Archives for July 2021

GeoOptics Inc. has announced a major upgrade to their CICERO constellation of satellites that will form a unified Earth observatory allowing governments, industry, and individual stakeholders to monitor and prepare for the many impacts of climate change.

The first CICERO-2 launches will achieve several key milestones in smallsat EO, including:

Global Precipitation Watch
Monitoring heavy precipitation using Polarimetric radio occultation (RO), an advanced remote sensing technique pioneered by GeoOptics’ collaborators at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Spanish PAZ mission.

Advanced GNSS Reflectometry (GNSS-R)
Measuring many phenomena near Earth’s surface, including ocean winds, flooding, land cover (snow, ice, vegetation), soil moisture, and topography by means of reflected Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. NASA’s recent CYGNSS mission demonstrated the broad utility of the GNSS-R technique. GeoOptics is working with JPL to deploy an advanced operational version, offering dramatically enhanced performance in a small, low-cost package. This collaboration is funded jointly by GeoOptics, the U.S. Air Force and NASA.

Triple RO
Profiling of atmospheric temperature, pressure, density, and other key properties by means of GNSS–RO. First proposed by company founder Tom Yunck while he was at JPL, GNSS-RO offers unrivaled measurement precision and is an essential contributor to global weather forecasting. The CICERO-2 satellites will yield three times the data volume of their predecessors and many times the volume of any other commercial GNSS-RO satellites.

For GeoOptics strategic partner Climavision, a weather data provider, these innovations will enable customers to manage significant risks in a time of global change. “With these new developments in remote sensing technologies from GeoOptics, we’ll be able to further enhance our climate and weather prediction capabilities,” said Chris Goode, CEO and Co-Founder of Climavision. “Through the combination of advanced RO profiles, GNSS-R data about surface conditions and our proprietary gap-filling radar network data, we’ll help customers in weather sensitive industries see weather like never before and give them the tools and data to make informed critical decisions.”

GeoOptics will later extend the system to a range of new applications, including precise mapping of Earth’s gravitational field, which has been named a top NASA Earth science priority for the next decade. This measurement shows the imprint of climate-related movement of water and other key changes in the earth. With internal investment and nearly $4 million from NASA, GeoOptics has devised a unique system architecture for daily gravity mapping with clusters of small satellites. This patented technique promises to improve gravity sensing 20-fold over current methods at a fraction of the cost.

Under the umbrella of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP), GeoOptics is also designing a radar instrument to observe ocean vector winds, topography, soil moisture, and a variety of other surface properties with patented multi-satellite radar techniques. NOPP is seeking to sponsor a trial flight of GeoOptics’ Cellular Ocean Altimetry/Scatterometry Technology (COAST) within the next two years.

“In today’s environment, in which precision Earth sensing is becoming ever more critical, GeoOptics is deploying a flexible observatory made up of dozens of small satellites. The real time services will satisfy a broad range of needs for government and civil users around the world,” said Alex Saltman, Chief Executive Officer of GeoOptics.

Tom Yunck, GeoOptics’ Chief Technology Officer, said, “These advanced remote sensing applications – from basic RO to advanced radar and gravity mapping – exploit shared micro technologies that fit in the palm of one’s hand. Each new function builds naturally upon the previous, yielding prodigious observing capacity in a low-cost system of great simplicity and reliability.”

“CICERO-2 is designed to help provide high priority NOAA climate and weather monitoring observations, as ranked by the NOAA Space Platform Requirements Working Group (SPRWG),” said Conrad C. Lautenbacher (Vice Admiral, USN ret.), Executive Chairman of GeoOptics and former NOAA Administrator. “It can also play a key role in supporting crucial Defense Department satellite weather data requirements.”

In February of 2021, the NOAA selected GeoOptics to provide the first commercial satellite data to be included in their operational forecasts. In 2020, GeoOptics was selected by NOAA to lead an end-to-end design study for their next-generation low-orbiting weather satellite system, planned to come online later this decade, building in part on RO and GNSS-R technologies.

Rocket Lab has successfully launched a research and development satellite to orbit for the United States Space Force (USSF) — this mission was Rocket Lab’s fourth launch for the year and their 21st Electron mission, overall.

The mission, named ‘It’s a Little Chile Up Here’ in a nod to the beloved green chile of New Mexico where the Space Test Program is based, launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula at 06:00 UTC / 18:00 NZT on July 29th. A single Air Force Research Laboratory-sponsored demonstration satellite called Monolith, built by Space Dynamics Laboratory, was deployed to LEO by the Electron launch vehicle in Rocket Lab’s second mission for the USSF.

Monolith will demonstrate the use of a deployable sensor, where the sensor’s mass is a substantial fraction of the total mass of the spacecraft, changing the spacecraft’s dynamic properties and testing ability to maintain spacecraft attitude control. Analysis from the use of a deployable sensor aims to enable the use of smaller satellite buses when building future deployable sensors such as weather satellites, thereby reducing the cost, complexity, and development timelines.

Monolith is an Air Force Research Lab program designed to explore the application of small satellites if 6U (2x3x1) or 12U (2x3x2) bus sizes can be configured such that a large deployable sensor can be installed in one of the 2x3x1 side faces for DoD programs.

The mission was procured by the Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program (STP) and the Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP), both based at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.; in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) as part of the Rapid Agile Launch Initiative (RALI). The mission is being managed by the Launch Enterprise’s Small Launch and Targets Division, which is part of the USSF’s launch organization of choice.

“Our continuing partnership with Rocket Lab USA demonstrates SMC’s dedication to grow our Nation’s space capabilities both in Government, and the private sector,” said Col. Timothy Sejba, the Space & Missile Systems Center (SMC) program executive officer for Space Development. “This mission proves the functionality of innovative space launch for the Government by working with an agile company that is working diligently to meet the needs of the DoD.”

“Congratulations to all the teams behind Monolith. We’re proud to have safely delivered another mission to orbit for the United States Space Force,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck. “Programs like the Rapid Agile Launch Initiative are shining a light on the crucial role small launch can play in supporting fast-paced innovation in orbit to support innovation and space capabilities.”

Aitech has announced that their mission-critical, space rated, flight computers will enable communications technologies onboard the second production block of smallsats being developed by Astranis.

Astranis has started building four, geostationary communication smallsats as the company gears up to produce dozens and, later ,hundreds of them simultaneously. The company is building satellites at around 400 kilograms, making them one of the smallest geostationary communications spacecraft offered commercially.

This next production block of satellites includes an upgraded payload that drives higher throughput and various bus improvements to extend satellite lifetime. Astranis develops proprietary core technology, such as the software-defined radio (SDR) and procures mission-critical components from highly accomplished aerospace partners, like Aitech, which also provided flight computers for the first satellites that Astranis developed.

Aitech has spent more than 30 years developing rugged, reliable and space-rated electronics systems and components for use in a variety of government, commercial and private space programs. The company continues to develop cost-effective, COTS-based and custom integrated systems, depending on radiation and mission requirements, giving the company the ability to offer an extensive array of space solutions with the backing of several decades worth of engineering experience.

In addition to the Astranis smallsat program, Aitech provides other space-rated integrated systems for missions in virtually every orbit. Most notably, the company’s rocket motor controller (RMC) unit is on the Virgin Galactic VSS that successfully carried Virgin Galactic founder, Richard Branson, on the Unity 22 90-minute suborbital flight, further demonstrating the success of the SpaceShipTwo spaceplane.

Anthony Lai, Business and R&D Director for Space at Aitech, said, “Providing mission-critical systems for small sats throughout NEO and LEO orbits is just one aspect of Aitech’ space innovations. We’re also bringing GPGPU processing to in-orbit applications that will help facilitate artificial intelligence-based advancements throughout a number of space applications.”

KSF Space Foundation was initially established to generate cost-efficient satellites and provided access to LEO with no harmful influence on the environment through the firm’s flying solutions.

Now, however, KSF is playing a crucial role in education, especially aerospace engineering. Recently, KSF Space launched its most cost effective cubesat for universities and other research institutes. KSF is collaborating with different academic institutes and providing great opportunities to students and researchers and has also launched the NEP certification as well as adding two significant collaborations in Kuwait and Maldives.

In June of this year, KSF Space Foundation awarded more than 30 students Nanosatellite Engineering Professional Certification (NEP). These candidates, from the Maldives, the USA and Kuwait, all participated in various satellite programs. Students were awarded this certificate due to their stellar performance in accomplishing KSF projects. The award means that the students have all of the required knowledge and expertise to become satellite engineers. The certification opens the door to numerous career opportunities for these students.

Professional engineers of the KSF Space Foundation established the world’s first and foremost curriculum program — NEP — that targets startup companies, universities and every space industry across the globe to educate engineers, students and teachers for the building and progress of their smallsats.

NEP certification verifies the upcoming job opportunities in the satellite industry and, according to the company, NEP certification will be an obligatory prerequisite for the numerous, upcoming jobs.

The following opportunities will be afforded those who possess an NEP certification:
Collaborate and interact with other NEP specialists worldwide, thus enhancing your proficiency achievement and expansion chances.
Possess more knowledge about smallsat engineering and their applications than other NEP experts.

NEP certification has been launched this year and identifies space engineering abilities and it is an excellent add-on for every aerospace engineer.

KSF Space Foundation is also working with different academic institutes and providing numerous opportunities for the students to learn and enhance satellite and aerospace engineering expertise. Recently, the organization made two of its most essential collaborations with academic institutes from Kuwait and Maldives.

Kuwait was the foremost association in North Africa (NA) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to launch a cubesat in June to space in collaboration with KSF Space Foundation, with their smallsat designed to quantify ultraviolet radiation and climate change.

The Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) will be ahead of every academic institute in NA and GCC to conduct such experiments. KCST students have joined this program whose purpose is to transmit fundamental and essential proficiencies to construct smallsats, augment global understanding and collaboration, accelerate eagerness, boost a cooperative network of teachers, students, and alumni, and inspire ground-breaking space development to improve the quality of life on earth.

KSF Space Foundation is also collaborating with the Maldives’ Institute for Global Success (IGS). The main aim of the collaboration is to assist the Maldives in establishing its initial, university-built satellite. In addition, KSF Space Foundation will help IGS develop their space program, unlock new prospects and bring hope for Maldivian youth interested in developing their careers through this partnership.The partnership will also help the aptitudes and the proficiencies of Maldivians, developing a new engineers, scientists and leaders.

“The purpose of the project is to better understand the reaction of climate change and measuring ultra violet radiation in space. The expected results could prove valuable information for human and science,” said Dr. Kayyali, the Chairman of KSF Space.

NEP is the world’s first curriculum program designed for aerospace and satellite professionals.

China successfully launched a new remote-sensing satellite group from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province at 8:19 a.m. on Monday, July 19 (Beijing Time).

The satellites were sent into orbit by a Long March-2C carrier rocket. This is the 10th group belonging to the Yaogan-30 family and will survey the electromagnetic environment and verify relevant technologies by adopting multi-satellite network mode.

Also aboard was Tianqi-15, a satellite belonging to the Tianqi constellation, which will serve the Internet of Things (IoT) data collection.

The Long March-2C carrier rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, measures 43 meters in length and has a takeoff mass of 242 tons. The rocket is capable of sending two tons of payloads to SSO at an altitude of 500 km.

Monday’s launch was the 380th mission of the Long March rocket series that also marked the conclusion of the launch of the Yaogan-30 family. The Long March-2C has sent all 10 groups of Yaogan-30 satellites into orbit since September of 2017, with a 100 percent launch success rate.

The U.S. Space Force will launch an experimental research and development satellite named Monolith — an Air Force Research Laboratory-sponsored demonstration satellite — to LEO from New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula on July 29, using Long Beach, California-based, Rocket Lab USA’s Electron launch vehicle — the two-hour launch window opens at 6:00 p.m., New Zealand Time (2:00 a.m. Eastern, 11:00 p.m. Pacific, July 28).

The mission was procured by the Department of Defense’s Space Test Program (STP) and the Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP), both part of the USSF’s Space and Missile Systems Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

This launch, in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) as part of the Rapid Agile Launch Initiative (RALI), is named ‘It’s a Little Chile Up Here’ in a nod to the beloved green chile of New Mexico where the Space Test Program is based. This mission is being managed by SMC Launch Enterprise’s RSLP, which is part of the USSF’s launch service of choice.

The launch will be livestreamed starting approximately at T-20 minutes before liftoff at this direct link…

Images and footage of the ‘It’s a little Chile Up Here’ mission will be available shortly after a successful launch at this direct link…

This Rocket Lab launch is a follow-on effort to an earlier mission under the same agreement and one of several planned launches in 2021 that will demonstrate the ability of the emerging small launch industry to provide responsive and affordable space access for the USSF and the DoD.

Monolith is an Air Force Research Lab program designed to explore the application of small satellites for DoD programs. The demonstration will determine if the 6U (2x3x1) or 12U (2x3x2) bus sizes can be configured such that a large deployable sensor can be installed in one of the 2x3x1 side faces. Analysis from the use of a deployable sensor aims to enable the use of smaller satellite buses when building future deployable sensors such as weather satellites, thereby reducing the cost, complexity, and development timelines, where the sensor’s mass is a substantial fraction of the total mass of the spacecraft, changing the spacecraft’s dynamic properties and testing our ability to maintain spacecraft attitude control.

The satellite will explore and demonstrate the use of a deployable sensor, where the sensor’s mass is a substantial fraction of the total mass of the spacecraft, changing the spacecraft’s dynamic properties and testing ability to maintain spacecraft attitude control.

Analysis from the use of a deployable sensor will enable the U.S. to use a smaller bus when building future deployable sensors such as weather satellites, thereby reducing the cost, complexity, and development timelines. The satellite will also provide a platform to test future space protection capabilities.

“Our USSF looks forward to this upcoming mission with Rocket Lab USA from their New Zealand launch site. This STP-27RM launch demonstrates SMC’s continuous drive for innovation, flexibility and responsiveness,” said Lt. Col. Justin Beltz, chief of SMC Launch Enterprise’s Small Launch and Targets Division.

The mission is being managed by the Launch Enterprise’s Small Launch and Targets Division, which is part of the USSF’s launch organization of choice. This will be Rocket Lab’s fourth launch for the year and the company’s 21st Electron launch overall.

Originally slated for lift-off from Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on NASA’s Wallops Island, Virginia, the mission has been transferred to Launch Complex 1 (LC-1) in New Zealand while NASA continues certification processes for autonomous flight termination system software for launches from LC-2.

The mission follows on from a previous Rocket Lab launch under the same agreement, the STP-27RD mission launched by Electron in May 2019. That mission, named ‘’That’s a Funny Looking Cactus,’ saw Electron deploy three research and development satellites for the Space Test Program.

“We’re excited to have another Electron on the pad for the Space Test Program,” said Rocket Lab CEO and founder, Peter Beck. “We’re proud to once again demonstrate the flexible and resilient space access required by our government partners. The Space Test Program has a long history of developing advanced space and launch capabilities that we’ve all come to rely on, from global positioning systems, satellite communications, meteorological satellites, and space domain awareness capabilities. We’re proud to support the continuation of that innovation through rapid and agile launch on Electron.”

SpaceX has asked the FCC for permission to install two (normally) ground-based Starlink user terminals aboard a maritime vessel.

The application says the request is “experimental” and would run September 1st until October 31st.

The full request says, “[to] operate two mobile ground-based Starlink user terminals aboard a maritime vessel while embarked in US territorial waters in the North Atlantic Ocean.”

It isn’t known what SpaceX intends to do with the experimental dishes, but it is worth remembering that the rocket company has two of its own vessels in the region. They are the ‘drone’ landing barges that are used for booster landings.

More traditionally, an installation was made in Oklahoma by the tribal Cherokee Nation by Chief Chuck Hoskin saying the tribe needs the SpaceX technology for its internet connectivity.

Also, France 24 has renewed a multi-year service agreement with Asia Satellite Telecommunications (AsiaSat) to continue distribution of France 24’s HD and SD television services in the Asia-Pacific on AsiaSat 5.

The news services, transmitting in free-to-air, include France 24’s English HD TV channel, English SD and French SD TV channels, addressing both French and English speaking viewers across the region.

The partnership of France 24 and AsiaSat began with the successful launch of France 24’s English-language news channel on AsiaSat 5 in 2009 and subsequently extended to the distribution of a French channel in 2010 and English HD service in 2016. France 24 has built a strong presence in Asia, with access to more than 88 million TV households via free-to-air TV networks and payTV platforms, and more than 675,000 hotel rooms in 27 Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries.

France 24 offers Asian viewers round-the-clock news and analysis from a French perspective, featuring special reports and magazines, as well as promoting the French vision with high quality content covering the French ‘art de vivre’, news of business updates, trends and technology, and sports in different continents.

On July 27, 2021, iRocket announced that the company signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

iRocket is a New York startup building autonomous reusable rockets to cargo smallsat constellations to LEO via the company’s Shockwave launch vehicle. iRocket develops cost-effective launch vehicles that can support 300 and 1500 kg payloads for satellite constellation providers for national security satellites, 5G internet constellations, the Internet of Things (IoT), biotech research, and space exploration.

Under this agreement, NASA will help to accelerate iRocket’s next-gen reusable engine development by providing testing and engineering support of up to $50 million over five years. iRocket will significantly reduce launch costs against competitors, such as SpaceX, and rapidly deploy smallsats to LEO orbit with the first launch planned for 2023.

iRocket recently graduated from the NYU Endless Frontiers Lab 2020-2021 Deep Tech cohort and is scheduled to close its next funding round on August 13th, 2021.

iRocket is currently supporting the U.S. Space Force (USSF) and Space & Missile Systems Center (SMC) on a Phase II rapid prototype development contract for the firm’s reusable launch vehicles, with plans to scale up to Shockwave V to deliver cargo anywhere around the world in under an hour, fully supporting logistics carriers, national security cargoes and humanitarian missions. Space Force’s first Rocket Cargo project studies possibilities of rapid launches and delivery of material and even personnel across the globe.

Blue Origin’s reusable New Shepard launch vehicle recently successfully performed its first crewed mission on July 20, another reusability milestone in the space industry. New Shepard demonstrated that more and more companies are starting to realize the significance of reusability in this industry.

iRocket’s Shockwave will be a fully autonomous launch vehicle and the only fully reusable small launcher in the market. The rocket will consist of two stages to orbit, the first and second stage landing back on the launch site. iRocket will prove inland launch capabilities to the Department of Defense and be mission capable of launching within 24 hrs. The company plans to launch all rockets from Launch Complex 48 at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

“We are excited about this new partnership with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center as iRocket’s innovative reusable engine technology has been under development since 2018 and will be ready for testing in late September,” says iRocket CEO, Asad Malik.