01 Aug 24. Booz Allen Deploys the Power of Generative AI in Space. Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH), a leading provider of AI to the U.S. federal government, announced today the successful deployment and operation of a generative AI large language model (LLM) in space using Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s (HPE) Spaceborne Computer-2 onboard the International Space Station (ISS) National Lab. This LLM is believed to be the first one deployed in space and one day aims to help enable astronauts to use generative AI without depending on Earth-bound internet in the power and communications constrained environment of space.
“Booz Allen is thrilled to be at the cutting edge of this exciting development and is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI and other mission-critical technologies in space”
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“Booz Allen is thrilled to be at the cutting edge of this exciting development and is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI and other mission-critical technologies in space,” said Chris Bogdan, executive vice president at Booz Allen and leader of the firm’s space business. “Generative AI in space is truly the new frontier and this capability unlocks the potential for on-orbit generative AI to integrate and develop mission-critical solutions and is aligned with Booz Allen’s mission to build human-led AI solutions from which our nation will thrive.”
Taking inspiration from the Wright brothers’ first four flights more than 120 years ago, Booz Allen, in coordination with HPE, successfully uploaded the LLM to the ISS National Lab as part of a forward-leaning payload experiment. Once uploaded, the team repeated the experiment with new queries four times within the command window with repeatable responses resulting in a modern-day Kitty Hawk moment.
“When milliseconds matter, on-orbit AI becomes a must-have,” said Dan Wald, principal AI solutions architect for space applications at Booz Allen. “This patent-pending proof-of-concept demonstrates Booz Allen’s ability to deploy state-of-the-art generative AI techniques, such as retrieval-augmented generation, by compressing and optimizing a containerized solution to run reliably in resource-constrained computing environments at the edge. If we can deploy generative AI in space, we can deploy it anywhere.”
Developed rapidly over eight weeks, this LLM application, which builds upon years of extensive infrastructure investments from both HPE and the ISS, can play a new and critical role in providing remote data ingestion and retrieval-augmented generation, which will help enable edge deployed personnel to efficiently retrieve relevant information, accurately interpret, and solve complex issues using natural language processing at the edge of space. This proof-of-concept plays a paramount role in the deployment of AI and it can be expanded to solve future use cases where such capabilities are needed in disconnected environments, including under extreme conditions on Earth and in space.
“This type of breakthrough result by the Booz Allen team is exactly in line with the mission and purpose of the HPE Spaceborne platform. To make what was previously unattainable not just possible but also deployable,” said Norm Follett, senior director, global marketing at Hewlett-Packard Enterprise.
HPE’s Spaceborne Computer-2 is an award-winning AI Edge focused High Performance Compute platform that provides the international scientific community access to a powerful compute platform in space and constrained environments.
Booz Allen has served for more than 60 years as a space program partner for defense, intelligence, and civil agencies across the federal government. Booz Allen applies deep mission understanding, innovative data solutions, and systems engineering and integration across three primary mission areas that address client challenges: Space Domain Awareness, Advanced Ground Systems, and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Earth Observation. This deployment adheres to the firm’s AI mission: humans build it, humans power it, and humans thrive from it. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
01 Aug 24. Second SouthPAN ground control centre complete. The site will serve both Australia and New Zealand and aims to eventually improve the accuracy of GPS signals to as little as 10 centimetres.
Located on the southern tip of the South Island, it was opened by the country’s Minister for Land Information, Chris Penk, alongside representatives from Av-Comm, who are physically installing the apparatus.
“Strategically located in Awarua to leverage Southland’s favourable geographic position for optimal satellite communication and coverage, the facility boasts two 11-metre satellite dishes and a control centre with dual radio frequency uplinks,” said Lockheed Martin.
“This capability benefits agriculture, aviation, construction, consumer, resource, road, rail, maritime, mining, utilities, and more.”
The $1.18bn project is a collaboration between Geoscience Australia and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, alongside NSW-based Av-Comm and Lockheed.
“As the project develops, one of the most noticeable changes for the public will be less disruption to flights during bad weather, with a significant reduction in weather-related flight cancellations and delays,” said Minister Penk.
“SouthPAN services will aid flight navigation, making it safer for planes to land when visibility is poor.”
“Improved GPS accuracy has far-reaching benefits for the economy with implications for almost every major sector, from agriculture to aviation, forestry, and construction.”
SouthPAN works by using a number of distributed ground stations to monitor signals broadcast by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites. It then compares each station’s known location with position data from the satellites.
“The GNSS signal data and measurement information is sent to correction processing facilities,” Geoscience Australia explained.
“The facilities aggregate the data from all ground stations, produce error corrections and status information about the GNSS satellites, and format the data in a standardised series of messages.
“These messages are sent to an uplink station, which transmits data to a satellite in geostationary earth orbit. The data is broadcast to all precise positioning users, who combine SouthPAN’s data with their own observations of GNSS satellites.”
The news comes after Space Connect reported how Lockheed successfully installed the first SouthPAN satellite dish in December 2023 in Uralla, NSW.
(Source: Space Connect)
31 Jul 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for 74 high-speed data transport satellites for the Space Development Agency (SDA), including satellites that integrate advanced technology from an earlier generation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), providing increased capabilities to U.S. Forces.
- The 74 satellites include the Tranche 2 Beta and Tranche 2 Alpha configurations.
- Tranche 2 Beta satellites incorporate new communications technologies into the PWSA, including S-Band, Ultra High Frequency Satellite Communications and Integrated Broadcast Service, while the Tranche 2 Alpha satellites are a continuation of Northrop Grumman’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites awarded in 2022.
Expert:
Blake Bullock, vice president, military space systems, Northrop Grumman: “Space Development Agency’s vision is to field critical capabilities at an extremely rapid pace, and Northrop Grumman continues to demonstrate that we are up to the challenge. As we move into detailed design for our Tranche 2 satellites, we’re executing and on-track with our Tranche 1 offerings and evaluating future opportunities with SDA programs. We are delivering on our commitments and are focused on helping SDA make the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture a success.”
Details:
Northrop Grumman is a leading contractor providing both space vehicles and ground systems for the SDA’s PWSA, a next-generation constellation in low-Earth orbit. PWSA includes two major lines of effort:
- The Tracking Layer: Designed to detect, track and ultimately target hypersonic and ballistic missiles.
- The Transport Layer: Provides global data and voice connectivity to U.S forces defending the homeland and operating around the world.
To date, SDA has awarded Northrop Grumman more than 130 satellites. Northrop Grumman successfully completed a Critical Design Review for its first generation Transport and Tracking Layer satellites last year and is now integrating space vehicles both in California, and at the Airbus factory in Florida.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.
31 Jul 24. Ariane 6: Post-launch Update. The first Ariane 6 rocket was successfully launched on 9 July 2024, completing its mission of releasing several varied satellites into a circular Earth orbit and restoring Europe’s independent access to space. The inaugural flight, designated VA262, was a great success for Europe, paving the way for the next Ariane 6 flight in 2024 and demonstrating the new heavy-lift rocket’s ability to reach its target orbit and deploy satellites and constellations.
Since launch, data from the launch site and data beamed back by the rocket and its payloads have been poured over by teams at ESA, ArianeGroup, CNES and Arianespace, beginning the analysis that will help teams understand every moment of the historic launch and ensure the performance of future flights. With the launch of Ariane 6, Europe is back in space with its own launch capability.
Liftoff – a seamless ride from Earth to orbit
Ariane 6 lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana at 16:00 local time (20:00 time BST, 21:00 time CEST). Despite being the very first flight of the rocket, it launched on the targeted day on time and without a problem in the launch ‘chronology’ – the detailed sequence of steps in the hours and minutes counting down to launch.
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The long-awaited launch choreography finally took place, much anticipated by the entire Ariane 6 development team: the Vulcain 2.1 engine roared to life and in sync the arms delivering cryogenic propellant sprang open, the launchpad’s water injection system was activated and the boosters ignited.
With this, the rocket seamlessly soared to space, its boosters separating 137 seconds after liftoff and the main stage separating approximately five minutes later. The upper stage engine then fired for the first time to get Ariane 6 into an elliptical orbit 300 by 600 km above Earth, achieving the first great result: the in-flight ‘chill-down’ and first ignitions of the Vinci engine and of the Auxiliary Propulsion Unit (APU).
Upper stage successfully reignites and satellites deploy
After a ‘coasting’ phase lasting 35 minutes – i.e. a period without thrust from the main Vinci engine – the engine fired up again for the second time. With this Ariane 6’s newest feature, its reignitable upper stage, proved its ability to re-shape the rocket’s orbit, maximising the increase in its velocity.
This second Vinci boost circularised Ariane 6’s orbit at 580 km, ready to release its eight satellite missions into space around Earth. Robusta-3A, Replicator, Curium One, GRBBeta, CURIE, ISTSat-1, 3Cat-4 and OOV-Cube were all successfully deployed into orbit.
The commands were also sent to activate the five onboard experiments, many of which have already sent impressive data home. YPSat, the onboard experiment from ESA’s Young Professionals network, produced spectacular images and videos from fairing separation to satellite deployment.
Technology demonstration provides data mine, with APU behaviour under investigation
The final phase of Ariane 6’s inaugural launch was a technical demonstration, testing for the first time the behaviour of the upper stage under microgravity which could not be tested on ground.
The APU ignited for the second time, the functioning was then aborted for reasons still under investigation. This meant the Vinci engine’s third boost could not take place. This final boost would have put the upper stage into a reentry orbit to safely burn up through Earth’s atmosphere.
Given this fact, the upper stage then behaved nominally: the Vinci engine was not restarted and the onboard software triggered the ‘passivation’ of the upper stage, by removing any energy on board to prevent possible explosions.
Consequently, and in line with expectations, the launcher system did not release the two reentry capsules onboard to prevent the creation of additional space debris. By successfully executing this complex sequence, Ariane 6 demonstrated optimal “back-up mode” function.
Confidence in Ariane 6 and looking forward to next flight
The behaviour of Ariane 6 during its inaugural flight has given teams great confidence in the validity and predictions of the Ariane 6 user manual, in terms of the dynamical environment created for onboard payloads. All satellite separations were precisely executed and last but not least, the launch pad was found in fine condition after take-off, resisting to the very high level of thermal and mechanical loads associated with the solid booster operation.
The consolidated analysis of all flight data will allow for the fine tuning and improvement of all Ariane 6 launch sequences and flight operations. On this basis, teams have begun preparations for its second flight, scheduled for the end of the year with Arianespace as its operator and launch service provider.
Next milestones: Analysis of the APU’s behaviour is ongoing and further information will be made available as soon as possible, while the next task force update is expected in September. (Source: ASD Network)
20 Jul 2.4. Rocket Lab delays launch of ‘A Sky Full Of SARs’ per Capella’s request.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced that Rocket Lab’s next Electron launch will move to a later date at the request of mission partner Capella Space so that they can complete additional testing for their mission.
With rockets at the ready, we’ll be moving to our next mission in the manifest with Synspective, now flying next on Electron within the next few weeks.
This is Electron’s tailored launch service at its best, demonstrating the value and market demand for dedicated small launch. Flying dedicated means customers have flexibility over their launch schedule so that their satellites aren’t left behind if they miss a launch deadline, like on traditional rideshare missions.
Rocket Lab sets July 20 launch window for next Capella Space Mission from
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has set the launch window for its 51st Electron launch, a dedicated mission for American space tech company Capella Space (“Capella”).
The ‘A Sky Full Of SARs’ mission is scheduled to launch during a 14-day window that opens on July 21 NZST / July 20 UTC from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula. The mission will deploy Capella’s Acadia-3 SAR satellite, a synthetic aperture radar satellite for Earth imagery and observation, to a mid-inclination 615km circular orbit to add to Capella’s existing SAR satellite constellation in low Earth orbit.
The mission will be Rocket Lab’s fifth launch for Capella to build out the company’s Earth-imaging constellation. In addition to the launch service, Rocket Lab is providing Capella Space with a custom extended fairing for the Acadia-3 satellite on Electron and a separation system produced by Rocket Lab. Providing a tailored launch option along with the component for the safe and reliable deployment of Capella’s satellites on orbit, Rocket Lab’s dedicated launch service helps to streamline operations for Capella Space and enable them to focus more closely on their satellite’s capabilities and building out their constellation. (Source: Satnews)
22 Jul 24. AST SpaceMobile to launch satellites this August. Advanced Television is reporting that a formal notice from AST SpaceMobile stated the company is still targeting an August launch of a batch of their massive ‘Block 1’ BlueBird 5G satellites.
News also emerged that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has requested the ITU in Geneva, which regulates satellite frequencies globally, to recognize AST’s satellites (under its USASAT-NGSO-20 filing). The news helped propel the company’s share price up by almost 4 per cent.
July 21st saw reports from Japan where AST’s local telco Rakuten confirm that test signals from AST’s sole satellite currently in orbit were “very strong” as the craft passed over Japan.
AST is launching the five BlueBird satellites to connect the non-covered ‘not-spots’ of terrestrial cellular operators, such as AT&T and Verizon. The five craft are reported to have arrived at Cape Canaveral ready for launch, although this has not been officially confirmed. (Source: Satnews)
19 Jul 24. Axelspace announces AxelLiner Laboratory (AL Lab) for on-orbit demos of space components.
Additionally, a new memorandum was signed between Axelspace and ASPINA Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd. (ASPINA), a partner in developing a reaction wheel for microsatellites since 2020. The companies have agreed to launch the wheel in 2026 and conduct an on-orbit demonstration, making it the first to use AL Lab. Meeting the growing need for on-orbit demonstration
Introducing AxelLiner in 2022, Axelspace has been preparing for its full-scale service launch. This preparation included developing a versatile bus system for microsatellites, forming the Spacecraft Manufacturing Alliance for mass production, and building AxelLiner Terminal, a software system offering innovative customer experiences.
Screenshot
Since its business launch, there have been high expectations for this one-stop microsatellite service that enables customers to actualize their unique space missions in a shorter period of time, reaffirming the strong need for this business. Furthermore, through communications with various space industry players, strong interest has been received from companies that develop space components and mission equipment as well. To further expand this customer base, Axelspace began research into creating a new service for AxelLiner that specializes in in-orbit demonstrations.
In Japan, opportunities for on-orbit demonstration have been provided regularly by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) through the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program since 2016, and consistent results have been achieved. Under this program, Axelspace developed their first satellite (RAPIS-1 launched in 2019) and co-developed the Deployable Deorbit Mechanism, D-SAIL, which is expected to be installed in their fourth satellite of the program. This was when Axelspace realized the genuine need of companies seeking on-orbit demonstrations.
Nonetheless, conducting on-orbit demonstrations in a short period of time is known to be a significant challenge due to the inconsistent opportunities provided for in-orbit demonstration missions and its lengthy process from selection to launch, often taking up to several years.
In light of these circumstances, the Japanese government plans to create the Space Strategic Fund this year, aiming to offer 1trn yen worth of support in the coming decade. One of the themes the fund intends to implement is the establishment of a satellite supply chain through development and demonstration of satellite parts and components. Consequently, the demand for early-phase in-orbit demonstration services is expected to increase in the future.
To overcome these existing challenges involved in on-orbit demonstrations, Axelspace has developed a service tailored to such special needs by leveraging the short development time and mass-production capabilities realized by AxelLiner.
AL Lab can be used not only to test components and mission equipment in space, but also for purposes of entertainment, or corporate or product promotions. The original service concept will be redefined as “AxelLiner Professional (AL Pro),” with preparations continuing for its full-scale launch. (Source: Satnews)
19 Jul 24. NASA signs U.S., Saudi Arabia agreement for civil aeronautics, space collaboration. The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a framework agreement that opens new possibilities for cooperation with NASA in areas such as space science, exploration, aeronautics, space operations, education, and Earth science.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson signed on behalf of the U.S., and CEO of the Saudi Space Agency Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi signed on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Building on my visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this year, I look forward to strengthening our cooperation for the future of exploration,” said Nelson. “We are living in the golden era of exploration – one that is rooted in partnership. This new agreement outlines how we’ll work together, and explore together, for the benefit of humanity.”
Known as the “Framework Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes,” it establishes the overall legal framework to facilitate and strengthen mutually beneficial collaboration between the two countries.
“The agreement represents a turning point in the Kingdom’s journey towards building a strong and prosperous space sector,” said Saudi Space Agency Chairman Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha. “It reflects the Kingdom’s firm commitment to progress and innovation in the field of space, and its continuous efforts to enhance its position as an important partner on the global stage for space exploration and scientific discovery.”
A screen capture from the virtual meeting during which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia became the 21st nation to sign the Artemis Accords, on July 14, 2022. Clockwise from top left are: U.S. Chargé d’affaires to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Martina Strong; NASA Administrator Bill Nelson; Her Royal Highness Princess Reema, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Jennifer R. Littlejohn; Chairman of the Saudi Space Commission Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, and CEO of the Saudi Space Commission Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi. Credits: NASA
The agreement also acknowledges the importance of the Artemis Accords, which Saudi Arabia signed in July 2022, for the transparent, safe, and responsible exploration of space. The commitments of the Artemis Accords, and efforts by the signatories to advance implementation of all its principles, support NASA’s Artemis campaign with its partners and other activities of the accords signatories.
The signing comes two months after Nelson’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Saudi Space Agency and other senior officials to discuss future partnerships and civil space cooperation for the broader U.S. and Saudi Arabia relationship.
In May 2023, two Saudi mission specialists, Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi, were among a group of Axiom Mission-2 private astronauts who launched into orbit aboard a SpaceX Dragon from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, highlighting international cooperation. The Axiom Space astronauts conducted scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities aboard the International Space Station. (Source: Satnews)
23 Jul 24. US Space Force is set to install 24 satellite jamming stations capable of disrupting Russian or Chinese communications.
War. War never changes: Thanks to the military industrial complex, upgrades to warfare technologies continue regardless of world events. Russia is reportedly developing a high-altitude nuclear device to permanently and indiscriminately knock out enemy communications with an EMP. Meanwhile, the US just announced a weapon with a similar aim but without chaotic and irreversible consequences.
The US military is installing modular state-of-the-art satellite jammers capable of disrupting Russian or Chinese communications, should the need arise. Even though the hardware is ground-based, the US Space Force will oversee installation and operation. The technology is already past prototyping. The military tested the system at two different locations earlier this year. The DoD allocated funds to build 24 remote installations, with 11 scheduled to deploy before the end of the year.
This device is not a preventative measure against adversaries disrupting US communications. It’s the opposite.
“[The terminals] are small, transportable and low-cost satellite communications jammers that can be deployed in austere environments to protect [US forces],” a spokesperson for the Space Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office told Bloomberg. “The [jammer will be used] to responsibly counter adversary satellite communications capabilities that enable attacks.”
“We intentionally designed a small and modular system using commercial off-the-shelf components,” the Space Force said. “[This provides] the ability to have a proliferated, remotely controlled and relatively relocatable capability.”
The US and its allies need measures to counter space-based attacks that don’t involve the potential to destroy or deorbit satellites in an uncontrolled manner, the spokesperson said, referring to the high-altitude EMP nuclear weapon Russia is allegedly building.
Make no mistake; these are offensive weapons designed to attack enemy communications rather than defend US comms. According to officials, the difference is that using the jammers is more “responsible” than detonating a nuclear device in space. The whole point of the jammers is not to destroy communications permanently but to disable them temporarily.
“You can argue that it will only be used defensively, but I would say that that is an offensive counterspace capability,” said Chief Director Victoria Samson with the Secure World Foundation. “Add it to the very small list of public US offensive counterspace capabilities [that are] reversible, temporary, non-escalatory and allow for plausible deniability in terms of who the instigator is.”
The DoD’s view is that the alternative of not having adequate or superior military technologies, whether offensive or defensive, only conveys an image of an easy target. However, the announcement’s timing is probably not ideal, considering US tensions with Russia and China and the current domestic political climate. The two superpowers could view the move as aggressive, sparking potential conflict escalations in regions like Taiwan and the Ukraine.
The Remote Modular Terminal jammers will not replace previous technology like the large-scale Counter Communications System and the delayed medium-scale Meadowlands jammer (above and below). Meadowlands was supposed to be operational by August, but technical problems pushed its deployment into October. The new system will augment the old ones by providing remotely controlled systems that the Space Force can quickly relocate if necessary. (Source: Satnews)