Report: U.S. military satellite antennas overdue for upgrades
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-10 21:22
GAO auditors spent more than a year investigating the state of the Satellite Control Network. The network of 19 parabolic antennas, first established in 1959, is distributed around the world. There is a need for more capacity, the new report says, as annual SCN-supported satellite launches have tripled.
Preventing sticker shock with transparent pricing
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-10 17:25
Transparent pricing is gaining traction in the space sector. Satellogic, SpaceX, Umbra and Ursa Space are among the companies publishing prices for space-related goods and services. The goal is to encourage people to identify new applications for satellite imagery, as well as online stores like SkyFi.
Connecting the Dots | European space investments get serious
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-10 13:38
Europe has long lagged behind the U.S. In early-stage space investments. But a series of large fundraising deals in Europe since the start of the year is raising hopes. Europe’s plan for a 6 billion euro ($6.4 billion) sovereign multi-orbit connectivity constellation could galvanize the industry.
Canada proposes to develop robotic lunar rover for Artemis
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-10 12:01
Canada will spend $1.2 billion over 13 years to develop a "lunar utility vehicle" Canada secured the seat on Artemis 2, as well as a later, unspecified Artemis mission. Some have speculated that, by developing such a vehicle, Canada could offer it to NASA.
Report recommends allowing “learning period” for commercial human spaceflight safety regulations to expire
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-10 11:13
A 2004 law limits the FAA's ability to enact safety regulations for spaceflight participants. A new report says the FAA and industry are now ready to start the process of developing safety standards. That recommendation comes despite a lack of progress on voluntary standards and key industry metrics. The report argues that allowing the learning period to expire this year is the best approach.
Rocket Lab to launch NASA’s Cyclone-Tracking Satellite Constellation from New Zealand – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-10 00:00
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) will launch NASA’s TROPICS constellation across two dedicated Electron missions lifting off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, scheduled for May of 2023. The TROPICS constellation will monitor the formation and evolution of tropical cyclones, including hurricanes, and will provide rapidly updating observations of storm intensity. The two missions are expected to launch within approximately two weeks of each other in May 2023.
Kratos debuts their integration-ready OpenEdge™ Digitizer designed for satellite antenna mfgs – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-10 00:00
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS) has released their OpenEdge 2500 digitizer that is specifically designed to help satellite antenna makers digitally enable their products. The compact digitizer reliably converts radio frequency (RF) signals into Internet protocol (IP) data streams. Cobham Satcom will be the first to integrate the OpenEdge 2500 into its Comms on the Pause (COTP) SATCOM Tactical Terminals.
Beam-hopping JoeySat can switch the satellite capacity between different places on Earth up to 1000 times per second ready for launch – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-10 00:00
JoeySat will demonstrate connectivity for people traveling by air, sea or on land, and preparing for low latency 5G connectivity from space. Its fully digital beam-hopping and beam-steering payload can switch the satellite capacity between different places on Earth up to 1000 times per second. The signal strength can also be adjusted to meet demand.
True Anomaly emerges from stealth with $30Million financing to propel space security, stability, and sustainability – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-10 00:00
True Anomaly, Inc. Announced it has come out of stealth and raised $30M in funding to date. This includes its recent $17M Series A led by Eclipse in partnership with Riot Ventures, Champion Hill Ventures, Space.VC, and Narya. Founded in early 2022, True Anomaly’s team is composed of former military operators and engineers focused on building spacecraft and software solutions.
Fly Your Satellite! design booster teams starts baseline design reviews – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-10 00:00
Fly Your Satellite! Design Booster is an educational program for university student teams. ESA offers the students support and expert advice, guiding them through the stages necessary to develop an initial idea into a robust final plan. A key milestone within this process is a Baseline Design Review, which helps flag issues.
Techno Planet providing power to the Momentus Vigoride-5 OSV – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-10 00:00
Techno Planet Inc. (TPI) has has worked with partner Momentus Inc. To design and build Solar Array Drive Assemblies (SADA’s) for the Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle (OSV) The Vigoride-5 OSV launched in January of 2023 and Momentus has confirmed the successful deployment and full operation of the OSV’s solar arrays.
NASA Receives Nine 2023 Webby Award Nominations
NASA's flagship social media accounts provide the agency with a collective audience that spans platforms and diverse groups of people. Members of the public can vote in the People’s Voice Awards alongside the juried Webby Awards. To vote, click on the links to below.