30 Sept 24. Real-Time Video Streaming Demonstrated Over MUOS for U.S. Special Ops. Reticulate Micro has successfully demonstrated real-time video streaming over the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) tactical satellite network, showcasing the technology’s potential for U.S. Special Operations. Reticulate Micro, Inc. has successfully demonstrated real-time video streaming over the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) tactical satellite network for a U.S. Special Operations organization.
The joint U.S. Army live training exercise included Reticulate and its partners, NanTenna, LLC, and Curtiss-Wright, a provider of communications and processing systems for the tactical edge.
The teams integrated Reticulate Micro’s VAST video encoder and Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions’ PacStar® Modular Radio Center to deliver live video over unbonded, Type 1 encrypted MUOS narrowband channels.
Despite the constrained bandwidth, the combined solution delivered minimal delay and clear picture quality, demonstrating the potential of live video over MUOS SATCOM systems.
The latest demonstration follows a U.S. Army demonstration of VAST over UHF TACSAT in February, conducted in partnership with NanTenna. Input from this and other demos is guiding Reticulate’s product roadmap, as the company looks to add new features and functionality to meet the U.S. military’s mobile comms requirements.
Brian Hawkins, principal architect, Reticulate Micro, who conducted the video at a U.S. Army site, commented, “We demonstrated a complete point-to-point, real-time full-motion video session over MUOS in both static and on-the-move scenarios. Overall reactions from the customer were extremely positive, with invites back for follow-on exercises.”
Joshua Cryer, president and CEO, Reticulate Micro, added, “We are proud of our team that executed this powerful demonstration. Along with our partners, NanTenna and Curtiss-Wright, we continue to make history together with low-latency and high-quality voice and video.”
Brian Perry, senior vice president and general manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division, stated, “Curtiss-Wright is dedicated to developing small form factor rugged tactical communications solutions for the US DOD and our allies. By pairing our PacStar® Modular Radio Center and Modular Data Center with components from defense industry-leading partners like Reticulate Micro and NanTenna, we are able to extend C2 networks with simultaneous voice, video, and mission data anywhere within the worldwide coverage area of MUOS.”
Thomas Larkin, president of NanTenna, reportedly considers the MUOS demonstration a huge leap forward in narrowband SATCOM capabilities, explaining, “As more and more users are allocated MUOS connectivity, it is imperative that we, as an industry, offer end-to-end solutions to maximize its utility value to the warfighter. This demonstrates that our existing technologies can provide high-quality, low-latency video, even in the most challenging environments.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
03 Oct 24. Anduril Industries and FlackTek Partner to Revolutionize Production of Rocket Motor Systems. Anduril Industries today announced a partnership with FlackTek, a global leader in high-velocity bladeless mixing and processing solutions, to develop and manufacture the world’s most advanced mixing machine — the Mega FlackTek, also known as “The GOAT” — in Boulder, CO. This groundbreaking bladeless dual asymmetric centrifugal mixer, the only one of its kind globally, surpasses conventional planetary mixers by enabling multi-hundred-kilo batch processing in twin drum-style containers comparable to 55-gallon industrial drums. With this unprecedented capability, the Mega FlackTek will revolutionize rocket motor production, setting a new standard for defense manufacturing of Rocket Motor Systems at scale.
As an independent merchant supplier, Anduril Rocket Motor Systems is building and scaling a smarter, more agile production pipeline for Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs). The partnership with FlackTek enhances Anduril’s capability to deliver solid rocket motors at greater speed and scale, supporting defense programs that are vital for replenishing munitions and maintaining global security. Through FlackTek’s innovation, Anduril RMS has reduced its propellant manufacturing time from several hours to several minutes, significantly boosting its ability to meet customer demand.
Anduril has a demonstrated track record of success using previously existing FlackTek mixers since 2020, and has years of experience and extensive knowledge in the use of dual asymmetric centrifugal mixing for solid rocket propellant across its contracted programs. The new mixer’s size, speed, and efficiency will make it the heart of Anduril’s rocket propellant production capability that capitalizes on Anduril’s other advancements in rocket motor fabrication, all at a fraction of the footprint and labor requirements of more traditional facilities.
This larger and more advanced dual asymmetric centrifugal machine will power a more than ten-fold increase in Anduril’s production throughput, which amounts to a more than 24x increase in production throughput when compared to conventional planetary mixers of a similar size. For most tactical rocket propellants, the new mixer will match the throughput of a traditional 500-gallon bladed mixer and will exceed that throughput for particularly high-performance formulations that typically take longer to mix. FlackTek machinery also provides exceptional repeatability, minimizes waste, and ensures safer working environments through enhanced safety features, consistent processing, and minimized exposure to energetic material hazards.
This partnership capitalizes on FlackTek’s ability to consistently deliver on mission critical capabilities across numerous high tech industries that turn highly viscous materials into high performance products. From the ground up FlackTek has researched, designed, and delivered a purpose built energetic material mixer with all of the necessary safety and regulatory considerations factored into the design.
As Anduril emerges as a key independent merchant supplier of solid rocket motors to partners delivering missiles, hypersonics, and other solid rocket propulsion systems, FlackTek technology will play a pivotal role in continuing to scale defense production capabilities.
This partnership not only strengthens Anduril’s ability to meet the demands of the defense industry but also expands the industrial base by introducing more competition for Solid Rocket Motors. FlackTek’s advanced processing technology brings a much-needed leap forward, enabling faster, safer, more automated, more reliable, and more efficient production on an unprecedented scale. This enhanced speed and precision will be critical as Anduril accelerates development to meet the Department of Defense’s urgent need for an increase in solid rocket motor production.
FlackTek technology enables Anduril to focus on mission-critical projects without being burdened by the inefficiencies of traditional manufacturing processes, enhancing Anduril’s ability to deliver solid rocket motors to the most critical defense programs at greater speed and scale.
(Source: ASD Network)
02 Oct 24. Hanwha Systems to enhance SAR satellite technology. Hanwha Systems has developed and launched a small synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite for Earth observation and intends to enhance its SAR technology to develop more satellites.
Speaking to Janes at the Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) 2024, held at Gyeryongdae from 2 to 6 October, a company official said it launched a SAR satellite from Jeju Island in December 2023.
This satellite can deliver 1m-resolution images of areas of interest to the Republic of Korea (RoK) Armed Forces, the official said.
The official added that the satellite is expected to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations of the RoK Armed Forces. Its primary objective is to monitor North Korean military activities.
“For example, images captured by the satellite can provide timely information to the RoK Armed Forces about suspicious North Korean military deployments and movements, ensuring military preparedness against possible threats,” the official said.
The satellite has a life cycle of three to five years, the official added.
According to the official, “Hanwha Systems is also collaborating with the South Korean government to develop a SAR satellite capable of delivering 0.5m-resolution images. This satellite is expected to be launched by the end of 2026.”
In addition, Hanwha Systems plans to independently develop another SAR satellite that can produce 0.25 m-resolution images, the official added.
In April Hanwha Systems announced that it plans to “enhance its SAR satellite technology to capture images that identify more detailed features such as low-rise buildings and cars in urban centres, flora and fauna in forests, and maritime vessels in the sea”.
27 Sep 24. Exolaunch and U-Space Announce Launch Services Agreement for Two Satellites on the Transporter-13 Mission with SpaceX.
- Exolaunch will deploy the French satellite manufacturer’s “SOAP” and “PANDORE” satellites using its industry-leading EXOpod Nova deployer on the upcoming rideshare mission.
Exolaunch, a global leader in launch mission management, integration, and satellite deployment services, today announced the signing of a Launch Services Agreement (LSA) with French satellite manufacturer U-Space. The agreement includes the launch and deployment of two 12U cubesats — “SOAP” and “PANDORE” — on the Transporter-13 Rideshare with SpaceX, slated for early 2025.
U-Space, based in Toulouse, France, specializes in the design and construction of next-generation nanosatellites for commercial, scientific, and defense missions. With a heritage rooted in expertise developed at the French Space Agency (CNES), U-Space offers turnkey solutions for satellite projects, including feasibility studies, mission analysis, and satellite operations.
SOAP and PANDORE will showcase U-Space’s proficiency in nanosatellites construction. SOAP represents an important milestone for U-Space by being the first space system fully designed, built, and operated by the company. Its PANDORE mission is an innovative in-orbit demonstration (IOD) that will test several technologies.
Under the terms of the LSA, Exolaunch will provide U-Space with a complete service package designed to handle technical, logistical, and legal challenges of getting a satellite into space. This package encompasses launch capacity and mission planning, comprehensive testing, integration, global shipping, and satellite deployment for SOAP and PANDORE using Exolaunch’s proven hardware.
Exolaunch is set to deploy U-Space’s two satellites using its EXOpod Nova, a high-performance cubesat deployer specifically designed for larger 12U and 16U payloads. The EXOpod Nova ensures a reliable deployment and the highest safety standards for payloads. Its customizable design supports a variety of cubesat sizes, making it ideal for complex and diverse missions. The EXOpod Nova has successfully deployed hundreds of cubesats since its introduction to the market, and its separation mechanism and advanced shock protection guarantee smooth deployments into orbit.
U-Space’s Chief Executive Officer, Fabien Apper, commented on the contract: “This agreement with Exolaunch marks an important milestone for U-Space as we prepare to deploy SOAP and PANDORE. We chose Exolaunch for their proven mission management expertise and the unparalleled performance of their EXOpod Nova deployer, which will ensure the safe and precise deployment of our satellites. We look forward to collaborating with such a trusted partner in furthering the capabilities of small satellite technology.”
“We are thrilled to welcome U-Space as our new customer and partner on the upcoming launch of their cutting-edge satellites,” said Robert Sproles, chief executive officer at Exolaunch. “This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to providing flexible and reliable launch solutions while supporting the next generation of satellite technology. It’s been a pleasure to work with the U-Space team and have the opportunity to enable their ambitious goals in space. With launch preparations currently underway, we look forward to executing another successful launch for our valued customers.”
Exolaunch has been involved in every Transporter mission with SpaceX since the inception of the Rideshare program and is on track to execute many more rideshare missions for the company’s portfolio of global customers over the next few years. By combining flight-proven hardware with a decade of mission management expertise, Exolaunch continues to support emerging and established satellite manufacturers in achieving their mission objectives, further solidifying its position as a dedicated provider of launch and deployment solutions and fostering the growth of the commercial space industry in Europe and abroad. (Source: ASD Network)
02 Oct 24. ICEYE, the global leader in SAR satellite operations for Earth Observation and persistent monitoring, today introduced Dwell Precise, a new imaging mode that adds advanced capability to ICEYE’s line of Dwell products and builds on the release of Dwell Fine in March 2024. Dwell Precise provides a 25-centimeter resolution and is based on the 1200 MHz radar bandwidth announced earlier this year. 1200 MHz is currently the maximum that commercial satellites are allowed to use.
ICEYE’s Dwell Precise uniqueness comes from the combination of high-quality data with high resolution, and it will make a difference when identification of smaller objects or targets is required, e.g. types of vehicles and types of military equipment, without the need for additional intelligence sources. As a SAR satellite orbits the Earth its radar signals focus on a specific area of the planet’s surface to create an image based on return data. Like other modes in the Dwell product line, Dwell Precise data are taken from a much more comprehensive range of angles, allowing it to spot objects through tree cover and foliage.
ICEYE owns and operates the world’s largest constellation of SAR satellites. It first introduced Dwell mode in May 2023, and with the introduction of Dwell Fine in March 2024 and today’s launch of Dwell Precise, ICEYE further underlines its commitment to constant innovation in serving private and public sector organizations globally with the most advanced commercial Earth Observation capabilities and SAR satellite data.
John Cartwright, ICEYE’s SVP and Head of Data Product, said “Dwell Precise will be the industry’s highest fidelity 25 cm product. Dwell Precise represents the culmination of the industry’s best imaging capabilities and adds significant depth to our line of Dwell products. The increased resolution will allow ICEYE’s customers to identify objects and features on the earth’s surface with far greater clarity than was available previously, all while benefiting from the day/night all weather imaging capabilities of SAR.”
“The launch of Dwell Precise highlights ICEYE’s commitment to meeting the evolving mission sets of our customers through constant innovation and identification of ways to improve our products and services,” said Eric Jensen, CEO of ICEYE US.
02 Oct 24. Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced a new Public-Private Partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) to provide Honeywell’s Quantum Key Distribution Satellite (QKDSat), an ultra-secure telecommunications satellite that helps keep the exchange of sensitive information secure and private. The partnership supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio with three powerful megatrends, including the future of aviation.
With the support of the United Kingdom Space Agency, Honeywell in the UK will lead a multi-country consortium to safeguard against communication data breaches. It will include Redwire of Belgium; Craft Prospect of the UK and several other key space engineering and satellite companies in Austria, Canada, Czechia and the UK.
The QKDSat Project between Honeywell and the ESA is designed to support civil, military and commercial entities such as financial institutions, telecommunications providers and critical infrastructure organizations, which generate large volumes of confidential data that require protection.
“Data breaches can cost companies ms of dollars, and the stakes are even higher for military or critical infrastructure organizations because any loss of confidential data can have serious national security concerns,” said Matt Milas, president, Defense and Space, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “A quantum-safe network equipped with QKDSat can reduce the number of security breaches and safeguard confidential data.”
QKDSat will become a trusted node operated from the UK in the Honeywell-led Quantum Space & Terrestrial Applications for Telecommunications Encryption (Q-STATE) network. Q-STATE helps protect data by generating quantum randomized keys and providing intercept awareness so that it can terminate a communication channel between the QKDSat and ground terminal before any data can be stolen.
“By developing end-to-end systems that extend to in-orbit validation, the QKDSat Project is supporting the success of European and Canadian industry in the highly competitive global telecommunications market while also de-risking partners investments so that they can continue to answer market needs,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “The European Space Agency is proud to be able to partner with Honeywell and continue this strategic initiative to drive successful operational deployment and ultimately commercial adoption.”
30 Sep 24. Raytheon Delivers Missile-Warning Sensor.
- USSF Next-Gen OPIR payload to provide critical missile warning data
Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, delivered its first sensor payload to prime contractor Lockheed Martin, keeping the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command’s first Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared, or Next-Gen OPIR, Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Block 0 missile warning satellite on track for a 2025 initial launch capability.
Designed to improve missile warning resilience and performance, two Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellites will eventually provide continuous coverage over mid-latitudes to the existing constellation. Raytheon is designing and building sensor payloads for both satellites.
Prior to delivery of the first payload, Raytheon completed a series of assessments including thermal vacuum testing. Thermal vacuum testing exposes the payload to a space-like environment and validates digital models to ensure the sensor meets design requirements. The second sensor payload is more than 60 percent completed and is scheduled to start thermal vacuum testing in early 2025.
“Persistent early warning of missile threats is critical to our national security,” said Sandy Brown, vice president for Mission Solutions & Payloads for Raytheon. “Our payloads offer early, resilient warning against increasingly challenging ballistic threats from adversaries.”
(Source: ASD Network)
01 Oct 24. Apex and Anduril Announce Partnership to Advance Space Capabilities. Anduril Industries is announcing a strategic partnership with Apex, a Los Angeles-based merchant supplier of productized satellite buses, to enable rapid development and delivery of space systems for the United States and partners.
Anduril will use Apex’s buses for missions where Apex’s off-the-shelf approach and scalable manufacturing enable Anduril to rapidly deliver capability to customers; such as space situational awareness, proliferated LEO architectures, and missile warning and tracking. Together, Anduril and Apex aim to set a new standard for quality, scale, and capability that can be delivered to customers to responsively meet their needs.
The agreement combines Apex’s capabilities as an innovative spacecraft bus manufacturer with Anduril’s AI-powered payloads and systems integration expertise. As part of this agreement, Anduril will utilize its capabilities as a mission systems integrator to field operational systems by bringing together technology across the industrial base. Anduril will also contribute its own products from on-orbit edge processing, versatile payloads, ground C2 systems, and other autonomous operations support that is essential to field mission-ready satellite constellations.
As a merchant supplier of satellite buses, Apex will provide its off the shelf spacecraft designed for mass manufacturing. These productized buses offer Anduril the scale, quality, and reliability it needs to advance their missions in space.Satellite buses provide necessary components for any spacecraft, allowing systems to maneuver, communicate, provide power, and more. Apex’s productized satellite buses are unique in their rapid manufacturability, allowing the company to deliver high-quality spacecraft in quantity at a pace necessary to meet critical mission needs.
Earlier this year, Anduril and Apex successfully launched their first joint mission, Aries SN1, with Anduril’s edge-processing payload. Pictured above is a photo taken by SN-1 sensors and processed by Anduril’s edge-payload, all tasked through Anduril’s Lattice platform. From initial concept to flight-ready delivery, this entire project was completed in just 2 months – an unprecedented speed – demonstrating the value of Anduril and Apex’s product-led approach that prioritizes interoperable components and productized off the shelf spacecraft, which can be rapidly integrated and customized for mission needs.
In 2025, Anduril will launch its own self-funded mission, powered by Apex’s Aries bus, featuring upgraded mission data processing and new infrared imaging capabilities, marking the next phase of their collaboration. This next mission will serve as an essential tech maturation demo, and it will be the foundation for Anduril and Apex’s commitment to regularly deploying more mass to orbit.
“We’re proud to partner with Apex to put our software-defined, hardware-enabled capabilities in space,” said Gokul Subramanian, Anduril’s SVP of Space and Engineering. “Apex’s productized, off-the shelf, approach to bus development offers the high quality and reliability Anduril needs for our IRAD mission as well as their ability to manufacture at scale to meet future demand.”
“Apex and Anduril are aligned in our approach to getting decisive capabilities into the hands of the warfighter at the necessary scale and speed,” said Ian Cinnamon, Apex Founder and CEO. “Anduril was founded on the belief that the exquisite, bespoke approach to defense capabilities will not keep pace with threats from China and Russia. Apex takes that same approach in space, providing productized capabilities to help our customers get on orbit as fast as possible. Together, Anduril and Apex can meet the Pentagon’s goal of rapidly proliferating capabilities in space.”
This partnership follows significant milestones for both companies, including Apex’s $95M Series B round, Anduril’s $1.5B Series F round, and the announcement of Anduril’s Arsenal-1 manufacturing facility. (Source: ASD Network)
01 Oct 24. Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL) (the “Company”), a global technology leader, today announced SES Space & Defense recently awarded the Company an initial order for Comtech’s market-leading software-defined SLM-5650B and other next-generation modems. Initial quantities under this new contract are expected to be delivered over the next year.
“In today’s threat environment, secure, resilient, and ubiquitous connectivity is critical to maintaining an information advantage across all domains,” said John Ratigan, Interim CEO of Comtech. “This contract award further demonstrates the trust of SES Space & Defense in Comtech’s ability to deliver next-generation digital solutions. O3b mPOWER is among the world’s most innovative satellite constellations, and we are thrilled to partner with SES Space & Defense as they pave the way for modernized military satellite communications (“SATCOM”) operations.”
“We choose customer mission success first. Comtech’s SLM modem series includes features that are unique and critical to our customers’ missions,” said David Fields, President and CEO of SES Space & Defense. “It is important that Comtech is part of the O3b mPOWER service infrastructure. Their experience developing and manufacturing defense-oriented modems that are ‘allied by design’ with footprints in many domestic and international programs of records make it an easy decision.”
Developed and manufactured at its headquarters in Chandler, AZ, Comtech’s SLM-5650B is the Company’s current Wideband Global SATCOM-certified modem designed to deliver critical communications services for commercial backhaul and government and military applications. The software-defined SLM-5650B currently supports multiple critical DoD and NATO waveforms including DVB-S2X, the preferred waveform for SES’ O3b mPOWER constellation, with the ability to easily add more waveforms and functions to meet emerging mission needs.
Comtech’s portfolio of U.S. sovereign defense technologies and services, including the Company’s SLM-5650B and next-generation modems, align with the Space Force Commercial Space Strategy and deliver capabilities that will enhance Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control operations. Comtech’s expansive portfolio of defense and security technologies is designed to continuously evolve over time to enable digitalized SATCOM infrastructures and integrate services across blended military and commercial networks to significantly enhance mission effectiveness in future all-domain operations.
About Comtech
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a leading global technology company providing terrestrial and wireless network solutions, next-generation 9-1-1 emergency services, satellite and space communications technologies, and cloud native capabilities to commercial and government customers around the world. Our unique culture of innovation and employee empowerment unleashes a relentless passion for customer success. With multiple facilities located in technology corridors throughout the United States and around the world, Comtech leverages our global presence, technology leadership, and decades of experience to create the world’s most innovative communications solutions. For more information, please visit www.comtech.com.
About SES Space & Defense
SES Space & Defense is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES and is exclusively focused on building, managing, and supporting the most advanced satellite network solutions for the U.S. Government. SES Space & Defense uses a proven multi-operator network integration and management capability, a broad global terrestrial network, as well as access to SES’s multi-orbit satellite fleet. It also offers U.S. Department of Defense customers the essential tools in cybersecurity for mission-critical operations, coupled with a proven track record in governance and compliance. SES Space & Defense operates under a proxy board, enabling it to support classified projects, and it has participated in the U.S. Government satcom sector for nearly five decades. Further information can be found at: www.sessd.com.
24 Sept 24. SpaceX’s Tuesday super foggy Vandenberg launch of 20 Starlink smallsats including 13 Direct to Cell. Another foggy but successful Vandenberg launch as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 sent 20 Starlink smallsats, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Tuesday, September 24, at 9:01 p.m. PT.
This is the 10th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NASA Crew-7, CRS-29, NROL-186, EarthCARE, Transporter-10, PACE, and three Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
SpaceX’s Tuesday Starlink Group 8-9 smallsat launch
On Tuesday, September 24th, at 9:01 PM – 9:59 PM PDT, Space X plans to launch into low Earth orbit a batch of Starlink smallsat satellites that will likely include a mix of 13 Direct-to-Cell and 7 standard v2-Mini Starlink satellites. These satellites will help SpaceX move closer to achieve their goal of a Starlink smallsat space-based internet communication constellation.
The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg SFB, California, which has launched 159 rockets, including 159 orbital launch attempts, and has been the site for 771 rocket launches.
A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.
SpaceX’s Starlink launches will be cut back for a few weeks as both of SpaceX’s Florida launch pads are currently occupied by high-priority missions. Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) is being prepped for Falcon Heavy’s upcoming launch of Europa Clipper in October, and SpaceX’s Crew-9 is being attended to at SLC-40 for a September 26 launch. (Source: Satnews)
23 Sept 24. NASA selects launch provider for the new NOAA QuickSounder mission. NASA has selected Firefly Aerospace, Inc. of Cedar Park, Texas, to provide launch services for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) QuickSounder mission. The selection is part of NASA’s Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) launch services contract. This contract allows the agency to make fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity awards during VADR’s five-year ordering period, with a maximum total value of $300 m across all contracts.
The QuickSounder mission will support NOAA’s next generation satellite architecture for its future low Earth orbit program, which will provide mission-critical data for the agency’s National Weather Service, the nation’s weather industry, and other users worldwide.
QuickSounder is the first small satellite in NOAA’s Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON). A collaborative effort between NASA and NOAA, NEON will provide a new approach to developing a new global environmental satellite system by quickly building small to medium-sized satellites with Earth-observing instruments for weather forecasting, disaster management, and climate monitoring. QuickSounder has a launch readiness date of February 2026.
NASA will manage the development and launch of the satellites for NOAA. As the mission lead, NOAA provides funding, technical requirements, and will manage post-launch operations. NASA and NOAA will work with commercial partners to design and build the network’s spacecraft and instruments. (Source: Satnews)
27 Sept 24. US Space Force looking for commercial, manoeuvrable geostationary satellites. The US Space Force (USSF) intends to contract manoeuvrable satellites in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) from commercial companies, Colonel Rich Kniseley, senior materiel leader of the service’s Commercial Space Office, told reporters on 16 September at the Air & Space Forces Association’s (AFA’s) Air, Space & Cyber conference in National Harbor, Maryland.
The Commercial Space Office contracts commercial companies to provide services for the US Department of Defense (DoD), many of which duplicate DoD capabilities to ensure greater reliability should its own satellites be disabled in conflict. Rather than purchase, launch, and operate satellites, the Commercial Space Office instead purchases services from already-launched satellites.
Col Kniseley’s office administers the proliferated low-Earth orbit (pLEO) contract, which awards commercial providers for services in LEO, including communications, radar target detection, among other roles. GEO service purchases are to be structured along the same lines, Col Kniseley said.
“We’ll build the contract similarly, where we’re going to be doing more mission areas than just commercial satcom [satellite communications]. It’ll be open to other mission areas, such as a potential PNT [position, navigation, and timing] solution [or] weather solution,” Col Kniseley said.
He said he hopes to select awardees for the first GEO services in 2025.
“We’ve already released the RFI [request for information], so we have a sense of what’s out there in industry and where industry is going,” Col Kniseley said.
USSF have already entered into a deal with California-based microsatellite maker Astranis to upgrade their latest commercial GEO microsatellite system, dubbed the Omega, to transmit across military bandwidths. USSF’s Space Systems Command (SSC) inked the USD13.2 m contract in September. (Source: Janes)