SATELLITE SYSTEMS, SATCOM AND SPACE SYSTEMS UPDATE

11 Sep 24. Viasat Supports USAF with Next Generation Connectivity in Bamboo Eagle Exercise.

Viasat demonstrates support for Air Mobility Command ’25 by 25′ resilient connectivity objectives

Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced that it successfully supported the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Air Mobility Command (AMC) and Air Combat Command (ACC) during exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3 (BE 24-3). Following Viasat’s participation in the Mobility Guardian 2023 (MG23) exercise , this second iteration of Bamboo Eagle, based out of Nellis Air Force Base, took place at various locations across the United States and eastern Pacific Ocean from July 29 to August 10, 2024.

Like Bamboo Eagle 24-1, the BE 24-3 exercise included thousands of U.S. service members, as well as international allies and partners, and builds on the fundamentals practiced during MG23.

For the exercise, Viasat provided resilient and interoperable airborne communications through its C-130 Hercules Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) hatch terminal and Move Out/Jump Off (MOJO) Next (MOJO Next) tactical gateway to crosslink incompatible networks and provide both command and control (C2) and situational awareness (SA) – all without requiring modification to the aircraft. Together, the BLOS hatch and MOJO Next provided a 360-degree view of the battlespace allowing AMC and ACC C-130J aircraft to exchange SA data with other Link-16 or Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL)-enabled platforms. This integration helps extends the common operational picture (COP) to all assets through the BLOS hatch terminal, from the tactical edge to the Air Operations Center (AOC), and allows operations specialists to command and control the mission more effectively.

Viasat’s C-130 Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) high-throughput G-18 Ka-band antenna hatch terminal (GAT-5518HM) was designed to operate across the full ITU Ka-band spectrum and all polarizations without user intervention required. These features enable the terminal to automatically roam across orbits and networks providing Automated Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency (APACE) capability with no user in the loop. The MOJO Next RORO interoperable tactical gateway was designed for operations in remote locations where network extensions are needed to execute the mission and connect incompatible networks and messages into clear communications. The gateway translates tactical data networks and supports a COP by relaying aircraft data in near real-time.

During the BE 24-3 exercise, Viasat’s C-130 hatch terminal and MOJO Next were moved between aircraft, installed, and operational in under one hour. The C-130J aircraft participated as red force aircraft, and ACC was able to develop tactics, techniques, and procedure (TTPs) with MAF for non-traditional tactical C2 (TAC C2), with mission critical applications operated by the Airborne Mission System Specialist. The interoperable tactical gateway with integrated Link-16 and SADL capability , coupled with the high-throughput BLOS C-130 hatch terminal, allowed the C-130Js to share real-time data with the Shadow Operations Center-Nellis (ShOC-N) and extend the COP for all participants.

“Viasat’s integrated capability enables MAF aircraft to function as high-throughput communication hubs, providing tactical command and control, situational awareness, and extending the common operational picture across the battlespace. This technology also facilitates connectivity between joint and coalition partners on different Tactical Datalinks (TDL),” said Victor Farah, Senior Vice President of Government Services and Solutions at Viasat. “Once linked, aircraft can adapt to mission changes in real-time during flight, enabling them to quickly identify and capitalize on opportunities to deploy, sustain, and maneuver the Joint Force, even in environments where information access is contested, degraded, or denied. Our flexible terminal and gateway technology, which can be rapidly installed without aircraft modifications, supports AMC’s initiative to equip 25 percent of the MAF fleet with next-generation, resilient connectivity by 2025 (’25 by 25′). This enhancement will provide increased maneuverability for airborne missions, ensuring operations are supported when and where needed.”

Commenting on the first iteration of Bamboo Eagle earlier this year , Gen. Mike Minihan, AMC Commander, said, “Connectivity investments will increase the survivability, agility, resiliency, and lethality of AMC warfighting capabilities.” (Source: ASD Network)

11 Sep 24. BlueHalo Accelerates Production for USSF SCAR Program with Key Supply Chain, Manufacturing Automation Investments. BlueHalo, the company transforming the future of global defense by modernizing satellite operations, announced today its expanded supply chain and manufacturing investments to support the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR) program. These investments will ensure quality and reduce both risk and cost for customers while enabling BlueHalo to manufacture and deliver an increasing number of its BADGER ground terminal systems. Together with Space RCO, BlueHalo is building a more resilient space architecture to maintain our national security posture in an increasingly contested, congested and competitive space domain.

To expand production capacity, BlueHalo has invested in automated testing capabilities within its state-of-the-art manufacturing campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The integrated testing technology allows for large-scale testing to be completed within days as opposed to a full month required for manual testing–reducing production timelines, lowering labor and facility costs, and providing more reliable and consistent quality across production.

“BlueHalo is investing in innovation that is transforming our nation’s space communications capabilities, but it doesn’t end there,” said Mary Clum, BlueHalo Portfolio President and Corporate Executive Vice President. “Our strategic investments in automation and robotics on the manufacturing lines are expanding our ability to produce at scale and meet the demands of the future while maintaining high standards of affordability, safety, and quality. Side-by-side with Space RCO, we are incredibly proud of the work we have done to reduce costs and risk while delivering one of the most critically urgent national security priorities of our time.”

BlueHalo is also driving delivery of the SCAR program with supply chain investments, pre-purchasing integral components with long lead times to prepare for increased production and take advantage of economies of scale. Key suppliers have adopted similar early purchasing strategies for enhanced supply chain alignment across the SCAR program–providing further cost and schedule savings and reduced risk for the customer.

“The SCAR Program will significantly enhance our satellite communication capabilities. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we’re not only increasing capacity but also building a more resilient and responsive network,” said Dr. Kelly Hammett, Director of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office. “Developing these capabilities ensures Space Force is equipped to face global challenges in a contested space environment.”

BADGER is a multi-band, deployable ground communications system built upon BlueHalo’s core MSDA technology, a scalable phased array solution that simplifies mission operations through agile and re-configurable beamforming tiles. The SCAR program, announced in May of 2022, covers initial design through full-rate production of BADGER to deliver a fleet of transportable, ground-based phased-array antennas. Other primary components of the SCAR program include the development and delivery of accompanying ground electronics and software to provide robust, flexible communications capabilities for USSF satellites.

BlueHalo previously announced other key program milestones, including the USSF Guardian orientation held earlier this year and the successful demonstration of BADGER’s satellite tracking and signal processing last fall. The program is planning for initial delivery in 2025. (Source: ASD Network)

10 Sep 24. L3Harris Successfully Completes CDR for USAF Global Lightning Experiment.

Success in this milestone brings Hybrid SATCOM capabilities one step closer to dozens of Air Force platforms.

L3Harris Technologies successfully completed a Critical Design Review (CDR) for a U.S. Air Force Global Lightning development program that validated the company’s Rapidly Adaptable Standards-compliant Open Radio (RASOR™) Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) solution ability to effectively connect service-specified waveforms from Earth to Commercial Satellite Internet (CSI) constellations.

The program is one in a series called “Defense Experiment Using Commercial Space Internet” – or “DEUCSI” – that the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Integrated Capabilities Directorate began years ago in support of the service’s Hybrid Satellite Communications (SATCOM) concept.

L3Harris has been supporting DEUCSI since its inception in 2021. The Air Force awarded the company an initial $81 m contract last year for this particular exercise, known as “Call 3,” which aimed at developing ground systems – both fixed and mobile – and airborne terminals capable of connecting both commercial and traditional military waveforms to multiple SATCOM constellations in Earth’s orbit.

“Following this successful CDR, we plan on conducting integrated hardware testing within the next year to support Air Force flight tests currently scheduled to begin at the end of 2025,” said Adam Milner, L3Harris Senior Manager of Space Networks. “This milestone brings the Air Force one step closer to bringing true Hybrid SATCOM capabilities and redundancy to dozens of platforms.”

Opening the Aperture

The DEUCSI Call 3 CDR comes on the heels of an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) valued at $90m, which expands the program’s scope to include additional CSI and resilient, military communications waveforms.

“The ECP doubled the content and connectivity diversity we provide for this initiative, producing multiple hybrid satcom systems to fulfill the higher-level Hybrid SATCOM requirement,” said Milner.

Delivering Hybrid SATCOM

In the program, L3Harris builds radio modules from CSI vendor carrier boards so they can connect via the company’s RASOR terminal.

We take the carrier boards from the vendors, build them into radio modules and plug them into our Rapidly Adaptable Standards-compliant Radio (RASOR™) chassis.

The RASOR chassis, known as RARE™ (Rapidly Adaptable Ruggedized Enclosure), solution can scale from three to 12 slots with customized modules, which include L3Harris-proprietary technology as well as third-party solutions. The individual modules can provide a wide breadth of cross-domain capabilities with multi-level security, from resilient line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Command and Control, Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing and Electronic Warfare.

“We provide the insight and experience that comes from more than 20 years delivering modular and software-defined radios to military customers and more than 50 years of tactical and strategic communications support and innovation,” said Milner. “Open architectures provide the flexibility the Air Force will require to proactively plan and coordinate rapid insertion of emerging technology – through the development of swappable radio modules, rather than full hardware – as new SATCOM constellations are launched into orbit.” (Source: ASD Network)

11 Sept 24. Scotland’s space sector key to UK ambitions. The UK Space Agency is supporting Scotland’s largest commercial space conference, which opened today (Wednesday 11 September) in Glasgow.

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, speaking at Space Comm Expo Scotland.

Scotland’s space sector is home to advanced satellite manufacturing capabilities, data analysis expertise and a fast-growing satellite launch market that is attracting significant interest and investment from the global space community.

The latest Size and Health of the UK Space Industry report estimates that 228 space organisations in Scotland generated a combined income of £298 m in 2021/22, almost double the amount for 2018/19 in real terms (£157 m).

Internal analysis shows the UK’s national space programmes (excluding European Space Agency) allocated 15% of available funding since 2018 to organisations based in Scotland.

The UK Space Agency is supporting the Space Comm Expo Scotland event, which begins today (11 September) at the SEC Glasgow and is set to welcome 3,000 visitors.

UK Space Agency Chief Executive Dr Paul Bate hosted an industry roundtable at the event, with the support of Space Scotland, to explore the future of the Scottish space ecosystem, before delivering a keynote speech to the conference.

Dr Paul Bate said: “Our work with Scotland’s space sector is long standing, as is Scotland’s vital contribution to the wider UK space ecosystem. We opened our Edinburgh office earlier this year and it is great to be in Glasgow today for the first Space Comm Expo Scotland, where we want to deepen existing partnerships and explore new frontiers.

We know that Scotland has the best sites in the UK to launch rockets vertically from, and its universities are home to some of the greatest minds in space science. This is a growth sector that is at its best when we work together, and learn from one another, across governments, industry and academia. Nothing we do in space is easy. But the benefits this sector brings to all our lives make it more than worth it.”

The UK Space Agency is also supporting the development of Scotland’s space ecosystem by investing in its not-for-profit sector development body, Space Scotland. This includes programmes that equip the nation’s space workforce with the expertise and skills they need, and is unlocking new market opportunities for space with adjacent industries like FinTech, AgriTech, and Robotics.

Daniel Smith, Founding Director of Space Scotland, said: “The space sector in Scotland is growing rapidly towards an ‘end-to-end’ offering that covers Europe-leading small satellite manufacture, orbital spaceflight capabilities and critically, capturing global insights from space data that underpin adjacent sector activity, environmental protection and disaster response. With this growth comes a wealth of business and employment opportunities to benefit the economy across Scotland and the wider UK. The UK Space Agency’s new office and continued partnership with Space Scotland will help maximise these opportunities, supporting the delivery of the Scottish Space Strategy, whilst further enabling ongoing work around sustainability, skills and the creation of an increasingly diverse workforce.”

Recent UK Space Agency investments in Scotland include:

£5m for a suborbital rocket test at SaxaVord Spaceport by HyImpulse UK
£3.5m for a project led by Spire Global and supported by STAR-Dundee for further developments of a novel instrument that could improve weather forecasting
£1.9m for Smiths Interconnect to enhance its space qualification laboratory in Dundee. This has already catalysed £3.5 m in follow-on investment to date

A key focus area of the Scottish Space Strategy is space sustainability, and the UK Space Agency has invested £1.5m in a pioneering project, led by the University of Strathclyde alongside international partners, to accelerate the development of Artificial intelligence technologies to improve space operations, safety and sustainability. The project is paving the way for the creation of a new virtual Institute on AI for Space Safety & Sustainability.

The UK Space Agency is also continuing to assess a potential national Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission and to develop and derisk the key technologies required to clean up the orbital environment. A new Sustainable Space Community Hub launched in collaboration with the British Standards Institution (BSI), will enable stakeholders to easily find and share information about space sustainability, funding and collaboration opportunities and upcoming events. It will also support engagement with the development of Space Sustainability Standards which set the foundation for sustainable practices across the industry.

The SaxaVord and Sutherland spaceports are working towards hosting the first vertical rocket launches from UK soil next year. When fully operational, these spaceports plan to support a combined 42 annual launches from Scotland.

The UK government announced the award of £10m to SaxaVord spaceport earlier this year. Building a sustainable launch sector is a key driver of regional economic growth, creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs and spreading prosperity. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

11 Sept 24. Rheinmetall expands cooperation with ICEYE and obtains exclusive rights to distribute SAR satellites to Germany and Hungary. Rheinmetall and ICEYE, the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations for Earth Observation, are expanding their cooperation. The two companies signed a teaming agreement to this effect.

As part of this agreement, Rheinmetall will integrate ICEYE capabilities into their next generation battlefield systems. In addition, Rheinmetall and ICEYE are pursuing joint opportunities in several markets globally, including Germany and Hungary, where Rheinmetall now has exclusive rights to distribute ICEYE SAR satellites to military and government end-users under this agreement.

Armin Papperger, CEO Rheinmetall AG: “The space domain is an integral part of a defence strategy and of great relevance to our military clients. 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.”

In June 2024, the Düsseldorf-based technology group had already announced its participation in the world’s largest fleet of radar reconnaissance satellites. In this way, Rheinmetall aims to make space-based reconnaissance data usable on the tactical battlefield.

SAR satellites offer the advantage over conventional satellites that they can generate high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day. These are very detailed and make even the smallest objects on the earth’s surface identifiable. This can bring decisive advantages for the armed forces in terms of surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance or their own positioning on the battlefield.

09 Sept 24. China Launches First Batch of Internet Satellites, Aiming to Rival SpaceX’s Starlink. China has successfully launched its first batch of low-Earth orbit internet satellites, marking a significant step in its efforts to develop a satellite network to rival SpaceX’s Starlink. Geespace, a subsidiary of Chinese automaker Geely, confirmed the launch of 18 satellites as part of its “Qianfan” constellation. The launch took place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province.

The Qianfan constellation, which could eventually consist of over 15,000 satellites, aims to provide global internet coverage, much like SpaceX’s Starlink network. The development is part of China’s broader strategy to expand its commercial space industry and reduce reliance on foreign satellite services.

This launch follows recent regulatory changes that have encouraged private space companies in China. While the Chinese government traditionally controlled space activities, the rise of companies like Geespace signals the country’s intent to blend government oversight with the private sector.

By 2025, China aims to deploy 648 satellites in the first phase of the constellation, with plans for continued expansion in the coming years. The project is part of China’s broader space ambitions, which also include a lunar exploration program and developing its own global navigation system. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

10 Sept 24. Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the scheduled 2026 launch of a satellite – dubbed Q4S – which is designed to demonstrate quantum entanglement swapping capabilities on orbit. This Boeing-funded, first-of-its-kind space mission brings humanity closer to building a secure, global quantum internet that connects quantum sensors and computers.

Quantum sensors are much more precise than today’s state-of-the-art instruments and quantum computers have the capacity to process large amounts of data, offering potential to revolutionize an array of industries. This experiment is attempting to demonstrate quantum networking in space, helping to better understand how these networks can be built across vast distances and remain highly synchronized.

Boeing is setting the stage for a revolution in how we handle information with secure, quantum-enhanced applications, such as fault-tolerant systems that reduce errors in computing, secure voting mechanisms that protect electoral integrity, and blind quantum computing which allows data to be processed without exposure.

“We’re making a big bet on quantum technology,” said Jay Lowell, chief engineer for Boeing’s Disruptive Computing, Networks & Sensors organization. “Quantum entanglement swapping underpins the communication of the future, expanding quantum networks beyond simple point-to-point communication. We’re launching Q4S to prove it can be done in orbit.”

Entanglement swapping relies on quantum teleportation – a method where the information carried by a particle can be transferred without having to move the particle itself across the distance. Albert Einstein famously referred to this ethereal concept as “spooky action at a distance,” underscoring the complex nature of quantum mechanics.

“By demonstrating entanglement swapping, we can create a scalable network, where quantum information can be transmitted over vast distances, something currently limited by decoherence and loss,” said Lowell.

Quantum networking capabilities in space can unlock new potential, helping researchers gather more data about the Earth and space environments – areas where current instrument sensitivity and resolution limit progress.

“Boeing has always served as a pioneer, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Todd Citron, Boeing’s Chief Technology Officer. “We’re doing much more than participating in quantum research, we are leading the way to operationalize and scale quantum technologies for global applications.”

The year-long Q4S demonstration involves two entangled-photon pair sources housed within a space vehicle. Boeing’s payload and technology partner, HRL Laboratories, a joint venture between Boeing and GM [NYSE: GM], has made significant advancements in benchtop exercises as the joint team finalizes technical designs of a space-hardened payload that is ready for launch.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

HRL Laboratories, LLC, Malibu, California, (hrl.com) pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers. As a private company owned jointly by Boeing and GM, HRL is a source of innovations that advance the state of the art in profound and far-reaching ways.

04 Sep 24. Godspeed as Arianespace’s Vega soars on its grand finale launch for ESA’s Sentinel-2C mission. Arianespace’s Vega successful soared from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on its last journey on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 at 10.50 p.m. local time (September 5th, at 1.50 a.m. UTC, 3.50 a.m. CEST).

This mission, called “VV24”, will place its passenger, the Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite, into Sun-Synchronous Orbit at an altitude of around 780 km. Spacecraft separation will occur 57 minutes after lift-off. Sentinel-2C is part of the European Commission’s Copernicus Earth Observation program, the world’s most advanced Earth observation system.

Copernicus provides continuous, independent, and reliable Earth observation data and services to public authorities, companies and citizens around the globe. The program is co-funded by the EU and ESA. The Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite, with its wide swath, high-resolution, and multi-spectral imaging capabilities, will support a broad range of operational applications including agriculture, water quality monitoring, natural disaster management (e.g. wildfires, volcanoes, floods), and methane emissions detection.

For agriculture, the mission helps to monitor crop health, predict yields and enable precision farming. Images are used to detect crop type, and to determine biophysical variables such as leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll content and leaf water content to monitor plant growth and health.

Sentinel-2C reached French Guiana on July 18th, 2024 on board Canopée, the first sail-assisted cargo ship, pioneering environmental responsibility in industrial shipping. The satellite’s arrival in Kourou marked the beginning of the launch campaign led by Arianespace teams. The satellite underwent a precise series of pre-launch tests in preparation for its lift-off, leading to the Launch Readiness Review (LRR) on September 2nd, 2024.

The completion of the LRR triggerd the approval for proceeding to the launch countdown. Before the upcoming launch of Sentinel-2C, which was designed and built by a consortium of around 60 companies led by Airbus Defence and Space, Sentinel-1A, Sentinel-2A, Sentinel-1B and Sentinel-2B were successfully launched by Arianespace.

The VV24 mission once again highlights Arianespace’s commitment to space for a better life on Earth, as well as ensuring Europe’s independent access to space. The Vega rocket, designed to send into different orbits mainly light Earth observation and scientific payloads, was launched for the first time from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana in February 2012.

In all, counting this final upcoming VV24 mission, Vega will have carried out a total of 22 launches throughout its years in service and the mission will mark the handover to the Vega C launcher, scheduled to return to flight by the end of 2024. The Vega program is the result of the cooperation of 10 European countries. It has been developed under the leadership of ESA, with Italy (ASI) as the first contributor, Avio Spa (Colleferro, Italy) as a prime contractor delivering a ready to lift-off launcher to Arianespace, which will remain its operator up to Vega Flight 29 (VV29). (Source: Satnews)

03 Sep 24. Rocket Lab sets launch date for 2nd dedicated Kinéis mission to deploy IoT constellation. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has set the launch window for the company’s 53rd Electron Launch — this mission will be the second of five dedicated launches for the French company, Kinéis.

The ‘Kinéis Killed the RadIOT Star’ mission is scheduled to launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, during a 14 day launch window that opens on September 17, 2024, NZST.

This mission will launch just three months after the ‘No Time Toulouse’ mission, Kinéis’ first launch with Rocket Lab. ‘Kinéis Killed the RadIOT Star’ will be the second of five dedicated Electron launches for Kinéis, a company backed by private and public investors including the French government’s space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales) and CLS (Collecte Localisation Satellites) an international space-based solutions provider, to improve global Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity.

Kinéis’ constellation will connect any object anywhere in the world and guarantee the transmission of targeted and useful data to users, in near-real time, with low energy consumption with more powerful 30 kg class smallsats that integrate IoT technology. The constellation also includes a second mission: a ship-tracking Automatic Identification System (AIS). Once deployed, these technologies will allow Kinéis to expand across multiple industries and scale from 20,000 devices connected to ms. The second constellation launch will add an additional five new satellites to its planned 25 in number and will enhance Kinéis’ ability to connect the planet and address essential challenges for humanity, its activities, and its environment.

The ‘Kinéis Killed the RadIOT Star’ launch has been tailored specifically to meet Kinéis’ mission requirements, giving them greater control over launch schedule, orbit, and deployment parameters than would be possible on a larger rideshare mission. Tailored mission parameters for this launch include:

Instantaneous launch window
After the first Curie engine burn to circularize the Kick Stage’s orbit, Curie will ignite again for an eight second burn to set a specific argument of perigee, enabling Kinéis to deploy five satellites to a precise location for each one of the five launches,
All five satellites will be deployed in a precise sequence in singles and as pairs to build out the constellation exactly as Kinéis needs it,
Finally, Curie will conduct a perigee lowering burn to reduce the Kick Stage’s orbital lifetime to keep space sustainable.

“We’re excited to welcome the Kinéis team on board Electron again as we help them build out their constellation,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck. “Dedicated launch is key for the kind of precise orbital deployment requirements many constellation operators need, so we’re proud to make that possible once again.”

“The Kinéis teams are ready to build on the success of the first launch. They have capitalized on this first and delicate technical experience of putting our first five satellites into position and are delivering a real technical performance in managing the five new satellites simultaneously, in addition to the five already in the air,” said Alexandre Tisserant, Chairman of Kinéis. “Rocket Lab’s Electron launcher made a major contribution to this success, thanks to the precision with which it injected our nanosatellites into their positions. The IoT revolution is underway. Thanks to our space-based connectivity, we’ll be able to connect any object anywhere in the world in near real time. Go Kinéis!” (Source: Satnews)

04 Sep 24. Infostellar providing GSaaS support for Panasonic’s CURTIS Satellite using partner ground stations. Infostellar Inc., a Ground Segment as a Service (GSaaS) provider, is going to support Panasonic Group’s CURTIS satellite by providing multiple ground stations through the company’s StellarStation platform.

Infostellar provided a ground station in Gifu, Japan, owned by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI); a ground station in Azerbaijan owned by Azercosmos; and ground stations in South Africa and Bahrain owned by another partner ground station facility, for the CURTIS satellite mission. Using StellarStation the ground station setup for these four different ground stations was completed in just a few months, enabling CURTIS a rapid technology demonstration.

CURTIS was launched from the International Space Station (ISS) in April of 2024, and this technical demo satellite consists mainly of the following three mission payloads:

(1）Demonstrate the operation of the satellite itself, designed as an easy-to-assemble satellite

(2）Conduct technical demonstrations of Panasonic Group products in space. Panasonic will demonstrate components using components and modules that are already in use on the ground, and verify the possibility of converting them for space usage.

(3）Demonstrate circuit formation technology using a thermal management unit composed of technology that downsizes the basic bus section of the satellite and expands the volume of the mission section, as well as graphite material technology with excellent heat dissipation properties. This is done by using high-density circuit design and mounting technologies developed in mobile terminals and product groups that require compactness and light weight.

It is common for such technology demonstrations to use a single ground station. This is because setting up a ground station is a complex and time-consuming task, and it is not efficient to use multiple ground stations operated by different owners for a technology demonstration. However, StellarStation provides a network of third-party ground stations around the world and enables the setup of multiple ground stations in a short period of time. In addition, the use of multiple ground stations increases opportunities for communication with satellites in the S-band, which is common for satellite operations, and allows for large observational data to be downloaded over multiple separate contacts, leading to a quick and effective implementation of the technical demonstration.

In addition to providing ground stations through StellarStation, Infostellar also supported Panasonic in their ITU international frequency coordination and the acquisition of radio licenses for the satellite and overseas ground stations. The Kinki Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) issued the radio station license on July 22, 2024, and Infostellar was able to provide comprehensive support as a GSaaS (Ground Segment as a Service) provider.

Infostellar will continue to support CURTIS operations by providing a network of ground stations through StellarStation.

Naomi Kurahara, CEO of Infostellar, said, “Infostellar is very pleased to support Panasonic Group’s satellite “CURTIS” by providing multiple ground stations through StellarStation and supporting the acquisition of radio station licenses. Our mission is “We connect Earth and Space to empower the future.” And we aim to be the most effective enabler of space business by providing the best access to satellite, as our vision. We hope to contribute to the success of satellite operators’ missions by providing a comprehensive range of services related to the ground segment. Through the access of technical data obtained from the Panasonic Group’s demonstration, we hope that this will lead to the future development of the space industry. (Source: Satnews)

10 Sept 24. ‘Expanding Space – Scottish region to lead on space sector growth.’ The West of Scotland Space Cluster, the newest addition to the UK’s thriving ecosystem of regional space clusters, is launched today ahead of Space-Comm Expo Scotland at SEC Glasgow 11-12 September, one of the year’s biggest UK space industry events.

The region is a key hub in the Scottish space sector, operating at the forefront of a European revolution in spacecraft systems, payload manufacture, launch (upstream) and data analysis (downstream) activity. Space companies such as AAC Clyde Space and Spire Global have led the way, building more satellites in Glasgow than any other city in Europe, with other players such as Craft Prospect and Alba Orbital introducing further innovation in the global small satellites market.

Aligned with the regional space clusters operating across the UK, the West of Scotland Space Clusters incorporates industry, universities and colleges, as well as economic development and support organisations, aiming to capitalise and expand on existing regional strengths in space technologies. The region’s capability extends from small satellite design, manufacture and mission capability and advanced space data-driven services to leading-edge R&D in fields such as quantum, photonics, communications and AI. It is widely acknowledged that the growth of the West of Scotland Space Cluster companies will be critical in helping Scotland achieve its ambition of securing £4 bn of the global space market by 2030.

Craig Clark MBE, space entrepreneur, the founder of AAC Clyde Space and a Professor of Practice in the University of Strathclyde’s space cluster, said that the new cluster would help drive regional growth, combining pioneering research, industry innovation and manufacturing facilities to provide the foundation for Scotland’s emerging end-to-end capability in the European small satellite value chain.

“With SaxaVord Spaceport now operating as the first fully-licensed vertical launch Spaceport in Europe, the West of Scotland has a pivotal role to play in the delivery of the country’s end-to-end capability and helping to attract international companies to set up operations here as we have recently seen with the South African CubeSat imaging company, Simera Sense.

“From a standing start in 2005, Scotland now has one of the fastest-growing space sectors in the world, fuelled by global excellence in space-related research and a long history of innovation and entrepreneurship in engineering. The aim of the West of Scotland Space Cluster is to grease the wheels of the continued growth of the sector in the region and help make Scotland a leading global space player.”

John Ward, Senior Director of Research & Development at Spire Global, which designs and builds the world’s largest multipurpose satellite constellation in Glasgow, said that the new cluster would serve as a platform for greater connectivity and collaboration between the region’s key players.

“Spire Global has manufactured over 175 satellites right here in Glasgow, where the majority of our R&D efforts take place. This new space cluster will enhance collaboration and connectivity among regional players, accelerating innovation and creating a more integrated supply chain. By fostering this ecosystem, we can unlock new opportunities for growth and cement the West of Scotland as a leading hub in the global space industry.”

Andrew Strain, Chief Technology Officer at AAC Clyde Space, added that the cluster’s new advisory group would be focused on actions that drive growth across a region which stretches all the way to the Prestwick, home to Scotland’s largest aerospace hub: “The West of Scotland has amassed an incredible amount of capability in the space industry over the past two decades, particularly in small satellite design and manufacturing. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of Scotland’s first satellite UKube-1, built by Clyde Space Ltd, now part of AAC Clyde Space.

“In the following decade, Scotland has gone from never having launched a satellite to building more than anywhere else in Europe. Satellites and systems designed and built here account for hundreds of years of accumulated on-orbit heritage – very few places in the world can claim that. Through the West of Scotland Space Cluster, we have to opportunity to maintain and grow our admirable position in this innovative section of the space industry.”

Antonia Yendell, Head of the Space Ecosystem team at the UK Space Agency said: “The UK Space Agency strongly supports and is investing in the growth of the Scottish Space Economy. The UK Space Ecosystem is a competitive advantage for the UK Space Sector and Scotland plays a critical role in our thriving and interconnected cluster network, developing our national capabilities and driving economic growth.”

10 Sept 24. Xiphera Develops Quantum-Resilient Hardware Security Solutions for Space. Xiphera, Ltd, a Finnish company designing and implementing hardware-based security solutions, announces a project for developing quantum-resilient Authenticated Boot and Hardware Root of Trust solutions for space-grade semiconductor architectures.

Authenticated Boot and Hardware Root of Trust solutions ensure trust in the digital hardware components and system configurations in space and satellite infrastructures. Xiphera’s implementations are based on hybrid cryptography – a combination of traditional and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) – thus ensuring the security of the system throughout its life cycle.

The development project is partially financed by the European Space Agency, as part of its General Support Technology Program (GSTP). The solutions have been designed in close co-operation with Frontgrade Gaisler, a leading Swedish developer of space-grade electronics. Authenticated Boot is planned to be integrated into Frontgrade Gaisler’s space-grade GR765 processor.

The Authenticated Boot and Hardware Root of Trust technologies are productised for general availability in Xiphera’s nQrux® family of Hardware Trust Engines – highly optimised and customisable security solutions for FPGAs and ASICs. The first released product is nQrux® Secure Boot, available immediately for semiconductor and equipment vendors in space technology and other industrial and critical infrastructure sectors.

“The ESA project will increase European digital sovereignty and resilience both in the supply chain and underlying technology. Our IP cores have always been secure by design, and the complex solutions developed in this project require careful system design methodology” says Petri Jehkonen, Xiphera’s Director of Strategic Programs. “In addition to delivering first class cryptographic algorithms and security protocols, the technology we develop must be compatible with space-grade ASIC manufacturing processes. Xiphera’s solutions are designed in pure digital logic without any hidden software components. This benefit is emphasised particularly in space-grade applications, where software components typically require significantly more complicated validation and certification paths.”

“The integration of Xiphera technology in our next-generation GR765 octa-core SoC provides the foundation to build systems that are resilient against cybersecurity threats” says Jan Andersson Nerén, Director of Engineering at Frontgrade Gaisler. “This collaboration allows our customers to meet stricter requirements while minimising impact on development effort. It also allows them to tackle both present and future challenges, including those posed by quantum computing.”

“Security elements are required today in most space systems. Sensitive elements uploaded over the air, such as software, FPGA bitstreams and telecommands need to be authenticated. Mission data, if confidential or of commercial value, must be encrypted. We are looking forward to working with Xiphera to develop quantum-resistant secure IP cores for space processing chips, namely microprocessors and FPGA” says Roland Weigand from Microelectronics Section at ESA.

About Xiphera

Xiphera, Ltd, designs and implements hardware-based security using proven cryptographic algorithms. Our strong cryptographic expertise and extensive experience in digital system design enable us to help our customers to protect their most valuable assets.

We offer secure and highly optimised cryptographic Intellectual Property (IP) cores, designed directly for Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) without software components. The broad, fully in-house designed, and up-to-date portfolio, including implementations of Post-Quantum Cryptography, enables cost-effective development projects with fast time-to-market – providing peace of mind in a dangerous world.

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