SwRI wins QuickSounder weather satellite contract
Original Publication Date: 2023-10-23 22:53
San Antonio-based SwRI will develop the QuickSounder spacecraft. It will handle transportation, launch, three years of operations and satellite decommissioning. QuickSounder is the first element of a new generation of polar-orbiting weather satellites. The firm-fixed-price contract extends through until May 2029.
Space Force identifying priorities for modernizing spaceports
Original Publication Date: 2023-10-23 20:23
$1.3 billion in projected funding for spaceport improvements. Space Force identifies most critical areas needing attention in the near-term. More capacity needed for processing satellites and preparing them for launch. Infrastructure is a big deal, says Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen.
China adds Belarus as partner for ILRS moon base
Original Publication Date: 2023-10-23 17:36
Belarus joins China's International Lunar Research Station program. China-led ILRS project aims to construct a permanent lunar base in the 2030s. Pakistan officially signed up to ILRS days ago. ILRS seen as a China-led, parallel project and potential competitor to NASA-led Artemis.
Varda partners with Australian range for capsule landings
Original Publication Date: 2023-10-23 10:33
Varda Space Industries has signed an agreement to land spacecraft at an Australian range. Varda is developing a series of spacecraft intended to test in-space manufacturing technologies. After the experiments are complete in orbit, a capsule will return the materials to Earth. Varda launched its first spacecraft, W-Series 1, in June on SpaceX's Transporter-8 mission.
China launches reconnaissance satellites – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-10-23 00:00
Yaogan 39-04A, 39-04B, and 39-04C reconnaissance satellites are in the payload bay. These satellites will become the 135th, 136th, and 137th Yaogan class satellites launched by China. The Yaogan satellites are believed to be ELINT capable using electronic sensors to gather intelligence by locating the radar of ground systems.
Thuraya + YahClick partner to boost satellite-enabled connectivity in South Sudan – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-10-23 00:00
Thuraya Telecommunications Company and its satellite broadband solutions provider, YahClick, have signed a new service partnership to launch their mobility and data services in South Sudan. Thuraya and YahClick will provide several high-growth sectors in South Sudan with satellite-enabled connectivity solutions. The two companies’ reliable, affordable, and easily accessible services and solutions have positioned them as the preferred mobile satellite communications provider in Africa.
SES keeps better scores with SCORE manages and distributes live sports and events – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-10-23 00:00
SES launches SES Sports Content Orchestration Enabler (SCORE) SES SCORE’s single user interface provides an easy-to-use centralized platform that connects content owners and rights holders with takers worldwide. SES broadcasts over 700 hours of sports and live events every day.
Av-Comm to open a new office in November – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-10-23 00:00
Av-Comm will unveil their new office in North Sydney on November 2nd. Av-Comm has evolved into a leading space and defence company and now operates with a team that exceeds 30 members. The company’s trajectory serves as an inspiration to emerging businesses and a beacon of hope for SMEs across the nation.
Through international collaboration, scientists find cause of InSight’s most powerful Marsquake
Original Publication Date: 2023-10-22 20:40
The quake, also known as S1222a, was five times stronger than any event InSight had observed before. It shook the planet at a magnitude of 4.7 and the vibrations reverberated through Mars’ crust for approximately six hours. Event showed similarities with earlier Martian seismic events, which have since been identified as meteor impacts.