Archives for 2022

SENER Aeroespacial, a company of the SENER engineering and technology group, and Australian launch services company Gilmour Space Technologies, are working together on an Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS) for the Eris launch vehicle, which is being developed for the small satellite market. 

The AFTS is a smart Hardware/Software unit with autonomous decision-making capacity responsible for aborting a flight if any anomalies are identified. This system is of the highest criticality and will be subjected to a strict certification process.

SENER Aeroespacial is currently working on the first phase, developing the software processing algorithms necessary to collect and analyze the flight/vehicle parameters, identify deviations from the nominal trajectory and/or the status of the vehicle, and send, if necessary, the command to terminate the mission. The goal is to have the first prototype ready, in collaboration with Gilmour Space, for testing and certification prior to Eris’ maiden launch later this year.

The project aim is to successfully develop and demonstrate equivalence to current land-based systems in terms of performance and reliability, providing launch service providers and government launch organizations the ability to replace legacy systems which rely on costly land facilities and require manual operator intervention to terminate the mission. SENER Aeroespacial believes the AFTS will bring about a new paradigm in launch vehicle operations by improving both their versatility, by enabling more launches from places other than traditional launch centers; and their efficiency, by lowering the cost of operations.

This development builds on SENER’s launch vehicle heritage with AVIO’s hybrid navigation NAVIGA unit, which will be first used on the VEGA-C European launch vehicle. NAVIGA is a mission-critical system that combines equally two key elements for future space transport systems: cost reduction, by allowing for mass production, and versatility, as a result of the modular and flexible design, which allows a complete and certified unit to be adapted with minor modifications and testing to other environments.

In the words of Augusto Caramagno, Director of Institutional Programs at SENER Aeroespacial, “This new contract reinforces our position as a leader in a growing market in Europe, that of medium-cost space systems that offer good performance and high reliability. The AFTS is also joining our portfolio of highly critical onboard systems within the PNT (Positioning, Navigation and Timing) strategic line, where SENER Aeroespacial has considerable experience and has achieved a competitive advantage.” 

For Gilmour Space, this international collaboration is another example of its growing focus on European markets. Said Adam Gilmour, CEO of Gilmour Space,“It’s great to be working with SENER Aeroespacial, an established space company with a strong track record for delivering high-performance systems. Given the progress, we’re confident that we will have a robust AFTS ready for our first Eris rocket launch in the second half of 2022.”

Orbex has submitted its application to the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a launch license, the latest stage on its roadmap to beginning commercial space launches from the UK.

Orbex has already successfully completed pre-application meetings with the CAA, the UK’s new space regulator. It has now progressed to the application stage, becoming one of the first UK launch operators to do so. The license application process is another key milestone in the journey that will see Orbex begin rocket launches from Space Hub Sutherland in the North of Scotland.

The CAA launch license ensures that operators meet the regulatory requirements set by the UK’s Space Industry Act 2018 (SIA) and Space Industry Regulations 2021 (SIR). This legislation was recently introduced by the UK government to support its national space strategy.

Space Hub Sutherland is the world’s first, carbon neutral spaceport and the only spaceport in the UK to have received full planning permission. Construction of the spaceport is due to begin later this year.

Meanwhile, the Orbex ‘Prime’ rocket is soon to be tested on the Orbex LP1 launch platform at a facility in Kinloss, close to the Orbex headquarters in Forres, where full ‘dress rehearsals’ of launch procedures will take place.

Prime is a micro-launcher designed to transport small satellites weighing around 150kg to low Earth orbit. Is it poised to become the world’s most environmentally friendly space rocket with a carbon footprint up to 96 percent lower than comparable space launch programs.

Chris Larmour, CEO of Orbex, said, “This license application is another big step forward for Orbex, and is one of several tracks running in parallel that will enable commercial launch operations to commence from Sutherland. The application process is rigorous and detailed, with a strong focus on safety. It has taken a large team more than two years to complete the investigations and analysis required to submit the license application today. We are looking forward to working with the Civil Aviation Authority over the coming months as they assess our application.”

Orbex is a UK-based spaceflight company with headquarters, production and testing facilities in Scotland, and design and testing facilities in Denmark. Orbex staff members have professional backgrounds with NASA, ESA, Ariane and several commercial spaceflight organisations. The company is now funded by two of the UK’s largest and most active venture capital funds, BGF and Octopus Ventures, who join two of Europe’s largest venture capital funds, Heartcore Capital and the High-Tech Gründerfonds, as well as strategic investor Elecnor, parent company of Deimos Space, the UK Space Agency (UKSA), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission Horizon 2020 program.

Spaceport Cornwall is set to deliver the first ever launch from the UK soil this summer, creating a service for small satellites in the UK. In the lead up to this historic moment, they are set to release their ‘Sustainability Impact Report and Action Plan’ — the first of its kind to be published by a spaceport, that transparently shares the impacts of launch activity from Cornwall — opening the conversation with peers and the public to pave the road to responsible launch. 

Small satellites will play a crucial role in the fight against climate change with increased Earth Observation leading to deeper Environmental Intelligence — this provides the data needed to inform policy both locally and globally and ultimately safeguard the planet. 

While the benefits of small satellite launches are increasingly evident there are also detrimental impacts that cannot be ignored. The report has been created to share those impacts, both offering and seeking opportunities to reduce them through open collaboration.

The report focuses on five key areas where launch from Cornwall could have a negative effect. It details the current expected impact, the target to be achieved in order to mitigate this impact, and how this will be reached. The five areas of impact are: Carbon Emissions, Biodiversity, Marine Environment, On-Site Facilities and Space Debris.

Satellites are fighting climate change, but their launch has a carbon impact. Historically, not much has been done about the impact of launch and this is what Spaceport Cornwall, along with launch partners Virgin Orbit, are seeking to change. With the emissions from the horizontal launch technology already being significantly less than vertical launch, the commitment for negating this impact is to reach Carbon Neutrality by 2030 — with Virgin Orbit committed to offsetting launch emissions in the short term through the purchase of UK Domestic Woodland Carbon Units.

The targets for tackling the impacts in the four other areas will be reached through R&D and engagement. The Centre for Space Technologies, Spaceport Cornwall will conduct world-leading research into developing cleaner fuels, finding more sustainable satellite materials and launch methods, and supporting debris collection on Earth and in space. To ensure they will not add to current debris issues in Low Earth Orbit, all satellites and spacecraft will be licensed by the CAA and they will work to progress an ethical launch framework. 

Research will also be conducted into the impact of debris on the marine environment, with the focus on setting a new industry standard for analysis of this impact. While spaceport activities have been found to have no adverse effect on biodiversity within the existing airport masterplan, Spaceport Cornwall has committed to a 10% biodiversity gain with the Spaceport Development Zone. 

The launch of Kernow Sat-1, the G7 legacy funded community satellite, will be key to increasing biodiversity monitoring within the region and the data collected will support seagrass restoration and kelp forest installation around the coast of Cornwall. 

Before the report is released to the public, to further inform and help create world-leading solutions to the impacts outlined in its first iteration, Spaceport Cornwall have launched a Sustainability Steering Group of environmental experts and stakeholders from across Cornwall which commenced at an Environmental Intelligence event held at the Eden Project on Friday the 4th of February. They will now work with spokespeople from each sector related to their areas of focus, asking them to review and consult on the findings and progress the action plan to its next stages, helping to manage impacts and drive positive benefits. 

Spaceport Cornwall is on a mission to become the World’s most responsible and ethical gateway to space and this report will be the first key step on that journey. More on the release and the steering committee can be found here.

Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall, “We believe transparency and openness need to be a priority in our industry, because the impacts and outcomes affect us all. That’s why we are calling for a steering group to help us further this report — we’re committing to do things differently — to show the world that space launch can be transparent and to change things for the better. Our aim is to report on our commitments and impacts every year in a way that is accessible and meaningful for everyone. This is just the beginning and we are looking forward to leading the way.”  

Ian Annett, Deputy CEO UK Space Agency said, “For many years, satellites have been on the front line of our efforts to monitor climate change and inform effective global action. But as the space industry continues to grow and we look ahead to the first UK launches this year, it’s vital that we work together to minimise environmental impacts wherever possible.

“We have put in place a modern regulatory regime to support safe and sustainable launch, and I look forward to continuing work with Spaceport Cornwall and other UK spaceports to promote a vibrant and responsible sector that provides real benefits to local communities, businesses and the environment.”

Patrick McCall, Virgin Group, “We’re proud to be a part of Spaceport Cornwall’s call to action for global transformation within the space sector. Virgin Orbit is committed to launching responsibly and for the betterment of our planet. The upcoming launch this summer from Cornwall offers a unique opportunity for us to set the bar — creating a world leading launch site through transparent practices and collaborative solutions.”

Councillor Richard Pears, Portfolio Holder for Customers, Cornwall Council, “Space tech is critical for the future of this country and our planet as a whole. We will build the UK’s first horizontal launch spaceport, we will launch Cornwall’s first community satellite – Kernow Sat-1, we will create a thriving technology sector to support this, and we will put Cornwall at the cutting edge of science and technology.”

Dawn Aerospace is providing satellite propulsion to hyperspectral imaging company Pixxel, who is building a health monitor for the planet through a constellation of hyperspectral imaging small satellites.

Pixxel’s constellation will serve industries like agriculture, resources, energy, and sustainability, providing valuable insights into productivity and environmental management. Compared to standard multispectral imaging, Pixxel’s hyperspectral technology can obtain 50 times more information by capturing exact chemical signatures, offering more accurate solutions to previously unsolvable issues, and is available at a lower cost than existing technology. As a result, Pixxel’s hyperspectral imaging has the power to help with pressing issues, such as flagging pest infestations and crop diseases, tackling air and water pollution levels, and detecting oil spills and gas leaks. 

Pixxel recently announced an early adoption partnership with global mining company Rio Tinto to leverage the highest resolution hyperspectral satellite imagery in Rio Tinto’s exploration activities. The global mining company plans to use this technology to reduce the disturbance footprint of exploration activities, monitor the operational and environmental performance of active mining operations, and monitor biodiversity and vegetation health around closed sites. Other Pixxel customers cover the mining, oil & gas and agriculture industries. 

In the coming months, Pixxel’s first two satellites will launch, with plans to have a fully operational, hyperspectral constellation in space by December of 2023. 

Dawn propulsion modules will enable Pixxel satellites to maneuver into their desired orbit post a rideshare-launch, allow for in-space management of the satellites and for deorbiting the satellites responsibly and the end of their life.

In the last 12 months, Dawn has had several propulsion systems launched to space, with a total of 21 thrusters, powering a variety of satellites, including cubesats and OTV’s. At the end of 2021, the company announced it had over one hundred of its 1N and 20N “green” thrusters in production, with this projected to triple over the next twelve months.

“We’re proud to use Dawn’s propulsion system on our mission to provide the world’s best hyperspectral Earth-imaging satellites,” said Awais Ahmed, co-founder and CEO of Pixxel. “Our goal is to launch a constellation that acts as a global health monitor for the planet. With Dawn’s help, we’re one step closer to achieving that to build a healthier planet.”

“Given the passion both Dawn and Pixxel share for using space for the greater good, we couldn’t be prouder to support this talented team,” said Stefan Powell, Dawn Co-founder & CEO. “We see low-cost, reliable propulsion systems as key in enabling the unprecedented insights space can offer us by looking back at Earth.”

The Sultanate of Oman and the US-based launch company Virgin Orbit; Polish Small Satellite manufacturer and operator SatRevolution; Poland-originated AI data analytics specialists TUATARA; and Omani-based emerging technology innovator ETCO, have together signed a Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration on Oman’s first mission to deep space. The same agreement also lays the foundation for the consortium to collaborate on delivering additional small satellites to Low Earth Orbit, including the first in Oman’s history.

As part of the historic deep space mission, the group plans to launch a satellite designed by SatRevolution aboard a Virgin Orbit rocket, sending it to deep space with the mission of conducting cutting-edge scientific research and capturing high-resolution imagery. All collected data and images, both from the Low Earth Orbit and deep space missions, will be further analyzed digitally using computer vision, machine learning, and AI solutions developed by TUATARA in strategic partnership with ETCO. This mission will collect valuable data regarding the hidden patterns that underlie climate change, and the aftereffects of natural disasters. In addition, it could provide scientists with essential information needed to understand what occurs on the surface of Earth’s neighbors.

The final mission parameters and scientific objectives will be determined in a study conducted by the parties to the mission, and thereafter the parties expect to sign a definitive binding agreement to conduct the mission. The mission is the follow-on to the Memorandum of Understanding signed during International Astronautical Congress held in October 2021 in Dubai, which established the cooperation of the Parties to design, manufacture and launch the first Omani satellite, manufactured by SatRevolution and onboard Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne, on the first ever launch from the United Kingdom out of Spaceport Cornwall in 2022. The launch from Cornwall and subsequent missions to deep space will be enabled through Virgin Orbit’s versatile air launched system. The Cornwall mission providing the first Oman Satellite in Space sets the foundation for allowing previously non-space faring nations the ability to launch satellites from their own soil, which is a key element of the Oman strategy for Space.

As an emerging space-faring nation with plans to launch small satellites into Low Earth Orbit and foster a local, sustainable space ecosystem and industrial base, the Sultanate of Oman further plans on expanding its ambitious space endeavors and engaging the Omani public and students through STEM activities.

Both missions are in line with the Royal Directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and will directly correspond with the “Oman Vision 2040”, being part of a broader educational outreach initiative with the goal of stimulating long-term growth in the sector. The activities specified in the Agreements are intended to generate and seize opportunities to foster economic competitiveness and social well-being, stimulate growth, and build confidence in economic, social, and developmental relations nationwide.

“Only a few nations have been bold enough to venture into deep space, but with Oman’s strong vision supported by cutting edge launch and spacecraft technology another spacefaring nation is about to join those ranks,” said Virgin Orbit’s CEO Dan Hart. “We are proud to have been entrusted by the Sultanate of Oman as their exclusive launch partner in helping to fulfill the goals of bringing sustainable space solutions to Oman. Beginning with the launch of the first Omani satellites out of the first UK launch this year, the progression has been set for a myriad of space missions to expand technology, science and exploration.”

“Both projects will contribute to the near-term goals of the Sultanate of Oman which include the modernization of the educational ecosystem, growth in the support of scientific research and innovation, enhancement of the in-house development of cutting-edge technologies, which will shape the world in the twenty-first century.” SatRevolution’s CEO Grzegorz Zwolinski said

“The future of the Sultanate of Oman is one of innovation, and it’s through partnerships with pioneering organizations like Virgin Orbit that we will make active contributions to those sectors and technologies that are driving progress on a global scale,” Tariq Al Belushi, ETCO Vice President said. “This partnership is a major step in helping us to enrich the Sultanate’s Space industry with the latest technologies and know-how, while adding overall economic value according to Oman’s 2040 Vision.”

“Our mission is to deliver enchanting experiences in the digital space and we are thrilled we were invited to help translate outer space data into digital. We believe that the Oman project will not only be providing vital scientific data and boosting the growth of STEM industry in the Sultanate but will also inspire the world in the further democratization of the space research.” TUATARA’s Chief Innovation Officer Krzysztof Goworek concluded.

In recognition of great importance of the Agreement to the Sultanate of Oman, his excellency Dr. Ali Al Shidani – Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Sultanate of Oman witnessed the signing of this MOU by the Parties at a signing ceremony in Muscat.

OneWeb and Marlink have joined forces to bring OneWeb’s high-speed, low latency connectivity to the maritime, energy, enterprise and humanitarian sectors.

Marlink operates a global industry-leading VSAT network and has unrivaled market access providing remote communications across the maritime, offshore and onshore energy, enterprise and humanitarian sectors. In partnership with OneWeb, Marlink will further enhance the capabilities of its hybrid network solutions and offer its customers truly differentiated, flexible, reliable and secure connectivity solutions, optimized for every application.

The two companies plan to concentrate on the energy sector in regions above the 50th parallel north from January 2022, expanding to the maritime, energy, enterprise and humanitarian sectors on a global scale from January 2023.

Together, OneWeb and Marlink will deploy, test and demonstrate several types of user terminals and LEO connectivity services to customers across these market segments.

OneWeb is making significant progress in building its constellation and currently has 394 satellites in LEO, representing more than 60% of its planned fleet, delivering connectivity to customers in remote regions of Alaska, Canada and the North Sea. Launches will continue during 2022 to enable the company to offer commercial connectivity services globally for maritime in 2023.

Alexandre de Luca, President Energy, Enterprise and Government at Marlink, said:, “We are delighted to be working with OneWeb to deliver a new global, high-speed, low latency connectivity solution that is in strong demand by our remote communication customers across the market segments we serve.”

Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime at Marlink, said, “Together with OneWeb, we will significantly improve Marlink’s hybrid connectivity solutions for our energy and maritime customers. Adding OneWeb’s capabilities will further enhance our smart hybrid network to support the digitalization of our customers’ remote operations, and in particular to enable our customers’ cloud applications.”

Carole Plessy, OneWeb’s Vice President of Maritime, said, “OneWeb is building a new generation of business broadband services, powered by Low Earth Orbit satellites to create a truly global connectivity network to the high seas. OneWeb, together with Marlink connectivity solutions, will allow the maritime industry a pathway to digitalization, both on and offshore. Marlink is the highly respected industry leader and we are delighted to be introducing the first steps in our partnership to the industry.”

Sidus Space, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIDU), a Space-as-a-Service satellite company, has engaged in a strategic partnership with Red Canyon Software, Inc. (Red Canyon) to support the company’s LizzieSat constellation of 100 smallsats.

Through this partnership, Red Canyon will support the design, development, assembly, integration, deployment and sustainment of LizzieSat constellation, with its software solutions.

LizzieSats (LS) are 3D manufactured LEO smallsats that are focused on rapid, cost-effective development and testing of upcoming innovative spacecraft technologies for multiple customers. LS is a 100 kg. (220 pound) satellite with space to rapidly integrate customer sensors and technologies.

Red Canyon is an engineering and software development company that provides cutting-edge technology to help government agencies and customers explore space and other planets.

Barry Hamilton, Red Canyon Founder and CEO, said, “The Red Canyon team could not be more thrilled to work alongside Sidus Space to develop the LizzieSat spacecraft and LEO constellation. LizzieSat will help space entrepreneurs access space at low cost so that they can scale their business model and achieve higher and quicker ROI on their capital investment.”

“Red Canyon brings significant space-rated software lifecycle development experience to the LizzieSat team and will be a key strategic partner for the LizzieSat constellation. The strength and experience that Red Canyon brings to our software engineering team will help us rapidly deliver cost-effective LizzieSat capabilities to our growing customer base,” said Carol Craig, Founder and CEO of Sidus Space.

Red Canyon develops cutting-edge technology to help humankind explore space and other planets, as well as advanced renewable resources on Earth and the rejuvenation of low-income areas through the HUBZone program. Red Canyon is involved with important missions ranging from exploring the poles of Jupiter, the next Mars lander, bringing back the first sample from an asteroid, and building the next human spacecraft to go to the Moon and Mars. Clients include government agencies such as NASA, NREL, NOAA, and DOD, in addition to customers such as Lockheed Martin Space, Raytheon, Sierra Space, a.i. solutions, Walt Disney Imagineering, SAIC, Ball Aerospace, SpaceX, Honeywell, KBRwyle, Maxar, Blue Origin, and Moog.

Sidus Space, located in Cape Canaveral, Florida, operates from a 35,000 square-foot manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing facility. Sidus Space focuses on commercial satellite design, manufacture, launch, and data collection, with a mission of Bringing Space Down to Earth and a vision of enabling space flight heritage status for new technologies while delivering data and predictive analytics to domestic and global customers. Sidus Space makes it easy for any corporation, industry, or vertical to start their journey off-planet with our rapidly scalable, low-cost satellite services, space-based solutions, and testing alternatives. More than just a “Satellite-as-a-Service” provider, trhe company becomes a Mission Partner from concept to LEO and beyond. Sidus is ISO 9001:2015, AS9100 Rev. D certified, and ITAR registered.