SATELLITE SYSTEMS, SATCOM AND SPACE SYSTEMS UPDATE

Sponsored By Viasat

www.viasat.com/gov-uk
————————————————————————

15 Dec 23. UK MoD issues PQQ for space-focused Project Borealis. Project Borealis is intended to develop software/hardware command and control systems to generate and improve space domain awareness.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) on the initiation of Project Borealis, a joint MoD, UK Space Command (UKSC), and UK Space Agency (UKSA) programme to develop core systems required for the civil-military National Space Operations Centre.

The publication of a PQQ for Project Borealis indicates that the contract is active, with the MoD seeking potential suppliers to fulfill the contract. The value of Project Borealis range from £42m to £70m ($53.7m to £89.4m), although this is a benchmark that could be exceeded or be delivered under the initial budget, depending on the capability selected.

According to the MoD the required software developed for Project Borealis will “generate space domain awareness and space command and control, combining and coordinating both civilian and military capabilities to enable all space operations”.

In a contract notice published by the MoD in early December, Project Borealis would provide new command software to the UK Space Operations Centre at RAF High Wycombe, to collate, analyse, and assess space information in support of UK and allied forces, as well as coordinate operational space activities for the UK military.

The PQQ states that acquisition of the capabilities will be conducted through “agile development principles”, with industry invited to propose different methodologies as part of the tendering process.

UK defence space management develops

UK Space Command is sited at RAF High Wycombe and is increasingly being tasked over overseeing the operational development and use of space-based or related systems, providing a dedicated HQ service for the domain. This includes hardware such as the Skynet military satellite constellation, which supports UK forces. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

 

14 Dec 23. The final flight of Italy’s Vega rocket has been delayed after crucial parts went missing, while the latest test of Europe’s new Ariane 6 has been aborted, the European Space Agency said, the latest glitches to affect Europe’s troubled launch sector.

14 Dec 23. DOD Prioritizing Cooperation With Allies in Space.

Cooperation among allies is critical as global competitors increasingly look to space as the next frontier of warfare, the Pentagon’s top space policy official said, yesterday.

Dr. John F. Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy, said space capabilities have become integral to everyday life and a crucial component underpinning the United States’ economic prosperity and national security.

“There is broad recognition that space capabilities are critical to overall military effectiveness,” Plumb said during a keynote speech at the Space Enterprise Council’s Global Space Summit in Washington, D.C.

“The force structures for each of our military services—and I don’t just mean the Space Force—are built assuming access to space,” he said. “For the department, space is in our DNA.  It is essential to the U.S. way of war.”

But just as the U.S. has recognized the critical role of space, so too have its global competitors.

“In the last decade, our competitors have rapidly developed and fielded the capabilities designed to undermine the Joint Force’s ability to rely on the space-based services that we need to fight and win,” he said. “China in particular views counterspace operations as a way to deter and counter U.S. intervention in a regional conflict.”

Countering the emerging risks in space necessitate modern policy, Plumb said, that emphasizes the United States’ ability to protect and defend its security interests and cooperate with partners and allies in space.

“There are steps we can take together to deter conflict and reinforce the safety, security and stability of the space domain,” he said. “Cooperation with allies and partners strengthens deterrence. It broadens the number of systems available for space operations and extends our options for diplomatic and military responses in crisis.”

To prevent space competition from escalating to conflict, the department has doubled down on its combined space operations initiative designed to get ahead of the most pressing challenges coming from competitors.

The initiative emerged out of a 2014 memorandum of understanding among four nations – the U.S., Australia, Canada and the U.K. The group later expanded to include New Zealand, France and Germany, reaching a total of seven members in 2019.

The combined operations initiative expanded again this year to include Italy, Japan and Norway.

“We are working towards the long-term goal of true combined military operations in space that will outpace the threat and prevent escalation,” Plumb said.  “It’s a good demonstration of how our efforts on space control, space cooperation and space classification all come together on the international stage to strengthen deterrence and prevent conflict in space.

“I am particularly proud of the work my team has been doing to invigorate this group over the last couple of years,” he said.

(Source: U.S. DoD)

 

13 Dec 23. Earth-mapping agency seeks more commercial imagery, data suppliers. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, or NGA, will seek to procure unclassified data services from multiple companies in an effort known as Luno A, according to its director.
The contracting push is meant to meet “the increasing demands for commercial GEOINT,” or geospatial intelligence such as images and data collected by Earth-facing satellites, Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth said Dec. 12 at the DODIIS Worldwide Conference in Portland, Oregon.
The NGA analyzes imagery, maps the Earth for military purposes and handles portions of Project Maven, launched by the Pentagon in 2017 to detect targets of interest in footage captured by uncrewed systems. The project has since become a program of record at the agency.
A request for proposals is expected next month. A draft published in late October described Luno A as transformative to the agency’s methods. It also emphasized NGA isn’t seeking additional technology to install and manage on classified networks.
“The goal is to enable NGA to do two things: Acquire commercial GEOINT object detections and leverage industry analytics and automation in areas of national security interest, of course,” Whitworth said.
Whitworth on Tuesday said the value of Luno A contracts would be “significant” but declined to give an exact dollar figure.
Overhead imagery is a resource of growing importance, with governments and expert organizations relying on it to monitor neighbors and affairs farther afield. Such photos and analysis were used to expose Russia’s materiel buildup ahead of its invasion of Ukraine last year. More recently, photos and video have shown the destruction wrought by the Israel-Hamas war.
The NGA is the intelligence community’s lead organization for analyzing imagery and turning it into usable information. The agency relies on what’s called the National System for Geospatial Intelligence, or NSG, to distribute nearly a petabyte of data around the globe each day.
(Source: C4ISR & Networks)

 

13 Dec 23. Millennium to apply Victus Nox lessons to missile warning satellites. In September, Millennium Space Systems played a key role in a Space Force mission to demonstrate the ability to deliver a spacecraft and launch it on rapid timelines. The company now says it wants to apply lessons from that mission, dubbed Victus Nox, to other areas including the Space Force’s Missile Track Custody program.
“We will definitely be able to transfer that knowledge and leverage that success from Victus Nox on programs like Missile Track Custody,” CEO Jason Kim told C4ISRNET in an interview.
For Victus Nox, Millennium took advantage of its active Altair satellite bus production line to deliver a spacecraft in a matter of months — a process that typically takes years. Then, just 60 hours before lift off, the Space Force notified the company that it should ship the satellite to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and integrate it to a Firefly Aerospace rocket.
Following the launch, the satellite completed its checkout and was ready for operations in just 37 hours. That phase often takes weeks or months, Kim said. That speed is largely owed to the automated systems Millennium uses for on-orbit checkout.
“Due to that flexibility and due to the active production lines, we can move really fast,” he said.
In late November, Millennium completed its critical design review for the Missile Track Custody program, which aims to develop a constellation of satellites in medium Earth orbit, between 1,200 and 22,000 miles above Earth.
Those spacecraft will be equipped with sensors to spot and track missiles and will send that data to users on the ground. The Space Force plans to develop the satellites in batches, or epochs, with each more capable than the next. The first epoch will include 9 satellites and the second 18.
The service requested $538m for the effort in fiscal 2024 and plans to spend $3.5bn through FY28 to build out the constellation.
Millennium is on contract to deliver six satellites as part of Epoch 1 and RTX, formerly Raytheon Technologies, will deliver three. The service awarded L3Harris a prototyping contract in June, and the company intends to compete for the second epoch.
Now that Millennium’s satellite has passed its critical design review, it is set to enter a year-long test phase. Lindsay Dewald, deputy program manager for the effort, told C4ISRNET the company will use digital engineering tools to validate the system’s performance.
“We’re transitioning to high fidelity testing of various aspects that verify and validate our analysis to date in that digital environment,” she said in the same interview. “We perform those tests throughout 2024 while we are receiving parts that are already on order, enabling us to be ready for an integration readiness review.”
That readiness review will occur in late 2024 or early 2025, she added.
While the program carries some schedule and technical risks, Dewald said the company’s use of heritage components and its rigorous digital testing environment should mitigate those and keep the program on pace.
As it focuses on Epoch 1 satellite development, Millennium is also thinking ahead to Epoch 2. The Space Force plans to release a draft solicitation in early 2024 and a final request for proposals later that year.
The company is establishing a production line dedicated to Missile Track Custody, and Kim and Dewald noted that having a stable satellite design for Epoch 1 will help the company in later stages of the program when it’s incorporating new capabilities.
“Throughout the recent phases . . . we kept an eye on not only ensuring we meet our Epoch 1 requirements and capabilities, but how do we put the hooks in and how do we account for being able to do refresh and mature technology in the future to meet the government’s mission needs as it develops this critical mission capability,” Dewald said. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)

 

14 Dec 23. All UK Minerva satellites to launch by 2026. All UK Space Command’s operational concept demonstrator satellites under project Minerva and part of the wider ISTARI programme will launch by 2026, Janes learnt.
The first of this – Tyche – will launch in summer 2024, while Titania and Oberon will launch in 2025 followed by Juno in 2026, Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey, commander of UK Space Command, announced at the Defence Space Conference 2023 in London on 12 December.
Project Minerva consists of various operational concept demonstrators – Titania, Tyche, Oberon, and Juno – that will be the foundation for the development of a future multisatellite ISTARI intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) constellation. (Source: Janes)

12 Dec 23. Satcom Direct confirms SD Plane Simple®Ka-band terminal is DO-160 certified. Satcom Direct, the business aviation solutions provider, has received DO-160 approval for its SD Plane Simple® Ka-band tail mount antenna, the second variant in its Plane Simple hardware series. The advanced technology terminal exclusively connects with Viasat’s Jet ConneX inflight broadband solution, powered by the Global Xpress, GX satellite constellation from its recently acquired Inmarsat business. The achievement of the industry standard follows more than 400 validation hours and confirms that the rigorous environmental testing of the avionics has been successfully completed. Tests included extensive weather, thermal, and vibration qualifications to ratify the official approval.
Customers equipping airframes with the Plane Simple Ka-band terminal will have immediate access to global coverage with the GX satellite constellation. They can later upgrade to Viasat’s full Ka-band network, including the ViaSat-3 satellites and next-generation GX satellites as they come online. This will enhance the long-term return on investment for operators adopting the next-generation terminal and ensure aircraft are future-proofed to stay aligned with evolving connectivity technologies.
The certification represents the next phase toward the terminal’s commercial service introduction. SD has confirmed its first customer and is talking with other operators keen to participate in Supplemental Type Certification (STC) generation, with the first STC expected to be confirmed by the end of Q1 2024. “This second iteration of our Plane Simple antenna technology is a game-changer for the industry as it unlocks the complete current and future performance capabilities of the Global Xpress network and minimizes beam and satellite switching time. We’re delivering the most powerful, reliable, and genuinely global connectivity to operators that depend on us to keep them connected during flight,” says SD President Chris Moore.
The flight tests, which took place on the SD Gulfstream G550 aircraft under an aircraft-specific supplemental type certificate, exceeded expectations, as seamless access to the most data-hungry applications, including high-definition video conferencing and video streaming, as well as multiple digital applications for high volumes of users travelling on mid- to large-size jets were consistently achieved.
“SD has a reputation as a technology-forward company. Its innovative approach, guided by a commitment to deliver powerful new connectivity solutions to support the very specific needs of business aviation users, is exemplified by creating the first terminal that will connect with our existing and next-generation Ka-band satellites. This pioneering vision is one that we adhere to as it adds real value to the offering. We’re pleased to be working with SD to offer customers exceptional connectivity experiences through customized Viasat service plans, including the first-ever power-by-the-hour payment option for Jet ConneX, enabling business jet operators to pay an hourly rate for inflight connectivity,” adds Kai Tang, Head of Business Aviation, Viasat.

 

12 Dec 23. Redwire Antenna Technology Enables Tactical Link 16 Transmission from Space as Company Prepares to Deliver More Antennas for a Future LEO Constellation. Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW), a leader in space infrastructure for the next generation space economy, announced today that its L-Band Link 16 Helical Antenna technology successfully demonstrated the transmission of a Link 16 signal from space. The Link 16 waveform provides a tactical advantage for the warfighter by enabling the transmission of rapid and secure communications directly to the battlefield, speeding decision-making cycles. This is a major milestone for the future development of tactical warfighter networks in space.
The antenna system was developed by Redwire for an undisclosed national security customer. Redwire was responsible for the system design, testing, manufacturing, and flight hardware deliveries of three Link 16 antennas. The antennas will enable beyond line-of-sight communications for the warfighter using the Link 16 tactical network, a military tactical data link network designed to provide warfighters operating on land, in the air, and at sea with secure, anti-jam communications.
“Redwire is proud to contribute to this transformative achievement that advances crucial capabilities for our nation’s defense,” said Redwire Space Systems President Adam Biskner. “This demonstration underscores that Redwire is delivering capabilities critical to space development that are proven and effective.”
The successful Link 16 demonstration comes as Redwire prepares to deliver more L-Band antennas to another national security customer.
These successful milestones build from Redwire’s years of antenna and RF systems development for industry and military customers. Redwire’s antennas and RF systems are manufactured in the company’s recently expanded Longmont, Colorado facility, which has a factory capacity to deliver in excess of 120 antennas per year. These antennas are part of Redwire’s rapidly growing antenna and RF payload portfolio. Redwire’s antenna technology was selected for the original pathfinder mission to demonstrate this waveform from space.
About Redwire
Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) is a global leader in mission critical space solutions and high reliability components for the next generation space economy, with valuable intellectual property for solar power generation, in-space 3D printing and manufacturing, avionics, critical components, sensors, digital engineering, and space-based biotechnology. It combines decades of flight heritage with an agile and innovative culture. The company’s “Heritage plus Innovation” strategy enables it to combine proven performance with new, innovative capabilities to provide its customers with the building blocks for the present and future of space infrastructure. For more information, please visit redwirespace.com. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

12 Dec 23. Defence Space Conference 2023: unveiling the UK’s space strategy. Government, industry, and academia unite to propel the UK’s space ambitions forward. In a “Delivering the Space Strategy Together” session at the Defence Space Conference 2023, key figures from government, industry, and academia converged to illuminate the efforts shaping the UK’s trajectory as a space nation.
The session unveiled insights from officials, emphasising the importance of unity in achieving the National Space Strategy’s goals.
Space in the UK is evolving into a strategic, multi-faceted initiative, blending the realms of science, technology, defence, regulation, trade, and diplomacy. The inaugural National Space Strategy aims to position the UK as a global strength. The focal point of the conference’s first session was to explain the cross-departmental dynamics and responsibilities necessary for the strategy’s realisation.
In 2020, the UK’s announcement of increased investment in capabilities and establishment of a Space Command signalled a positive move for the country’s space industry. However, concerns arose about the need for a comprehensive, long-term roadmap for developing domestic space system capabilities.
The UK space command was set up in April 2021 as a cross-branch unit for operations, workforce generation and capability development, outlined in GlobalData’s intelligence on the UK’s defence market.
The panel comprised representatives from key government departments, including the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and the Department for Business and Trade. Adding academic and industry perspectives were Juliana Seuss, research analyst and policy lead from RUSI, and Doug Liddle, CEO of In-Space Missions, a component of BAE Systems.
Doug Liddle emphasised the significance of proactive collaboration, stating, “Working with Government, not waiting for it,” underlining the role of industry-government synergy in cost savings.
Group Captain Dave Keighley, assistant head for Strategy and Operations in the UK MoD Space Policy Team, brought attention to the evolving threat landscape. He highlighted the widespread jamming incidents across Europe since February 2022, particularly in Baltic states, post the Ukraine invasion.
Keighley expressed concern and asserted the need for vigilance against potential disruptions from countries like China. He emphasised, “The UK can’t do it alone; allies and partners are critical to what we do.”
Joshua Broom, Head of Space at the UK Department for Business and Trade, disclosed ongoing efforts to streamline civil and defence investments in UK space. Acknowledging progress, Broom stressed the necessity to intensify these endeavours.
Juliana Seuss provided a global perspective, noting China’s consistent development since the 1990s. However, she pointed out a critical gap—China and Russia lack the strength of a private sector derived from a Western alliance, highlighting the unique advantage held by Western partners.
Since the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, rival superpowers have actively developed militarisation of Earth’s orbit. Satellites, crucial for communication and reconnaissance, have prompted the development of anti-satellite weapons (ASATs) by nations like Russia, China, and India.
As the Defence Space Conference 2023 unfolds, these insights lay the groundwork for a collaborative and strategic approach, affirming the UK’s commitment to becoming a player in space systems. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

 

11 Dec 23. Space Industry Hub strikes Japan deal. The company behind the National Space Industry Hub has signed a deal to work with a similar initiative in Japan. The MoU between local organisation Cicada Innovations and Cross-U will facilitate collaboration between members of each organisation, allowing them to access each other’s physical spaces.
Opening last year, the National Space Industry Hub in Eveleigh, Sydney, is an incubator providing a co-working space and access to mentoring, resources, and networking opportunities.
The deal has already allowed two people to travel to Tokyo to attend the Nihonbashi Space Week 2023, organised by Cross-U.
Katie Knight, the chief executive of Investment NSW, a backer of the Industry Hub, said: “By collaborating globally, companies are able to gain access to a wealth of resources, including advanced technologies, robust supply chains, and a more diverse customer base.”
The National Space Industry Hub said it has supported more than 200 space entrepreneurs and 25 start-ups since its launch and its members include Leolabs, Mawson Rovers, and the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre. Cross-U, meanwhile, has a membership that includes Toyota, Fujifilm, and Mitsubishi.
The new agreement significantly followed similar deals between the National Space Industry Hub and French aerospace hub Aerospace Valley and the Indian aerospace incubator mach33.aero.
It also came with an increasing focus on space collaboration between friendly nations.
In October, for example, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed off on a landmark deal in Washington that will allow more US satellites and rockets to blast off from Australian launch sites.
The two countries had been negotiating the “Technology Safeguards Agreement” since October 2021 and confirmation followed an in-principal understanding reached in May.
Currently, launching US spacecraft in Australia is difficult, given concerns about protecting sensitive US technology. However, the TSA will remove many of the barriers faced by firms in both countries.
PM Albanese signed the deal in Washington with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, but it still requires ratification by the Australian Parliament.
“Once it enters into force, American companies will be able to complete space launches from Australia while keeping their technology secure and adhering to our international nonproliferation commitments,” said Blinken.
“In Australia, American companies will have access to more high-quality launch sites so that they can increase the frequency of their operations.
“They’ll be closer to the equator, where the Earth spins the fastest, so their rockets get an extra boost and use less fuel. And, of course, Americans will gain some brilliant Australian colleagues.
“By opening new doors for the private sector, we’ll grow investment between our countries and help create good-paying jobs in both countries.
“And we’ll also help provide more opportunities for American and Australian firms to continue innovating and innovating together.
“Whether they’re using satellites to make GPS navigation more accurate or developing spacecraft to study the universe, these companies will help shape the future for our people, and for our planet, for decades to come.” (Source: Space Connect)

 

10 Dec 23. Belgian Commitment to Partnership Supports a New Frontier of Europe-US Space Research. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has travelled to Houston, United States, to meet Raphaël Liégeois, the Belgian career astronaut selected as part of the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut class of 2022. De Croo’s visit coincides with the ESA cohort’s familiarisation trip to NASA’s Johnson Space Centre, which is the precursor to a further two years of training, delivered in Houston, to prepare the astronauts for their respective missions on the International Space Station. The visit signals a new phase of the long-standing collaboration between Europe and the United States on space research and exemplifies Belgium’s commitment to partnerships in facing global challenges.
Belgium’s expertise in aerospace, and in science more generally, is internationally recognised – in terms of both training and industry. Belgium is a founding member of the ESA and its fifth-largest funder. The country’s support of the ESA shows its commitment to shaping the development of Europe’s space capability and ensuring that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
“For Belgians, the sky isn’t the limit, the universe is,” said De Croo. “Today, we are very proud to see Raphaël take this important step in his career as an astronaut. He will be an important role model for many generations of STEM students to come. Space research and innovation hold particular importance for Belgium; they are powerful economic drivers which foster the growth of high-tech industries and create jobs – as evidenced by the number of Belgian companies on the cutting edge of aeronautics.”
The 17 members of the ESA astronaut class of 2022 were selected from a pool of over 23,000 applicants. The process, designed to bring together the finest scientific minds that Europe has to offer, took place over a period lasting 18 months. The selection of Raphaël Liégeois is testament to Belgium’s focus on embracing openness, driven by innovation, partnerships, and diversity, to create solutions that drive progress for all. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

09 Dec 23. North Korea boasts of satellite capability, says it will launch more soon. North Korea is determined to launch more spy satellites in the near future to collect information on the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday. The satellites will be modeled after the Malligyong-1 satellite that Pyongyang launched in November, which governments in the United States, South Korea and Japan said violated U.N. Security Council resolutions.
“If necessary, they will perfectly execute the job of guiding and leading us towards a super strong strike,” the anonymous commentary said while defending space development as its right to defend itself.
The national security advisers of the U.S., South Korea and Japan are set to hold a trilateral meeting in Seoul on Saturday to discuss North Korea and other global issues.
In a separate article on KCNA, Ro Ju Hyon, who the agency described as an international affairs analyst, criticized South Korea for “reckless military aid to Ukraine.”
It cited a Washington Post article from earlier this week which reported that South Korea’s indirect provision of 155mm shells made it a “larger supplier of artillery ammunition for Ukraine than all European nations combined.”
“This is the top-class pro-U.S. act to put even the West, steeped in anti-Russia policy, into the shade,” Ro said.
North Korea has been criticized over its ties with Russia by South Korea, Japan and the U.S., who say Pyongyang is providing arms support to Moscow in return for help advancing its military capabilities.
Last month, White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. had information that indicated North Korea was covertly supplying Russia with a “significant” number of artillery shells for its war in Ukraine. (Source: Reuters)

 

10 Dec 23. US military spaceplane atop SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch delayed to Monday. The U.S. military’s secretive X-37B spaceplane which was poised for launch on Sunday on the robot craft’s seventh mission to orbit atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket has been delayed to Monday, SpaceX said on Sunday.
“SpaceX is targeting Monday, December 11 at 8:14 p.m. ET for Falcon Heavy’s launch of the USSF-52 mission to orbit from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida,” the rocket manufacturing company said in a statement.
(Source: Reuters)

 

08 Dec 23. More Nations Meet to Address Space Security. The Defense Department participated in a meeting of the Combined Space Operations Initiative Principals Board, known as CSpO, in Berlin.
The annual event, held this week, brought together DOD political and military space leadership from the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and also welcomed three new members of CSpO: Italy, Japan and Norway. The 10 members of CSpO discussed opportunities to further advance both operational cooperation and information sharing for the space domain.
Established in 2014, the initiative is a multinational partnership. Its stated mission is to generate and improve cooperation, coordination and interoperability to sustain freedom of action in space, optimize resources, enhance mission assurance and resilience, and deter conflict.
Defense leaders discussed the emerging security challenges and explored ways to cooperate to prevent conflict in space.
The nations’ representatives emphasized the need to continue to promote a rules-based international order and responsible behavior in space, while collaboratively addressing challenges to the safety and security of space-related operations.
Participants from the U.S. included John Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy; Space Force Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations; and Army Gen. James Dickinson, commander of U.S. Space Command.
“Cooperation with our allies and partners is essential to promoting responsible space operations and protecting our interests in the domain. Expanding this cooperation in the space domain is one of my top priorities, and I was extremely proud to have Italy, Japan and Norway participate at the principals’ board for the first time. Through CSpO, we will collectively work to reinforce the safety, security, stability and long-term sustainability of space,” Plumb said.
“The CSpO Initiative is an important forum for improving coordination and integration while striving toward combined space operations. We appreciate the opportunity to meet with our allies and find avenues to optimize resources and build resilience,” Dickinson said.
“The U.S. Space Force is committed to deterring conflict and reinforcing the security of the space domain,” said Saltzman. “Our partnerships are strengthened through CSpO, and this coalition of like-minded nations enhances our ability to address the complex challenges we collectively face.” (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ US Department of Defense;)

 

08 Dec 23. Space Development Agency’s LEO Constellation to Deliver New Combat Capabilities. Space Development Agency Providing Capability to Warfighters. The development goal of the Defense Department’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control, or JADC2, is to connect sensors to shooters to targets, as well as communications connecting Link 16 radios across the military services globally.
For JADC2 to work, a system of satellites is needed.
Derek M. Tournear, director of the Space Development Agency, or SDA, who is tasked in partnership with industry, with getting those satellites in orbit, spoke virtually today at a National Security Space Association event.
SDA has two capabilities it promises to deliver to warfighters, he said.
The first is beyond line-of-sight targeting for moving targets, he said. For example, if there’s a hostile ship or mobile missile launcher, it needs to be detected and tracked and a shooter needs to calculate a fire-control solution. It all needs to happen in near real time from space.
The second capability is very similar to that of the first capability, but the targets are different. Instead of mobile missile launchers or ships, an adversary’s hypersonic glide vehicle or advanced missile needs to be detected in flight and tracked, and a fire-control solution calculated and executed in near-real time, Tournear said.
SDA is building these capabilities on two main pillars, he said.
Pillar one is proliferation. “We’re not going to do this with a handful of very exquisite satellites. We’re going to do this with hundreds and hundreds of satellites that are in a low Earth orbit. Now a lot of people are starting to accept that that is the future of space and space capabilities — proliferation in low Earth orbit,” he said.
“Not only are we doing that, but the commercial industry, which we’re tailing off of, is clearly starting to build up more and more proliferation in low Earth orbit,” Tournear added.
Pillar two is spiral development. To get those capabilities as quickly as possible, it’s not going to happen by waiting 15 years to reach full capability, he said.
Spiral development, he explained, is buying and fielding satellites about every year or two in tranches, planned from now to the end of this decade. Every year, there should be commercial, state-of-the-art technological advances, called spiral development, so that satellites in follow-on tranches will field even better capability.
This year is the first tranche, called tranche 0. In April, SDA successfully put 10 satellites in orbit. In September, SDA delivered an additional 13 satellites, with more to follow soon. In November, SDA successfully completed the demonstration of the first-ever Link 16 network entry connection from low Earth orbit to ground, he said.
Tranche 0 doesn’t have enough satellites yet to be used in a combat setting, but troops can use this limited capability in demonstrations, training and exercises, he said.
Tranche 1, slated for September 2024, will enable initial warfighting capability with up to 161 satellites operational, he said.
Tranche 2 launches will begin in 2026, and tranche 3 will launch in September 2028, and tranche 4 in 2030, with ever-increasing capability for warfighters such as sustained capability and eventual autonomous operations by tranche 4, he said. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/)

 

08 Dec 23. Rocket Lab Signs Deal to Launch South Korean Satellite. KAIST’s NeonSat-1 will launch as the primary payload on an Electron rideshare mission with NASA in the first half of 2024.
Long Beach, California. December 7, 2023 – Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has signed a launch services agreement to launch an Earth observation satellite for the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) on a rideshare mission in the first half of 2024.
KAIST’s NeonSat-1 will be the primary payload on an Electron rideshare mission that will also deploy NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, or ACS3 satellite. The mission will lift-off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.
“2024 is shaping up to be our busiest launch year yet with a fully booked manifest of Electron missions,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. “By combining this mission with the launch of NASA’s ACS3 spacecraft, we’ve been able to provide KAIST with a launch opportunity on short notice to help them reach orbit faster. It’s a privilege to be working with the KAIST team and we are thrilled to be providing them with timely and affordable launch services on Electron.”
Jae-Hung Han, Director General of the Satellite Technology Research Center (SaTReC) at KAIST said: “We highly anticipate collaborating with Rocket Lab for a successful launch of our first satellite of the NEONSAT microsatellite constellation program.”
NeonSat-1 is a high-resolution optical satellite that will be deployed as a technology demonstration for a planned future Earth observation constellation. KAIST is Korea’s leading science and technology institution, having developed and operated Korea’s very first satellite KAIST when it was successfully launched more than 30 years ago. In addition to being launched by Electron, KAIST’s NeonSat-1 will use Rocket Lab’s MLB satellite separation system in the Company’s latest demonstration of its vertically integrated space systems strategy.
(Source: ASD Network)

 

04 Dec 23. SpaceX’s two launches in a weekend and plans for Falcon Heavy’s test for U.S. Space Force. Making for a a busy weekend, on Saturday, December 2 at 11:00 p.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The Starlink 6-31 mission made it SpaceX’s second launch in less than 40 hours. There was concern from the U.S. Space Force meteorologists about the potential for ‘rocket-trigger’ lightning from thick cloud layers and cumulus clouds as well as a low to moderate risk of upper level wind shear posing a threat. The favorable result was a thin layer of cloud cover in the sky over Cape Canaveral.
This was the sixth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-6, SES O3b mPOWER, and now four Starlink missions landing in the Atlantic on the recovery vessel named “Doug”.
The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle sits on the runway at Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility after returning from its sixth mission on November 12, 2022. Image: U.S. Space Force
The rest of the week promises to be busy as there will be a static fire test on Sunday in anticipation of the USSF-52 mission launch scheduled for a week later on December 10 making it the first time the Falcon Heavy has been used to launch the U.S. military’s X-37B spaceplane. No date has been set for the launch window. (Source: Satnews)

 

01 Dec 23. Tata Advanced Systems + Satellogic Sign strategic contract to build satellites in India. The project will commence with comprehensive training, knowledge transfer, and local assembly of optical, sub-meter, resolution EO satellites, the first of which is planned to be launched as TSAT-1A. The focus will be on manufacturing satellites and developing imagery in India for national defense and commercial applications, toward which TASL is commissioning a satellite AIT plant at its Vemagal facility in Karnataka.
TASL and Satellogic will collaborate on the development of a new satellite design and work together to integrate multiple payloads on a single satellite that will generate a diverse range of data over India. This contract marks Satellogic’s second Space Systems customer, following an agreement with an international space agency.
“Space is important to TASL not just as a business but also due to its culture of precision that will help other activities in TASL. We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Satellogic, a company with best-in-class technology and an entrepreneurial mindset. Additionally, TASL will also work with local SMEs for payloads and other technologies to bolster India content.” — Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TASL
“One of our core values at Satellogic is accessibility. This collaboration will accelerate space capacity building for one of the largest nations in the world with the goal of enabling the advancement of commercial space capabilities and greater access to critical information for a range of applications such as security, sustainability, and energy,” stated . “It’s a great example of what’s possible via the Satellogic Space Systems program.” — Emiliano Kargieman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Satellogic. (Source: Satnews)

 

03 Dec 23. Marlink adds Starlink + Eutelsat OneWeb to PONANT hybrid network for 1st triple LEO North Pole service.
The installation is the first in the maritime sector to combine Marlink’s Sealink GEO VSAT, with Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Iridium LEO services. The agreement with PONANT reflects Marlink’s leadership in combining guaranteed throughput VSAT services with the emerging high speed, low latency LEO services.
The combination of three primary services means that PONANT can select the backbone VSAT for data that requires a guaranteed throughput and in addition enjoy augmented polar coverage using Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Iridium LEO services. Together Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb will enable higher speed connections across a range of applications, raising the available throughput and reducing latency for guests and crew usage onboard.
Leveraging Marlink’s expertise in smart hybrid networks, the bandwidth delivered by GEO VSAT, LEO networks and 4G/5G services will facilitate seamless collaboration between the ship’s bridge, engineering crew and shore teams, and enhance connectivity to friends and family, thanks to Marlink’s SD-WAN-orchestrated connectivity.
A hybrid electric Polar exploration vessel powered by Liquefied Natural Gas; Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s only luxury icebreaking cruiseship. With 123 staterooms and luxury service, this innovative polar vessel takes passengers to the remotest, most isolated regions of the polar world, such as the geographic North Pole, the Weddell Sea, the Ross Sea and Peter I Island. She is an integral member of PONANT’s fleet, which comprises 13, French-flagged small ships dedicated to voyages of exploration.
“PONANT is dedicated to innovation in all aspects of our operations, both for our company and our customers. The need for top-tier connectivity remains paramount, even when operating in high altitudes and extreme weather conditions. Marlink’s capability to integrate the best available connectivity across various bands and frequencies allows us to keep Le Commandant Charcot connected, ensuring the safety of our guests and crew.” — Jean-Louis Cambert, CIO, PONANT
“Marlink is delighted to extend the solution orchestrated for PONANT to include Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb, giving Le Commandant Charcot the unique combination of available services to stay connected wherever she sails. Our expertise in creating digital hybrid solutions means these new services can provide immediate guest benefits while also contributing to safe and smart vessel operations.” — Tore Morten Olsen, President, Maritime, Marlink. (Source: Satnews)

 

07 Dec 23. iLaunch Trailblazer revolutionizing optics for EO. Through the iLAuNCH Trailblazer, the University of South Australia (UniSA) with VPG Innovation and SMR, Australia will mature and space qualify a new optical manufacturing process and materials for space flight applications and demonstrate the technology in a camera that can use this new manufacturing capability.
An emerging optics technology, called freeform optics, is now possible due to the emergence of suitable additive manufacturing technologies — as their name implies, these optics are free from any constraints of symmetry in their form and shape. Freeform optics, 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.
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 LEO 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.
The project partners, both Adelaide-based, 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.
“This project demonstrates what iLAuNCH is all about, taking a 2021 Defence Innovation Partnership (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 application.” 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. We are developing an optical grade finish on additive material substrates for optical components for satellites. We will also demonstrate a coating system for reflective optical components for space applications.” — UniSA Senior Research Fellow, Dr. Kamil Zube.
“With Australia developing new space capabilities and small satellite platforms, it is at the forefront of those developments, including the rising trend towards nanosatellite platforms. The iLAuNCH Trailblazer, in partnership with UNISQ, UniSA, Stärke-AMG, and SMR Australia, is an innovative journey pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing to revolutionise emerging freeform optics technology. We firmly believe in the transformative power of additive manufacturing and its potential to positively reshape the manufacturing industry. We are proud to be leading those efforts that will enable innovative satellite optics design and manufacturing for Earth observation and other critical applications. Together, we are enabling a future where freeform optics will redefine the possibilities of space missions.” — Co-Founder and Group CEO, Stärke-AMG, Al Jawhari.
“We are thrilled to be part of the iLAuNCH Trailblazer project alongside the University of South Australia and Stärke-AMG. Over a decade of collaboration has shown that the synergy between UniSA’s research and Motherson’s manufacturing prowess leads to outcomes greater than the sum of its parts. The addition of Stärke-AMG’s innovation focus will ensure that this venture not only propels South Australia into a key role in space technology but also exemplifies the true essence of collaboration. Our combined efforts will redefine the possibilities in additive manufacturing and freeform optics, promising a transformative impact on the future of space exploration. As we contribute our advanced injection moulding and coating expertise to the project, we are not just advancing technology but shaping a future where South Australia becomes synonymous with cutting-edge value-added manufacturing.” — Dr. Bastian Stoehr, SMR Australia, Senior Design Engineer, Advanced Surface Technology. (Source: Satnews)

 

01 Dec 23. GlobalSat Group partners with Rivada to bring The OuterNET™ to LATAM. Globalsat Group is partnering with Rivada Space Networks to provide access to a next-generation data network for customers in the energy, government, NGO, agriculture, utilities and transportation sectors throughout the Americas and beyond.
Globalsat offers mobile and other satellite services and provides specialized voice, data, M2M/IoT, software, and hardware throughout the Americas since 1999. Most customers use these services where life or infrastructure are at stake or exceptional circumstances when or where other connectivity networks cannot operate reliably or at all.
The increasing demand for resilient connectivity is fast outpacing the current infrastructure used to carry it in terms of latency, bandwidth, speed and security.
Rivada’s global, low-latency, point-to-point connectivity network of 600 LEO satellites, the OuterNETTM is a next-generation architecture that combines inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard processing that provide unique routing and switching capabilities to create an optical mesh network in space. This approach to “orbital networking,” in which data stays in space from origin to destination, creates an ultra-secure satellite network with global coverage, offering end-to-end latencies much lower than terrestrial fiber over similar long distances. By routing traffic on a physically separated network, it provides a layer of defense for any organization that needs to securely share data over a large distribution of sites.
Globalsat Group will add Rivada’s OuterNETTM seamless connectivity to its roster of mission-critical solutions, as an option to ramp up performance and increase customer efficiency. This connectivity is particularly well suited to remote geographic installation use cases requiring real-time applications and monitoring regardless of location, when high bandwidth, reduced latency and improved security are required.
Rivada’s OuterNETTM will solve essential connectivity and challenges and open up new opportunities for business communications globally. The first satellite launch is set for 2025, with global service starting in 2026.
“Rivada’s OuterNETTM will deliver ultra-secure and reliable connectivity anywhere in the world and is particularly relevant for business and government operations within our footprint. We are very excited with this partnership, which will allow our current and future customers to access the enormous improvements this unique LEO constellation will provide over legacy infrastructure, as we strive to develop new technologies and services that enhance our customers’ experience and improve their ability to operate in remote and challenging environments.” — Alberto Palacios, CEO, Globalsat
“We are delighted to be working with such an innovative company as Globalsat and honored to be chosen as their enterprise grade LEO operator for Latin America. The OuterNETTM, a completely new type of LEO constellation, allows satellites to go beyond their traditional role of ‘gap-filler’ and this fully inter-connected space network, independent of terrestrial infrastructure, is rapidly becoming the network of choice for resilient and secure communications.” — Declan Ganley, CEO, Rivada Space Networks
Rivada Space Networks GmbH is deploying the first true OuterNETTM a global low latency point-to-point connectivity network of LEO satellites. By connecting its satellites with lasers, Rivada Space Networks will provide resellers and B2B customers with the ability to securely connect any two points on the globe with low latency and high bandwidth. The constellations, comprising 600 low-earth-orbit communications satellites, will represent a fundamental change in the availability of secure, global, end-to-end enterprise-grade connectivity for Telecom, Enterprise, Maritime, Energy and Government Services markets. Rivada Space Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rivada Networks, Inc.. (Source: Satnews)

 

04 Dec 23. Zenno’s superconducting technology opens a universe of new possibilities in space. Zenno’s Z01 SuperTorquer lifted off into space on December 1, 2023, at 10:19 a.m. (PT) on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, “Korea 425” mission, from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, hosted on an orbital transfer vehicle from D-Orbit, a leader in space logistics. D-Orbit’s ION Satellite Carrier deployed after lift-off into a 560 km Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) on its “Beyond” mission. D-Orbit will perform orbital demonstrations of Z01, integrated into its satellite carrier, during the mission.
Zenno recently formed a special commercial partnership with D-Orbit to collaborate on the development of new space products and services using superconducting electromagnets – including practical solutions for the first fuel-free desaturation of reaction wheels in high-altitude orbits and radiation shielding of hardware using superconducting electromagnets.
“The future has arrived as superconducting technology opens up a universe of new possibilities and accelerates the shift towards more dynamic operations. Z01 is a compelling innovation for satellite manufacturers and operators who want to deliver new capability and drive greater productivity from missions, now; it’s a powerful fuel-free source of force in space that is sustainable, safe, scalable, fully electric and superior to existing technology options. Our first Z01 product is designed to control the attitude of a spacecraft in orbit – enabling fuel-free maneuvering, a world-first. The Z01 single and Z01 3-axis dipole systems offer significantly lower size, weight and power cost benefits compared with the traditional magnetorquers they replace. Z01’s capability is fully scalable and unlocks yet-to-be-explored advancements for satellite mission length, productivity gains and expansion into space. Fully magnetic satellite agility is just the start.” — Zenno co-founder and CEO, Max Arshavsky
“We congratulate Zenno on a milestone day for their Z01 technology as it embarks on its in-orbit validation on board our ION Satellite Carrier on our 13th commercial mission. This day is a step forward in our collaboration with Zenno, as together, we are committed to developing innovation to help the space industry accelerate the development of more affordable, sustainable and high-performance spacecraft.” — D-Orbit founder and CEO, Luca Rossettini. (Source: Satnews)
————————————————————————-
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.
————————————————————————