Sponsored By Viasat
www.viasat.com/gov-uk
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05 Dec 23. Viasat and Airbus Deliver Secure Broadband SATCOM for Irish Defence Forces on C295 MSA Aircraft. Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced that it has integrated a secure, flexible broadband Ku- and Ka-band airborne technology onto the Airbus C295 MSA aircraft for the Irish Air Corps (IAC), a division of the Irish Defence Forces focused on the Military Air Defence of Ireland airspace and supporting United Nations peacekeeping operations. Viasat and Airbus collaborated to integrate Viasat’s flexible dual-band broadband terminal, the GAT-5530, on the C295 MSA aircraft to provide enhanced capability to this multi-purpose military airborne platform. Airbus completed delivery of two C295 MSA aircraft to the Irish Defence Forces earlier this year.
The Airbus C295 MSA, a highly reliable multirole surveillance aircraft, provides the Irish Air Corps with a new-generation tactical transport and ISR platform that is extremely versatile in the operations it can perform. With more than 280 C295 aircraft ordered worldwide, the platform’s flexibility and tactical support capabilities offer Airbus’ global customer base an enhanced multi-mission aircraft to meet modern mission requirements.
This integration of the Viasat GAT-5530 terminal will enable greater capability through secure, reliable satellite connectivity and enhance support for a range of command, control and communication (C3) mission needs – from tactical transport of troops and supplies to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The GAT-5530 terminal supports the entire ITU Ku- and Ka-bands, which includes 3.5GHz of commercial and military Ka-band. This multi-faceted terminal offers greater operational flexibility for military customers as they seek increased resilience with multi-frequency (Ku/Mil-Ka/Commercial-Ka), multi-orbit (GEO, MEO, LEO, HEO), multi-network communications architectures.
“Viasat is thrilled to equip the C295 MSA aircraft with our advanced Ku- and Ka-band terminal to meet the specific needs of military customers,” said Victor Farah, vice president, Government Systems. “By combining our expertise with Airbus, we aim to enhance the operational capability, flexibility, and reliability of aircraft communications systems for military users. Our focus is on delivering secure, resilient, and scalable broadband SATCOM connectivity that is crucial for modern mission success. We’re proud of this collaboration with Airbus and its potential to meet the ever-evolving demands of the military.”
The Airbus C295 MSA with the fully integrated dual-band terminal was showcased at the Paris Air Show prior to delivery to the Irish Defence Forces. In addition to supporting mission connectivity needs, Viasat’s broadband SATCOM service is designed to provide ample capacity to monitor and analyze in near real time aircraft health data for condition-based maintenance – minimizing operational downtime while extending the life of the airframe.
Viasat has also contracted with the IAC to provide a managed SATCOM service across multiple aircraft. This managed service will provide SATCOM services to the C295 MSA’s, as well as a small fleet of PC-12 special mission aircraft, and will include access to Viasat’s extensive Ku- and Ka-band networks for near-global service coverage.
06 Dec 23. Morocco to build surveillance satellite with Israel Aerospace Industries. Last year, Rabat signed with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) a purchase deal worth US$500m to acquire the “Barak-MX,” an advanced air & missile defence system. Morocco is seeking to build a new surveillance satellite in cooperation with Israeli companies, reported French media La Tribune.
“According to many sources, Morocco chose an Israeli group, possibly Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), at the end of the summer to provide it with a new surveillance satellite, intended to replace Mohammed VI-A satellite launched in 2017,” wrote the French publication on Tuesday. It did not give details about the alleged cooperation’s timeline and cost.
Rabat has yet to confirm the news.
The previous satellite, launched to ensure “strong surveillance for the country’s border and coasts and to manage natural disasters”, was produced by France’s Thales Alenia Space and Airbus manufacturer, following a 500 m euro contract signed between Rabat and Paris in 2013.
The two manufacturing companies also produced the Mohammed VI-B satellite, which launched into orbit on 21 November 2018.
The French publication has speculated that Rabat’s alleged replacement of French companies by Israeli ones is due to the ongoing crisis between Rabat and Paris and the fractured relationship between the Moroccan monarch and President Macron.
“The success of French industrialists in exports still depends on the bilateral relations established by France and its president with the countries that issue calls for tenders,” the French media reported.
Last March, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Amir Peretz, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in aeronautics. (Source: Google/https://www.newarab.com/)
05 Dec 23. DARPA picks 14 vendors for lunar economy-building study. Technologies being explored include “lunar power; mining and commercial in-situ resource utilization; communications, navigation, and timing; transit, mobility, and logistics; and construction and robotics,” according to DARPA.DARPA has chosen 14 companies — ranging from launch providers to robotic vehicle makers to firms planning to transport cargo around cislunar space — to undertake a study on the types of technologies needed to create a working lunar economy, the Pentagon’s far-future research agency announced today.
The 10-Year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) Capability Study “aims to catalyze the setup of a future civil lunar framework for peaceful U.S. and international use,” DARPA said in a statement. The study will promote development of technologies and operational concepts that, when integrated, will form the basis of a sustainable and profitable economic ecosystem linking the Earth and Moon.
“LunA-10 has the potential to upend how the civil space community thinks about spurring widespread commercial activity on and around the Moon within the next 10 years,” said Michael “Orbit” Nayak, program manager in DARPA’s Strategic Technology Office. “LunA-10 performers include companies both big and small, domestic and international, each of which brought a clear vision and technically rigorous plan for advancing quickly towards our goal: a self-sustaining, monetizable, commercially owned-and-operated lunar infrastructure.”
The companies tapped by DARPA will work together over the next seven months “in a highly collaborative environment, where they will design new integrated system-level solutions that span multiple lunar services. These include lunar power; mining and commercial in-situ resource utilization; communications, navigation, and timing; transit, mobility, and logistics; and construction and robotics,” the agency’s release explained. Those companies are: Blue Origin; CisLunar Industries; Crescent Space Services LLC; Fibertek, Inc.; Firefly Aerospace; GITAI; Helios; Honeybee Robotics; ICON; Nokia of America; Northrop Grumman; Redwire Corporation; Sierra Space; and SpaceX.
For example, launch startup Firefly will contribute to LunA-10 with “a framework for on-orbit spacecraft hubs,” the company said in a press release. “Based on the capabilities of Firefly’s Elytra vehicle, the framework will define how spacecraft can dock together on-orbit and provide on-demand services, such as refueling, delivery, transport, and de-orbiting. The goal of the framework is to help improve on-orbit mission response times from years to days with scalable spacecraft hubs that can host and service spacecraft across cislunar space.”
The effort is an outgrowth of the Biden administration’s National Cislunar Science and Technology Strategy [PDF] released in November 2022 designed to build a whole-of-government strategy for “advancing scientific, exploration, and economic development activities” in space around the Moon and on the lunar surface. The Defense Department was a key player in the strategy’s crafting, and thus reflects a number of the Space Force’s priorities for the future — including space situational awareness in the lunar region and “dynamic space operations” requiring rapid, efficient maneuvering on orbit.
DARPA’s announcement makes clear the effort does not include funding for the actual production and deployment of related tech, nor will it “support human exploration or scientific experimentation that does not have a commercial value.” The goal, rather, is to help commercial industry help itself. And the winners, it seems, are just fine with that.
“It is inspiring to see DARPA doing what it does best – moving fast on hard problems and catalyzing commercial innovation for the good of the country and humanity,” said ICON co-founder and CEO Jason Ballard in a press release. ICON specializes in advanced construction technologies and large-scale 3D printing.
Gary Calnan, CEO of CisLunar Industries, echoed: “DARPA finally did what the industry was waiting for. … This effort will lay the foundation for a marketplace where the entire space domain can participate.” Cislunar is focused on lunar mining, for example of precious metals, and “will facilitate the development of the METAL framework (Material Extraction, Treatment, Assembly & Logistics),” the company said in a press release.
(Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)
04 Dec 23. Space Trailblazer to enable development of freeform optics for Earth Observation. The University of South Australia (UniSA) with two Adelaide-based SMEs, VPG Innovation and SMR Australia, will mature and space-qualify a new optical manufacturing process and materials for space flight applications and demonstrate it in a camera that can utilise this revolutionary new manufacturing capability.
The work will be done though the iLAuNCH Trailblazer, headquartered at the University of Southern Queensland, though initial work began in 2021 under a Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP) grant.
An emerging optics technology called freeform optics is now possible due to the emergence of suitable additive manufacturing technologies, says iLAuNCH. Freeform optics, as their name implies, are free from any constraints of symmetry in their form and shape. Optical devices such as mirrors can now be designed and additively manufactured to take on complex shapes that can provide larger fields of view within smaller packaging sizes, all while being able to withstand the harsh environment of space.
Earth Observation satellites currently scan the Earth’s surface and typically the camera payloads need to be wide and gather light in strips, similar to an office paper scanner. Glass optics onboard satellites today are limited in their view by traditional manufacturing processes.
“This project demonstrates what iLAuNCH is all about, taking a 2021 DIP concept demonstrator that investigated the viability of Freeform Optical Components for small satellites, and moving it into production using Australian technology for real world applications,” said iLAuNCH Trailblazer Executive Director, Darin Lovett.
“Through iLAuNCH we are growing a trained workforce for space hardware, and in this case, bedding down new manufacturing techniques for these novel freeform mirrors for satellites,” added Lovett.
One of the important requirements in the development of freeform optics is the ability to take the additively manufactured part and process it to the point that a mirror finish can be developed. Traditional surface-finishing processes are unsuitable for freeform surfaces. Additionally, there is the challenge of achieving a stable, durable coating in the harsh low Earth orbit environment.
The Future Industries Institute at UniSA has pushed the boundaries of additive based manufacturing to develop a novel technology that is set to transform the way space missions are designed.
“We are developing an optical grade finish on additive material substrates for optical components for satellites,” said UniSA Senior Research Fellow, Dr Kamil Zuber. “We will also demonstrate a coating system for reflective optical components for space applications.”
The project partners, advanced manufacturer VPG Innovation and mirror and camera systems experts SMR Australia, have long experience in traditional and additive manufacturing, and product development for automotive and defence sectors.
The additive manufacturing, moulding and vacuum coating capabilities of the partners enable commercial production of the developed product.
The project will expand ISR capabilities for space satellites, and satellite platforms in general, through the prototyping and validation of space-grade materials and durable coatings for optical and structural satellite components using substrates made by polymer and metal additive manufacturing. In addition, the team will explore, validate and test existing and emerging space materials creating guidelines and standards for space materials for satellite components to aid the Australian space sector. (Source: https://www.ex2.com.au/news/)
04 Dec 23. Australia to field Northrop Grumman DARC space radar from 2026. Australia will install the Northrop Grumman Deep-space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) near Exmouth, WA. The radar is expected to be operational by 2026. The decision was announced during the second AUKUS Ministers’ meeting in California. All three AUKUS partners – the UK, USA and Australia – will collaborate on the new radar capability in order to provide all three partners with timely and reliable information in contested environments.
“Australia’s interests in space are not bound by geography,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles. “Strengthening Australia’s defence capabilities in the space domain and working with our partners is a prudent response to our changing strategic environment.
“This investment harnesses technological advances to maintain a leading edge in Australia’s capability and contribute to strategic deterrence in the region. We will continue to work with our partners to build a region that is stable, peaceful and prosperous, and where sovereignty, including space sovereignty, is respected.”
The DARC radar at Exmouth will provide 24-hour continuous global and all weather coverage to track and identify objects in deep space, boosting our ability to detect and deter space based threats. The DARC system passed its Critical Design Review (CDR) and software demonstration in May this year.
Northrop Grumman already has a US$341 m (AUD$508 m) contract from the US Space Force to build three radars at strategic sites around the world. These will be phased array sensors of with steerable beams that can track multiple targets, with sufficient range to image the Geostationary orbit (GEO) as well as the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The first of these was scheduled to be installed ‘somewhere in the Indo Pacific’ by the end of 2025.
No frequency band for DARC has been released, but the sensor is a day/night/all weather system and can operate on a 24/7 basis, 365 days a year, unlike the ex-USAF optical Space Surveillance Telescope (SST), also located at Exmouth, which is attenuated significantly by atmospheric phenomena.
The Australian DARC site will integrate with other sites in the United States and the United Kingdom, providing a space domain awareness capability across the AUKUS partnership.
The construction of the site is expected to create up to 100 jobs, with further opportunities for Australian industry through the operation and sustainment of the site. (Source: https://www.ex2.com.au/news/)
27 Nov 23. Another successful nighttime SpaceX Starlink satellites launch. Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage landed on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. Falcon 9’s first stage (B1062) previously supported 16 missions: GPS III SV04, GPS III SV05, Inspiration4, Ax-1, Nilesat 301, OneWeb 17, ARABSAT BADR-8 and 9 Starlink missions. The drone ship, a converted ocean-going barge, that is one of three operated by SpaceX and will be stationed about 420 miles (620km) downrange, East of the Bahamas.
This launch brings the total number of Starlink satellites launched to 5,514. This will be the 57th Starlink mission of 2023, the 277th Falcon 9 launch to date, and the 83rd Falcon 9 launch of 2023.
This is the 17th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched GPS III Space Vehicle 04, GPS III Space Vehicle 05, Inspiration4, Ax-1, Nilesat 301, OneWeb Launch 17, ARABSAT BADR-8, and nine Starlink missions. (Source: Satnews)
01 Dec 23. SpaceX successfully launches the Korea 425 top secret mission with 25 smallsats on board. This was the 17th flight of the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, ISI EROS C-3, and seven Starlink missions.
This is the first launch, at the cost of $52m, of five top secret reconnaissance satellites for the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), with one satellite featuring an electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) telescope. The other four synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites are to be launched at a later date.
The project is lead by the Korean Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), with input from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Systems and Thales Alenia Space.
SpaceX is targeting Friday, December 1 at 10:19 a.m. PT for a Falcon 9 launch of the Korea 425 mission to LEO from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
ESA’s EIRSAT-1 is also onboard as a rideshare passenger. This 2U cubesat carries three experiments, including a novel gamma ray detector to study some of the most luminous explosions in the universe.
The forecast calls for a temperature of 52°F, clear skies, 1% cloud cover and a wind speed of 18mph. A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about 15 minutes prior to liftoff. Watch live.
The project is lead by the Korean Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), with input from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Systems and Thales Alenia Space.
This is the first launch, at the cost of $52m, of five top secret reconnaissance satellites for the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), with one satellite featuring an electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) telescope.
The other four synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites are to be launched at a later date. They will be launched to low Earth orbit between 600 and 700 km by 2025, enabling South Korea’s military to observe the nuclear-armed neighbor’s key military facilities every two hours with 30-50 centimeters resolution imagery, according to a 2019 report produced by the Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning.
There are a total of 25 spacecraft on board this mission, including KOREA’s 425, Space BD’s ISL48, SITAEL’s uHETSat, D-Orbit’s ION SCV Daring Diego, York Space Systems’ Bane, and PlanetIQ’s GNOMES-4.
This is the 17th flight of the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar. (Source: Satnews)
27 Nov 23. EnduroSat’s new satellite Space Centre enables satellite modules delivery within two weeks. EnduroSat is able to now ship the company’s standard satellite modules to customers within two weeks of receiving an order, the fastest turnaround in EnduroSat’s history — this milestone follows the recent opening of EnduroSat’s new Space Centre in Bulgaria as well as a significant investment in production and AIT capabilities that will enable the company to meet the highest industry standards for quality and reliability.
This two-week delivery capability milestone was made possible by EnduroSat’s $10 m Series A funding that occurred earlier this year.
EnduroSat’s new 3,200 m2 Space Facility with 700 m2 of Space Labs includes several state-of-the-art labs, as well as an ISO-7-certified Satellite Assembly Lab, an RF Testing Laboratory, a Hardware Testing Laboratory, and a Mechanical Integration Facility. With offices in Bulgaria, Italy, Luxembourg, France, Germany, and the United States, EnduroSat has established a global presence, enabling its team to serve clients globally.
The company’s team can now assemble, test, integrate, and deliver 10+ satellites per month. This enhanced production capacity has allowed EnduroSat to meet the growing demands of the space industry, making it a trusted partner for complex space missions.
The company recently launched the DeskSat, its most advanced flatsat. It provides an unprecedented opportunity to scale fast mission testing and space operations. Unlike alternative products in the traditional industry, the DeskSat comes fully integrated with unique software tools for development and operations: SpaceDev and SpaceOps.
EnduroSat has more than 2,500 avionics on-orbit and more than 50 satellites successfully delivered to clients across the globe. The company successfully launched its latest satellites on the Transporter 9 mission. EnduroSat confirmed that they have acquired signals from all satellites and will be starting the operational phase.
EnduroSat supports multiple cutting-edge missions: PADRE solar exploration mission of NASA and the University of California-Berkeley, TOLIMAN, an astronomy mission observing the Alpha Centauri system organized by Breakthrough Initiatives and the University of Sydney, FLAMINGO, Europe’s first commercial constellation for in-situ space situational awareness (SSA) developed by Vyoma.
EnduroSat actively invests in nurturing the next generation of space scientists through its unique Space Challenges Program. The extensive practice-oriented curriculum is led by top-tier industry experts and has been organized and funded by EnduroSat for many years. (Source: Satnews)
03 Dec 23. Lift-off for EIRSAT-1, Ireland’s first ever satellite. Six years of hard work and dedication paid off in spectacular fashion today, as the Educational Irish Research Satellite, EIRSAT-1, successfully blasted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Hitching a ride on a Space-X Falcon-9 launcher, the tiny satellite – measuring just 10.7cm x 10.7cm x 22.7cm – has now made history as Ireland’s first satellite!
EIRSAT-1, Ireland’s first satellite
EIRSAT-1 was designed, built, and tested by students from University College Dublin (UCD) participating in ESA Academy’s Fly Your Satellite! program, a hands-on initiative supporting university student teams to develop their own satellites according to professional standards. The launch opportunity itself was provided by ESA.
ESA experts have been on-hand throughout the satellite’s development to offer training and guidance to dozens of UCD students. Their learning journey also included test campaigns at ESA Education’s CubeSat Support Facility in Belgium, and dedicated spacecraft communications sessions both at ESA Academy’s Training and Learning Centre and at the European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt Germany, to learn Ireland’s first spacecraft operations procedures.
“I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate the EIRSAT-1 team for this successful launch and the start of Ireland’s first exciting adventure in orbit,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General. I’d also like to thank UCD for joining forces with ESA towards a common educational objective: boosting the skills of the young generation,” he continued. “It’s only by building capacity that we can make our space ambitions become a reality, for Ireland and for Europe. With our Education program we are nurturing generations of citizens who are learning to use space technology and space solutions in order to make a difference for our society, our planet and our future.”
From low Earth orbit EIRSAT-1 will carry out three main experiments, which were built from scratch by the students:
• GMOD, a detector to study gamma ray bursts, which are the most luminous explosions in the universe and occur when a massive star dies or two stars collide.
• EMOD, an experiment to see how a thermal treatment protects the surface of a satellite when in space.
• WBC, an experiment to test a new method of using Earth’s magnetic field to change a satellite’s orientation in space.
Following EIRSAT-1’s deployment to orbit, the student team is now working to establish contact with the satellite and start operations from their dedicated ground control facility, also entirely operated by students and located at UCD in Dublin.
“The team at ESA Education would like to join ESA DG in expressing their heartfelt congratulations to the EIRSAT-1 students for achieving their incredible goals,” said Hugo Marée, Head of the ESA Education Office.
“Not only has EIRSAT-1 made history by being Ireland’s first satellite, but it has also inspired a generation of Irish school students to grow their ambitions higher. This has been achieved thanks to the inspiration activities organized by ESERO Ireland (a collaboration between ESA and Science Foundation Ireland) around this mission,” he continued. “I am proud of our Education program which is able to inspire and engage different age groups towards a future career in STEM.” (Source: Satnews)
29 Nov 23. Beyond Gravity’s innovative payload fairing closes after release and returns to Earth with first stage of the launcher. Beyond Gravity is an innovative international space supplier that tackles the challenges of high costs with a focus on reusability. An innovative payload fairing (PLF) concept promises to disrupt space launches by allowing the payload fairing to close again – after the payload and the second stage are released – and return to Earth together with the first stage of the launcher. The company has played an important role in advancing the technology and design of today’s payload fairings.
Challenging innovation is one of the core promises of Beyond Gravity. In a world where space exploration continues to inspire and amaze with its boundless possibilities and breathtaking discoveries, the industry also faces major challenges, including affordability and contribution towards a greener future.
The company is now taking a step toward addressing these challenges by launching a major research and innovation project. The Launcher Innovation Team at Beyond Gravity is working on a disruptive Payload Fairing (PLF) concept for reusable launchers. Rather than the half-shells being completely separated from the second stage, as is the case today, the two half-shells will open, release the payload, and then close again while remaining attached to the first stage of the launcher. Unlike traditional fairings, the PLF remains attached to the first stage throughout the entire flight and re-enters the atmosphere with the first stage for a soft landing. This novel approach would represent a major step forward in the reusability, schedule flexibility and cost reduction of launch systems and payload fairings.
Paul Horstink, Executive VP at Beyond Gravity’s Launcher Division explains, “This new approach is set to address the evolving market’s needs while staying true to Beyond Gravity’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and dedication to a 100% mission success. In addition, the cost savings associated with reusable rockets could make the launch systems more accessible to a wider range of companies and organizations, supporting more frequent launches.” The concept is initially being developed with medium launch vehicles in mind, which can be with ongoing research scaled up to large vehicles, refining the system architecture and subsystems.
Paul Horstink sees great entrepreneurial opportunity for this novel approach, “We envisions future collaborations with launcher primes to develop reusable launchers and the potential to introduce novel subsystem solutions beneficial for a range of products. We are working closely together with our current customer base as well as new players in the commercial space market to develop this concept further.”
Extensive Experience in Building Worldclass Payload Fairings
Beyond Gravity has four decades of experience in the production of payload fairings and has been a key contributor to the evolution of ArianeGroup’s and ULA’s launch vehicles, particularly in the development of advanced lightweight structures. From the launch of the first Ariane rocket in 1979, the company’s involvement in the aerospace industry has played a pivotal role in advancing the technology and design of payload fairings.
Our separation systems have an excellent flight record: To date more than 1200 in-orbit separations have been performed with a 100% success rate. We offer standard and specialized systems for particular applications such as in-orbit separation of return-to-earth capsules, also including both clamp-band and hard-point separation systems.
Paul Horstink, “Beyond Gravity’s innovations have been crucial in the continued evolution of payload fairings. Our semi- automated industrial processes without the use of an autoclave helped reduce launch costs, improve launch schedule flexibility, and enhance the overall performance of launch vehicles.”
Next to reusable payload fairings, Beyond Gravity is fostering partnerships in innovation and research by cooperating with innovative startups and upcoming players in the international space ecosystem. The company’s own startup program, “Launchpad”, has successfully established collaborations with several startups. For instance, Beyond Gravity is working with RevoAI on an ESA project to assess the use of artificial intelligence in the development of future structures. Another startup, Gate Space, is developing a sustainable solution for satellite propulsion with refueling capability. Beyond Gravity is in ongoing exchange with them, and they recently got accepted into the prestigious Techstars Space Accelerator program in the US. Ethereal X, another startup in Beyond Gravity’s startup ecosystem, is working on a 100% reusable rocket, to name just a few examples.
Beyond Gravity recognized within the Swiss Innovation Award
Reflecting Beyond Gravity’s deep-rooted dedication to innovation, the company has recently been recognized as one of the top 150 most innovative companies in Switzerland in the “Top Innovative Companies 2024” ranking. This prestigious list, compiled by Swiss Business Magazines Bilanz and PME in collaboration with the research firm Statista, involved a comprehensive evaluation of thousands of Swiss companies. The assessment focused on various aspects of innovation, including the overall innovativeness, product breakthroughs, and the culture of innovation within each company. (Source: Satnews)
25 Nov 23. Three space projects funded in Space Systems Command’s Annual Innovation Competition. innovation competition.
The winning idea, and two other finalists who will all receive funding for their projects, were announced November 17th at the Space Force Ball at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif.
“SSC’s Fight Tonight program was designed to identify innovative thinking from our most valuable and brightest assets — our people,” explained Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein. “The submissions were amazing and the collaboration between our acquisition and operations professionals to vet each idea’s operational feasibility to get after the fight, is why the program is so successful.”
Sage Andorka, deputy branch chief and chief engineer, SSC Cross Mission Data, who represented the winning team at the event said, “This win will ensure delivery of a much needed data-sharing capability for our coalition partners. We can’t win alone.”
Military and civilian SSC personnel were eligible to participate. Proposals required actionable ideas that could be implemented in a one-year timeframe and being directly in line with the Field Command’s strategic intent to exploit the resources it has, tap the commercial marketplace to buy what is already available and build when a commercial or allied solution is not a viable option.
A total of 28 projects were submitted in August, and five of those were selected as finalists. Each proposal required the submitter(s) to align with an operations sponsor from Space Operations Command to validate that the proposed idea was operationally relevant. Up to $8m in funding will be provided toward the winning idea. Ideas that were not selected were forwarded to SSC’s relevant Program Executive Offices for consideration to implement if funding can be secured from other sources.
“Under great power competition, it really becomes prudent upon us to make sure that we can credibly not only protect, defend and deter aggression, but if called upon, defeat it at a time and location of our choosing,” Guetlein told the finalists. “In order to do that, we can no longer rely on our old processes and ways of doing business, which could take months, if not years, to field a credible capability into operations.”
The Winner: Allied Exchange Environment (AXE)
AXE will create a standardized interface between the U.S. and any foreign allied partner for highly valuable, two-way operational data distribution. Leveraging the Unified Data Library‘s (UDL) capabilities and cybersecurity best practices to reduce and/or eliminate current data sharing bottlenecks, AXE would be the first known capability for near real-time, bi-directional, machine-to-machine data sharing with international allies from the Secret UDL currently unavailable to partners.
The winning team was awarded $2.8m in FY24 to proceed with the development, installation, and software sustainment of the systems in support of Japan and Australia. The project is currently being tested using data from the Australian Space Surveillance Telescope, and the AXE environment can be seen on the DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency) network.
“(The USSF) wants to be ‘Allied by Design,’ and quite simply, the United States doesn’t have all of the space-based or ground-based sensors to watch everything,” Lt. Col. Dan Kimmich, Materiel Leader, Cross Mission Data at SSC. “If we can get to a point where we are able to share space information – current known location, detection of a maneuver, or change in brightness of an object – in both directions to and from our allies, that may give us just enough advance notice so we can take the appropriate action.”
Aalyria Spacetime
The youngest finalist, 1st Lt. Rebecca Miller, 24, program manager for the Commercial Space Office at SSC, presented her team’s idea: to use Aalyria Spacetime, a software-defined, dynamic network orchestration and resource allocation capability, to directly enhance warfighter communication.
The software essentially acts as a network “broker” — analyzing all possible networks for data and optimizing them based on weather, user requirements (such as latency or data rate), or malicious interference. The capability will provide the end user the ability to communicate with the future hybrid space architecture that does not exist today. The software could provide rapid access to sensor platforms and data, unify routing across disparate networks and administrative domains, and could seamlessly scale to provide operators at the SpOC Del 8 a software defined networking broadband communication capability across all orbital regimes and domains.
“I think the amount of responsibility we’re able to inherit (as part of the Space Force) is unique and definitely accelerates your growth as a leader,” Miller said. “Having to make decisions or lead efforts such as this demonstration really forces you to grow. The capability you’re pursuing is much greater than you, so focusing on doing what’s best for the Space Force, what’s best for the military, it’s important to remove your ego.”
DEEP-RF
DEEP-RF, or Data Exploitation and Enhanced Processing-Radio Frequency, another finalist, will fill a gap for a persistent, extended monitoring of the RF spectrum by leveraging commercial data from already fielded systems. DEEP-RF enables JCO to rapidly expand into Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) with our commercial, military, and international partners.
Through this innovation, the speed at which SSC would be able to put DEEP-RF into the hands of warfighters aligns with the U.S. Space Force goals for its new Integrated Mission Deltas for Position Navigation & Timing (PNT) and Electromagnetic Warfare (EW). Relationships with Combatant Commands, the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC), the Space Information Sharing & Analysis Center (Space ISAC), the Space Domain Awareness Tools Applications and Processing (TAP) Lab, SPACE CAMP, and Air Force Research Labs have enabled the team to jump start this project and accomplish in months what would previously have taken years.
DEEP-RF exploits existing commercial radiometric telemetry data and enables SSC to rapidly surge the number of contributing sensors without building or launching a single new spacecraft. This technology rapidly scales, leverages unclassified commercial data, and isn’t limited to space-based sensors – it is being developed in such a way that we can provide actionable and shareable EMSO products that can be fused with other sources for a more complete threat picture.
Last year’s “Fight Tonight” winner, Anita McCorvey, director of SSC’s Space Sensing Product Support Delta, presented two ideas as a finalist this year: Missile Warning Link 16 to AORs, and Multi-INT Data via MILSATCOM.
Missile Warning Link 16 to AORs (Areas of Responsibility)
Today, Tactical Data Links (TDLs) such as Link-16 are the primary means of exchanging tactical information between warfighting units. Data encryption and frequency hopping techniques ensure that Link 16 is both jam-resistant and secure. McCorvey’s innovation prepares Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Missile Warning messages to be directly sent from SBIRS (Space Based Infrared System) Delta 4 to the AOR (Area of Responsibility) forces including ground, airborne, and sea-based air defense platforms and selected fighter aircraft in near-real time. By directly providing OPIR data to the theater platforms, the theater users would have immediate access to missile launches, impact point prediction and launch point detection data.
Existing Link-16 software used by the Australian Mission Processor (AMP) program today could be leveraged and implemented into the Enhanced SBIRS Operational Agile Response (ESOAR) within the Missile Warning Program of Record (POR) with little time or cost.
Multi-INT Data via MILSATCOM
McCorvey’s second innovation submission proposes using non-OPIR data sources and sensors to significantly improve track custody resulting in improved missile warning, and missile defense, and situational awareness, during a conflict.
Multi-INT Data via MILSATCOM would improve system resiliency providing non-OPIR data from outside the continental U.S. to the continental U.S. if nominal terrestrial communication paths are unavailable. This allows non-OPIR intelligence (INT) data to be fused with OPIR data, significantly improving dim target track custody.
“In a contested environment, in the heat of battle, we need to ensure alternative lines of communication so we have mission and system resiliency,” McCorvey said. “By leveraging existing satellite communications to transmit time-sensitive data, we can improve resiliency of U.S. capabilities, increase collaboration among DoD and intelligence communities, and lean forward on mission enhancements to improve the fight.”
For more information about SSC’s 2023 Fight Tonight innovations, visit this direct link…
For information about last year’s winning innovation, visit this direct link…: https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Newsroom/Article-Display/Article/3593352/inaugural-fight-tonight-winning-innovation-project-currently-in-software-develo (Source: Satnews)
30 Nov 23. Direct-to-phone satellite connectivity expected to revolutionize the SATCOM industry. Euroconsult’s new comprehensive market intelligence report significantly expands on the legacy of earlier reports in the series. It delves into the dynamic landscape of three crucial satellite communication market segments: traditional handheld phones, direct-to-phone connectivity, and Internet of Things (IoT). The report provides a new level of detailed analysis covering market developments, major applications, equipment solutions, and the growth drivers and challenges inherent to each segment.
Satellite cellular IoT is a niche market enabling hybrid solutions via in-market unmodified IoT devices with a high market potential due to the ease of implementation. Non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite constellations are playing an increasingly pivotal role in creating new opportunities to seamlessly integrate satellite connectivity into existing devices.
This surge in direct-to-device satellite connectivity is also being fueled by advancements in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 3GPP standards (specifically Release 17), facilitating the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
Consistent with a forecasted decline in market demand and the cannibalization of competing services, Euroconsult’s report asserts that traditional handheld phone users will decline by nearly half, while the direct-to-phone market will see a rising user count by 2032 to around 130m. In addition, IoT devices are expected to triple over the coming decade, largely due to the increased accessibility of satellite IoT solutions offered by new market entrants.
Addressing the potential ‘unconnected’ population, the direct-to-phone segment eyes a total satellite connectivity market of over 2 bn subscribers in 2022. This segment targets individuals without terrestrial network coverage (1.9bn) and mobile users encountering connectivity issues due to poor terrestrial network coverage or travel to areas without coverage (130m).
Expanding the market’s horizons further, the IoT segment is set to substantially increase its potential as a revenue-generating force with satellite cellular IoT, anticipated to commence revenue generation in 2025. Key applications expected to drive this growth include ‘connected cars’ in transport/logistics, ‘smart cities’ in natural resources (oil rigs, mining sites, utilities) and personal tracking assets like smartwatches. Projections forecast a substantial addressable market of 10.6 bn cellular IoT devices by 2032.
“Continuous technological improvements have bolstered satellite capacity and enhanced device capabilities, hastening the adoption of direct-to-device satellite services. Despite the strong prospects for the direct-to-handheld and IoT markets, success will be largely influenced by external factors, particularly securing spectrum rights and overcoming regulatory barriers, and internal forces, including funding initiatives to support planned satellite infrastructure and commitments from MNOs. Additionally, affordability of services and customer willingness to pay will be pivotal in this cost-sensitive market.” — Sumaiya Najarali, Senior Consultant, Euroconsult
Prospects for Direct to Handheld and IoT Markets is available now and can be ordered from Euroconsult’s Digital Platform. Euroconsult is also offering a premium version of the report which includes a detailed market model and forecast methodology highlighting the upside potential of the satellite cellular IoT market. Additional insights covering cellular IoT market addressability, primary use cases, new and emerging applications are also included.
Download the free extract for a preview of the full contents of the report: https://mailchi.mp/euroconsult-ec.com/direct2handheld:
(Source: Satnews)
27 Nov 23. HummingSat is the world’s first commercial GEO smallsat creating a new chapter in space innovation. Intelsat is the first commercial customer for SWISSto12’s innovative HummingSat geostationary telecommunications satellite, developed with its patented 3D printing technology in collaboration with the European Space Agency
Inspired by the tiny, fast-moving hummingbird, ESA and SWISSto12 have signed a contract for the full development of a new product line of satellites called HummingSat. SWISSto12 is a manufacturer of advanced satellite payloads and systems.
The innovative, small-sized HummingSat range of satellites, named after the tiny, agile, fast-moving, and yet apparently stationary hummingbird, are being developed as an ESA Partnership Project with SWISSto12.
The program’s objective is for the new satellite builder to capture a significant part of the expanding global market of small and flexible geostationary satellites. Four satellites have already been sold by SWISSto12 which encourages this newcomer in geostationary satellite manufacturing. The first is to satellite operator Intelsat, due to be launched on an Ariane 6 launcher in 2026 to support Intelsat’s media and network customers, and three to Inmarsat, to provide worldwide safety services and emergency communications for ships and aircraft.
HummingSat is the world’s first commercial GEO SmallSat. HummingSat’s capacity, coverage and cost enables brand new applications and business models for operators while revitalizing existing ones.
Approximately the size of an industrial washing machine, HummingSats are much smaller than conventional geostationary satellites. This makes them more affordable to build, and launch costs are reduced as they can piggyback on ride-share missions. SWISSto12’s groundbreaking 3D-printing technology will help boost the payload performance, streamline the manufacturing process, and reduce the build time and cost of production.
Javier Benedicto, Acting Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications at ESA said, “The HummingSat Partnership Project is a trend setter for ESA. We are working hand-in-hand with SWISSto12, a dynamic and successful company in the private space industry, leading a European consortium. SWISSto12 has developed into a new satellite prime contractor and set up a European supply chain. As with previous ARTES Partnership Projects, such as Neosat and Novacom, HummingSat is expected to generate exceptional return of investment for European and Canadian States participating in the program.”
Emile de Rijk, CEO and founder of SWISSto12 added, “The cooperation with ESA has been instrumental to achieve our commercial and development success so far. The project has been set up in record time, and our SWISSto12 HummingSat team has grown significantly in the last year. We continue to recruit and expand our facilities as well as our network of industrial partners to support the HummingSat development and commercial growth.”
The signing of the contract took place at a meeting of ESA’s Joint Board on Communication Satellite Programs on November 16 at the ESA Headquarters in Paris, in the presence of government delegations from the 22 Member States.
The HummingSat Partnership Project is supported by Austria, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. It is part of ESA’s program of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems, ARTES. (Source: Satnews)
02 Dec 23. New deep space radar will transform UK security. A new landmark radar initiative will increase UK security by being able to better detect, track and identify objects in deep space.
• New space capability programme to improve global security.
• Cawdor Barracks in Wales identified as preferred UK site, conditional on Environmental Impact Assessment and Town planning approval.
• All three global radar sites to be operational by the end of the decade.
A new landmark radar initiative with the UK’s closest partners will increase UK security by being able to better detect, track and identify objects in deep space.
The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) programme – unveiled by the respective Defence Secretaries of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States – will provide 24/7, all-weather capabilities that will increase AUKUS nations’ ability to characterise objects deep in space up to 22,000 miles (36,000 kilometres) away from earth.
DARC will see a global network of three ground-based radars to be jointly operated that will assist in critical space-traffic management and contribute to the global surveillance of satellites in deep space. The unique geographic positioning of the three nations means that DARC can provide global coverage, including detecting potential threats to defence or civilian space systems.
As the danger of space warfare increases, this landmark capability will benefit all three nations’ land, air, and maritime forces, as well as protecting critical infrastructure and benefitting our domestic construction and space industries.
UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said: “As the world becomes more contested and the danger of space warfare increases, the UK and our allies must ensure we have the advanced capabilities we need to keep our nations’ safe.”
Today’s announcement of a global radar network (DARC), based across the UK, US and Australia will do just that. Empowering the UK to detect, track and identify objects in deep space.
Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire Wales has been identified as the UK’s preferred site for DARC. The final siting decision is conditional on the results of the ongoing comprehensive MOD-funded Environmental Impact Assessment and subsequent Town Planning application.
Cawdor Barracks is currently the home to a British Army Signals Regiment which is due to relocate from 2028. Retention of the Base by the MOD for DARC is likely to boost the local Pembrokeshire economy, creating employment during the construction phase and providing up to 100 longer-term jobs.
Alongside DARC’s defence benefits, it also has the capability to monitor and protect the essential services that rely on satellites in space, including everyday aspects of life such as communications and navigation.
This will play a crucial role in AUKUS’ ability to preserve peace and deter conflict in the Indo-Pacific and the rest of the world.
These new radar systems have higher sensitivity, better accuracy, increased capacity, and more agile tracking than current radars and optical systems tracking objects in deep space orbit. This will see greater global monitoring provided to inform UK defence operations, bypassing the current inclement weather and daylight limitations of some current capabilities.
The first DARC radar site, which is being constructed in Australia, is expected to be operational in 2026, with all three sites operational by the end of the decade.
The DARC programme follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2023. DARC will enhance our collective space domain awareness, which is a key objective of the UK’s Defence Space Strategy, published last year.
AUKUS is a landmark security and defence partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US to support a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening regional global security. The development of DARC is a significant step forward for delivery of enhanced security capabilities between the partner nations. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
01 Dec 23. Amazon taps SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket to help launch Kuiper satellites. Amazon (AMZN.O) on Friday said it booked three Falcon 9 launches with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to help deploy the ecommerce giant’s Project Kuiper satellite network, tapping a rival in the satellite internet business for its multi-bn dollar launch campaign.
Amazon aims to build Kuiper as a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit to beam broadband internet globally and compete with SpaceX’s Starlink network, which already has some 5,000 satellites providing nearly global coverage.
Amazon, which vowed in 2019 to invest $10bn into the project, will put an unspecified number of Kuiper satellites on three Falcon 9 rockets from SpaceX beginning in mid-2025, the company said Friday.
The Falcon 9 missions add to 83 rocket launches it had already procured from Jeff Bezos’ space company Blue Origin, the Boeing-Lockheed (BA.N), (LMT.N) joint venture United Launch Alliance and Europe’s Arianespace in a multi-bn dollar launch deal.
Amazon was sued by a shareholder in August for not adequately considering SpaceX as a launch provider when it was selecting most of the 83 other rides to space in late 2021 and 2022. The company said the lawsuit’s claims “are completely without merit.”
Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Pension Fund, a fund that lodged the suit in a Delaware court, said in its complaint the launch contracts were the second-largest capital expenditure in Amazon’s history at the time.
Amazon’s largest acquisition is its $13.7bn deal to buy Whole Foods in 2017.
Amazon’s announcement that it added SpaceX rockets to its launch campaign comes just three days before its deadline to lodge a substantive defense against the shareholder lawsuit, according to a court scheduling order.
Amazon in September filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, saying it would detail its defense in a later briefing. On Friday, the same day as Amazon’s SpaceX announcement, the court set a deadline of Dec. 4 for Amazon to outline its motion to dismiss.
SpaceX’s partially reusable Falcon 9 rockets have been a crucial advantage over rivals in its rapid deployment of Starlink, a fast-growing internet network that made the Musk-owned company the world’s largest satellite operator.
Eutelsat’s OneWeb, another satellite internet rival, relied on Russia’s Soyuz rocket for deploying the bulk of its network. But OneWeb turned to SpaceX when Russia invaded Ukraine and seized $50m worth of the company’s satellites. U.S. regulators require Amazon to deploy half of the Kuiper network by 2026. The company launched its first two prototype satellites in orbit in October and announced successful tests last month.
Amazon expects to deploy enough satellites for “early customer pilots” in the second half of 2024. It plans to use United Launch Alliance’s Atlas 5 and the yet-to-launch Vulcan rocket for the first few batches of satellites. (Source: Reuters)
28 Nov 23. Vaya Space, an innovative space and defense company, proudly announces a significant milestone in defense technology with successful demonstrations of a revolutionary tactical missile class vortex-hybrid engine. The breakthrough tests, witnessed by representatives from Army Futures Command, NASA, and the Prime Contractor Community, took place at Vaya’s Engine Test Facility in Cocoa, Florida.
The recent tests, numbered nine and ten in a planned series of thirty, focused on assessing the engine’s capability to start, stop, and relight while operating within the performance parameters of a Hellfire missile engine. Vaya’s vortex-hybrid engines signify a paradigm shift in missile propulsion technology, providing a truly insensitive propulsion system that offers unprecedented range, maneuverability, survivability, and scalability.
Kevin Lowdermilk, CEO of Vaya Space, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “Vaya Space is thrilled to unveil the incredible potential of our vortex-hybrid engine. From the initial collaboration with Army Futures Command, our team successfully designed, developed, built, and tested a Hellfire-class vortex-hybrid engine in less than six months—an extraordinary accomplishment. We are excited to begin work on larger surface-to-surface missile applications, where the benefits of the increased range of our engines can be maximized.”
General Robert “Abe” Abrams (ret.), an advisor to Vaya Space and an attendee of the demonstrations commented, “Implementation of Vaya’s technologies has the potential to bring a completely new and much needed capability for strategic and tactical missiles which can provide our forces with decisive overmatch now and well into the future.”
(Source: ASD Network)
02 Dec 23. Canada taps into U.S. military satellites for mobile communications. The Canadian Department of National Defense became the first international partner to access the U.S. Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite network, the U.S. Space Force announced Nov. 30. MUOS, developed by the U.S. Navy, is used for voice, video and data transmissions over a narrowband network of satellites in geosynchronous orbit — four operational satellites and one on-orbit spare. The Navy in March 2023 handed over the system to the Space Force.
Canadian operators in a demonstration in October used MUOS for voice and data transmission using military tactical radios from two locations in Ottawa.
Canadian officers used secure military radios to make point-to-point calls, transfer files, and access group chat services on the network. The MUOS satellites, made by Lockheed Martin, operate in the ultra-high frequency band and use 3G cellular telephone technology to provide digital narrowband signals for mobile forces.
The project to allow Canada access to the MUOS network started four years ago when Canada initiated a foreign military sales agreement with the United States.
Demonstration called a success
Canadian users showed they could push-to-talk and connect from one Canadian radio terminal to another, Thomas Cesear, head of the MUOS integration lab, said in a news release.
“They also were able to successfully accomplish other services like chat, file transfer, email, as well as group calls,” he said.
Another demonstration is scheduled for March 2024, said Canada’s Department of National Defense project leader Scott Mackenzie.
(Source: Defense News Early Bird/Space News)
01 Dec 23. SPAINSAT NG: Start of Final Acceptance Testing of Satellite and Active Antennas.
• SpainSat NG 1 satellite is in its final testing phase with most critical components already integrated on the spacecraft and major systems having been validated in preparation for launch in 2024
SpainSat NG 1 satellite is in its final testing phase with most critical components already integrated on the spacecraft and major systems having been validated in preparation for launch in 2024.
Military satellite communications play an increasingly important role in operating effectively in multiple domains whether in military operations or in humanitarian relief and rescue missions. This is why the Spanish Ministry of Defence (MoD) is upgrading its satellite communications capabilities. The Spanish Government satellite operator and service provider, Hisdesat, is developing the SPAINSAT NG Programme for the Spanish MoD through a Public Private Partnership, and selected Airbus DS System as prime contractor for the space segment.
The programme consists of a set of twin satellites, SpainSat NG I and SpainSat NG II, which aim to provide secure and reliable communications for military operations, as well as supporting humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. They will serve the Spanish Armed Forces and other national and allied government agencies.
The SPAINSAT NG programme is perhaps the most advanced there is currently in secure satellite communications in Europe, and it is being carried out mainly in Spain. The programme development had to overcome difficult challenges including: the pandemic, the Filomena snowstorm, heavy supply chain tensions, and the war in Ukraine, but despite these, it is on track for entering into service in 2025.
Technological advances
SpainSat NG satellites are equipped with the most advanced technology available on the market today.
At the heart of the spacecraft is the state-of-the-art transmit and receive active antenna system built by Airbus Defence and Space in Spain, which is a fundamental component of the satellites’ mission. This cutting-edge system enables the antenna’s coverage and performance to be dynamically adapted to the needs of the mission using sophisticated software processing. This cutting-edge direct radiating array (DRA) system also incorporates advanced features such as the ability to switch between different coverage zones thousands of times per second, the capability to adapt the coverage zones to reduce unwelcomed signals and the ability to locate terrestrial emitters of known or unknown origin with high accuracy.
These features are possible thanks to key technological building blocks such as the gallium nitride (GaN) solid-state amplifier technology providing superior power efficiency and linearity than the legacy Gallium arsenide (GaAs) technology. In addition, the tailor-made beamforming networks based on high-density X-band hybrid radio frequency modules which now integrate hundreds of phase and amplitude control nodes in a small footprint, enable the implementation of up to 16 independent beams on each active antenna in order to serve the most demanding missions. Moreover, their transparent digital processor on board makes them “software-defined satellites”. (Source: ASD Network)
01 Dec 23. Airbus starts Galileo Second Generation satellite production. Manufacturing of six state-of-the-art GNSS satellites to augment current Galileo constellation. Full production has begun on the six Galileo Second Generation (G2) satellites at Airbus’ site in Friedrichshafen, Germany, with the arrival of the first satellite Flight Model structure from Beyond Gravity in Zurich. After initial preparation the panels will be dispatched to other Airbus sites before final integration and testing at Friedrichshafen. The Galileo G2 satellites are scheduled for launch in the coming years to support the initial deployment and validation of the G2 System.
Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, said: “After the successful design phase we are now kicking off production in earnest of the state-of-the-art Galileo G2 satellites. Our teams in Friedrichshafen are working with engineers across Europe to meet the challenging schedule and finalise these sophisticated satellites which will further improve the global Galileo system opening up even more opportunities for services on Earth.”
To meet the demanding schedule to deliver all six satellites in less than two years, Airbus has developed a coordinated production programme to leverage the spacecraft manufacturing, integration, and testing expertise across Airbus sites including Backnang (near Stuttgart), Friedrichshafen, Madrid, Ottobrunn (near Munich) and Toulouse. The second satellite structure is due to arrive in early 2024 and the third towards the end of next year. Airbus’ modular approach to the manufacturing of the G2 satellites will see three spacecraft being produced in parallel at any one time.
The G2 satellites will incorporate enhanced navigation antennas which will help improve accuracy of the flagship European Global Navigation Satellite System. The spacecraft, equipped with electric propulsion for the first time and higher-strength navigation antennas, will also feature fully digital payloads which will be easily reconfigured in orbit, enabling them to actively respond to the evolving needs of users with novel signals and services.
ESA’s Director of Navigation Javier Benedicto said: “This new milestone is a testament to the capabilities and dedication of the European industry and reaffirms ESA’s commitment to redefine the boundaries of satellite navigation. I cannot wait to see the many parts come together to bring to life an even better performing Galileo system, so this EU programme can continue serving European and world citizens.”
The above 2 tons satellites, which benefit from Airbus’ heritage of the highly reliable Eurostar series of telecommunications satellites, will also incorporate six (rather than four) enhanced atomic clocks as well as inter-satellite links, enabling them to communicate and cross-check with one another. This is intended to offer decimetre-scale precision positioning for users around the world. They will be controllable with an increased data rate to and from the ground and equipped with advanced jamming and spoofing protection mechanisms to safeguard Galileo signals. The spacecraft will operate in orbit for 15 years.
The Full Operational Capability phase of the Galileo programme is managed and funded by the European Union. The European Commission and ESA have signed an agreement by which ESA acts as design authority and system development prime on behalf of the Commission.
The views expressed in this Press Release can in no way be taken to reflect the opinion of the European Union and/or ESA. “Galileo” is registered as a trademark in the database of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (n° 002742237).
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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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