work on a new Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO)* satellite constellation. The ATP, valued at approximately $180m, is to immediately commence engineering and programmatic activities, including the procurement of long-lead items.
Canadian based MDA provides advanced technology and services to the rapidly expanding global space industry.
The full constellation, valued at a minimum of $750m, is expected to include a minimum of 36 MDA software-defined digital satellites, a new MDA product recently introduced to the market. The definitive contract for the full constellation, for which MDA would be the prime contractor, is expected in 2024, subject to contract finalization.
The ATP contract will be added to MDA’s backlog in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.
*Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) includes Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). (Source: Satnews)
22 Nov 23. U.S. will continue to be the largest single spender on Space ventures for the foreseeable future. Governments are investing heavily in satellite technology, space-based surveillance, and strategic capabilities to safeguard their interests in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
Who will be the winners in the new space race? Learn more by downloading our new report at this direct link…
While China’s budget remains comparatively small, in order to achieve its ambitious goals, it will need to fund its lunar and space station missions at levels comparable to the U.S.
By examining key budgetary allocations, strategic initiatives, and collaborative efforts between governments and private entities, our new report seeks to inform stakeholders about the evolving landscape of space-related expenditures.
Joint efforts among nations are becoming more common, with shared goals in scientific research, technology development, and space missions.
Advancements in propulsion systems, satellite miniaturization, and sustainable space exploration technologies are areas of considerable focus.
Despite the positive trends, challenges such as budget constraints, shifting political priorities, and the need for sustained international cooperation could reduce government spending on space. Balancing the allocation of funds between exploration, research, and practical applications remains a critical consideration for governments investing in the space sector.
Understand how governments will select their investments over the next decade by downloading our new report. (Source: Satnews)
22 Nov 23. Celestia TTI-led consortium’s €9.9m ESA contract develops Tracking Radar for LEO Space Debris Tracking in Greece. A consortium led by Celestia TTI has been awarded a €9.9 rapidly expanding global space industry.
m contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) for the development of a Tracking Radar for LEO Space Debris Tracking in Greece.
Celestia TTI will act as prime contractor for the design, development and deployment of the LEO Space Debris Tracking Radar in Greece (HSTR). This asset is Greece’s contribution to the European Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU-SST) consortium, which aims to strengthen EU-SST capabilities, increase its independence and improve the quality of the available space surveillance data.
To achieve this objective, Greece entrusted ESA with the task of developing a tracking radar for deployment by the end of 2026. The tracking system will be designed to complement existing surveillance assets in the EU-SST.
The ambitious project will be managed by Celestia TTI Madrid and represents a major step forwards in the design, development and deployment of tracking radar on both a national and international level.
HSTR will support activities like orbit refinement, re-entry prediction and collision avoidance to improve the quality of the services currently provided by the EU-SST consortium. As an example of the system performance, the HSTR will be capable of detecting an object with a diameter of 2.5 cm at a range of 1000 km.
The project will be split into two phases. During the first, design phase, the performance requirement will be scaled and scheduled. At the end of the design phase, a Preliminary Design Review will be carried out and once accepted, the activity will continue with a follow-up phase for the development, deployment and validation of the HSTR.
The consortium led by Celestia TTI provides extensive capabilities in the most advanced radar processing techniques, with the involvement of GMV and OHB Hellas as subcontractors, and the collaboration of an Investigation Group from the University of Alcalá de Henares focused on radar processing algorithms.
“This is a well-balanced consortium exploiting the synergies, know-how and expertise in radar solutions provided by the specialist TTI team with the invaluable support of the University of Alcalá de Henares, as well as software development proficiency provided by GMV and OHB-Hellas expertise from multiple engineering disciplines,” says Cristina Barquín, CEO of Celestia TTI.
“A major contract win, it is also recognition of our innovative approach and capabilities in delivering large-scale collaborative projects that greatly advance the design and performance of tracking radar systems. We are excited at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” she adds. Further details about Celestia TTI can be found at https://www.ttinorte.es/ (Source: Satnews)
27 Nov 23. Russian Aerospace Forces Launch Soyuz-2.1b Carrier Rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome. On Saturday 25 November, at 11:58 p.m. from the State Test Cosmodrome of the Russian Defence Ministry (Plesetsk Cosmodrome) in the Arkhangelsk region, combat crews of the Russian Aerospace Forces launched a medium-class Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with a spacecraft in the interests of the Russian Defense Ministry.
Launch of the carrier rocket and placement the spacecraft into the calculated orbit were carried out under normal conditions. After the launch, the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket was taken for escort by means of the ground-based automated control complex of the Titov Main Test and Space Systems Control Centre.
At the estimated time, the spacecraft was launched into the orbit and controlled by the ground facilities of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Stable telemetry communication has been established and maintained with the spacecraft. The onboard systems of the spacecraft are functioning properly.
After the spacecraft was placed into orbit, officers of the Main Centre for Reconnaissance of Situation in Space of the Russian Aerospace Forces entered information about it into the Main Catalog of Space Objects of the Russian Space Control System and began analysing and processing information about the new space object.
(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/ Russian Ministry of Defence;)
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