09 May 24. Alleged Russian jamming of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) is nothing new. Deliberate disruption of GNSS Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) signals came to light from 2015. That year, Russia deployed her forces to help shore up the embattled dictator Bashir al-Assad as Syria descended into civil war. Interference to PNT signals had been noted in the locale around Russia’s military deployment to Khmeimim airbase in northern Syria. Russian forces there appear to have deployed GNSS jammers as force protection assets. Surrounding the base with PNT jamming hampers any GNSS-guided weapons aimed at the base. The jamming may also help prevent Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) flying near the deployment. UAVs often use GNSS PNT signals to aid their navigation.
April saw an apparent uptick in reports of GNSS jamming in the Baltic. This is not new. The area has witnessed GNSS disruption which is thought to come from Russia’s Baltic Kaliningrad exclave. Once again, force protection appears to be the motivation. The Russian military is emphatic that strategic and military targets in Kaliningrad must be protected against GNSS-guided weapons and UAVs. This need has arguably intensified since Ukraine began striking targets inside Russian with UAVs. A second jammer has been traced by jamming experts to be in an area between the Russo-Estonian border and Russia’s northwestern city of St. Petersburg. In late April, the severity of the jamming caused Finnair to cancel flights between the Estonian city of Tartu, in the southeast of the country, and Helsinki.
That Russia wants to protect strategic and military targets against attack is understandable but becomes irresponsible when this protection could threaten civil aviation safety. So far, the jamming has caused some disruption and nuisance. Thankfully, airliners are not only reliant on GNSS for navigation. That Finnair cancelled services because of Russia’s actions indicates these are a cause for concern from a safety perspective. If, heavens forbid, Russia’s GNSS jamming cause a disaster this could potentially plunge an already strained Moscow-NATO relationship to new depths.
NATO, and the international community, must make clear to Russia that this irresponsible PNT signal jamming must stop immediately. Should it continue, and should the worst happen, Moscow must be under no illusion that this would warrant a response which could take several forms: For example, a devastating cyberattack may be able to put these powerful Tobol GNSS jammers out of action. Mr. Putin must also be under no illusions that the response could include conventional kinetic strikes against the jammers should this be deemed necessary. (Source: Armada)
09 May 24. Competition in the Cosmos. The Secure World Foundation’s annual Global Counterspace Capabilities report provides a detailed overview of the kinetic, electronic and cyber counterspace efforts of twelve major actors.
A recent report on global counterspace capabilities details space electronic warfare efforts ongoing around the world.
The publication of the Secure World Foundation’s (SWF) annual Global Counterspace Capabilities report is an eagerly-awaited event in the Armada office. The SWF “envisions the secure, sustainable and peaceful uses of outer space contributing to global stability and benefits on Earth” in the organisation’s own words. Global Counterspace Capabilities has been published annually by the foundation since 2018. Co-edited by Brian Weedon and Victoria Samson, the report “assesses the current and near-term future (counterspace) capabilities” for each country under the report’s purview.
United States
Of particular interest are the report’s findings regarding counterspace Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities. Broadly speaking, the report notes that the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Russia and the United States have, or are pursuing, significant EW capabilities with applicability to the space domain. Australia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), France, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United Kingdom are pursuing similar capabilities in some shape or form.
US space EW capabilities are assessed as having enjoyed significant research, development and testing in recent years, and to have been used operationally in conflict. Most notable of these capabilities is the L3Harris Counterspace Communications System (CCS). The CCS is the only acknowledged offensive counterspace capability of the United States and is used to attack Satellite Communications (SATCOM) receivers. Australia is moving forward with a purchase of a single CCS example from the US. The report also cites counter Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology being developed in the US to attack Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) signals.
Russia
Russia has accrued significant space EW research, development and testing experience, and has deployed counter-space electronic warfare capabilities operationally. Several Armada articles have chronicled counter-space EW systems in operational use with the Russian military. The report warns that the Russian government “may be developing high-powered space-based EW platforms to augment its existing ground-based platforms.” Eventual deployment of these systems dovetails with wider Russian strategic, operational and tactical doctrines. “Russian military thinkers see modern warfare as a struggle over information dominance and net-centric operations that can often take place in domains without clear boundaries and contiguous operating areas.” The report’s authors say that “Russia is pursuing lofty goals of incorporating EW capabilities throughout its military to both protect its own space-enabled capabilities and degrade or deny those capabilities to its adversary.” From a research and development perspective, one capability Russia is believed to be interested is “high-powered space-based EW platforms.”
The PRC and India
PRC space EW capabilities are more mysterious with research, development and testing underway although no operational deployment is believed to have occurred: “Chinese military doctrine places a heavy emphasis on electronic warfare” as part of a broader information warfare posture. The PRC is said to be an enthusiastic user of GNSS jamming possessing both fixed and mobile systems. Some of these systems, the report continues, may have been deployed on Mischief Reef. The reef forms part of the Spratly Islands archipelago in the South China Sea. Possession of the archipelago is disputed by several regional actors. GNSS jamming has also been recorded in the vicinity of Shanghai on the East China Sea coast.
In contrast India is thought to be performing some space EW research, development and testing work. Indian Army EW systems like the Bharat Electronics Limited Himshakti, may jam SATCOM. Open sources say Himshakti can detect and jam emissions across a 500 megahertz/MHz to 40 gigahertz/GHz waveband. Australia, for her part, is moving ahead with Defence Project 9358. Launched in July 2021, this initiative is developing a ground-based, counter-space EW capability.
Middle East and Asia Pacific
Looking towards the Middle East both Iran and Israel are pursuing space EW research, development and testing. Whereas Israel’s space EW capabilities are thought to be operational it is less clear whether this is the case for Iran. The report does say that “Iran has demonstrated an EW capability to persistently interfere with the broadcast of commercial satellite signals.” Nonetheless, “its capacity to interfere with military signals is difficult to ascertain.” In October 2022, French television satellite operator Eutelsat accused the government of Iran of jamming two of its satellites. Such actions would suggest Iran can jam C-band (3.7GHz to 4.2GHz downlink) and Ku-band (10.9GHz to 12.75GHz downlink) terminals receiving signals in these wavebands from the Eutelsat constellation.
The government of Israel has been accused of jamming GNSS Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) signals. Reports have said that Israel deploys PNT jamming to frustrate attacks using GNSS-guided weapons and uninhabited aerial vehicles launched against targets in the country from the Gaza Strip. The strip, on the eastern Mediterranean, was controlled the Hamas Islamist insurgent organisation. PNT jamming has been evident since Israel began operations in Gaza after the Hamas attacks of 7th October.
Asia-Pacific
The DPRK, Japan and the ROK are all developing counter-space EW capabilities, the former performing significant research in this regard. The DPRK has been noted as using GNSS jamming against civilian PNT signals in the vicinity of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). The DMZ is the de facto border between the DPRK and the Republic of Korea. As for the ROK, “the South Korean Air Force is working on EW counterspace capabilities that can be used to deter or counter adversary space capabilities.”
Ms. Samson says that counterspace EW is attractive to nations as ““kinetic and destructive counter-space weapons are just not usable.” Risks of uncontrolled and uncontrollable space debris, and potential political fallout, can make kinetic counter-space weapons hard to deploy, Ms. Samson observers. “Kinetic space weapons are a weapon of last resort.” Conversely, “jamming and cyber counterspace weapons are seen as very useful counterspace capabilities.” Unlike kinetic counterspace weapons where it may be relatively easy to determine the perpetrator, space electronic warfare can be harder to attribute: “Jamming is more feasible to use vis-à-vis kinetic counterspace weapons,” Ms. Samson adds. Space EW capabilities may also be comparatively less expensive to acquire and operate. Expect another Global Counterspace Capabilities report in 2025 with more useful space EW updates. (Source: Armada)
08 May 24. Exolaunch to Deploy Poland’s Largest-Ever Satellite; Wins Contract with Creotech Instruments.
- Exolaunch and Creotech Instruments signed an agreement for launch and deployment services of Poland’s EagleEye satellite, slated to launch in mid-2024.
Exolaunch, global leader in launch mission management, integration, and satellite deployment services, announces a new partnership with Creotech Instruments, a publicly-traded leading satellite and space components manufacturer based in Poland. After winning the public tender, Exolaunch will manage the upcoming launch and deployment services for Creotech’s “EagleEye” satellite, Poland’s first and largest satellite yet, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s space exploration efforts.
The EagleEye satellite, Creotech’s first microsatellite, is an important payload that is set to advance Poland’s presence and capabilities in space, and will be launched during the Transporter-11 mission with SpaceX in mid-2024. Creotech Instruments has been working on the EagleEye observation satellite project since 2020. The EagleEye project is part of a program financed by the National Center for Research and Development, with contributions from the Space Research Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Scanway. Weighing approximately 50 kilograms, the EagleEye satellite is based on Creotech’s proprietary HyperSat platform, designed to support a wide range of missions, from technological and scientific to observation and telecommunications, including deep space projects. The satellite will be equipped with an optical telescope, further enhancing its capabilities.
This agreement marks the first partnership between Creotech and Exolaunch. The EagleEye microsatellite will be deployed using Exolaunch’s reliable and flight-proven 15-inch CarboNIX separation ring system. This deployment mechanism ensures precise and efficient satellite separation, contributing to the overall success of the mission. Through this collaboration, Creotech will not only utilize Exolaunch’s innovative CarboNIX hardware, but will also receive Exolaunch’s comprehensive launch services package, including end-to-end mission management expertise and integration services.
“The partnership with Exolaunch marks a significant milestone for the EagleEye project. We fully trust our partner and are delighted to collaborate with a global leader in coordinating launch missions. We believe this partnership will help us achieve the ambitious objectives of the EagleEye mission, which is pivotal not only for our organization but also for the development of the Polish space sector. Exolaunch plays a critical role in this venture and is instrumental in guaranteeing the success of the entire mission,” said Grzegorz Brona, President of the Management Board of Creotech Instruments S.A. “The launch of Poland’s EagleEye satellite represents a watershed moment for Creotech Instruments, bringing immense satisfaction as we steer such a complex and significant project to completion,” he added.
“The EagleEye satellite represents a significant advancement in Poland’s space capabilities, being the first designed and built Polish satellite with a mass over 50kg. Our team is delighted to partner with Creotech Instruments on this landmark mission to be launched through SpaceX’s Transporter rideshare program,” said Hugh MacLellan, senior mission manager at Exolaunch. “We are steadfast in our commitment to enable access to space for new, strong players in the European NewSpace industry and are excited to play a part in Poland’s thriving space activities.”
(Source: ASD Network)
07 May 24. Rocket Lab Completes Archimedes Engine Build, Begins Engine Test Campaign. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has completed the first full assembly of its Archimedes engine, the new 3D printed, reusable, rocket engine for the Company’s Neutron medium lift launch vehicle. Rocket Lab has now begun an intensive test campaign that will feature a number of engine system activations leading up to a first Archimedes hot-fire.
The Archimedes test campaign will take place at Rocket Lab’s dedicated engine test stand at America’s largest rocket propulsion test site, NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. As an oxidizer rich staged combustion cycle powered by liquid oxygen and methane, Archimedes is a unique rocket engine of its thrust class, engine cycle, and propellant combination. The engine is designed for maximum reusability, with an operating point that allows the engine to operate at a lower stress levels comparative to other rocket engines on the market, and with a minimum reuse target of up to 20 launches per engine. At full power, each Archimedes engine is capable of producing 165,000 lbf (733 kilonewtons) for a combined total of 1,450,000 m lbf on Neutron’s first stage. Critical 3D printed parts to undergo testing include Archimedes’ turbo pump housings, pre-burner and main chamber components, valve housings, and engine structural components.
Many component, subsystem, and all-up system tests will be conducted throughout the test campaign. These tests will validate Archimedes’ transient start-up, steady-state, and shut down performance. The engine test and development campaign is a key driver of the schedule for Neutron’s first launch, which the Company today confirmed is now expected to take place no earlier than mid-2025.
“Having a completed Archimedes engine on the test stand is an inflection point in Neutron’s development program. Now we’ve entered the home stretch where we breathe fire and refine the engine in preparation for first flight,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. “Often with engine development plans there can be a rush to get a minimum viable product to the stand, after which you have to spend years in redesign and iterative testing to get the performance you need, let alone being able to reproduce it reliably on a large production scale. What we’ve taken to the test stand is very close to a flight-like engine, and with all of our production infrastructure stood up alongside the engine’s development, we’re in a prime position to be able to make quick iterations to Archimedes for a rapid development and qualification campaign. We took the time to not only bring a mature design to the stand that has been thoroughly tested at component level, but to also stand up the experienced team, manufacturing line, and test facilities required to support long term production of Archimedes. This approach has ultimately pushed the first flight to mid-2025 at the earliest, but it’s an approach we believe will deliver the frequent flight rates the market needs quickly after flight one. Designing a brand-new rocket engine to meet the market demand for frequent and reliable launch is complex feat, but it’s something we’ve successfully done before, having launched more than 470 Rutherford engines to space. We look forward to repeating this success with Archimedes.”
Production of subsequent Archimedes engines is continuing in parallel with the ongoing test campaign, with long-lead 3D printed components already manufactured and undergoing checkouts and analysis ahead of integration and engine full assembly at Rocket Lab’s Engine Development Complex in Long Beach, California.
Additional recent milestones on the path to first Neutron launch include the completion of carbon composite flight structures for Neutron’s fairing panels, Stage 1 and Stage 2 tanks, and the reusable Stage 1 structure. Infrastructure development is also continuing at pace across Neutron’s dedicated launch site at Wallops Island, Virginia, with completed foundation concrete works for Neutron’s launch mount and propellant and gas storage facilities, and installation of the site’s 278 ft water tower.
About the Archimedes engine
Archimedes is the 3D printed, reusable rocket engine designed and manufactured by Rocket Lab to power the Company’s new Neutron rocket. Capable of lifting up to 13,000kg, Archimedes is an oxygen-rich staged combustion engine powered by liquid oxygen and methane that is designed for rapid reusability. Neutron will include nine Archimedes engines on its reusable first stage for a total combined thrust of 1,450,000 lbf. The single vacuum-optimized version of Archimedes on Neutron’s second stage shares all major components with the first stage engine and is capable of up to 202,300 lbf (900kN). Both versions of Archimedes are designed for multiple restarts, with the vacuum Archimedes designed to start up to six times while in space to perform complex orbital maneuevers for payload delivery in multiple orbits or more complex orbits.
Archimedes is intentionally designed to operate within medium-range capability, a choice that lowers thermal and operational strains across the engine to improve its life and reliability, and meet the rapid reusability requirements of Neutron.
Full-rate production of the Archimedes engines will take place at Rocket Lab’s Engine Development Complex at its headquarters in Long Beach, California. (Source: ASD Network)
06 May 24. Satcom Direct Government and U.S. Space Systems Command renew agreement supporting strategic U.S. Navy E-6B mission. SD Government (SDG), the satellite communications provider for global governments, and the U.S. Space Systems Command have renewed a contract confirming that SDG will continue providing satellite communications and other services to the U.S. Navy Boeing E-6B Mercury fleet. The contract extends the existing 10-year SDG relationship with the U.S. Navy E-6B community for another five years.
SDG will continue to deliver flight deck datalink connectivity through the SD FlightDeck Freedom® service and support the use of SD Pro®, the digital flight operations system, along with the provision of SwiftBroadband and support for the Global One Number, which enables direct tail to command voice connectivity to each of the U.S. Navy Boeing E-6B Mercury aircraft. Routinely deploying from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, to other bases in the U.S. and overseas, SDG provides the fleet with 24/7/365 global support to ensure reliable operations, provide on-site training for members of the forces and anticipate and resolve any service or equipment challenges.
The ongoing agreement also simplifies the purchasing process with the SDG team using its extensive knowledge, proven track record and experience of working with the E-6B professionals to streamline the definition, acquisition, and implementation of new services.
The renewed contract, worth $5.5 m, builds on long-standing SDG and U.S. Navy relationships. SD Head of Government Hayden Olson says: “Our customers appreciate the extensive support, tailored services and technology-forward products which have evolved into a reliable, secure suite of services they can rely upon. We have also created solid relationships with the E-6B fleet, which underpins our ability to continue supporting its very specific needs. Most importantly, the fleet can operate missions of national strategic importance with the confidence that SDG is consistently supporting them with expected services and the ability to meet emerging, dynamic requirements during deployment.”
The E-6B flies two primary missions critical to national security. In its traditional TACAMO (Take Command And Move Out) role, the E-6B maintains communication links between the National Command Authority and U.S. Navy ballistic missile submarines. Since 1998, the E-6B has also flown as a command post, primarily providing survivable Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications between the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, and U.S. Strategic Command.
03 May 24. RTX’s new generation of commercial satellite imagers launches with Maxar’s WorldView Legion. Two next-generation imaging instruments designed by Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, launched yesterday as part of Maxar’s WorldView Legion satellites. These are the first two of six planned WorldView Legion satellites, which will provide a significant leap forward in Earth observation capabilities, offering improved surveillance and monitoring for a wide range of applications.
Positioned in low Earth orbit, the satellites will provide the highest commercially available resolution, and when all six join the Maxar Intelligence constellation, they will enable a revisit rate of up to 15 times per day over the most populated parts of Earth. These WorldView Legion satellites will support applications across multiple sectors, including national security, military and commercial mapping, maritime monitoring, telecommunications network planning, change detection and feature identification.
“Raytheon’s advanced instrument technology sets a new industry standard, providing 30cm high-resolution satellite imagery that enables WorldView Legion to fulfill today’s customer needs and adapt to the evolving needs of tomorrow,” said Nicholas Yiakas, director of Civil, Commercial, and Special Programs for Raytheon.
Raytheon’s innovative telescope design is the culmination of 15 years of research and development into a novel optical material that is stronger and lighter than previous designs. As part of the effort, Raytheon received 8 patents with the U.S. Patent Office. The combination of lighter optics and electronics allowed Maxar to successfully reduce spacecraft mass by more than two times, reducing time to orbit and launch costs.
The high-resolution image is focused onto a next-generation digital focal plane array designed and built by Raytheon to provide high-resolution multispectral images.
The satellite imagery collected by WorldView Legion will aid in assessing humanitarian needs, providing aid to natural disasters and businesses with transformational capabilities including mapping and logistical planning, insights to world events and supporting national defense.
(Source: PR Newswire)
06 May 24. Requtech AB, a leader in satellite communication technology, announces it will host a special launch event with strategic partner, Network Innovations US & UK Government, at SOF Week 2024 in Tampa. The highly robust RESA M Ku phased array terminal engineered for rugged dependability and high performance, ensuring connectivity under extreme conditions has previously been shown in protype format.
- The SOF Week exclusive event will feature live demonstrations of the Requtech RESA phased array terminal in North America for the first time.
- At the joint event, Network Innovations will highlight their Mult Transport, RF Surveying and Exfiltration solutions.
The Requtech RESA M Ku terminal has previously completed successful validation testing of its state- in both Geostationary Earth Orbit and Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
With customers in 35 countries, Requtech is providing armed forces, governmental agencies, and blue light operations around the world with high-performance SATCOM terminals based on cutting-edge on-the-move technology for LEO, GEO and MEO constellations. Requtech’s modular, lightweight, and low power consumption terminal technology is highly adaptable, providing optimal performance in both portable and on-the-move scenarios.
02 May 24. SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later
On Thursday, May 2 at 11:36 a.m. PT, Falcon 9 launched the Maxar 1 mission to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The next evolution of Maxar’s industry-leading constellation, WorldView Legion is a fleet of high-performance satellites that will dramatically expand the ability to revisit the most rapidly changing areas on Earth to better inform critical, time-sensitive decisions. From defense and intelligence to living maps for navigation, WorldView Legion satellite imagery will support valuable missions — at unmatched speed, quality and scale with:
— Up to 15 revisits per day
— 30 cm-class resolution
— <1.5 m RMSE accuracy
— 5 m sq km daily collection capacity
This was the 20th launch of this booster, which previously supported the launch of Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, ISI EROS C-3, Korea 425, and nine Starlink missions. (Source: Satnews)
03 May 24. First Koonibba Test Range launch hailed a success. The first blast off from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range since its upgrade was hailed a success after the rocket lifted off at 2:40pm on Friday and was recovered.
The launch of German manufacturer HyImpulse’s SR75 rocket is a hugely significant moment for Australia’s space sector and paves the way for future blast offs from the site in Ceduna, SA.
Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said his team were proud to have been part of the “historic” mission.
“The Koonibba Test Range is world-class and hosting this mission has demonstrated the outstanding expertise and experience of the Southern Launch and HyImpulse teams,” he said.
The facility is designed to test rockets and payloads by blasting them into suborbital space before they return to Earth on the same site. It’s uniquely a joint venture between the launch firm and the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation.
The range differs from Southern Launch’s more traditional Whalers Way Complex at the tip of the Eyre Peninsula, which specialises in orbital launches over the sea.
Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation chairperson Geraldine Ware added, “This launch was an incredible achievement for our community and shining light for First Nations people.
“We had more than 30 people from the community working throughout the campaign and to come together and see it launch was amazing. We look forward to the next launch from our launch pad.”
The rocket that blasted off, meanwhile, was unique because it was propelled by “greener” paraffin wax and liquid oxygen, a non-explosive fuel.
It’s hoped the mission – named “Light This Candle” in homage to Alan Shepard’s famous quote – will assist HyImpulse in developing its larger SL1 Orbital Launcher, which could one day blast off from the main Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex.
It follows the announcement last year that the federal government would issue a $4.5 m grant for the range’s upgrade.
Southern Launch previously said it already has several missions set to launch from the site, including the ReFEx mission with the German Space Agency (DLR).
The company also signed an MOU with UK-based Space Forge to use the Koonibba Test Range as a re-entry point for their spacecraft, alongside a separate deal to use it as a re-entry point for a capsule undertaking pioneering medical treatments in space. (Source: Space Connect)
26 Apr 24. Hughes opens a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility + private 5G incubation center. Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), has opened a cutting-edge manufacturing facility and private 5G incubation center in Germantown, Maryland.
The Hughes Manufacturing Facility (EXM) produces U.S.-made hardware that powers the networks on which people, enterprises, and governments everywhere depend, such as the Hughes HT3000W JUPITER™ System satellite modem and the Hughes HL1120W Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite terminal.
In addition to about 400 engineers, technicians and manufacturing staff, the Hughes EXM facility uses advanced robotics to assist in the manufacture of high-tech products, such as satellite modems and terminals. The EXM facility will also serve as a testing ground for private 5G solutions just now reaching the market for Enterprise applications as well as secure 5G networking applications critical to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Located in the Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology on the Montgomery College campus, the new manufacturing center will offer hands-on training and educational initiatives for students, helping to develop a pipeline of local technical talent. Students will be able to interact with leading engineers at Hughes through internships, mentoring, and shadowing opportunities. This 140,000-square-foot space is the first-ever manufacturing facility on a community college campus in the U.S.
As a leading satellite technology and managed service provider for government entities and defense agencies, Hughes will use the new manufacturing center to provide the U.S. Department of Defense with much-needed, secure onshore manufacturing capabilities.
“Hughes has deep roots in this community. Our capabilities evolved from a long-ago startup in Rockville, Maryland, and we have grown into what is now the leading provider of broadband satellite services, products, and managed network solutions,” said Paul Gaske, COO, Hughes. “The EXM facility allows us to continue a proud tradition of designing and manufacturing leading edge products here in Maryland.“
“The opening of EXM solidifies our dedication to technological innovation, engineering expertise, and fostering the next generation of industry leaders,” said Hamid Akhavan, President and CEO, EchoStar. “The products imagined, designed, and fabricated in this building further advance our mission of connecting everyone, everywhere.” (Source: Satnews)
02 May 24. Space Systems Command (SSC) successfully passed a major milestone, completing the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Polar (NGP) Space Vehicle Critical Design Review (CDR) on April 25, 2024.
This CDR is the culmination of more than 50 subsystem, mission payload, and space vehicle design reviews, and confirms the detailed design maturity and readiness to proceed with system fabrication, coding, assembly, integration, and test of the space vehicle. This major milestone for the NGP program demonstrates the space vehicle’s design will meet the northern hemisphere strategic missile warning warfighter requirements and counter evolving threats.
NGP is designed to provide a resilient space-based global missile warning capability against emerging missile, counter-space, and cyber threats, and will succeed the legacy Space Based Infrared Systems Highly Elliptical Orbit hosted program. Next Gen OPIR continues the nation’s missile warning mission as SSC and Space Development Agency continues to develop the future resilient-missile warning, tracking and defense architecture.
“This successful CDR milestone shows the space vehicle meets standards and is on track to continue our launch planning efforts,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas Laliberte, materiel leader for SSC’s NGP program. “As a major component of our series of checks and evaluations, this success boosts our confidence the program will deliver essential capabilities to the warfighter to counter aggressive actions from U.S. adversaries. We leveraged and streamlined acquisition authorities on the Next Gen OPIR program to prototype solutions, using available industry capabilities and mature technology ensuring we can rapidly deliver improved capabilities for the warfighter.”
“The NGP system is a critical cornerstone of our nation’s deterrence strategy, providing a strategic missile warning capability with unrivaled performance and resilience against any adversary. As China and Russia continue to modernize, our system provides the Nation with an unblinking eye that warns us of impending attacks against our homeland and our allies. It is critical to field these systems within cost, schedule and with the right technology, allowing our nation to maintain our strategic advantages in space,” said Capt. Christian Chavez, space vehicle and resiliency lead, SSC NGP program. (Source: Satnews)