14 Jun 24. Rheinmetall is entering Space Dimension: Initial conceptual approaches presented at ILA 2024. The Duesseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall, a leading supplier of innovative technology solutions, is opening up new business areas in the space dimension. Initial conceptual approaches have been presented at the “International Aerospace Exhibition” – ILA 2024 – in Berlin. Rheinmetall is also exploring various areas of the NewSpace market.
For the group, the focus in the space domain is primarily on the integration and utilization of space-based reconnaissance data in the tactical battlefield. To meet the individual needs of military customers, the group is working on customized solutions for tactical vehicles. By cooperation with selected partner companies, state-of-the-art technologies and services from the space sector will be made available to the defence sector.
Embedded in Rheinmetall’s current strategy is an investment in ICEYE, international market leader in (synthetic aperture radar) SAR satellites. This investment was made through the subsidiary Rheinmetall Nordic.
“The space domain is an integral part of a defence strategy and of great relevance to our military clients,” referring to Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “We are convinced that our combined capabilities will enable us to develop innovative approaches to offer customized solutions for our military customers in the future.”
11 Jun 24. Hughes Europe, a subsidiary of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), announces its strategic expansion into the Military, Defence, and Government sectors across pan-European nations. Troy Truman has joined Hughes and will act as the head of this initiative. The initiative will meet the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity and the growing security concerns around Europe’s advancing military and governmental requirements for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLoS) connectivity, high data rate requirements of modern operations, and robust managed communication networks. Drawing on the experience of both Hughes US Defense and Government Systems Division (DGSD) and collaborating with Telespazio, Hughes Europe’s new business unit will provide leading communications solutions to government communications ministries and military operators, as well as blue light services. Introducing Fully Managed Multi-Orbit Network solution software, an SDR waveform agnostic ISR terminal, and a secure standalone 5G solution in the hope of boosting military Command, Control, and Communications in the operational environment as well as servicing the high data demands of government bodies. Hughes Europe and Telespazio will offer cutting-edge services leveraging the innovative Eutelsat Konnect VHTS (K-VHTS) satellite. Built on the Hughes JUPITER™ System series 3, the K-VHTS satellite provides high-speed service across Europe, and the companies will utilize Hughes JUPITER terminals. As a leading service provider in the Satcom industry, Telespazio is the exclusive commercial provider for defence and governmental security services, in the whole coverage. Hughes will provide expertise in satellite broadband managed services. Commenting on the collaboration, Chris Britton, managing director of Hughes Europe, remarked, “The Hughes JUPITER System is the de facto standard for satellite implementations worldwide. The Konnect VHTS satellite utilizes our JUPITER System, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Telespazio to deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity solutions to our customers. This announcement underscores the value of our longstanding relationship and our shared commitment to providing extraordinary technology and exceptional customer service.”
Alessandro Caranci, head of Satellite Communication Line of Business at Telespazio, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “I am pleased to share with a champion like Hughes Europe the ambition to provide revolutionary services for the government and B2B market. Our respective expertise and geographic presence form the ideal basis for achieving our goals.”
About Hughes Europe: Hughes Europe, a subsidiary of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), is a leading provider of managed satellite and wireless communications solutions, serving a diverse range of industries across UK & Europe. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Hughes Europe delivers secure communications anytime, anywhere.
About Telespazio: Telespazio, a Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%) joint venture, is a leading provider of satellite services, with expertise in satellite communications, earth observation, navigation, and space infrastructure. Committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions, Telespazio serves both government and commercial customers worldwide. (Source: PR Newswire)
11 Jun 24. Terma, a leading provider of advanced space technologies, announced a strategic partnership with Luleå University of Technology (LTU) aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of space exploration.
Terma, known for its cutting-edge flight equipment, spacecraft operation solutions, and testing services, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with LTU in Søborg, Denmark on June 11, 2024. This partnership will focus on knowledge sharing through internships, testing opportunities, and joint project cooperation, leveraging the expertise of both entities to drive innovation in the space industry.
“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Terma is a pivotal moment for our university. This collaboration will leverage our shared knowledge and resources to boost advancements in space technology and create unique learning experiences for our students”, Olle Persson, Manager Centre of Excellence, Division of Space Technology, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering.
The signing of the MOU marks the beginning of a promising collaboration between Terma Space and LTU. Both organizations are looking forward to a fruitful partnership that will drive innovation, research, and development in the space sector.
Günther F. Lackner, Senior VP Space & Managing Director at Terma, states: “At Terma Space we are successfully collaborating with a number of Universities in Denmark and abroad. This MOU will further strengthen our capabilities to develop future technologies and products to serve our customers around the world. LTU, and especially their space campus in Kiruna offers great potential for cooperation. Their staff and students are very dedicated and work at a high level of excellency.”
Terma’s comprehensive portfolio of space products and services, including Remote Terminal Units, Power Conditioning Units, Mission Control Systems, and Electrical Ground Support Equipment, has been instrumental in supporting over 75 space missions since 1972. With a strong presence across Europe, Terma is well-equipped to provide tailored solutions for a wide range of space projects.
As Terma continues to pioneer advancements in space technology, the partnership with Luleå University of Technology signifies a commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in the field of space exploration. Together, Terma and LTU are poised to make significant contributions to the future of space missions and beyond.
About Terma Space
Terma Space is a leading provider of advanced space technologies, offering a wide range of flight equipment, spacecraft operation solutions, and testing services. With a proven track record of supporting mission-critical projects, Terma Space is dedicated to delivering reliable and innovative solutions for the space industry.
About Luleå University of Technology
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) is a renowned Swedish university known for its expertise in technology and innovation. With a focus on research and education, LTU plays a key role in driving advancements in various fields, including space exploration and engineering. Visit the LTU website.
07 Jun 24. FAA adds new companies to Space Data Integrator tool. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has added two new companies to its Space Data Integrator (SDI) tool, which provides improved situational awareness and helps the FAA safely and efficiently manage air traffic during space operations. The agency can now track Virgin Galactic and Sierra Space vehicles in near-real time during their launch and reentry operations. The companies will transmit vehicle telemetry data, including position, altitude, and speed, to the SDI tool. Combined with other tools and procedures, the SDI enables the FAA to reopen airspace as quickly as three minutes after a launch or reentry vehicle safely travels through a designated aircraft hazard area. It also helps the FAA respond if an anomaly occurs.
In 2023, the FAA integrated 130 space operations, up from 27 in 2016. For 2024, that number could approach 200. About 70 percent of all commercial space operations in US airspace have shared SDI data with the FAA since the tool became operational in 2021, with that figure expected to grow with the new operators added.
“The United States has one of the most complex airspaces in the world, with everything from drones to commercial and general aviation to space launches,” said Tim Arel, Chief Operating Officer of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization. “The coordination of all that aircraft is improved with more data. We’ve made significant progress in reducing how long airspace is closed for space operations, and the SDI tool is the foundation for future improvements to drive it down even more while also ensuring safety.”
Virgin Galactic and Sierra Space join SpaceX in sending SDI data to the FAA. The agency expects additional commercial space operators will become SDI operational later this year. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
01 Jun 24. Space Development Agency unveils a new acquisition approach.
The Space Development Agency (SDA) has released a new type of solicitation using other transaction authority (OTA) to select a pool of potential performers called the Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated LEO or HALO — those selected to join the HALO pool will be eligible to compete for future demonstration prototype orders. HALO is an acquisition approach to solicit and award rapid, affordable mission feasibility demonstrations.
This solicitation provides an opportunity for industry to join a vendor pool to compete for specific on-orbit demonstration opportunities. Only vendors in the HALO pool will be able to bid against specific future prototype orders geared toward this effort, with the anticipation of multiple prototype orders being initiated and awarded per year.
A key goal of HALO is to put in place a flexible and fast contracting mechanism to compete and award Tranche 2 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T2DES) and other SDA demonstration projects. HALO may also increase the pool of performers capable of bidding on future SDA programs, including participation in layers of future tranches.
HALO will provide opportunities for companies to gain valuable experience working with SDA on demonstration projects. HALO pool members will also be able to work directly with SDA to ensure their security capabilities are sufficient to perform on SDA missions. HALO is structured as a multiple step competition, with initial selection into the HALO pool limited to non-traditional defense contractors. SDA is expecting multiple initial pool members and intends to review the pool periodically.
For more information on the HALO pool requirements for mission success and representative prototype orders, view the full solicitation at this direct link. Initial proposals to join the HALO pool are due by 12:00 pm ET on July 11, 2024.
In addition, SDA will host an unclassified industry day event to provide additional information about this solicitation. Industry day will be held June 17 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET in-person (Northern Virginia) and virtually. Attendance is limited to 2 in-person and 2 virtual lines per organization. Registration will close June 12, 2024. (Source: Satnews)
01 Jun 24. CGI develops standardized interfaces for ESA for the SATCOM market + new CEO + President. In addition to enabling the best possible use of available resources, these will help open up the market to more operators and service providers and encourage long-term cooperation within the European satellite communications industry. The first such open source-based interface is now available in a public repository and being continually refined.
The project’s goal is to strengthen the European satellite communications sector by making the best possible use of existing resources. Opening up the market in this way will encourage long-term collaboration within the European satellite communications industry. The interfaces have been designed to ensure the interoperability of “pooling and sharing” systems for satellite communication services.
There are also plans to link these systems to other European Union systems; examples include the GOVSATCOM hub, which is designed to provide communication services in connection with natural disasters, maritime emergency aid, border surveillance, and satellite navigation, and the European IRIS² satellite constellation, which will also be available for use by governmental organizations.
Version 1.0 of the interfaces has already been developed and is available in GitHub, a public repository. It already includes highly detailed functions that take into account feedback received from both members of the commissioned consortium and external observers. This version will be developed further within an open-source community in response to user feedback and industry requirements.
“While closely collaborating with everyone involved on this digitalization project, we’ve succeeded in meeting the prerequisites for efficiently using European space capacities and resources, these interfaces will enable the creation of a digital Satcom marketplace, simplifying the match between the demands and the offers,” said Stephane Pirio, Technical Officer at ESA. “A special aspect of this project is that it’s the first one to use agile methods in this field. This has made it possible to very quickly create a working standard that takes market requirements and direct feedback from partners into account.“
“For CGI, this project sets yet another milestone in providing innovative solutions for the satellite communications industry,” said Ulli Leibnitz, Senior Vice President for Consulting Services and in charge of CGI Space Germany. “The biggest challenge in this project was designing standardized interfaces while aligning the competing interests of European satellite operators and service providers. As a result of this extremely collaborative partnership, we’re now able to release the first version, which provides a solid foundation going forward. We will continue to improve on established open-source communication standards such as TM Forum and MEF and make the results of our work available to the general public.“
The CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) Board of Directors has appointed François Boulanger as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2024.
Mr. Boulanger is currently President and Chief Operating Officer for CGI’s operations in Canada, U.S. Commercial and State Government, Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers of Excellence, and Global IP Solutions.
George D. Schindler, currently President and Chief Executive Officer, will retire effective September 30, 2024. Mr. Schindler will continue to serve on the Board and, for a transition period, will serve as strategic advisor to Serge Godin, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board. (Source: Satnews)
03 Jun 24. Silicon Sensing’s first U.S. office and returning employee is new head of sales. Silicon Sensing is to open its first U.S. office, with a dedicated in-country team lead by the new head of sales – Americas, Kevin Swain. This new facility will help ensure the company efficiently supports the growing demand for their rugged, high performance inertial products across North and South America.
David Somerville, General Manager, Silicon Sensing explains, “This is an exciting development for us and reflects the growing demand for our products in the region, a growth which is forecast to continue over the coming years as the need increases for precision motion sensing for ever-more compact platforms, whether on land, sea, air or in space.”
Silicon Sensing supplies gyros, accelerometers and inertial measurement units into diverse markets including autonomous vehicles, surveying and mapping, space, defense, aerospace and construction and industrial machinery. Some of these markets will experience double-digit compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for inertial sensors through to 2030, alongside fast-evolving inertial requirements for a new generation of applications.
Somerville continues, “We expect our next generation of products, currently in development, to take micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) inertial performance to new levels, redefining what this technology is capable of. This vital new presence in North America will ensure we are prepared with effective, responsive in-region support.”
The new office will be situated in Lake Mary, Florida, and will support personnel covering all U.S. time zones, with direct access also available for customers in South America and Canada.
Kevin Swain, Head of Sales – Americas, comments, “Our goal is to ensure our existing customer base, in both the commercial and defense markets, is well supported, recognizing how critical their projects can be. And then to provide an accessible response to new customer inquiries in the region. These are exciting times when we are regularly approached to discuss new, innovative — sometimes unexpected — projects that require effective, sustained precise motion sensing. This role and this office will offer a local contact for those discussions.”
Kevin Swain comes to this new role from Psionic where he was Sr. Director of Defense. He started his career in inertial products with Silicon Sensing some 20 years ago, assuming positions of increasing responsibility until 2020. He then took a position outside of the company, returning to Silicon Sensing to take up this role. Kevin is excited to be returning to lead the expansion in North America.
Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd is a gyroscope and inertial systems engineering development company, jointly owned by Collins Aerospace and Sumitomo Precision Products. The company was formed in 1999 and is, today, a market leader in silicon, micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based navigation and stabilization technology. Many ms of MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers have been supplied to thousands of customers since the company’s formation. (Source: Satnews)
08 Jun 24. ST Engineering iDirect next generation hub selected for Indonesia’s 1st multifunction satellite. The implementation is part of the country’s initiative to enable connectivity to thousands of public facilities including schools, regional government offices and health facilities across remote areas of the Indonesian Archipelago.
Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world to form a single state, comprises five main islands and some 30 smaller archipelagos. As of October 2023, 22 percent of Indonesians still do not have internet access. Faced with the challenging task of providing seamless and reliable connection to so many islands, the new government subsidized program will enable significant progress. Satria-1 is the first ‘multifunction satellite’ owned by the Indonesian government and is equipped with a 150-Gbps capacity, which is the largest satellite in Asia and the fifth largest in the world within its class.
ST Engineering iDirect has been selected to supply Satria-1 with its next-generation iDirect Hub Infrastructure DCR/DBR, deployed on its Dialog ground system. The iDirect Hub Infrastructure provides a highly scalable and flexible solution for Dialog-based gateway deployments. It also lays the groundwork for future migration to Intuition, ST Engineering iDirect’s standards-based, cloud-native next-generation ground system.
The Indonesian government has anticipated its future requirements by selecting the DCR/DBR for its flexibility to support the widest range of use cases and applications, from broadband internet to cellular backhaul and fishing to commercial maritime. These sectors contribute substantially to Indonesia’s economy in the areas of employment and GDP.
“The collaboration underscores our commitment to providing cutting-edge technology that empowers communities and drives economic growth,” said John Arnold, Regional Vice President, Asia Sales at ST Engineering iDirect. “We are excited to be part of Indonesia’s transformative initiative, deploying our next-generation iDirect Hub Infrastructure DCR/DBR on the Satria-1 satellite. With our DCR/DBR technology, the capacity can easily expand to meet the evolving needs of the Indonesian government. This not only addresses current connectivity challenges of our global customers, but also anticipates future requirements, ensuring investment protection and readiness for the transition to Intuition, our cloud-native next-generation ground system.”
“This was an ambitious project to support the Indonesian government to enable connectivity to vital public facilities across the Archipelago, including health clinics and schools, within a very short time frame,” said Nicolas Tannady, CEO, PT. Bis Data Indonesia. “It was important to us to work with a partner we could rely on to deliver a multiservice platform, which met the high standards required for the project. We’re grateful to the team at ST Engineering iDirect who helped us achieve our goal, meeting time requirements across manufacturing and shipping to testing. We look forward to utilizing the full capabilities of the platform. (Source: Satnews)