Archives for August 2024

ClearSpace and Plextek continue their successful partnership to address the key technical challenges of space debris removal and satellite servicing. In the dynamic field of in-orbit servicing, this cooperative venture will leverage the core competencies of both entities to enhance the reliability and precision of in-orbit operations. 

Plextek’s role is to engineer solutions that provide the navigational eyes for ClearSpace’s missions. Capitalizing the many years’ experience in radar, particularly in mmWave solutions with fully integrated antenna, waveguide, RF electronic and digital signal processing elements. These technologies are critical for the delicate maneuvers required to rendezvous with, capture, and ultimately deorbit defunct satellites and debris. 

Power and weight are a premium on a satellite, and Plextek’s proposed radar uses two times less electrical power and is less than one-third less of the weight compared to other RPO sensing solutions.

The collaboration is instrumental for both ClearSpace and Plextek, impacting broader economic and technological goals within the space sector. As space operations become more congested, the demand for effective debris management and servicing solutions increases, highlighting the significance of this collaboration in promoting sustainable space exploration. 

Driving the cooperation is a shared imperative towards sustainable space exploration. Beyond commercial and technical ambitions, there is a conscious passion for advancing responsible conduct in this area. As space becomes increasingly populated with commercial satellites, the potential for debris and the risk of collisions rise, making the requirement for debris removal a priority. 

The partnership is facilitating advancements in radar technology and operational approaches necessary for effective in-orbit servicing. By combining Plextek’s technical expertise in radar systems with ClearSpace’s solutions, the partnership is setting benchmarks for innovation and operational excellence in the space sector. 

“Solving the complex puzzle of space debris requires more than just technical capability; it demands an innovative spirit and collaborative mindset. Plextek is proud to be at the forefront of this challenge alongside ClearSpace, combining our rich heritage in engineering with cutting-edge solutions to support sustainable space operations,” said Brent Hudson, CEO, Plextek 

“In this mission, we chose Plextek due to their proven technical expertise. Their radar systems are instrumental for achieving the paramount need for safety and precision in proximity operations,” said Valentin Valhondo, Technical Program Manager, ClearSpace. “In the realm of in-orbit services, the capacity to approach and manipulate objects safely is non-negotiable. Plextek’s radar systems will serve this critical function. Our work with Plextek not only advances our technical capabilities but also contributes to the robustness of the UK’s growing space industry, supporting local technology development and implementation.“

“Leveraging Plextek’s strength in advanced radar and sensor technology, we’re pioneering the development of tailored solutions that not only meet but exceed the demands of modern space applications. Our dedication to engineering excellence fuels our mission to deliver precision and reliability in every project,” said Richard Jacklin, Commercial Lead, Plextek  “Our collaboration with Plextek enhances our capabilities, thereby supporting not only ClearSpace’s immediate operational goals but also expanding our Servicing to include satellite life extension and refueling operations. At Plextek, we understand that innovation is not a solo journey but a collaborative effort. With ClearSpace’s visionary approach to space logistics and our cutting-edge radar systems, we’re proud to set new industry standards for space sustainability and operational efficiency.”” 

Nicolas Croisard, Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer at ClearSpace, said, “We perceive ourselves as an enabler of sustainable space operations. The core ClearSpace technologies are being forged for today’s debris removal tasks, with a clear vision to encompass other in-orbit servicing markets. We are developing technologies that allow for a responsible and sustainable use of space. Plextek’s role is pivotal as an enabler in this aspect of space sustainability.“

The ClearSpace-Plextek partnership is a key development in the evolution of space servicing. By addressing the complex challenges associated with space debris and satellite servicing, this collaboration underscores the combined commitment of both firms to advancing the frontiers of space technology and operations.  This partnership is a solid example of how technical collaboration can drive innovation and enhance capabilities, ensuring the sustainability and safety of space operations for future generations. 

ClearSpace, an in-orbit servicing (IOS) company created in 2018, is intent on revolutionizing how space missions are conducted. ClearSpace is becoming now a global company with dynamic engineering teams in Switzerland, the UK, Germany, Luxembourg and in the United States. ClearSpace is creating the technologies that will support a wide range of IOS applications, from disposal and in-orbit transport to inspection, assembly, manufacturing, repair, and recycling. ClearSpace aims to support institutions and commercial operators alike to enhance sustainable space operations and promote a circular space economy.  

Airbus Defence and Space Limited (“Airbus”) and Astroscale Limited (“Astroscale UK”), the UK subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc. (“Astroscale”), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaborative opportunities in the field of in-orbit servicing and space debris removal. 

This strategic partnership aims to leverage the strengths and capabilities of both companies to address the growing challenges of space sustainability and satellite longevity, with a particular focus on advancing the UK’s efforts in the in-orbit servicing and manufacturing industry and building a circular economy in space.

The key objectives of this collaboration include…

• Space Debris Removal: Exploring innovative methods to identify, capture, and remove space debris from Earth’s orbit. This is critical for ensuring the safety of current and future space missions and maintaining a sustainable space environment. This area includes the ongoing collaboration on use of the Airbus VISPA robotic arm on future Astroscale missions. 
• In-Orbit Servicing: Developing technologies and solutions for the maintenance, repair, and enhancement of satellites while in orbit. This effort aims to extend the operational lifespan of satellites, reduce space debris, and improve the overall efficiency of space operations.
• In-Orbit Rendezvous and Proximity Operations: Enhancing capabilities for precise and safe satellite maneuvering in space. This includes the development of sophisticated navigation and docking technologies essential for satellite servicing and debris removal missions.
• In-Orbit Space Assembly and Manufacture: Exploring new possibilities for constructing and assembling spacecraft components directly in space. This ground breaking approach supports the development of a circular economy in space, where resources can be reused and repurposed to reduce waste and lower the cost of space missions.
• Satellite Refueling and Life Extension: Ensuring the continued operation and extended lifespan of existing satellites through in-orbit refueling and other services. This reduces the need for launching replacement satellites, contributing to a more sustainable space industry.

This partnership underscores the commitment of both Airbus and Astroscale to drive innovation and sustainability in the space industry. By combining Airbus’s extensive experience in satellite manufacturing and space systems with Astroscale’s pioneering flight-proven rendezvous and proximity operations and in-orbit servicing technologies, the collaboration aims to set new standards in space safety and operational efficiency.

“By partnering with Airbus, we are taking a major step forward in advancing the UK’s leadership in the in-orbit servicing and manufacturing industry,” said Managing Director of Astroscale UK, Nick Shave. “Our combined efforts will not only enhance the longevity and efficiency of space assets but also contribute to building a circular economy in space, where resources are reused and repurposed. This collaboration is crucial for addressing the challenges of space debris and ensuring a sustainable space environment for future generations.”

Patrick Wood, Head of Space Systems UK, Airbus Defence and Space, said, “With thousands of tons of space junk in orbit, ensuring space sustainability is vital to protect the space environment and the satellites which are key to our daily lives, providing navigation and global connectivity, climate monitoring and accurate weather forecasts.”

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) has announced the launch of the company’s fully automated launch and deorbit service on the KSATlite network. The development of this service has been greatly enhanced by the close collaboration between KSAT and Rocket Lab, a global leader in launch services and space systems.

The new service is an enhancement of the existing KSATlite portfolio to provide seamless, automated support for launch vehicles and deorbit operations. Designed to meet the growing demands of the space industry, this new service with unique antenna tracking features and extended monitoring and control capabilities enables complex mission support.

Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle is one of the world’s most frequently launched rockets, having successfully delivered 190+ satellites to space for government and commercial customers across science and exploration missions, Earth observation, weather monitoring, and national security.

Further expanding its launch capabilities, Rocket Lab is developing its new medium lift reusable rocket Neutron to launch constellations of satellites, national security and defense missions, and interplanetary missions from mid 2025.

Rocket Lab also designs, builds, launches, and operates spacecraft for a variety of government and commercial satellite operators, enabling missions to the Moon for NASA, and providing in space operations, deorbit, and return to Earth spacecraft re entry operations for commercial customers such as Varda Space Industries.

By working together, both companies have leveraged their expertise to create a more efficient and reliable service. This co-engineering effort not only benefits KSAT and Rocket Lab but also provides significant advantages for launch and satellite operators by offering improved service quality and reduced operational costs.

Key Features and Benefits

• Automation: The service offers end-to-end automation, from the pre-launch test to the actual launch event, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the risk of human error.
• New features: Unique antenna tracking features suitable for support of complex mission design and extended monitoring and control capabilities
• Scalability: The KSATlite network’s scalable infrastructure ensures that the service can accommodate a wide range of missions across any location
• Global Coverage: With an extensive network of ground stations strategically located around the globe, KSATlite provides unparalleled coverage and connectivity for launchers and satellite operators
• Reliability: The automated system is built on KSAT’s proven technology, ensuring high reliability and uptime for critical operations
• Cost Efficiency: By automating key processes, the service reduces operational costs, providing a cost-effective solution for launch companies and satellite operators
• Standardization: Application of industry standards including IRIG-106 ensures compatibility for mission operations

“Our fully automated launch and deorbit service represents a major advancement in ground station technology,” said Arthur Kvalheim Merlin, Director of Ground Network Products. “By integrating this capability into our KSATlite network, we are setting a new standard for efficiency and reliability in space operations. This innovation will not only streamline the process for our customers but also significantly reduce operational risks and costs.” KSAT targets an operational readiness of the service in 2025, with one of its earlier customers being Rocket Lab and their brand-new Neutron rocket.”

“Since partnering with KSAT in 2019, KSATlite has been the primary ground station network supporting our Electron launch vehicle and LEO satellites. We’ve worked closely with KSAT to develop new capabilities unique within the Ground-Segment-as-a-Service industry. These capabilities have enabled us to reliably support a high Electron launch cadence and missions with complex mission designs, including launch of a spacecraft into lunar orbit and earth atmosphere re-entry of a manufacturing probe,” said Bill Lance, Global Director of RF Engineering. “This collaboration sets a new standard within the industry. Leveraging a standardized, global ground station network that supports the needs of both our launch and space systems divisions enables us to focus on our strategic programs and enhance the overall service we provide to our customers.”

Little Place Labs (LPL) is teaming up with Loft Orbital (Loft) to push the boundaries of real-time data processing and insight delivery.

The companies will pair Loft’s low-latency operations, using its space infrastructure, with LPL’s analytics to enhance maritime domain awareness under a US Air Force Phase 2 STTR by deploying the firm’s software to Loft’s YAM-6 satellite as a virtual mission.

The demand for real-time, onboard processing and low-latency insight delivery is growing across sectors for applications from wildfire response and national security to environmental or asset monitoring. Traditionally, obtaining actionable information from satellites involves a multi-step process lasting several hours: data collection, transmission to ground stations, processing, and then delivery. As a result, data and insights are often delivered too late to be actionable where it truly matters. 

Enter edge-computing and low-latency communications. At Little Place Labs, the firm specializes in near real-time space analytics for terrestrial and space applications, leveraging AI to derive critical insights. We remove the data bottleneck by processing raw data on-orbit immediately after collection, and the latency bottleneck via high availability communications links via inter-satellite relay. Together, these solutions enhance response times and decision-making for threats against civilians, national assets, and our guardians, as well as unlock new commercial applications.

Loft will deploy Little Place Labs’ applications to its constellation of satellites, with each satellite node equipped with an array of sensing resources, from visible and infrared imagers to configurable software-defined radios (SDRs). These satellite nodes comprise Loft’s space infrastructure, each including onboard edge compute and connectivity resources to complement its sensing capabilities. This infrastructure is used to build and complete complex missions such as the low-latency maritime domain awareness application we’re working on, without having to deploy any new hardware.

“Our on-orbit data processing solutions, paired with Loft’s satellite platform, allow us to derive and deliver insights in near real-time for time-sensitive situations,” said Bosco Lai, co-founder and CEO of Little Place Labs. “These insights are critical to commercial and national security stakeholders, including those in the US government. This collaboration highlights the new space age, where companies like Little Place Labs and Loft come together, integrating our solutions into powerful capabilities.”

“We are proud to support customers like Little Place Labs in pushing the limits of what’s possible with low latency applications and onboard edge compute,” said Mitchell Scher, Director of Business Development at Loft. “While we’re providing the infrastructure to support these kinds of low-latency operations, it is only as useful as the applications our customers deploy and the operational value they produce for their end users.”

This post was originally published by Little Place Labs on their blog.

GomSpace recently received a new product order of 10 MSEK from Unseenlabs for advanced products and subsystems.

These components will play a crucial role in the development of Unseenlabs’ next generation payloads, aimed at enhancing situational and marine awareness.

Henrik Kalstrup, Vice President of Products Business Unit of GomSpace, said, “We always value our partnership with Unseenlabs. This time, they have selected GomSpace as the supplier for their cutting-edge payloads, reinforcing our commitment to providing world-class solutions.”

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has introduced the company’s next generation satellite separation system, the Advanced Satellite Dispenser (ASD).

The ASD is a cost-effective, versatile, and reliable deployment mechanism for small satellites in the CubeSat form factor and builds upon Rocket Lab’s heritage Canisterized Satellite Dispenser (CSD) technology, which has successfully deployed more than 60 satellites to orbit across more than 11 years in use.

The ASD provides customers with the option to remove encapsulation of the payload during flight or use optional walls and door, giving it the ability to fly with or without canisterization. This feature allows satellite designers increased flexibility to adapt their payloads to mission needs. This next generation satellite dispenser uses the heritage preloaded tab interface to ensure there is no slipping or gapping within the system, providing mission assurance for the payload, other payloads sharing the fairing, and the launch vehicle.

Rocket Lab expanded its development and supply of satellite separation systems and dispenser when the Company acquired Planetary Systems Corporation in 2021, a Maryland-based leader in separation systems and satellite dispensers that has been trusted by the global space industry for more than 25 years. Today, Rocket Lab’s separation systems are used on most active U.S. launch vehicles and have successfully deployed more than 360 spacecraft to orbit.

“Satellite separation systems are critical. Every payload needs one, and as the final step before a spacecraft enters orbit, they need to be dependable. For more than 25 years, first as Planetary Systems Corporation and now as Rocket Lab, our separation systems have provided this dependability with 100% mission success,” said Rocket Lab’s Vice President – Space Systems, Brad Clevenger. “The Advanced Satellite Dispenser further strengthens this deep heritage and adds another innovative product to our vertically integrated line of space systems products and services. We’ve had the benefit of working closely with customers for more than two decades to design separation systems to meet their ever-evolving needs. ASD is a direct result of this constant iteration, giving payload designers a cost-effective dispenser with fewer technical constraints, without sacrificing the reliability that Rocket Lab is known for.”

Safran Electronics & Defense is building its U.S. manufacturing capabilities for small satellite propulsion systems to meet the increasing demand in the commercial and defense sectors.

This strategic initiative will support the projected growth of the North American smallsat market, which is expected to reach more than $5 billion by 2030.

The “Made-in-the-USA” EPS®X00 system will be manufactured by Safran Electronics & Defense through its U.S.-based subsidiary, with first delivery in Q1 2026. By establishing a new production facility in Colorado, Safran reaffirms its position as a trusted provider of satellite propulsion turnkey solutions for both American and global markets. This initiative continues Safran’s long-standing commitment to investing in the U.S. to provide critical solutions and best-in-class support to U.S. commercial and government customers. Strategically located, the new Colorado site will also host Safran’s U.S. team for satellite communications as well as space and ground domain awareness.

Safran’s electric propulsion system, named EPS®X00 (pronounced “Xhundred”), which includes the PPS®X00 thruster, solidifies its position as a leading provider of electric propulsion for small satellites. The PPS®X00, priced competitively to meet the specific requirements of the New Space market environment, boasts a total thrust time of up to 5,000 hours and a very high specific impulse, making it extremely versatile and adapted to all types of applications in LEO.

“Safran is committed to advancing our manufacturing capabilities to meet the dynamic needs of the U.S. small satellite market,” said Jean-Marie Bétermier, Space Global Business Unit Director, Safran Electronics & Defense. “By targeting the global demand for electric propulsion in small satellites, we will address the challenge of increasingly stringent international regulations for sustainability and resilience around the world. Our enhanced production efforts are poised to support these developments and foster innovation in satellite technology. Our advancements will also ensure greater spacecraft maneuverability to avoid collisions and facilitate the deorbiting of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites at the end of their service life.”

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 92 000 employees and sales of 23.2 billion euros in 2023, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers on-board intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, to reduce mental load and to guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

Helsing, a new defence company in Europe, has successfully deployed advanced AI capabilities on YAM-6, a satellite node part of Loft Orbital space infrastructure — these extended tests focus on real-time onboard radio frequency (RF) signal detection and their characterization to enable upcoming military grade Signal Intelligence and Cognitive Anti-Jamming applications.

Space has become the new frontier in Security and Defence. Western governments and armed forces are increasingly challenged by frequent jamming attacks or interferences against satellites. AI is the defining capability to protect European space assets against these threats. To this end, Helsing is working on delivering advanced capabilities to be available for upcoming constellations such as the EU’s IRIS².

“In the past three months we have demonstrated that AI can be deployed rapidly and safely on in-orbit satellites, providing immediate and significant capability gains. Our focus now is to scale those capabilities and make them available to more European armed forces and governments,” said Marc Fontaine CEO of Helsing France.

“We’re very excited to see operational use cases deployed on our space infrastructure. We started Loft with the goal to make it simple for customers to deploy applications on an infrastructure, the same way applications can be deployed on a cloud infrastructure. It is clear that we are at an inflection point where the future holds unbounded capabilities and opportunities, powered by the combination of AI applications and space infrastructure,” said Pierre-Damien Vaujour, CEO of Loft Orbital.

Late last year, the company has also raised €450 million in a Series C financing round led by General Catalyst, with participation from Elad Gil, Accel, Saab, Lightspeed, Plural and Greenoaks. The funds will be used for product development and R&D; a particular focus will be on capabilities to secure European sovereignty including protecting the NATO Eastern Flank.

Helsing has been active in Ukraine since 2022 and recently established the Defence Manufacturers Alliance, a joint initiative with the Ukrainian government. Since its founding in 2021, the company has secured a series of government contracts, including the German Eurofighter Electronic Warfare upgrade (with strategic investor and committed partner Saab AB), the AI infrastructure for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS, with consortium HIS), and a number of classified contracts in the maritime and land domain.

The financing round is subject to government approval.

In a joint statement, the company’s three founders Niklas Köhler, Torsten Reil and Gundbert Scherf said — “European security is at a crossroads and Helsing will play a significant role in giving democratic societies the ability to deter and defend. But speed is of the essence. This new funding round allows us to further up the tempo and invest in large-scale R&D and capabilities across all domains.”

Jeannette zu Fürstenberg, MD and Head of Europe at General Catalyst, said, “Since its inception, we have been able to watch the Helsing team execute with a great sense of urgency to build AI-based defense capabilities for European democracies. I have deep conviction that Helsing is on the path to becoming a global category leader. As we witness battlefronts on European soil for the first time in decades, we believe the role of companies like Helsing has never been more critical.”

Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) has been contracted by GHGSat to develop two additional greenhouse gas monitoring microsatellites – GHGSat–C12 and C13 — the company will develop the new satellites on thefirnm’s low-cost, high-performance 15 kg NEMO bus, the same bus that was used to build the first nine GHGSat spacecraft.

GHGSat is a world leader in detecting and measuring facility-level greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources on the Earth’s surface from space. Decision-makers across government and industries including oil and gas, power generation, mining, waste management, and agriculture rely on GHGSat emissions data to drive emissions reduction and accelerate the decarbonization of the planet. In 2023 alone, its satellite constellation made more than three million measurements across 85 countries, enabling the mitigation of more than six million metric tons of CO2e of methane emissions, equivalent to removing more than 1.4 million cars from the road for a year.

All nine GHGSat spacecraft developed by SFL are in excellent operational health. SFL developed the GHGSat-D (Claire) demo satellite for its launch in 2016 and was then selected to build the commercial GHGSat-C1 through C8 spacecraft launched since 2020. GHGSat-D has surpassed its design operational life by three years, and the eight commercial microsatellites achieved sustained detection and measurement of methane emissions on the ground at double their design capacities.

Development of GHGSat-C12 and C13 is underway at the SFL facility in Toronto. The two new satellites will be identical in design and technical capabilities to GHGSat-C6, C7, C8 that were launched in 2023.

GHGSat originally selected SFL to develop the breakthrough Claire demonstration mission due in part to SFL’s expertise in implementing advanced attitude control and stability technologies that enable smaller spacecraft to accurately point sensors at targets on the ground. Rare in satellites of that size and price point, this capability was crucial to GHGSat’s mission objectives.

In addition. SFL incorporates robust design margins into every satellite, and these include the onboard power systems, data storage, and downlink capacities. These margins in orbit translate into better operations and longer missions, contributing to the better-than-anticipated collection capacity of the GHGSat smallsats.

“SFL is pleased to build upon our long-standing relationship with GHGSat as it continues to leverage our exceptional microspace technology and develop a world-class commercial greenhouse gas monitoring constellation,” said SFL Director Dr. Robert E. Zee. “We take pride in building cost-effective small satellites that outperform and often exceed operational specifications.”

“As GHGSat continues to rapidly expand its constellation of high-resolution emissions-monitoring satellites, we are proud to once again partner with SFL for an additional two satellites. These spacecraft, which will build on the extensive track record of the previous nine SFL-built GHGSat satellites, mark exciting progress in GHGSat’s mission to measure emissions at every industrial site, worldwide, every day. The insights they generate will enable tangible emissions reductions for GHGSat’s government and industry customers, creating global climate impact,” said GHGSat President Stéphane Germain.

SFL’s 25-year heritage includes 76 operational successes totaling 325 cumulative years in orbit, with an additional 30 satellites under development or awaiting launch. SFL offers a complete suite of nano-, micro- and small satellites – including high-performance, low-cost CubeSats – that satisfy the needs of a broad range of mission types from 3 to 500 kilograms. These missions relate to Earth observation, atmospheric monitoring, ship tracking, communication, radio frequency (RF) geolocation, technology demonstration, space astronomy, solar physics, space plasma, and other scientific research.

HyImpulse Technologies GmbH and Spacemanic CZ s.r.o. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and will now collaborate on launch services.

Under this MoU, HyImpulse and Spacemanic will prepare and enter into launch contracts for as many as 10 orbital missions from 2026 to 2036. This collaboration includes the use of HyImpulse’s Small Launcher 1 (SL1) for orbital services and the SR75 vehicle for suborbital technology demonstration missions.

HyImpulse will provide comprehensive launch services, including payload integration and pre-flight activities, ensuring the successful deployment of Spacemanic’s payloads into designated orbits.

This partnership marks a significant step towards advancing access to space, demonstrating both companies’ commitment to innovation and excellence in the aerospace sector.

HyImpulse Technologies GmbH is a leading German and UK based manufacturer and system provider of commercial launch vehicles for suborbital and orbital launch services. Our small satellite launch vehicles, with unique hybrid propulsion made of oxygen and paraffin, set new standards in the commercial space sector. With over 65 employees at sites in Neuenstadt, Ottobrunn, and Glasgow, we develop rockets to transport commercial payloads efficiently, sustainably, and reliably into low Earth orbits and beyond.

Spacemanic is a turnkey nanosatellite mission provider focused on delivering flight-proven CubeSat platforms. The plug&play methodology accelerates mission deployment, enabling broader access to space for scientific, tech, or private customers, and is ideal for diverse applications including rapid-response solutions for the defense sector, or technological IOD/IOV missions.