06 Dec 24. Artemis delayed yet again despite heat shield breakthrough. NASA’s Artemis II mission to fly astronauts close to the moon has been delayed yet again from September 2025 to April 2026. However, in a significant breakthrough, the space agency has identified the cause of the heat shield problems on the Orion capsule and believes it can simply change the reentry trajectory to avoid the problem reoccurring. The news means the subsequent Artemis III mission to return humans to the Moon will also be pushed back until the middle of 2027. Australia is now a key player in the Artemis program, with NASA tasking the Australian Space Agency with creating a rover that will collect lunar regolith, or moon soil, that will eventually be turned into oxygen to support a permanent human base.
“Our early Artemis flights are a test campaign, and the Artemis I test flight gave us an opportunity to check out our systems in the deep space environment before adding crew on future missions,” said Amit Kshatriya, a NASA deputy associate administrator.
“The heat shield investigation helped ensure we fully understand the cause and nature of the issue, as well as the risk we are asking our crews to take when they venture to the Moon.”
NASA said its teams took a methodical approach to identifying the root cause of the char loss issue, including sampling of the Artemis I heat shield, review of imagery from sensors on the spacecraft, and comprehensive ground testing and analysis.
“During Artemis I, engineers used the skip guidance entry technique to return Orion to Earth. This technique provides more flexibility by extending the range Orion can fly after the point of reentry to a landing spot in the Pacific Ocean.
“Using this manoeuvre, Orion dipped into the upper part of Earth’s atmosphere and used atmospheric drag to slow down. Orion then used the aerodynamic lift of the capsule to skip back out of the atmosphere, then reenter for final descent under parachutes to splash down.
“Using Avcoat material response data from Artemis I, the investigation team was able to replicate the Artemis I entry trajectory environment — a key part of understanding the cause of the issue — inside the arc jet facilities at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California.
“They observed that during the period between dips into the atmosphere, heating rates decreased, and thermal energy accumulated inside the heat shield’s Avcoat material.
“This led to the accumulation of gases that are part of the expected ablation process. Because the Avcoat did not have “permeability,” internal pressure built up, and led to cracking and uneven shedding of the outer layer.
“Teams performed extensive ground testing to replicate the skip phenomenon before Artemis I. However, they tested at much higher heating rates than the spacecraft experienced in flight.
“The high heating rates tested on the ground allowed the permeable char to form and ablate as expected, releasing the gas pressure.
“The less severe heating seen during the actual Artemis I reentry slowed down the process of char formation while still creating gases in the char layer. Gas pressure built up to the point of cracking the Avcoat and releasing parts of the charred layer.
“Recent enhancements to the arc jet facility have enabled a more accurate reproduction of the Artemis I measured flight environments so that this cracking behaviour could be demonstrated in ground testing.
“While Artemis I was uncrewed, flight data showed that had crew been aboard, they would have been safe. The temperature data from the crew module systems inside the cabin were also well within limits and holding steady in the mid-70s Fahrenheit.
“Thermal performance of the heat shield exceeded expectations. Engineers understand both the material phenomenon and the environment the materials interact with during entry. By changing the material or the environment, they can predict how the spacecraft will respond.
“NASA teams unanimously agreed the agency can develop acceptable flight rationale that will keep crew safe using the current Artemis II heat shield with operational changes to entry.”
The Artemis launch vehicle consists of the Orion capsule, created by Lockheed and Airbus, and the main Space Launch System rocket manufactured by a consortium including Boeing and Northrop Grumman.
However, there is increasing speculation that incoming president Donald Trump could alter the Artemis mission to use SpaceX’s Starship launch vehicle for blast off instead.
Currently, Starship is scheduled to be reconfigured as a moon lander before returning the astronauts to Earth – effectively meaning two launch vehicles are used rather than one.
Starship has now completed six successful test missions, with Trump watching the last blast-off in person. (Source: Space Connect)
06 Dec 24. Sentinel-1C: New radar satellite launched into space. A new radar satellite supported by the UK was launched into space from French Guiana at 9:20pm GMT on Thursday 5 December.
The Sentinel-1C satellite launched on a VEGA-C rocket and will orbit 700km above the Earth’s surface. Part of Europe’s Copernicus programme, it will use advanced radar technology to provide continuous imaging over land and sea, day and night, and even through cloud cover.
Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “The successful launch of this new satellite will further strengthen the Copernicus programme, which continues to collect vital long-term data allowing us to better understand our planet, respond to natural disasters and tackle global challenges like climate change.”
The UK’s Earth Observation industry is integral to the Sentinel 1 satellites, with the support of the UK Space Agency.
Airbus Defence and Space (Portsmouth) developed the electronics subsystem of the key Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) instrument aboard the satellite. Honeywell UK was responsible for the receiver of the Automated Identification System (AIS) payload, which will be key for maritime surveillance capabilities. Additionally, the battery for Sentinel-1C was supplied by Enersys ABSL (Abingdon).
Justin Byrne, Head of Earth Observation and Science at Airbus Defence and Space UK, said: “Airbus in the UK has designed and manufactured the entire family of radar electronic subsystems for the Sentinel 1 satellites; this continues the UK provision of key instrument elements for all European Space Agency and European Union SAR satellites in orbit.
Once it reaches its intended orbit, Sentinel-1C will synchronise with Sentinel-1A which is already in space. These satellites will work in partnership with each other to deliver the Sentinel-1 mission, imaging the Earth and generating large amounts of data that is fed into the various services provided by Copernicus. ”
Dr Chandra Taposeea-Fisher, Chair of EO Committee, UKspace trade association, said: “The SAR instruments on the Sentinel-1 satellites have contributed greatly to the monitoring of Arctic sea-ice extent, routine sea-ice mapping, marine environment surveillance, land-surface motion risks, forest, water & soil management, as well as contributing to humanitarian aid and crisis situations. ”
Data from the Sentinel-1 satellites has been used throughout the UK EO Community, by government, industry and academia. We welcome the successful launch of Sentinel-1C, opening a new chapter in the EO world.
Unlike research satellites, Sentinel-1C imagery is designed to sustain a reliable operational service, with consistent and long-term data collection for key applications. This is crucial for land and maritime monitoring, tracking of sea ice, emergency response to flooding and earthquake events, tracking climate variables and assessing the impacts of climate change.
Professor Gideon Henderson, Chief Scientific Adviser for Defra, said: “Copernicus was a catalyst to the widespread uptake and use of Earth Observation to aid evidence-based policy delivery, monitoring and enforcement activities. ”
The launch of Sentinel-1C will continue to support the National Forestry Inventory; flood response mapping and detecting illegal fishing.
We are also researching how Interferometric SAR techniques can show ground deformation in peat bogs caused by fluctuations in water storage, sometimes known as bog breathing. This will help us better understand peat-bog health and carbon storage potential.
The Copernicus Sentinel satellites deliver key data for monitoring and delineating the extent of areas affected by floods, supporting local decision-making during emergencies. Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-1 imagery
Prof John Remedios, Director of the National Centre for Earth Observation said:
The advent of operational radar satellites has been a huge boost to our ability to observe hazardous and extreme environments, for example where people are vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanoes.
Sentinel-1C will renew the extensive coverage and clever products which result from combining data from two radar satellites operating at the same time, allowing scientists and businesses to measure ground motion from glaciers to cities.
As well as its radar instrument, Sentinel-1C will also carry a new Automatic Identification System (AIS), developed by the International Maritime Organisation to help ships avoid collisions at sea. The combination of radar images and AIS signals improves the monitoring of global shipping traffic and can also help detect piracy and other illegal activities.
This latest milestone for Copernicus follows the successful launch of another satellite – Sentinel-2C – in September this year. This satellite is already providing high-resolution imagery and data – it is a powerful tool that enhances the UK and Europe’s capabilities in monitoring land and vegetation. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
04 Dec 24. Vega-C Complete for Return to Flight. ESA’s Vega-C rocket is complete on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport and ready for liftoff. The final element of the rocket, which includes the Sentinel-1C satellite that will be launched into space, was installed on top of the 35-m launcher on 29 November – like the cherry on a cake. Vega-C is ESA’s smaller rocket specialised in launching to polar orbits for Earth observation satellites such as Sentinel-1C. Together with Ariane 6 – which had its inaugural launch this summer – the two rockets ensure Europe has autonomous access to space for the benefit of our citizens.
The launch this week is significant as it will be the ‘return to flight’ of Vega-C after it has been grounded since its previous flight in 2022. This launch will be the 25th flight for the Vega family of rockets, since the last Vega flight in September marked the retirement of Vega – Vega-C’s predecessor.
Vega-C has four ‘stages’ that are assembled separately and stacked in order on the launch pad.
The first stage, the P120C, was installed on 14 October and is one of the most powerful one-piece solid-fuelled rocket motors ever built. This component is also used by Ariane 6 for its boosters. By sharing the same components, both rockets can be built more cost-effectively.
The second stage, called Zefiro-40, has had its nozzle redesigned and the complete stage was test-fired twice since the last Vega-C launch. This is standard procedure when preparing solid-fuel rocket motors for operations. The third stage Zefiro-9, is the only component shared by Vega-C and its predecessor.
The fourth stage, called Attitude and Vernier Upper Module, or AVUM+, connects to the Sentinel-1C satellite and accompanies it for the first complete orbit of our planet, firing its liquid-fuelled engines in three separate bursts of up to five minutes to place Sentinel-1C as close to a perfect orbit as possible. After satellite separation, a final burn of the fourth stage will de-orbit the hardware to leave no space debris.
On launch day, the first three Vega-C stages will fire, burn through their fuel and be expended in rapid succession, enabling the rocket to reach space in just eight minutes. The fourth stage with Sentinel-1C will orbit Earth and prepare for release an hour and fifty minutes after liftoff.
Although the components are stacked and ready on the launch pad, technicians connect, check and test right up until launch day. A final ‘launch readiness review’ was held, authorising Vega-C to be ignited and return to the skies. Watch the launch live on ESA Web TV. (Source: ASD Network)
04 Dec 24. Space Force racing to meet training, testing demands. The Space Force’s push to prepare for a future war in the Indo-Pacific in the next few years is not just about quickly fielding more resilient satellites and ground systems — it also means ensuring guardians and the broader joint force are trained and ready to use those capabilities during a conflict.
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman has made readiness a top priority for the service and has called on the organizations that write requirements, train guardians and develop test and training infrastructure to move quickly to prepare the force to operate in a more contested space environment.
That’s a big task for a service that was established just five years ago and is transitioning from viewing space as a benign domain to a potential theater of war. And the leaders of the service’s testing and training enterprise say they are feeling that time crunch.
Col. Corey Klopstein, who leads efforts to acquire operational test and training infrastructure at Space Systems Command, said Saltzman’s mandate means his organization has “a long way to go in a very short period of time.”
“We’ve got to make sure that we’ve got our forces ready to present as quickly as possible,” he said during a recent Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference webinar. “We’re not in the same position as other services that have been training in these contested environments.”
Maj. Gen. Tim Sejba, head of Space Training and Readiness Command, said Tuesday that while it will take decades for the Space Force to build high-fidelity training and testing ranges, there are interim steps the service can take to improve its live and simulated training infrastructure.
Speaking at the annual I/ITSEC conference in Orlando, Florida, this week, Sejba said the Space Force is taking a hybrid approach to improving its current systems, stitching together legacy capabilities with new technology available in the commercial market.
“The only way we’re going to be able to support the joint force and our allies is to partner with industry differently than we have in the past,” he said.
The service is using its $12 bn Space Enterprise Consortium contract to buy some of these capabilities. The contracting mechanism allows the Space Force to issue task orders to more than 750 preapproved companies and get solutions faster than it might under a more traditional acquisition program.
In September, the service issued an RFI through the consortium seeking commercial companies with satellites on orbit that have excess capacity and could be used to support Space Force live training and testing. This and other acquisition tools are not only efficient ways to buy new capabilities, but they’re often more affordable, too, Klopstein said.
“I want to see what’s out there and push the boundary to see if there’s anything that we can bring in and leverage as quickly as possible,” he said. “And if you can partner with commercial industry and you can have dual use of technologies, that helps us collectively bring the cost down.”
In the near term, Klopstein said, the service plans rely on whatever capability it can get from industry to address its biggest training gaps: integration and outdated simulators.
The integration challenge involves understanding how the service’s satellites interact and affect one another on orbit and simulating that in a virtual training environment. Today, much of the Space Force’s training happens system by system, but Klopstein said the service needs to better connect its capabilities to make its training more comprehensive and realistic.
The Space Force also needs to invest in upgrading its simulators, which don’t currently provide the capability the service needs to validate its tactics, Klopstein said.
For now, Space Systems Command is doing what it can to piece together new capabilities and existing systems, but the Space Force’s future training needs will require a more robust virtual training infrastructure.
Klopstein’s team has met with industry several times over the last year to assess what modeling and simulation capabilities it might be able to take advantage of today to build that future infrastructure. That work is informing a broader acquisition strategy that the service expects to unveil early next year.
04 Dec 24. Altair (Nasdaq: ALTR), a global leader in computational intelligence, will work together with Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering on a $1.25m AFWERX Phase II STTR contract. The two organizations will develop analytical models for cyclonic flows, construct computational models, and study the stability of different vortex engines to address the challenges facing public and private sector aerospace organizations.
Altair will work with Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering on a $1.25m AFWERX Phase II STTR contract to address the challenges facing public and private sector aerospace organizations and advance vortex rocket engines.
Within the contract, Altair is assuming the previous role of Research in Flight, which was founded in 2013 and won a series of development contracts and grants over a 10-year span. Altair acquired Research in Flight in April 2024 and its technology is now known as Altair® FlightStream™, part of the Altair® HyperWorks® platform.
“This opportunity continues Altair’s legacy of innovation in the aerospace industry and demonstrates the power of our technology as we work closely with a prestigious institution such as Auburn University,” said Pietro Cervellera, senior vice president of aerospace and defense, Altair. “FlightStream empowers users in unique ways, bridging the gap between high-fidelity CFD simulations and engineering demands to set industry standards for efficiency, accuracy, and speed.”
Within the project, the Auburn University team – led by Dr. Joe Majdalani, the university’s Hugh and Loeda Francis Chair of Excellence in the department of aerospace engineering – will use FlightStream to identify optimal conditions within vortex engines. FlightStream will help the team predict cyclonic flow performance and acoustic signature characteristics at a fraction of the time compared to previous methods. These models will enable users to rapidly predict the stability performance of thrust engines earlier in the design cycle over a range of operating conditions.
“This contract allows us to develop next-generation solutions for vortex engines and collaborate with Altair, whose decades of experience and technology now includes the tool from Research in Flight,” Majdalani said. “Previously, each test seeking to study vortex engine capabilities and stability limitations took about two weeks. With FlightStream, these same predictions take just a few minutes. We are thrilled to see how these tools will transform this space.”
The contract is awarded by AFWERX. AFWERX is the innovation arm of the United States Department of the Air Force (DAF) that harnesses cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and startups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,200 new contracts worth more than $4.7 bn to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. (Source: PR Newswire)
04 Dec 24. Gilmour’s first launch ‘no earlier than mid-January.’ Gilmour will open the launch window for its Eris rocket “no earlier than mid-January” after securing the licence to blast off last month. The business could have opted for a lift-off date this month but has shifted the plan back to 2025 to complete “final testing and verification activities” and hand its team a break over Christmas. In a new LinkedIn post, Gilmour also advised the public against attempting to watch the inaugural launch in person, given the “high likelihood of delays or scrubs”.
“We will not be providing a live stream as our priority is ensuring mission safety and success,” it said. “A video of the launch will be shared soon after.”
Gilmour Space Technologies has been developing its three-stage launch vehicle for eight years and hopes to address a gap in the global market for small satellite launch providers.
It was granted the launch licence, an Australian first, by Science Minister Ed Husic in November under the Space (Launches & Returns) Act 2018. A number of conditions need to be met, though, before a potential blast-off, including a mandatory 30-day notification period.
“With this green light, we will soon attempt the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket from Australian soil,” said the firm’s founder, Adam Gilmour.
Gilmour’s Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland was separately granted its own licence to operate in March, and the company completed a wet dress rehearsal in September, all the way to T-10 seconds.
“Since starting its rocket program in 2015, Gilmour Space has expanded to over 200 employees, built a local supply chain of more than 300 Australian companies, attracted significant private investment, gained support from local, state and federal governments, and actively engaged communities across the region,” Gilmour said in a statement.
The business had hoped to blast off for the first time in April 2024, and prior to the licence’s eventual granting, Adam Gilmour repeatedly blamed the Australian Space Agency for the delay.
At one point, he argued that the pushback was “more them than us” and even suggested that officials were concerned that its Eris launch vehicle could hit a passing ship.
“Like, what if a cruise ship comes out of Hawaii and goes in the path of the rocket as it’s going up [from the North Queensland coast]? And how are we not going to hit the International Space Station?” he said of their apparent questions. (Source: Space Connect)
04 Dec 24. Rivada Tapped for Virtual Network Operator Contract with US Navy.
- Next-Generation LEO Satellite Network is Key for Enabling Navy Innovation
- Unique global data constellation using satellite-to-satellite laser links
- Ultra-secure and extremely low latency network
- Combining the speed of fiber with the reach of satellite
- Gateway-less architecture ensures security by design
The Rivada Outernet is a next-generation low-Earth orbit satellite constellation. When fully deployed it will provide gigabit speeds to any point on the globe, without needing to touch the public internet or any third-party infrastructure. Rivada has designed its Outernet to serve the most demanding enterprise and government customers—those who need highly secure, high-bandwidth connectivity in even the most far-flung locations.
Consistent and highly secure, global connectivity for Navy vessels remains a challenge for both ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship communications. Under the first phase of its contract with the U.S. Navy, Rivada will engage in joint engineering cooperation with the Navy to delineate a Virtual Network architecture specifically designed to meet the Navy’s needs on the Rivada Outernet.
A global low-latency point-to-point connectivity network of 600 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Rivada’s Outernet is a unique next-generation architecture combining inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard processing that provide unique routing and switching capabilities to create an optical mesh network in space. This approach to “orbital networking,” in which data stays in space from origin to destination, creates an ultra-secure satellite network with pole-to-pole coverage, offering end-to-end latencies much lower than terrestrial fiber over similar long distances. By routing traffic on a physically separated network, it provides a layer of defense for any organization that needs to securely share data between widely distributed sites.
Rivada’s Outernet is particularly well suited for the secure connectivity required by national governments and defense sectors. Leveraging the Outernet’s robust, resilient and secure space-based architecture, naval users can connect their assets on a global scale with low latency and without any third-party networks in the communication chain. Assets anywhere in the world can be connected back to home soil and between each other, platform-to-platform.
“The Rivada Outernet’s proliferated LEO architecture is resilient by design and built for exactly this type of use-case,” said Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada Networks. “We are delighted that the U.S. Navy sees the value of what we are building and look forward to delivering an operational concept that meets its needs. Our Outernet is rapidly becoming the infrastructure of choice for secure data communications.”
Commander Nick Goddard, head of operations, U.S. Navy Cyber Defense Command, said: “Rivada is building a uniquely capable LEO constellation focused on zero trust networking.” He added: “The combination of security, symmetrical uplink and downlink speeds and global coverage are unique, and we are excited to collaborate with Rivada on how the Navy can best take advantage of Rivada’s gateway-less architecture for innovation today and in the future. As the adversary evolves, we must continue to out-innovate, maneuver, and drive outcomes to support our global Navy Operational Ecosystem.” (Source: ASD Network)
04 Dec 24. Parsons and Globalstar Announce Partnership, Demonstrate First Software Defined Satellite Communication Solutions in Low Earth Orbit. Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) and Globalstar (NYSE American: GSAT) announce their exclusive partnership to support the public, government, and defense sectors. The partnership also includes the successful demonstration of Parsons’ software-defined satellite communications solution using Globalstar’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation.
As the demand for reliable global communication services continues to grow in complex and congested areas, the collaboration between Parsons and Globalstar provides an innovative solution designed to enhance resilience against disrupted communication pathways. Utilizing Globalstar’s LEO satellite constellation, the partnership aims to ensure resilient and diverse communication protocols to support a myriad of communication needs.
“This successful demonstration is a significant step forward in how we can use satellite infrastructure to support mission-critical needs across various industries,” said Mike Kushin, president of Defense and Intelligence for Parsons. “By leveraging Globalstar’s advanced satellite technology, we are optimizing the Parsons capability solution to provide communications connectivity, especially in areas where radio frequency congestion poses challenges.”
The Proof of Concept, which commenced earlier this year, is progressing through the necessary steps to enter commercial service. This successful demonstration of Parsons Corporation’s software-defined satellite communications solution using Globalstar’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation marks an important milestone as the first of its kind in North America. It unlocks previously impossible mission-critical solutions tailored for radio frequency (RF)-congested environments, setting a new standard for global communication services in complex and often challenging operating conditions.
“Partnering with Parsons Corporation allows us to demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of our satellite solutions in addressing crucial connectivity challenges,” said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, CEO of Globalstar. “This achievement exemplifies how global satellite systems can work collaboratively with advanced technologies to deliver essential services in dynamic and challenging environments. We see this as a milestone moment for not only the progress of our partnership but also another way that Globalstar is able to bring value from our satellite infrastructure in the commercialization of these new services.”
The demonstration not only highlights the advanced functionality of Parsons’ solution but also the benefits of collaborating closely on a technology solution at both the RF and system layer. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
03 Dec 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully handed over mission operations of Space Norway’s Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) satellites and completed activation of U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command’s (SSC) two Enhanced Polar System – Recapitalization (EPS-R) payloads, hosted aboard ASBM. The mission launched in August from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
- The two ASBM satellites host payloads for the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and Viasat, which will expand X-band and Ka-band connectivity across the Arctic region, and the Norwegian Radiation Monitor, provided by Norwegian company IDEAS for the European Commission, that will provide data on operations in triple-apogee Highly Elliptical Orbit.
- The EPS-R payloads on ASBM provide protected military satellite communications for U.S. and allied forces operating in the Northern Polar region.
- EPS-R significantly increases the capacity of the existing Enhanced Polar System (EPS) payloads and extends the mission until next-generation protected MILSATCOM systems come online in the mid-2030s.
Blake Bullock, vice president, military space systems, Northrop Grumman: “Thanks to a bold vision from our customers — and enabled by Northrop Grumman’s end-to-end capabilities, deep mission understanding and unmatched MILSATCOM legacy — our service members and allies can now count on reliable, secure communications in this strategically important region while next-generation systems are developed.”
ASBM is a historic partnership between Space Norway and the U.S. Space Force, marking the first time an operational U.S. military payload is hosted on an international commercial space mission. This first-of-its-kind accomplishment is the latest chapter in Northrop Grumman’s long history of supporting protected MILSATCOM missions. The company has developed, built and delivered protected MILSATCOM payloads for every protected MILSATCOM program since the Milstar program, which launched starting in the 1990s.
The EPS-R payloads are operated by the Northrop Grumman-led Control and Planning Segment ground system, which has been upgraded with a common baseline software to operate both EPS and EPS-R, eliminating the need for training on two separate control systems.
Northrop Grumman provided two GEOStar-3 satellites for this mission in addition to payload development, integration, testing, launch support, and early mission operations for Space Norway. Northrop Grumman also provided two Satellite Control Ground Systems, located in Tromsø and Bardufoss, Norway.
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.
02 Dec 24. Ovzon in Successful Demo With the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). Last week, Ovzon demonstrated an integrated satellite communications solution, including mobile satellite terminals and Ovzon 3-based SATCOM service, in a pilot test with remote control of an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). The demonstration was made together with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The demonstration took place at two locations: the UGV was in Kiruna, approximately 1000 km away from the command-and-control center in Stockholm. This demonstration is proof of the versatility of Ovzon’s SATCOM solutions using the company’s own satellite, Ovzon 3, and the unique capabilities of the Ovzon On-Board-Processor (OBP) to create a true mesh network with sovereign control within the borders of Sweden.
Erik Lundström, Project Manager at FMV, says; “Remotely controlled systems will play a fundamental role in the future, and this demonstration was therefore very important. This was a first, and it was a challenging task to guarantee satellite communication so we could remotely steer a UGV 1000 km away from Stockholm in a completely Swedish context. Ovzon, with its Ovzon 3 satellite and its groundbreaking technology, made this possible.”
“Satellite communications play a crucial role in enabling the operation of unmanned vehicles (UAVs) across various environments. At Ovzon, we have always worked with our customers’ specific needs in mind. Working on different proof of concepts helps us remain a world leading satellite communications company”, concludes Per Norén, CEO of Ovzon. (Source: ASD Network)
24 Nov 24. Rocket Lab’s HASTE suborbital launch vehicle soars testing hypersonic test launch capabilities
Rocket Lab’s second dedicated mission for Leidos successfully lifted off on November 24, 2024, at 06:00 UTC. The launch was performed by HASTE, a vehicle derived from the two-stage orbital-class expendable Electron, from Pad 0C (Rocket Lab LC-2) within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.
This mission marks the second launch of HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) and the first of four launches planned for Leidos between 2024 and 2025.
Rocket Lab was selected by Leidos to provide hypersonic test launch capabilities with HASTE under the MACH-TB project. The project was awarded by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane through the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) vehicle on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center (TRMC).
Jeffrey McCormick, senior intelligence analyst said, “China now has the world’s leading hypersonic arsenal, and Russia currently has three deployed hypersonic weapon systems, including two that have been used in a conflict against Ukraine.”
Rocket Lab launched the first HASTE mission on 17 June 2023 for Leidos under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program.
Rocket Lab’s HASTE suborbital launch vehicle is derived from the Company’s Electron rocket but has been modified to support hypersonic payload deployment. By leveraging the heritage of Rocket Lab’s low-cost Electron – the world’s most frequently launched commercial small launch vehicle – HASTE offers true commercial testing capability at a fraction of the cost of current full-scale tests.
As of current information, the Rocket Lab “Leidos 2” mission, also known as a HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) mission for Leidos, is currently on hold, at Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 at Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, with the countdown paused; meaning the launch is delayed and not happening as planned. The exact reason for the hold is not explicitly stated, but it is likely related to technical issues or necessary adjustments before launch.
Rocket Lab will launch four HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) missions for Leidos in 2024 and 2025. All four missions will launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 at Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.
Rocket Lab was selected by Leidos to provide hypersonic test launch capabilities with HASTE under the MACH-TB project. The project was awarded by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane through the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) vehicle on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center (TRMC).
for Leidos under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program.
Rocket Lab’s HASTE suborbital launch vehicle is derived from the Company’s Electron rocket but has been modified to support hypersonic payload deployment. By leveraging the heritage of Rocket Lab’s low-cost Electron – the world’s most frequently launched commercial small launch vehicle – HASTE offers true commercial testing capability at a fraction of the cost of current full-scale tests. (Source: Satnews)
24 Nov 24. LKD Aerospace announces partnership with Scanway. LKD Aerospace and Scanway have announced their firms have entered into a new strategic partnership — this collaboration aims to enhance Earth Observation (EO) capabilities through advanced imaging systems and innovative satellite solutions. Scanway specializes in providing optical payloads for EO)and other remote sensing applications designed for a range of small satellites, including nano and micro configurations. Their innovative camera systems feature multifunctional modules that enable self-diagnostics and self-inspection, allowing for real-time monitoring of space infrastructure. This capability is crucial for detecting degradation levels, faults, and anomalies in space equipment, thereby optimizing mission success and longevity. In addition, they can be used in such applications as space situational awareness, docking missions, space exploration, etc. The partnership leverages Scanway’s extensive expertise in customizable and athermal telescope systems, designed to meet diverse mission requirements. These advanced systems support critical applications in object classification and military operations and also play a vital role in monitoring natural disasters, climate change, and supporting agricultural and urban development initiatives. Scanway’s innovative approach to optical payload design allows for scalability and integration across various platforms, ensuring that clients can tailor their solutions to fit specific mission goals. This flexibility is a significant advantage in an ever-evolving aerospace landscape. As both companies continue to innovate and collaborate, they are committed to providing innovative solutions that not only enhance satellite performance but also contribute to global sustainability efforts. Thanks to Star Linker who supports Scanway in business development activities in the U.S., an agreement has been signed between LKD and Scanway, paving the way for a strengthened partnership focused on these shared goals.
“We are thrilled to partner with Scanway, whose commitment to modularity and adaptability aligns perfectly with LKD Aerospace’s vision for the future of satellite technology,” said Len McNally, VP Sales / PGM at LKD Aerospace. “Together, we aim to push the boundaries of Earth observation capabilities, providing our clients with unparalleled insights into our planet’s dynamics.”
“We’re confident that this partnership will transform how we observe and engage with our planet,” said Mikołaj Podgórski, Chief Operating Officer at Scanway. “By merging our cutting-edge imaging technologies with LKD Aerospace’s extensive partnerships and network, we aim to create solutions for some of the most urgent challenges our world faces today.”
About LKD Aerospace
LKD Aerospace ‘s mission is to help OEM’s and customers successfully connect, and expand these possibilities through technical product sales experience, aggressive promotion, and over 40 years of experience of forging connections both throughout the US and across the world.
About Scanway
Scanway is a leader in optical payload technology, providing high-resolution imaging systems for Earth Observation satellites. With a focus on modularity and adaptability, Scanway develops customizable solutions that meet the diverse needs of the aerospace industry. (Source: Satnews)
26 Nov 24. Kyodo News: Japan rocket engine explodes during test for the 2nd time in 16 months. Kyodo News is reporting that an engine being developed for use in JAXA’s Epsilon S small rocket exploded Tuesday during a combustion test at a facility in southwestern Japan, this according to the agency, the second such incident in 16 months.
The explosion occurred 49 seconds after ignition at 8:30 a.m. at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. There were no injuries or damage to buildings outside the center.
The combustion pressure was higher than expected, JAXA said, adding it will continue to investigate the cause. The ground test for the second-stage engine was scheduled to last about 2 minutes. The engine was 3.2 meters long with a diameter of 2.5 meters. It carried about 18 tons of solid fuel, about 3 tons more than the second-stage engine of the conventional Epsilon rocket, according to JAXA
“We are extremely sorry that we were unable to meet expectations,” JAXA project manager Takayuki Imoto said. “We can learn from failure. We will take advantage of this opportunity to develop a more reliable rocket.” (Source: Satnews)
26 Nov 24. Revolutionizing space-based thermal systems: AFRL’s SPIRRAL launch on SPX-31. The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, launched the Space Power InfraRed Regulation and Analysis of Lifetime, or SPIRRAL, experiment, November 4, 2024. SPIRRAL, flown by AFRL through the DOD Space Test Program, will characterize the performance of Variable Emissivity Materials, or VEMs, an approach toward solving thermal challenges for space vehicles while on-orbit. VEMs are surface finishes that act like color-changing paints, however, the changes in coloration are only in the infrared light spectrum and are not visible to the human eye. VEMs can either reject or retain heat depending on the temperature being experienced. When the VEMs are hot, the material’s optical properties change to reject heat; when they are cold, they retain heat, effectively reducing temperature extremes.
“Similar to the many electronics we use in our daily lives such as cell phones and computers, maintaining optimal temperature ranges are crucial for a device’s efficiency and life expectancy,” said Bryce Hart, SPIRRAL Program Manager. “Due to the irreversible damage extreme temperatures can cause, managing temperature is vital for electronics to thrive in the space environment.”
SPIRRAL will host a variety of VEMs onboard an Aegis Aerospace Materials International Space Station Experiment or MISSE carrier. The carrier will be secured to an external face of the International Space Station (ISS), exposing the VEM samples to the space environment. While the VEMs undergo the temperature extremes of space, performance data is then captured. The data collected will be compared to their expected performance based on models formulated by terrestrial characterization.
The SPIRRAL Principal Investigator, Isaac Foster, highlighted the importance of this technology.
“Thermal management in space is incredibly challenging. VEMs enable more efficient and reliable spacecraft in ways that current thermal management solutions do not. Demonstrating these VEMs on-orbit is imperative to understanding how to implement this technology going forward to ultimately bolster spacecraft resiliency,” Foster said.
This type of perpetual modernization is key to ensuring that U.S. forces are equipped with the necessary tools to enhance space asset resiliency, autonomy, and flexibility.
SPIRRAL is a critical component of AFRL’s Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research or SSPIDR Project, which is focused on developing and demonstrating technologies for a space-based solar power collection and transmission system capable of providing uninterrupted, assured, and logistically agile power to expeditionary forces.
A system of this magnitude would consist of large arrays with minimal thermal mass; making the system’s electronics highly susceptible to damage due to extreme temperature changes on-orbit – a challenge that can be overcome by VEMs as they offer a passive, low-mass solution, dethroning the current active thermal control systems used today.
James Winter, SSPIDR Program Manager, said, “VEMs not only provide solutions toward making a space-based solar power system a reality, but they will also usher in a new paradigm for spacecraft thermal designers, revolutionizing the way space-based thermal systems are designed and implemented.”
Dr. Andrew Williams, Deputy Technology Executive Officer for Space at AFRL, underscored this point by projecting that the impact of SPIRRAL will extend far beyond benefits to SSPIDR, completely changing spacecraft thermal control for all satellites. He said, “This technology is the holy grail for spacecraft thermal control and will revolutionize the cost and time for thermal design.”
“We are committed to win the future in Space. The advancements we are making in space-based solar power systems are game changers for space vehicle resiliency,” said Brig. Gen. Jason Bartolomei, AFRL Commander and Department of the Air Force Technology Executive Officer.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. (Source: Satnews)
26 Nov 24. SpacePNT successfully completes demo of their PNT technology in LEO. SpacePNT SA has completed the on-orbit validation tests of the company’s NaviLEOTM spaceborne GNSS receiver product platform that is designed to deliver breakthrough dm-level positioning and ns timing accuracy in LEO as well as the highest signal reception sensitivity for GTO/GEO/Moon missions, all in real-time through the use of the firm’s unique and proprietary hardware and software technology.
Photo Credit: SpacePNT
After its successful deployment in LEO onboard the hosting Orbital Transfer Vehicle (D-Orbit ION OTV SCV-011 satellite) on June 13th 2023, a series of experiments have been conducted to successfully validate the key functionalities of the radiation tolerant technology, demonstrating multiple modes of operation (including dual-antenna) and full in-flight reprogramming (FPGA image and application software).
“Having successfully completed these in-orbit tests is a significant milestone for the company in achieving flight heritage and validating our products towards future missions, as well as to derisk the technology to serve additional markets”, said SpacePNT co-founder and CEO, Cyril Botteron. “This in-orbit technology demonstration, carried out within an ESA ARTES project, served two purposes: on one hand it validated the technology towards future LEO and Moon missions for which flight models have already been delivered to commercial and institutional partners; on the other hand, it derisked SpacePNT’s product development roadmap. In fact, the upcoming second-generation hardware platform reuses the same key radiation tolerant electronics components, repacked to enable a more cost-effective larger-scale manufacturing (targeting large telecom constellations) and it implements new functions to serve additional markets, for instance as Software Defined Radio platform for telecom and radar applications..
About NaviLEO
NaviLEO was conceived as a flexible and scalable platform that can support several configuration options to cover a wide range of missions, from LEO to GEO (with dual antenna inputs), and even up to the Moon (thanks to its super-high-sensitivity), providing autonomously and in real-time positioning and timing accuracies ranging from <10 cm 3D rms in LEO (with embedded Precise Orbit Determination algorithm) to <100 m 3D rms in cislunar orbits. Leveraging radiation tolerant components and advanced hardware/software radiation effects mitigation techniques, the product addresses the specific requirements of the New Space market, bridging the gap between today’s low-end and high-end GNSS space receiver solutions. It currently supports two constellations (GPS, Galileo) and multiple signals (L1, E1, L5, E5, E6), and is fully reprogrammable in-flight. Its advanced acquisition and tracking channels running on a state-of-the-art FPGA provide very high sensitivity and short time to first fix, while its on-board orbital propagator provides robust performance and improved availability.
About SpacePNT
SpacePNT SA, established in 2020 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, is an innovative PNT solution provider. Its current range of products include both software solutions (SimORBIT, an advanced orbit propagation tool enabling the computation of high accuracy LEO trajectories) and hardware receiver solutions (NaviLEO, NaviMoon, NaviGEO). The company works as an agile company, with a permanent core of talented people with many years of experience in their respective domains that have entirely developed its hardware and software technological platform. It is supported for its technology and product developments by ESA, Swiss Space Office, and Swiss business angel investors. (Source: Satnews)