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You are here: Home / 2024 / Archives for June 2024

Archives for June 2024

Alba Orbital prepares for 8th launch campaign with SpaceX

June 30, 2024 by editorial

Alba Orbital is set to embark on its 8th orbital mission campaign, integrating seven PocketQube satellites from six different countries in preparation for their sold-out flight on-board SpaceX’s Transporter-12 Rideshare mission scheduled for lift off on a Falcon 9 rocket this October.

The satellites will be integrated into Alba Orbital’s PocketQube Deployer, ‘AlbaPod’, at their new facilities in Hillington Industrial Estate, Glasgow, the world’s first PocketQube factory. After integration, the cluster of pocket-sized satellites will be shipped out to SpaceX before hitching a ride to LEO.

PocketQubes are highly miniaturized satellites, typically 5 cm cubed per unit (‘P’), that can be launched to orbit for as little as 25K euros via Alba Orbital’s rideshare services. PocketQubes offer numerous advantages over traditional satellites. They are cost-effective, quicker to build, and provide versatile options for a variety of missions ranging from educational projects to advanced technological demonstrations.

Here’ are the PocketQube satellites manifested to fly on Alba Orbital’s 8th launch campaign:

SKYLINK-1 & SKYLINK-2 – Hello

Space, Türkiye:  

SKYLINK-1 and SKYLINK-2 are the newest additions to Hello Space’s IoT Pico-satellite series. These identical 3P (5x5x15cm) PocketQubes operate together as part of a wider fleet of picosats, delivering global IoT data services via LoRaWAN network. 

HYPE AGH – AGH University, Poland:  

HYPE AGH is a 1P PocketQube by SatLab AGH, a student club from AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, and the first PocketQube from Poland. It features a UV-VIS spectroscope to analyze light pollution, volcanic ash, and forest degradation, plus a camera and OLED screen for “space selfies” with Earth in the background. This project offers students valuable experience and serves as a scientific and educational tool. 

PROMETHEUS-1 – Universidade do Minho (Portugal), Instituto Superior Técnico (Port.), and Carnegie Mellon University (USA):  

PROMETHEUS-1 is an open-source, 1P PocketQube developed by Universidade do Minho, Instituto Superior Técnico, and Carnegie Mellon University under the “PROMETHEUS” project. Funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, this initiative aims to enhance research and educational access to space. 

POQUITO – Snt University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg: 

“PocketQube for In Orbit Technology Operations” (POQUITO) is the first PocketQube mission by the Interdisciplinary Center of Security, Reliability, and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg. This tiny 5cm3 1P satellite hosts an even smaller 5×5×0.2 cm satellite the size of a computer chip. POQUITO aims to test inter-satellite communications between a PocketQube and a ‘Chipsat’ via LED in visible light and transmit a CW beacon to Earth to promote Luxembourgish space activities for radio amateurs. 

HADES-R – Hydra Space Systems, Spain:  

HADES-R (AKA ‘SmartSat’) is a 1.5p PocketQube by Hydra Space Systems S.L., and operated by AMSAT-EA. Its primary objectives are to serve as an FM repeater for global radio amateur communications and to test an experimental low-power graphene radiator payload developed by SmartIR, a spin-out from the University of Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre. 

HYDRA-T – Hydra Space Systems, Spain:  

HYDRA-T is a 1.5P PocketQube mission, also developed and operated by Madrid-based Hydra Space Systems and AMSAT-EA, that will offer commercial communication capabilities. This will be achieved by implementing an SDR based FM and FSK repeater. UHF and VHF bands will be used for downlink and uplink respectively. An educational payload is also included. 

“Our team is thrilled to support an international array of PocketQubes, showcasing the diverse applications and innovations enabled by these small but powerful satellites,” said Tom Walkinshaw, CEO of Alba Orbital. “These missions not only highlights the advancements in satellite technology but also our commitment to making space more accessible and affordable.”

Alba Orbital (UK, USA, Germany) is the world’s leading PocketQube company that has delivered 41 pico-satellites on-orbit to date. Alba is a vertically integrated NewSpace company ‘democratising access to space’, providing turnkey solutions from advanced pico-satellite platforms, low-cost launch opportunities, and ground station services. Alba has worked with over 30 customers across three continents, including prestigious clients such as Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University and TU Delft.

Filed Under: News

SpaceX launches NROL-186 spy satellite mission to increase “space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance”

June 29, 2024 by editorial

Photo captured on Friday, June 28, by Satnews from SpaceX’s video stream.

On Friday, June 28 at 8:14 p.m. PT, Falcon 9 launched the NROL-186 mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Photo captured on Friday, June 28, by Satnews from SpaceX’s video stream.

This was the eighth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-7, CRS-29, PACE, Transporter-10, EarthCARE, and two Starlink missions.

The satellite’s structure follows the NRO’s new concept of space architecture by using many smaller satellites to create constellations that will insure resistance from attacks.

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is a member of the United States Intelligence Community and an agency of the United States Department of Defense which designs, builds, launches, and operates the reconnaissance satellites of the U.S. federal government, and provides satellite intelligence to several government agencies, particularly signals intelligence (SIGINT) to the NSA, imagery intelligence (IMINT) to the NGA, and measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) to the DIA.

SpaceX Falcon 9 ready to roll out the NROL-186 mission on Friday

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Screen-Shot-2024-06-27-at-2.34.57-PM.png

SpaceX is targeting Friday, June 28 for a Falcon 9 launch of the NROL-186 mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The two-hour launch window opens at 8:14 p.m. PT. If needed, a backup opportunity is available on Saturday, June 29 starting at 8:00 p.m. PT. The cost is $69.75 million.

The mission will release a satellite into Earth’s orbit in efforts to increase “space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance,” according to a National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) April press release.

The satellite’s structure follows the NRO’s new concept of space architecture by using many smaller satellites to create constellations that will insure resistance from attacks.

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is a member of the United States Intelligence Community and an agency of the United States Department of Defense which designs, builds, launches, and operates the reconnaissance satellites of the U.S. federal government, and provides satellite intelligence to several government agencies, particularly signals intelligence (SIGINT) to the NSA, imagery intelligence (IMINT) to the NGA, and measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) to the DIA.

A live webcast of this mission will begin about 10 minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX.

This is the eighth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, having previously launched Crew-7, CRS-29, PACE, Transporter-10, EarthCARE, and two Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

Filed Under: News

Leaf Space enables Sateliot partners with Leaf Space

June 28, 2024 by editorial

Sateliot has successfully integrated its satellite communication stack with Leaf Space‘s Ground Segment as a Service (GSaaS) Network.

This milestone is crucial for the upcoming Transporter-11 mission by SpaceX, during which Sateliot will launch four, new, 6U satellites to further global 5G IoT connectivity. Leaf Space’s GSaaS ensures that Sateliot’s constellation can scale efficiently, providing redundancy and robust support for continuous operations.

The distributed network of 23 ground stations worldwide supports more than 100 satellites, offering seamless coverage and reliability. By using Leaf Space’s network as a 5G point of presence, Sateliot aims to revolutionize IoT connectivity, allowing seamless switching from terrestrial to satellite networks with unmodified commercial devices.

This partnership underscores the strength of the European space ecosystem, with both companies leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and connectivity on a global scale.

Upon launch, the new 6U satellites will establish contact using Leaf Space’s on-orbit check-in service during the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP). This service ensures reliable communication from deployment, leveraging Leaf Space’s geographically diverse network.

“We are thrilled to support Sateliot’s 5G NB-IoT satellites in orbit,” said Jonata Puglia, CEO of Leaf Space. “Our global network is performing at its full potential and is ready to support satellites during the upcoming Transporter-11 launch and the commencement of their IoT services. It is a remarkable progress for the Space ecosystem in Europe. We are demonstrating end-to-end services that ensure seamless global IoT connectivity, showcasing the power of collaboration and technological advancement within our industry.”

Filed Under: News

Wyvern expands Dragonette constellation capacity with Loft’s Space infrastructure

June 27, 2024 by editorial

Wyvern is expanding their Dragonette constellation by using Loft’s network of satellites for the collection of large volumes of hyperspectral data.

Artistic rendition of Wyvern’s Dragonette 3 smallsats on-orbit, image courtesy of satellite manufacturer, AAC Clyde Space.

Building on a 2023 partnership, Wyvern is expanding their Dragonette constellation, leveraging Loft’s space infrastructure as a service model to rapidly and reliably enhance its constellation’s capacity to meet the growing needs of hyperspectral customers. 

By expanding the Dragonette constellation, Wyvern can serve a broader range of customers and use cases, including agriculture and environmental monitoring, mining prospecting, defense and disaster management. The expanded constellation not only increases data volume and coverage but also ensures improved revisit rates while providing the data with greater reliability and precision.

Loft will operate Wyvern’s missions onboard its space infrastructure, made up of satellites. The hyperspectral imager is one of the sensing resources available, and facilitates the operations that serve Wyvern’s expanded constellation.

Loft’s space infrastructure includes resources such as video, thermal and wide-swath imagers as well as RF payloads. Each spacecraft also incorporates onboard compute and connectivity resources to use in tandem with the sensing resources to enable real time analysis of data collected for low-latency applications. These high-performance satellite platforms enable rapid and affordable access to novel datasets, such as hyperspectral imagery.

“Adding additional capacity to our constellation enables Wyvern to better serve our growing customer base,” said Wyvern’s Chief Revenue Officer, Thomas VanMatre. “Loft takes care of the infrastructure so that we can focus on what matters most to our customers.”

“We’re excited to support Wyvern’s mission by providing access to high-quality hyperspectral data,” said Gautier Brunet, VP of Business Development at Loft Orbital. “Our infrastructure is designed to provide a rapid and simple path to orbit, enabling companies like Wyvern to focus on data and analytics rather than the complexities of deploying and operating a large space project.”

Filed Under: News

Synspective secures 7 billion yen in Series C funding

June 26, 2024 by editorial

Synspective Inc. successfully raised 7 billion yen in a Series C funding round — this latest funding was led by Japan Growth Capital Investment Corporation, managed by Nomura SPARX Investment, Inc., and Investment Limited Partnerships operated by JAFCO Group Co., Ltd. and Investment Limited Partnerships operated by Mizuho Capital Co., Ltd., among others. The total funding for third-party allotment has been 28.1 billion yen and 8.3 billion yen for loan contracts.

Synspective develops and operates high-frequency, high-resolution SAR satellites to provide data analytics and solution services. On March 13, 2024, the company launched the fourth SAR satellite, StriX-3, which successfully reached its target orbit. The firm intends to establish a constellation of 30 SAR satellites by the late 2020s, enabling Synspective to observe changes anywhere on Earth.

Synspective will use the new capital to develop, manufacture, launch, and operate our SAR satellites, prepare mass production facilities, develop satellite data solutions, and expand globally, driving further business growth.

Dr. Motoyuki Arai, Synspective founder and CEO, said, “With further support from our investors, Synspective will expand its business using SAR satellites and analytics, which have proven reliable. This financing will accelerate our global business expansion, which we aim to fully realize by the end of this year with the start of mass production at our plant and the enhancement of our satellite constellation. We sincerely appreciate the trust our investors have placed in us. We will continue to work with a sense of mission to make human economic activities sustainable with solutions that respect the global environment and resources.”

Filed Under: Featured, News

WISeKey announces developments in secure IoT connectivity + upcoming smallsats launch

June 26, 2024 by editorial

WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY) has announced that its subsidiary, WISeSat.Space, is engaging in new developments that include the launch of a new generation of satellites, installation of a satellite antenna in Switzerland, development of a neutral satellite constellation from Europe, and collaboration with the Swiss Army.

Artistic rendition of WISeSat’s WISeSat-1 and WISeSat-2 smallsats on-orbit.

In Q4 2024, WISeSat.Space is set to launch a new generation of satellites from California. This launch will mark a significant milestone in the Company’s efforts to expand its satellite constellation, further enhancing its ability to provide global IoT connectivity and environmental monitoring. The new generation of satellites are expected to offer improved performance and capabilities, supporting a wide range of applications from climate change monitoring to disaster management and smart agriculture.

In the same quarter, WISeSat.Space plans to install a satellite antenna in Switzerland. This installation will enable the monitoring and management of its satellite constellation, ensuring optimal performance and reliability of its IoT connectivity solutions. This development underscores WISeSat.Space’s commitment to maintaining robust and secure satellite operations.

The Company is also currently developing a constellation of 88 additional low-orbit satellites to optimize global coverage for IoT devices and an enhanced WISeSat satellite, planned for launch in Q3 2024. This upgraded satellite will incorporate SEALSQ Corp. (“SEALSQ”) (NASDAQ: LAES) semiconductor technology and WISeKey cryptographic keys, designed to boost performance in space and communication capabilities.

To date, the Company has successfully launched 17 low-orbit satellites in cooperation with FOSSA Systems, primarily aboard SpaceX Transporter Rideshare missions.

An important aspect of WISeSat.Space’s initiative is the development of a dependent and neutral satellite constellation from Europe. Having a European-based satellite constellation is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures data sovereignty and reduces reliance on non-European entities for critical data and services. This autonomy is essential for maintaining control over data security and privacy.

Second, a neutral European constellation can facilitate international cooperation and trust, as it is perceived as unbiased and not tied to any geopolitical agendas.

Lastly, it promotes technological independence and innovation within Europe, driving economic growth and creating high-tech jobs. This European-centric approach aligns with broader strategic goals of enhancing the region’s competitiveness and resilience in the global space sector.

WISeSat.Space has also established a partnership with the Swiss Army, which underscores the strategic importance of its satellite initiatives. This collaboration involves leveraging WISeSat.Space’s secure IoT connectivity solutions to enhance the Swiss Army’s operational capabilities.

By integrating satellite-based communication systems, the Swiss Army can improve its situational awareness, logistics, and disaster response efforts. This partnership not only strengthens national security but also exemplifies the critical role of space technology in modern defense strategies.

WISeSat.Space employs picosatellites and low-power sensors to create a cost-effective and secure IoT connectivity solution. These smallsats are smaller and less expensive to launch than traditional satellites, making IoT connectivity more accessible. The constellation of picosatellites ensures global coverage, providing a reliable network for data collection and transmission.

The low-power sensors are designed to operate with minimal power consumption, making them ideal for environmental monitoring in remote and off-grid locations. WISeKey’s expertise in cybersecurity ensures that data transmitted through its network is secure and protected from unauthorized access.

WISeSat.Space’s play a significant role in disaster management by offering early warning systems for extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods. Enhanced forecasting capabilities assist in planning and mitigating the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and ecosystems. Additionally, high-quality data generated from the satellite constellation supports informed decision-making and policy formulation aimed at addressing climate change.

WISeSat.Space’s initiatives leverage space technology for global IoT connectivity and environmental monitoring, addressing key challenges in climate change and disaster management, thus contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future. By developing a neutral satellite constellation from Europe, launching a new generation of satellites from California, and collaborating with the Swiss Army, along with the installation of a satellite antenna in Switzerland by November, WISeSat.Space further strengthens its commitment to data security, international cooperation, and technological advancement.

WISeSat AG is pioneering a transformative approach to IoT connectivity and climate change monitoring through its innovative satellite constellation. By providing cost-effective, secure, and global IoT connectivity, WISeSat is enabling a wide range of applications that support environmental monitoring, disaster management, and sustainable practices. The integration of satellite data with advanced climate models holds great promise for enhancing our understanding of climate change and developing effective strategies to combat its impacts. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like WISeSat’s IoT satellite constellation are essential for creating a more resilient and sustainable future.

WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, and (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions. 

Filed Under: News

Firefly Aerospace adds Alpha Launch capability on Wallops Island, Virginia

June 26, 2024 by editorial

Launch Pad-0A will be configured to support Alpha rocket in addition to Antares 330 and
new Medium Launch Vehicle

Firefly Aerospace, Inc., an end-to-end space transportation company, is adding an Alpha launch capability at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on Wallops Island, Virginia.

In support of Firefly’s responsive space missions, Pad-0A will be configured to launch Alpha as early as 2025 in addition to Antares 330 and the Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV) that Firefly is co-developing with Northrop Grumman.

The new launch capability on Wallops Island will supplement Firefly’s existing Alpha launch facilities and further enable Firefly to support rapid, on-demand missions for government and commercial customers. In addition to the launch pad, Firefly plans to operate a launch control center, horizontal integration facility, and administrative office space on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Firefly will also use existing infrastructure in the area, such as vehicle and payload processing facilities, to eliminate bottlenecks and retain Firefly’s rapid launch capabilities, recently demonstrated for the VICTUS NOX mission that was executed with a 24-hour launch notice.

Capable of lifting more than 1,000 kg to LEO, Firefly’s flight-proven Alpha rocket uses patented propulsion technology and carbon composite structures built with automated machinery to provide a reliable, low cost, responsive solution for the domestic and international launch market. With East and West Coast launch capabilities, Firefly will further increase Alpha’s launch cadence to a monthly basis by 2026 after launching up to four times in 2024 and six times in 2025.

“Firefly is committed to establishing a regular on-demand launch service and serving our customers’ growing responsive space needs, and that requires operating a diverse set of launch sites,” said Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “Virginia Spaceport Authority further sets us up for success by enabling a streamlined approach to launching both Alpha and MLV from one location at MARS with minimal congestion from the broader launch market.”

Firefly is an end-to-end space transportation company with launch, lunar, and in-space services. As an all-American company headquartered in central Texas, Firefly is focused on delivering responsive, reliable, and affordable space access for government and commercial customers. Firefly’s small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide the space industry with a single source for missions from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond.

Filed Under: News

Skynopy raises million$ for LEO satellite connectivity

June 24, 2024 by editorial

Skynopy has closed a fundraising of $3.1 million which closed in only three weeks — this funding round was supported by a pool of investors, including the pan-European fund Heartcore Capital, Kima Ventures, Better Angle, and BPI France, alongside well-known entrepreneurs such as Thibaud Elziere (e-founders, Hexa) and Yohann Leroy (CEO of Maia Space).

This initial funding will enable Skynopy to develop its turnkey connectivity service for LEO satellite operators, addressing the growing needs of the rapidly expanding space industry.

When sending a video with your phone, imagine having to locate the nearest antenna, orient your smartphone toward the antenna, proceed to define and adjust the radio settings, including modulations and protocols, and then being charged per minute of antenna use for this service. This is the technical and commercial complexity that all satellite operators currently face when downloading a picture or video taken by a satellite. Skynopy aims to solve this complexity.

Founded in October 2023 by Pierre Bertrand and Antonin Hirsch, former directors of Loft Orbital, Skynopy has an ambition: to bring the simplicity of mobile phone connectivity to low-orbit satellites and constellation sector, thanks to a unique business model and key interface technologies.

Skynopy offers a seamless, simplified and worldwide service for satellite operators to connect their satellites (send commands and receive data) using its hybrid network of ground antennas. This “as-a-service” approach allows operators to focus on their missions without worrying about the technical details of connectivity or the costly internal infrastructure of ground antennas, providing smooth communication with their satellites, similar to a mobile phone experience.

Skynopy is developing universal connectors capable of interfacing with existing ground station networks allowing Skynopy to scale much faster than a more traditional approach. This strategy allows Skynopy to offer high-bandwidth connectivity while limiting its CAPEX needs, thus positioning itself as the Airbnb of ground antennas.

By managing the entire value chain of satellite mission connectivity, Skynopy aims to become a leader in the rapidly expanding ground segment market. This unique positioning has already enabled Skynopy to sign and deliver several contracts with key players in the French space ecosystem, including HEMERIA and CNES, just six months after its incorporation.

The funds raised will enable Skynopy to accelerate the commercial deployment of its “as-a-service” ground station offering. The start-up has already signed industrial partnerships to integrate initial ground station networks and implement its vision of turnkey connectivity. Finally, this funding will allow Skynopy to structure its teams through new recruitment.

Pierre Bertrand, CEO of Skynopy, said, “The ground segment, and specifically ground stations, is the third pillar of any space infrastructure, alongside the launch vehicle and the satellites. Today, industrial players and public policies have tended to underestimate this essential pillar, which is crucial for data creation and retrieval, representing up to 20% of a mission’s cost. Skynopy aims to solve this deadlock and offer a true innovation in the business model. In this context, this funding round marks a major milestone for Skynopy and the development of the first seamless satellite connectivity service, meeting the growing needs of the space industry.”

Yohan Pereira, Representative of Heartcore Capita, said, “Skynopy offers an innovative solution to a major challenge in the space industry. Pierre and Antonin’s profound market knowledge, coupled with their ambitious international vision— made obvious through their significant contributions to Loft’s success in Europe —strengthens our belief in their ability to revolutionize the satellite connectivity sector. We are fully convinced of their transformative potential and are thrilled to be part of the Skynopy journey.”

Lionel Suchet, Director of Innovation, Applications, and Science at CNES, said, “Skynopy’s ground station service addresses a well-identified commercial need within the satellite ecosystem, thus filling a commercial and industrial gap. Such a player, with sufficient commercial traction, can leverage major advantages, whether geographical, industrial, or institutional.”

Founded in October 2023 by Pierre Bertrand, CEO, and Antonin Hirsch, CTO—both former directors at Loft Orbital, a U.S./French startup that develops shared satellites and sells them as a service, having raised a total of $200 million — Skynopy aims to bring the economic model of infrastructure service (as-a-service) to the ground segment, specifically through a network of hybrid ground stations (antennas) necessary for downloading data from satellites in orbit. Skynopy offers a turnkey service, enabling satellite operators to enjoy seamless and accessible communication and control with their satellites as easily as a mobile phone. Through its established partnerships, Skynopy already has a global network of antennas and currently offers its connectivity optimization services to initial clients such as Hemeria. Its ambition is to meet the growing needs of the low Earth orbit space industry with an innovative and efficient solution that brings the simplicity of mobile connectivity to the satellite sector.

Filed Under: News

Hiltron experiences growing demand for ground antenna refurbishment + debuts motorization kit

June 24, 2024 by editorial

Hiltron Communications reports increasing demand for the company’s refurbishment capabilities across the entire SATCOM sector, from high accuracy teleport antenna performance evaluation through to latest-generation motorized antenna mounts and control systems.

A core element of Hiltron’s SATCOM system refurbishment service is the ability to perform high-accuracy 3D laser scanning and evaluation of teleport antennas. Based on technology developed by ESA Microwave GmbH, a Hiltron subsidiary partner, this resource is far more accurate than the commonly used photogrammetry technique and can be conducted while the antenna is actually in operation.

Photogrammetry requires a large number of adhesive targets, typically several hundred, to be applied by hand on to the reflector. The cost is quite high and the measurement resolution relatively low. The Hiltron/ESA system allows a million surface reference points per second to be captured with a geometric accuracy of less than 1 millimeter..

3D laser scanning measurement can be performed quickly and safely by a single technician using easily transported equipment which in many instances can be operated on a single tripod located at ground level. The resultant information is integrated into approximately 60 million points and used to create a computer-aided design model.

Measured specifications and related performance parameters are delivered to the antenna operator or owner together with recommendations clarifying whether the antenna would benefit from upgrading, conversion or fitting with a multiband feed system.

“Hiltron Communications has 45 years of experience in satellite systems design, preconstruction, onsite installation and testing,” said Managing Director, Jochen Ermel. “We also have distribution agreements with many of the world’s leading manufacturers of SATCOM equipment plus the detailed knowledge required to combine third-party equipment into complete solutions that are reliable and easy to operate. One of the main options for teleport managers is to upgrade existing antennas to higher frequencies, typically from C-band to Ku-band or Ka-band. This saves the need to buy new equipment and allows services in the lower bands to be maintained. Hiltron is fortunate in having a highly accomplished technical team with two decades or more of experience in SATCOM systems engineering combined with proven software authoring skill.”

Ermel continued, “When refurbishing third-party systems, we are often able to achieve better-than-new performance by replacing legacy control devices with Hiltron-developed products that allow satcom systems to be controlled with maximum safety, efficiency and versatility. Examples are our HACU antenna control unit, the HSACU4 compact variant for flyaway antennas, HMCS monitoring and control system, HDCU and compact HDCU2 de-icing control units, plus the HRMU redundancy and monitoring switch. Perhaps the best known of all Hiltron product developments is the HMAM motorized antenna mount. A recent addition to this range, HMAM LEO is a complete system combining the strength, precision, smoothness of operation and internal computing resources necessary to monitor Low Earth Orbit satellites. Capable of accommodating parabolic antennas of up to 3 meters diameter, HMAM LEO can lock quickly and securely onto the selected LEO satellite.”

Additionally, Hiltron has announced an addition to the firm’s range of SATCOM and systems: a field-upgradable, motorization kit specifically designed for existing fixed installations of CPI 2385 Series 3.8 meter Rx/Tx antennas in current deployment for tracking applications, or for new installations requiring tracking functionality.

A new addition to Hiltron’s HMAM product family, the motorization kit enables significant cost savings compared to new installations. It offers a wide range of tracking capabilities including manual positioning to known satellites, automatic positioning and active step tracking. Norad TLE, inclined orbit tracking and Intelsat 11 tracking are also supported.

The first three systems recently completed successful factory acceptance tests and are now being installed at various locations around the world. Hiltron has the design and development capability to provide motorization kits for any type of reflector on customer request.

Developed and produced by Hiltron, HMAM is a high-precision motorized satellite antenna mount designed for broadcast applications, two-way satellite telecommunication links or receive-only downlinks. An optional motorized feed changer allows the HMAM head to be moved quickly to a new position for switching between frequency bands.

HMAM comes complete with professional-grade drives for azimuth and elevation plus a high-accuracy polarization drive. The combined head and drive form a three-axis motorized mount with 180 degrees of azimuth adjustment, 90 degrees of elevation adjustment range and fully adjustable polarization.

Hiltron Communications is a globally active system integrator, manufacturer and distributor in the field of satellite and wireless communication. It has decades of experience in the development and production of tracking systems for fixed and mobile antennas and hundreds of installed base around the world, for tracking LEO, GEO, MEO and inclined orbit satellites. Hiltron offers a comprehensive portfolio of services, from initial planning to the implementation of customized antenna systems, including factory acceptance tests, installation and commissioning, operator training and post-sale support. Antenna refurbishment is also offered, including service level agreements. Hiltron operates from modern purpose-built headquarters at Backnang near Stuttgart. On-site facilities include a large technical operations area with high access doors and ceiling, capable of accommodating satellite-link vehicles and their roof-mounted antennas.

Filed Under: News

Simera Sense opening an optical payload development hub in Toulouse France

June 22, 2024 by editorial

Screenshot

Simera Sense is strengthening the firm’s global presence by opening an office in Toulouse, France. This move is a testament to its growth strategy, bolstered by the 13.5 euros million funding secured in an investment round earlier this year.

The company already has 19 optical payloads in space and another 43 delivered and ready for launch to customers worldwide. Many of these clients are European-based, including Loft Orbital, Prométhée Earth Intelligence, AAC Clyde Space, Open Cosmos, OHB Systems AG, and many others. This rapid growth and demand for Simera Sense’s optical payloads necessitate expanding its development and production capacity.

Toulouse, strategically selected for its position within the aerospace ecosystem, will be the home of the new facility. This facility, an R&D engineering and production hub, will service the existing client pool in France as well as the rest of Europe and will also contribute to developing High- to Very High-resolution optical payloads for Earth Observation (EO).

“Simera Sense is recruiting for several positions at its Toulouse office, including senior and junior roles. Join us to be part of a dynamic team in the NewSpace ecosystem.” said Kammy Brun, Managing Director of Simera Sense, France. “We look forward to building a solid team with expertise and experience in optics, thermal systems engineering, embedded software engineering and AIT (Assembly, Integration and Testing). Our core team will comprise 4 to 6 members by Q4 this year, and we have multiple job openings, including senior project manager, senior systems engineers, public relations& bid managers, and several PhD vacancies. The team is expected to double in size by 2025 and triple by the following year.”

Charlotte Voisin, Business Development Manager for Aeronautics & Space at Invest in Toulouse, said, “We are delighted that Simera Sense is opening a subsidiary in Toulouse, the European Capital of Space. Since 2019, I have supported the Simera team by facilitating connections with our ecosystem, potential customers, and key institutions. This nearly five-year effort has been fruitful, as Simera Sense has successfully developed commercial products and grown from a start-up to a scale-up with the opening of their French subsidiary. This new R&D and engineering centre will serve both European and global customers, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Aerospace Valley, ADOCC, Business France, and Toulouse’s economic development agency.“

Founded in 2018, Simera Sense is a leading provider of end-to-end earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Its high-resolution, ‘off-the-shelf’ cameras are used by diverse clients across a wide range of industries. Our core team’s passion for space and satellite engineering fuels our mission, along with a firm belief in the transformative power of small, cost-effective satellites. We have meticulously engineered a suite of cameras that are not only optimally sized but also configurable for diverse missions. These cameras comply with the leading standardised satellite bus interfaces and data formats.

Filed Under: Featured, News

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