Axiom Space and Nokia partner to develop high-speed wireless communications for spacesuits
Original Publication Date: 2024-08-21 13:38
Nokia and Axiom Space announce partnership to develop 4G/LTE communications. The technology will provide redundancy for existing links using UHF and Wi-Fi. The system is designed to operate at distances of up to two kilometers from the lander. Nokia will first test its LSCS system on the moon on IM-2.
AstroForge raises $40 million
Original Publication Date: 2024-08-20 22:32
Asteroid mining startup AstroForge has raised $40 million as the company races the clock to get its next mission ready for launch. The funds will support the company’s third mission, called Vestri. The spacecraft will launch as a rideshare payload on the IM-3 lunar lander mission.
FCC approves Starlink first generation upgrade plan
Original Publication Date: 2024-08-20 22:10
FCC modified license that permits SpaceX to operate up to 4,408 Gen1 satellites. The modification allows SpaceX to deploy upgraded Starlinks under the Gen1 license. SpaceX has 6,325 Starlink satellites in orbit after beginning its launch campaign in 2019. Dish Network had asked the FCC to reject SpaceX’s license modification request.
New startup seeks to tackle space weather challenges
Original Publication Date: 2024-08-20 16:00
Ensemble Space Labs is developing advanced forecasting tools to predict solar storms. Space weather can disrupt satellites, communications, power grids and GPS systems. The company is partially funded by U.S. Government small business contracts. The May 2024 solar storm disrupted SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service.
Rocket Factory Augsburg’s rocket explodes at Scotland’s Spaceport and statement from SaxaVord Spaceport CEO – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-08-21 00:00
Rocket Factory Augsburg had hoped to launch the UK’s first vertical rocket into orbit. No-one was injured in the explosion and the launch pad had been “saved and is secured” The scheduled nine-engine test was part of a number of trials due to be carried out before progressing to launch.
Brazil: FTA, pay-TV decline as streaming soars – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-08-21 00:00
Brazil has seen a decline in both free-to-air viewing and pay-TV subscriptions. Streaming services have surged in popularity and are now present in over 40 per cent of TV households. The Brazilian government has committed over BRL 90 million (€15 million) to accelerate the development of TV 3.0.
SpaceX still a Go! for Friday’s launch of Starlink Group 9-5 smallsats – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-08-21 00:00
SpaceX plans to launch to Low Earth Orbit Starlink Group 9-5, a batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation. The expense of the mission is $52 million. The second ASDS barge, Of Course I Still Love You (OCISLY), services launches in the Pacific Ocean and will be the site of the booster recovery.
SpaceX reschedules Starlink Group 8-6 again from Friday, now to Monday from the Cape – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-08-21 00:00
SpaceX reschedules Starlink Group 8-6 for Friday from the Cape and another from Vandenberg. On Tuesday, August 20, will launch a batch of 22 Starlink smallsat Group 10-5 satellites. Also on Friday SpaceX plans to launch Strlink Group 9-5, a batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation from Vandenber SFB.
Nokia and Axiom Space to enable high-speed cellular network capabilities in next-gen lunar spacesuits – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-08-21 00:00
Nokia and Axiom Space will incorporate high-speed cellular-network capabilities in the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit. The advancement will enable Artemis III crew members to capture real-time video and communicate with mission controllers on Earth. Nokia plans to deploy the first cellular network on the Moon as part of Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission.
Launch Roundup: Polaris Dawn aims high, Starlink launches continue
Original Publication Date: 2024-08-20 11:22
A total of five flights are on the worldwide launch manifest for this week. Most notable is the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 with the Polaris Dawn mission. A modified Crew Dragon capsule will carry four astronauts into the highest orbit a crewed mission has flown in since the Gemini missions. In addition to the launch of Polaris Dawn, SpaceX will launch three Starlink missions. China also scheduled to launch a Long March 7A rocket.