Virgin Galactic forecasts limited revenues from initial commercial flights
Original Publication Date: 2023-08-02 09:13
Virgin Galactic reported Aug. 1 revenue of $2 million in the second quarter of 2023. The company said that the revenue came from its first commercial SpaceShipTwo mission. The vehicle’s next mission, Galactic 02, is scheduled for Aug. 10. The flight will be the first to carry the company’s private astronaut customers.
Ursa Major gets additional funding for its 3D printing manufacturing facility
Original Publication Date: 2023-08-02 08:00
Ursa Major is a venture-funded maker of rocket engines for small and medium launch vehicles. The company manufactures engines in Berthoud, Colorado, and has a 3D printing manufacturing lab in Youngstown. America Makes is a public-private partnership established in 2012.
Antares launches Cygnus to ISS
Original Publication Date: 2023-08-02 07:57
A Cygnus cargo spacecraft is on its way to the International Space Station. An Antares 230+ rocket lifted off at 8:31 p.m. Eastern from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. The NG-19 mission is carrying 3,785 kilograms of cargo.
Astro Digital to integrate Astroscale in-orbit servicing docking plates
Original Publication Date: 2023-08-01 18:06
Astro Digital plans to add an Astroscale docking plate to upcoming spacecraft. The plate will make it easier for them to use in-orbit services being developed by Astroscale. The companies said July 31 the first docking plate would be attached to an undisclosed satellite later this year for a launch in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Senate committee advances orbital debris removal bill
Original Publication Date: 2023-08-01 11:55
Senate committee advances Orbital Sustainability, or ORBITS, Act. The bill would direct NASA to establish an active debris removal program. Commerce Department is developing a space traffic coordination system. NASA will be responsible for one of three elements of TraCSS that will focus on research.
Northrop Grumman launches the NG-19 resupply mission to ISS – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-08-01 00:00
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully launched their 19th resupply mission — NG-19 — to the International Space Station. NG-19 is carrying more than 8,200 pounds of equipment, science experiments and supplies to the crew on the ISS. The Cygnus spacecraft has delivered roughly 130,000 pounds of equipment and supplies to the crews aboard the ISS over the past decade.
AXESS Networks and ABS to expand satellite coverage and capabilities over the Middle East – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-08-01 00:00
AXESS Networks and ABS have signed an agreement to launch a new network increasing AXESS’ Middle East coverage. The agreement provides AXESS Networks with expanded opportunities for both terrestrial and maritime clients in the region. This latest development complements AXESS’ existing Ku-band satellite coverage of the Middle East.
SpaceX and Intelsat are ready for Falcon 9’s launch of Intelsat G-37 – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-08-01 00:00
SpaceX is targeting Thursday, August 3 for Falcon 9’s launch of the Intelsat G-37 mission to a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The two-hour launch window opens at 12:15 a.m. ET (04:15 UTC) If needed, a backup opportunity is available Friday, August 4 with the same window.
GSOA: Major economic benefits being delivered by satellite services – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-08-01 00:00
Satellite operators have made direct investments of $185 billion in services operating in spectrum between 7 and 24 GHz. The report notes that usage of the satellites is generating further socio-economic benefits, which will be worth more than the US$ 18 billion spent annually on operating services in these spectrum bands. Continued use of 7 and 24 GHz spectrum will bring large-scale socio-economic benefits.
Satcom Direct + Gilat sign a strategic agreement – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-08-01 00:00
Satcom Direct and Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. Have signed a strategic agreement to develop and supply new, ultra-low profile, electronically steered antennas. The antennas will support in-flight connectivity (IFC) for business, government, and defense. Available from 2025, and designed for optimized compatibility with the OneWeb LEO constellation.
Science, Hardware Launches on NASA’s Northrop Grumman Cargo Mission
A Northrop Grumman Cygnus resupply spacecraft is on its way to the International Space Station. The spacecraft is scheduled for capture by the Canadarm2 robotic arm at 5:55 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4. The resupply mission will support dozens of research experiments conducted during Expedition 69.
Launch Roundup: SpaceX to launch Galaxy 37; China to launch FY-3F
Original Publication Date: 2023-07-31 19:46
Rocket Lab will launch Capella Space’s Acadia satellite to a mid-inclination low-earth orbit. A Chang Zheng 4C carrying the Fengyun-3F meteorological satellite will take to the skies from Jiuquan, China. Shortly after that, it will be the turn of a Falcon 9 transporting Maxar-built Galaxy 37 inside its fairing.