Space Force to propose plan to acquire high-capacity satellite communications
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-12 01:10
Space Force to propose new plan to acquire high-capacity satellite communications. Senior members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are set to be briefed on this plan. If the plan goes forward, it will inform the Pentagon’s 2025 budget proposal. Space Force has to take into account specific satcom needs such as those of the Navy.
FCC launches space-focused bureau
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-11 22:43
The Federal Communications Commission established a standalone Space Bureau. Julie Kearney is a law and policy veteran tasked with spearheading its efforts to modernize satellite regulations. The Space Bureau was carved out of the FCC’s International Bureau to help the regulator handle its increasing workload.
Next O3b mPower satellites en route to launchpad
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-11 14:01
Satellites set off via truck from Boeing’s manufacturing facilities in El Segundo, California. SpaceX is slated to launch the pair on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral “in the coming weeks. Each O3b mPower satellite is designed to provide up to 10 gigabits of throughput.
Op-ed | Practical applications of a space mission authorization framework
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-11 13:36
The National Space Council recently completed three public listening sessions on the issue of In-Space Authorization and Supervision. Satellite refueling, human spaceflight, space nuclear power, and asteroid mining are only a few examples of the missions that will drive the space economy. Government regulation, including mission authorization, needs to enable these missions rather than hinder them.
Ball taps Loft and Microsoft for SDA NExT program
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-11 13:00
Ball Aerospace will work with Loft Federal and Microsoft on the Space Development Agency. Loft Federal will supply the Longbow satellite bus based on the design of the OneWeb satellite. The first NExT launch is scheduled for 2024. If all goes as planned, additional launches will be completed by the middle of 2025.
Virgin Orbit seeking expedited bankruptcy sale
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-11 11:57
Virgin Orbit filed for bankruptcy April 4 after failing to raise money needed to continue operations. The company laid off about 85% of its workforce as its cash reserves dwindled. It hopes to attract other interest in the company than before that Chapter 11 filing. Virgin Orbit shares continue to be traded on the Nasdaq since the Chapter 11 filing.
Rocket Lab shifts NASA cubesat launches from Virginia to New Zealand
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-11 11:12
Rocket Lab will launch two storm-monitoring cubesats from New Zealand. The first launch, dubbed "Rocket Like a Hurricane," Is scheduled for April 30. The second, called "Coming to a Storm Near You," Is scheduled for May 15. Rocket Lab said the change is intended to ensure the satellites are launched in time.
Boeing delivers 2nd pair of O3b mPOWER satellites to SES – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-11 00:00
Boeing has delivered the third and fourth O3b mPOWER satellites to SES. The pair will launch to MEO to provide fiber-like broadband connectivity to people around the world. Boeing is contracted to deliver 11, O3bmPower satellites to SES; only six are needed in equatorial MEO.
UPDATE 3: SpaceX has now moved the Transporter 7 launch with 51 payloads to April 13th — see the payload listings… – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-11 00:00
SpaceX is targeting no earlier than Thursday, April 13th., at 11:47 p.m. PT (06:47 UTC on April 14) for Falcon 9’s launch of the Transporter-7 mission to LEO. There will be 51 payloads on this flight, including CubeSats, MicroSats, hosted payloads, and orbital transfer vehicles carrying spacecraft that will be deployed at a later time. A live webcast of this mission will start about 10 minutes prior to liftoff.
Ball Aerospace, Loft Federal + Microsoft to collaborate on SDA’s NExT program – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-12 00:00
Ball Aerospace, Loft Federal and Microsoft are working together on the Space Development Agency’s experimental testbed program, called NExT. SDA announced the contract award on October 10, 2022. The SDA’s charge is to create and sustain effective and affordable military space capabilities.
MEASAT Global Berhad the satellite solutions provider to Malaysia secures contract with Intra Oil – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-04-12 00:00
MEASAT Global Berhad has secured a contract with Intra Oil Services Berhad. The contract will cover up to 50% of the fleet operated by Intra Oil Services. The Mobility Managed Bandwidth Service is expected to greatly enhance the communications and operational capabilities of the vessels.
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