Hubble glitch renews talk about private servicing mission
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-02 23:25
NASA says Hubble is in a safe mode because of a problem with one of its three operational gyroscopes. That gyro first triggered a safe mode Nov. 19 when it provided what NASA described as faulty readings. Spacecraft controllers restored operations of Hubble, only to see problems again Nov. 21 and 23.
U.S., U.K., Australia sign agreement to jointly operate deep space radar network
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-02 21:40
Network of three space-tracking radars will be set up in Australia, UK and U.S. Three sites to be built by 2030 will provide 24/7, all-weather capabilities to track and characterize objects. The first DARC radar site, to be constructed in Exmouth, Western Australia, is expected to be operational in 2026.
Air Force Secretary: Military needs AI to augment human capabilities
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-02 20:21
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall spoke at the Reagan National Defense Forum. He touted AI as an essential technology needed to strengthen U.S. National defense capabilities. Kendall argued that when associated with applications such as autonomous weapon systems, AI tends to garner negative connotations. DoD wants to use AI to enhance human intelligence, help understand the battlefield.
Canada taps into U.S. military satellites for mobile communications
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-02 13:34
Canadian operators in a demonstration in October used MUOS for voice and data transmission. Canadian officers used secure military radios to make point-to-point calls, transfer files. Another demonstration is scheduled for March 2024. The project to allow Canada access to the MUOS network started four years ago.
ESA sets launch date for Ariane 6 for summer of 2024
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-01 20:46
Ariane 6 will take off between June 15 and July 31, 2024. The long-awaited maiden flight of Ariane 6 is scheduled to take place in 2024. Ariane 6 will carry several small satellites, including two from NASA. Of the 28 Ariane 6 launches that have already been ordered, 18 will be for Amazon’s Kperper Project.