H3 failure could delay Japanese science missions
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-29 09:53
Japan's H3 rocket failed on its inaugural flight in March. Launch controllers triggered a self-destruct system on destroying the rocket and its payload. Some reports have suggested a problem with the electrical system on the upper stage. That may delay the upcoming launch of two science missions sharing an H-2A.
Lockheed Martin subsidiary to offer commercial lunar communications and navigation services
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-29 04:07
Lockheed Martin establishing new company that will offer communications and navigation services. Company will offer service called Parsec, a network of satellites in lunar orbit. Parsec will use satellites designed and built by Lockheed Martin. Company can provide services with a single satellite, although it will start with two.
GMV partnership to bring revolutionary precise positioning services to Australia and New Zealand
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-29 04:04
GMV has been working on positioning systems since the 1980s. The company recently entered into an agreement to provide satellite navigation and precise positioning services in Australia and New Zealand. SouthPAN will improve positioning precision and reliability, and this will in turn facilitate the development of innovative technologies.
Ovzon gets deadline extension for debut satellite
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-28 23:43
Ovzon says it has secured a deadline extension for its first broadband satellite. Ovzon 3 was originally slated to launch in 2021 before manufacturing delays. Ovzon 3 would take several months to reach its orbital slot at 59.7 degrees East. The previous ‘Bring into Use’ deadline for Ovzon 3 was Dec. 15, 2022.
U.S. Space Force ramps up cybersecurity spending
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-28 19:42
Space Force chief says service is investing heavily in cybersecurity for satellite ground systems. Space Force’s $30 billion budget request for fiscal year 2024 includes $700 million. Russia’s electronic and cyber attacks in the early days of the invasion were a wakeup call.
Air Force Secretary: ‘Haven’t made a decision on U.S. Space Command’
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-28 17:59
Air Force has received no official communication from the White House on Space Command. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala) asked Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall about the issue. Kendall said he had “no indication that the president is going to do anything with regard to that decision”
China to begin constructing its own megaconstellation later this year
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-28 17:53
China is preparing to launch its first satellites for a national low Earth orbit broadband megaconstellation. A Long March 5B rocket will be equipped with a Yuanzheng-2 second stage for the first time. The project will have ramifications for international competition to secure customers for satellite communications.
A SpaceX Starlinks sending set for March 29th – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-28 00:00
SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, March 29th, at 4:01 p.m., ET, (20:01 UTC) for a Falcon 9 launch of 56 Starlink satellites to LEO. The first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched Crew-5, GPS III Space Vehicle 06, and Inmarsat I-6 F2.
Isar Aerospace secures million$$$ in Series C funding – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-28 00:00
Isar Aerospace has closed their $165 million (155 million euros) Series C round. The funding enables Isar Aerospace to continue its journey toward the inaugural flight and ramp-up the cadence of the company’s Spectrum launch vehicle. The round is backed by 7-Industries Holding, Bayern Kapital via its Scale Up Fund Bavaria, Earlybird Venture Capital, HV Capital, Lakestar, Lombard Odier Investment Managers, Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE), UVC Partners, and Vsquared Ventures.
Blue Sky Network’s SkyLink Citadel now available – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-28 00:00
The SkyLink Citadel offers two High-Definition (HD) voice lines and the ability to send and receive messages, files, and emails via onboard computers. The ruggedized outdoor unit contains a SkyLink device and an antenna that connects to a single-purpose-built cable and runs to a discreet lockable cabinet in the safe room.
Thales Alenia Space’s €112 million contract from ESA for IRIDE radar and optical satellites – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-28 00:00
Thales Alenia Space has won contracts from the European Space Agency (ESA) to supply a first batch of six small satellites with synthetic aperture radars. IRIDE is a government project funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) Scheduled for completion by 2026, IRIDE features a hybrid constellation of different satellites with dedicated Earth observation sensors.
Equatorial Space gathers million$ in seed round – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-28 00:00
Equatorial Space Systems has raised $1.5 million in a successful seed round led by Elev8.VC. The round will serve to develop the company’s Dorado commercial sounding rocket family. The Dorado will provide low-cost space access for science experiments, technology demonstrators and academic payloads.
Damaged Soyuz MS-22 craft returns home uncrewed
Original Publication Date: 2023-03-28 14:48
Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft suffered a coolant leak in December. Coolant loop lost all of its fluid, and a 0.8 mm hole was found in the vehicle’s service module. The Soyuz MS-23 flight would now launch to the Station in an automated mode, without crew.