Tag: Satellite
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SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches NROL-186 Mission for U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
n a night-time spectacle at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the NROL-186 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on June 28. The mission, conducted from Space Launch Complex 4 East, involved the deployment of a new batch of satellites for a classified imaging satellite constellation jointly developed…
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SpaceX Set to Launch 20 More Starlink Satellites, Including Direct to Cell Capable Ones
SpaceX is gearing up for another Starlink satellite launch, adding 20 satellites to its low Earth orbit constellation, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities. The mission, named Starlink 8-8, is scheduled to lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 5:58 a.m. PDT (8:58 a.m. EDT, 1258 UTC). This launch follows closely on the…
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Planet Labs Explores AI for Actionable Earth Observation Insights
Planet Labs, renowned for its daily Earth imagery via small satellites, is intensifying its focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to transform vast image data into actionable intelligence, despite cautioning against overhyping AI’s capabilities. Troy Toman, Senior Vice President of Product and Software Engineering at Planet, emphasized the company’s evolution in understanding customer needs beyond…
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Sierra Space Expands Military Satellite Capabilities
Sierra Space, renowned for its development of the Dream Chaser spaceplane and collaboration with Blue Origin on a commercial space station, is expanding its presence in the national security sector. Following a recent contract win to construct military satellites, the company is targeting new areas such as in-orbit services and transportation to bolster its position…
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ClearSpace Secures UK Space Agency Contract for Satellite Refueling Mission
ClearSpace, a prominent player in space sustainability, has recently clinched a contract with the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to delve into the feasibility of an in-orbit satellite refueling mission. Dubbed the REFUEL.ME study, this endeavor, slated to continue until September 2024, will encompass establishing crucial mission requirements, defining operational concepts, and initiating the design phase…
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Defunct European Satellite’s Reentry Highlights Orbital Debris Risks Amid Policy Shifts
The imminent reentry of the European Space Agency’s European Remote Sensing (ERS) 2 satellite serves as a stark reminder of the persistent hazards posed by existing space objects, even as agencies strive to curtail the proliferation of orbital debris. Expected to descend on February 21st after orbiting for nearly two decades, the European Remote Sensing…
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Amazon’s Project Kuiper Broadband Launch Delayed to 2025 Amid Production Milestones
Amazon’s ambitious Project Kuiper initiative, aimed at delivering broadband services via a constellation of satellites, faces a revised timeline with initial services now expected in 2025. The company disclosed this update on June 27, citing logistical adjustments and production milestones. Initially planned for deployment in the first half of 2024 with beta trials involving partners…
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ESA Awards Contract to Frontgrade Gaisler to Qualify Spacecraft Avionics Microcontroller for Flight
The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded Frontgrade Gaisler, one of the leading providers of radiation-hardened microprocessors for space applications, a contract under the ARTES Core Competitiveness program to qualify the GR716B microcontroller for flight. This state-of-the-art microcontroller is specifically designed for spacecraft avionics, and its prototype is expected to be released later this year.…
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SSC Signs Agreement with ispace-U.S. to Provide Support for their Upcoming M3 Lunar Mission
Swedish Space Corporation has signed a collaboration agreement with the U.S. lunar exploration company ispace technologies U.S., to support their upcoming Mission 3 with the APEX 1.0 lunar lander. SSC will provide critical communication links to the mission through its advanced SSC Connect lunar ground station network capabilities. With a proven track record of over…
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SSTL to Launch TTP’s Intersatellite Data Relay Terminal Into Space
TTP, an independent technology and product development company based in the UK, has announced the intended launch of a new data relay terminal into space with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). The terminal, the first of its kind manufactured in Europe, can provide a constant link between Low Earth Orbit (LEO) small satellites (SmallSats) and…