Archives for August 2024

The LEO-PNT mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) is already underway and Alén Space will be one of the key partners in the consortium of companies that will design and deploy the project, led by GMV.

The aim of this mission is to develop key technologies and demonstrate the benefits of LEO satellites in positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. The program includes the development and launch of a constellation consisting of five satellites.

Among the main members of the consortium are OHB System AG, Beyond Gravity, and Indra. Additionally, 14 representatives of end users and stakeholders from the LEO-PNT value chain are participating, with a presence in potential markets such as roads, railways, maritime, fishing, IoT for asset tracking, critical infrastructure, or indoor positioning.

Alén Space will provide the initial platforms for CubeSat technology demonstration and collaborate with Beyond Gravity in manufacturing components of the payloads of the satellites that comprise the constellation. The company based in Nigrán (Spain) will also contribute its expertise in new key space methodologies for the mission.

This groundbreaking project, awarded to GMV for 78.4 million euros, will mark a before and after in the space industry. LEO-PNT will usher in a new generation of satellite-based navigation systems in key markets and applications, providing greater resilience, robustness, and signal accuracy compared to the traditional method in MEO.

The LEO-PNT mission includes the deployment of five satellites into orbit, the first of which will be launched within 20 months from the start of the project. This will act as a technology demonstrator based on a 12U CubeSat architecture. The constellation will be completed in 2027 with the launch of the remaining four satellites.

This contract, to be carried out under the coordination of GMV, includes the design and development of satellites and payloads, the acquisition of launch services, the provision of a ground segment as a service (GSaaS), the development of a test user receiver, system operations, and experimentation and demonstration of LEO-PNT services with end users.

The LEO-PNT satellites developed in this project will transmit new signals in UHF, L, S, and C bands that will complement those currently transmitted by navigation satellites such as Galileo and GPS. It will also demonstrate an innovative function called LEO shield, capable of assessing the integrity of GNSS signals received on board LEO satellites in real-time and alerting users in case of malfunction.

IQ spacecom and RBC Signals have launched their jointly developed Go.BIC service — this service is designed to provide inter-satellite connections for LEO operators and is powered by Viasat’s global L-band satellite network.

IQ spacecom and RBC Signals have developed different service concepts based on the Go.BIC service. These service concepts meet all possible operational requirements, can be individually customized and even support time-sensitive space applications. Communication links can be either pre-booked or made available on short notice. The billing is based on minutes of use.

Go.BIC complements existing ground station networks to extend connectivity to previously unreachable regions, such as oceans, ensuring satellite operators can maintain communication at any time. As a result, it improves operational efficiency by providing cost effective telemetry and telecommand options, giving LEO satellite operators greater flexibility and control over their missions. This is critical for time-sensitive space applications, including natural disaster monitoring and real-time satellite maneuvering.

At the heart of the system is IQ spacecom’s XLink-L SDR platform and L-band patch antennas on board the LEO satellite, combined with RBC Signals’ ground station infrastructure and Spectrum Trading Orchestration and Resource Management (STORM) platform. Leveraging Viasat’s L-band network of geostationary (GEO) satellites, Go.BIC provides real-time allocation of L-band capacity on a global scale, tailored to the specific needs of LEO satellite operators.

Dr. Kurt Winter, CEO of IQ Technologies, said, “We are proud to be able to offer a market-ready solution in such a short time together with RBC Signals. Go.BIC will enable new horizons for satellite operators.”

Ron Faith, CEO of RBC Signals, said, “We believe the Go.BIC service, with its flexibility and improved efficiency, will be highly beneficial for a wide range of applications. We look forward to solving many of the industry’s challenges.”

IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH (former IQ wireless GmbH), headquartered in Berlin, Germany, is a well-established business for more than 20 years with two main innovative business units: IQ FireWatch and IQ spacecom. IQ FireWatch provides a terrestrial early detection system of fires in forests, outdoor industrial facilities, and wildland-urban interfaces.

IQ spacecom comprises high-performance radio communication solutions providing flexible and highly efficient broadband data communication for small satellites, such as CubeSats. The equipment has been qualified for several years of operation in low earth orbit (LEO) and is used for scientific missions, Earth observation, remote sensing and communication solutions. Outstanding hardware and software platforms enable a fast, flexible and reliable adaptation to customer-specific requirements. More than 50 employees are constantly developing the products and optimizing them to meet the needs of the customers, in order to be able to provide solutions for complex requirements of the future. The technical innovations of IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH are researched, developed, manufactured, and tested at the headquarters in Berlin.

RBC Signals is an innovative provider of global satellite data communication products and solutions. They offer secure space communication solutions in every major frequency band, using a worldwide network of both company-owned and partner-owned systems. RBC Signals delivers dynamic solutions offering affordability, flexibility, and resiliency. Their diverse products and services enable them to be a complete end-to-end solution provider for every organization that needs best-in-class multi-network solutions.

Orbit Fab has announced that the firm’s RAFTI (Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface) refueling port has been designated by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) as a refueling interface for in-space fueling of military satellites.

The SSC’s System Engineering Review Board (SERB) made the recommendation following mission-critical assessments that RAFTI meets the technical qualifications to support a wide range of U.S. Government space missions.

Orbit Fab is well positioned with its RAFTI refueling port and GRIP refueling nozzle to meet the Space Force’s request and need for refueling as a commercial service. In-space fuel depots equipped with RAFTIs, and fuel shuttles equipped with the GRIP will enable reusable fuel shuttles and satellites.

The Space Force Tetra-5 program satellites are set to be among the first to use Orbit Fab’s RAFTI refueling ports during a first-of-its-kind refueling operations, expecting to launch next year. That’s just one of many named and yet-to-be named government and commercial programs that have purchased RAFTI for spacecraft ground and on-orbit fueling capabilities. 

The DoD’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has contracted with Orbit Fab for the first in-space fuel sale in GEO orbit and selected Orbit Fab as part of its RAPIDS Refueling and Fuel Depot Initiative. 

Built as a small, affordable, commercially available refueling interface, Orbit Fab’s RAFTI refueling port is ready for launch site fueling and in-space refueling of satellites of any size in any orbit, including the biggest national security, civil, and commercial spacecraft.

Orbit Fab’s RAFTI is the first refueling interface to be flight qualified, a milestone reached earlier this year after completing a battery of stringent tests and rigorous evaluations. The RAFTI refueling port can be easily combined with the RAFTI Ground Coupling, a ground infrastructure interface that enables spacecraft operators, manufacturers, and payload processing facilities to replace typical fill-and-drain service valves with RAFTI for secure and reliable ground fueling at the launch site as well as in-space refueling.

Orbit Fab has priced the RAFTI refueling port at $30,000 to make it easily accessible for missions of all sizes. RAFTI shipments to customers are underway and expanding on the heels of the successful qualification tests. 

“This important thumbs up from the Space Systems Command is a critical step in providing the government and commercial space markets a trusted refueling standard in Orbit Fab’s RAFTI refueling port,” said Daniel Faber, Orbit Fab CEO. “Our RAFTI refueling port is designed to integrate easily and affordably with any spacecraft, with a small footprint and price tag aimed at unleashing the full potential of refueling in space. We are thrilled to be working with SSC and their System Engineering Review Board and look forward to playing an integral role in enabling mission-critical maneuverability and mission extension in space. Reusable satellites enabled by unlimited delta-v are the future.”

“Orbit Fab thanks the Space Force’ Space Systems Command for its rigorous review, which marks a great collaborative milestone for us working together,” said Adam Harris, Orbit Fab’s Chief Commercial Officer.  “With this validation, Orbit Fab will work with any propulsion company and spacecraft builder to meet the Space Force need for unlimited maneuverability.”

SATLANTIS is a global reference for space technology applied to Earth Observation (EO) and it is unique in the market for the specific characteristics of agility, spectral resolution, image quality of is HR and VHR optical payloads and video capability.

SATLANTIS is active in the key sectors of Environment and Energy [Oil & Gas] focusing on the provision of full-satellite solutions related to greenhouse gases (GHG) monitoring and social and governance (ESG) applications. SATLANTIS is set to launch its latest project, together with OHB Sweden — the GARAI Mission.

SATLANTIS is finalizing two micro satellites under the project name GARAI, in partnership with OHB Sweden, with the first launch scheduled for Q4 2024. The GARAI mission incorporates SATLANTIS’ flight-proven imaging technology, embarked on the demonstrated OHB Sweden’s InnoSat micro satellite platform.

This mission features two cutting-edge twin microsatellites, each equipped with two iSIM binocular imagers, offering high resolution with swath values up to 14 km and covering 14 different filters across PAN, VNIR, SWIR spectra, plus Polarimetry to support a variety of applications such as monitoring of greenhouse gases, environmental changes and energy resources, precision agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, among other. These missions are part of SATLANTS’ broader initiative to deliver innovative solutions for Earth Observation and Universe Exploration.

The GARAI satellites, using OHB Sweden’s proven InnoSat platform, are scheduled for launch in Q4 2024 (GARAI A) and Q2 2025 (GARAI B). Each satellite will combine high-resolution optical channels with advanced imaging technologies, including SWIR, Polarimetry, and VNIR spectra, providing a range of capabilities from methane detection to high-resolution surveillance.

SATLANTIS’s technology, known for its precision and robustness, will support a variety of applications through its advanced imaging systems and high-performance data handling. The mission is part of SATLANTIS’s broader initiative to deliver innovative space observation solutions for both Earth and deep-space missions.

The GARAI satellites will weight around 100 kg including around 30 kg of payload and feature Earth Observation state of art technology such as:

• High data rate through a high-speed X-band link capable to downlink payload data at > 500 Mb/s.
• A high slew-rate mode for tracking of linear profiles such as borders, coastlines or pipelines, resulting in maximum efficiency for data capture around the globe.
• High delta-V propulsion system for station keeping capabilities, orbit transfer to accommodate a wide variety of mission profiles, and active atmospheric reentry.
• An optical bench with a vibration isolation solution and high thermal stability through its own dedicated thermal control system accommodating both payloads and star trackers minimizing thermoelastic misalignments for precise pointing and geolocation.

SATLANTIS will operate the satellite using its own Mission Control Center and Software integrated with the Mission Control Software “RAMSES” from OHB Sweden and will process the data at SATLANTIS Data-Hub. SATLANTIS’ Mission Control Center and Software, including the Data Hub, are currently being used to operate and handle data from 3 missions already launched by the company. GARAI form part of a new generation of payloads and missions SATLANTIS is developing through the adoption of COTS and the New Space approach, to shorten development cycles while maintaining high quality.

Following the success and heritage of this technology in missions such as IOD (2020), CASPR (2021), ARMSAT1 (2022), MANTIS (2023), GEISAT (2023), and HORACIO (2024), a new generation of Earth/Moon/Space Observation solutions and missions to come will be mostly focused on various applications such as:

• Methane detection and quantification with geolocation and quantification of the leaks simultaneous to visible observation of the scene.
• Defence & Security: Surveillance of critical infrastructure, borders, coasts at highest visible spatial-resolution and detection of activity through thermal infrared.
• Science & Space Exploration: Reconnaissance of lunar landing sites: research of dark-matter.
• Civil: infrastructure and agriculture state monitoring; among others.

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) has announced that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted an initial license for space-based operations in the United States.

With this initial license, AST SpaceMobile is now authorized to launch and operate V, S and UHF frequencies to support gateway, feeder link and telemetry, tracking, and control operations for the first five commercial BlueBird satellites.

AST SpaceMobile has successfully completed the manufacturing, assembly, and environmental testing its first five BlueBird commercial satellites and are now ready for shipment to Cape Canaveral during the first week of August, with a 7-day launch window in September.

This FCC grant represents a critical step to advancing several important goals shared by AST SpaceMobile and the Commission, including closing the digital divide, expanding access to emergency communications, accelerating digital transformation and advancing U.S. leadership in direct-to-device regulation. This step follows the March 2024 update of AST SpaceMobile’s constellation filings with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and related filings with the FCC, placing the planned commercial satellites under the jurisdiction of the United States.

During 2024, AST SpaceMobile has secured additional strategic investment from AT&T, Verizon, Google and Vodafone, as well as a new contract award with the United States Government through a prime contractor.

The company has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, which have more than 2.8 billion existing subscribers total, including Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, Orange, Telefonica, TIM, Saudi Telecom Company, Zain KSA, Etisalat, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Telkomsel, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Millicom, Smartfren, Telecom Argentina, MTN, Telstra, Africell, Liberty Latin America and others. AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, Rakuten, American Tower, and Bell Canada are also existing investors in AST SpaceMobile.

“This regulatory milestone is a significant step to targeting 100% nationwide coverage from space of the continental United States on premium cellular spectrum,” said Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile. “Through our strategic partnerships with companies like AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone and our other key partners around the world, we aim to enhance cellular connectivity globally, essentially eliminating dead zones and empowering remote areas with space-based cellular broadband connectivity.”

“The FCC grant paves the way for commercial space-based broadband services in the United States,” said Vikram Raval, Head of Global Regulatory Affairs. “By approving the launch of our first five BlueBirds, the largest-ever commercial communications arrays to be deployed in low Earth orbit, the FCC has taken a significant step forward for both AST SpaceMobile and U.S. leadership in space. As a U.S. company, we are committed to building our constellation and fostering regulatory relationships domestically and across the globe to provide this vital space-based infrastructure to the United States and across the world.”

Muon Space has successfully completed a $56.7 million Series B funding round led by Activate Capital. Acme Capital and existing investors Costanoa Ventures, Radical Ventures, and Congruent Ventures all joined the round.  This equity financing accelerates buildout of Muon’s Halo Platform and positions the company to scale the spectrum of capabilities it delivers to a growing customer base . 

In a testament to its rapidly growing traction in the space technology sector, Muon Space has now secured over $100 million in committed customer contracts in 2024 for its Halo LEO satellites. A key highlight of these contracts is a landmark agreement with SNC for the development and delivery of three next-generation satellites to further SNC’s Vindler commercial RF technology. The first Muon satellite block is slated for launch in 2025.

SNC’s Vindler constellation delivers industry-leading RF collection and analytics functionality. The additional satellites will significantly enhance the ability to simultaneously collect multiple signals of interest over an unprecedented range of the RF spectrum. This will also increase total downlink volumes, thereby transforming current commercial possibilities and supporting an expanding array of mission sets.

The partnership between Muon Space and SNC underscores the combined strengths of an industry leader in ELINT/tactical sensors and the innovative potential of New Space and agility of modular design in Muon’s Halo satellite technology. This collaboration is set to redefine commercial RF solutions and deliver unparalleled value to various mission applications.

The Series B funding round underscores investor confidence in Muon Space’s innovative approach and market potential. With this capital raise, Muon Space plans to scale its operations, expand its product offerings, and continue to pioneer advancements in space-based sensing and analytics. This funding will be instrumental in supporting the company’s growth and the execution of its strategic initiatives.

“SNC teamed up with Muon Space for an advanced radio frequency sensing satellite capability and end-to-end mission solution,” said Tim Owings, Executive Vice President of SNC’s MST business area. “Muon’s scalable design, instrument development, and operations support, coupled with our RF technology, diverse data sets, and analytic capabilities, will provide a new level of commercial possibilities starting in 2025.”

“Having an established industry leader like SNC select Muon Space for this mission really underlines our competitive edge,” said Gregory Smirin, President of Muon Space. “Our end-to-end solution offers a significant advantage, providing SNC with a seamless and integrated approach from design to deployment and operations. This partnership validates our commitment to delivering comprehensive, cutting-edge constellation performance that stands out in an extremely competitive market.”

“Muon Space’s cutting-edge technology, phenomenal track record of execution, and multi-billion dollar market potential make it a highly compelling investment opportunity,” said Raj Atluru, Managing Partner of Activate Capital. “With the industry’s best team and technology built around a compelling vision and huge opportunity, we believe Muon Space is positioned to define the next era of space infrastructure.”

“Our mission at Muon Space is to harness the power of space to deliver critical insights and data that drive meaningful change on Earth,” said Jonny Dyer, CEO of Muon Space. “This funding and our growing list of top-tier strategic partners, like SNC, position us to accelerate our mission and make space-based intelligence accessible and impactful across a variety of sectors. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space to unlock a safer and more resilient world.”

Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.

NASA has announced a new round of opportunities for CubeSat developers to build spacecrafts that will fly on upcoming launches through the agency’s CSLI (CubeSat Launch Initiative). 

This initiative provides space access to U.S. educational institutions, certain non-profit organizations, and informal educational institutions such as museums and science centers, as well as NASA centers focused on workforce development, including the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in southern California and also encourages participation by minority serving institutions.

Applicants must submit proposals by 5:00 p.m. EST, November 15. NASA expects to make selections by March 14, 2025, for flight opportunities in 2026-2029, although selection does not guarantee a launch opportunity. Applicants are responsible for funding the development of the small satellites.

Selected CubeSats get assigned a launch and deployment directly from a rocket or to LEO from the International Space Station. Once accepted, NASA mission managers act as advisors to the CubeSat team, ensuring technical, safety, and regulatory requirements are satisfied before launch. Those selected will strengthen their skills in hardware design and development and build knowledge in operating the CubeSats.

Eight CubeSat missions recently shared a ride to space on Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket that launched on July 3 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

One mission is CatSat, built by students at the University of Arizona, which is testing a deployable antenna attached to a Mylar balloon.

Another is KUbeSat-1, built by the University of Kansas, is testing a new method of measuring the cosmic rays that hit the Earth. This launch also was notable for two CSLI ‘first’ milestones. The KUbeSat-1 and another called MESAT-1 were the first CSLI missions from the states of Kansas and Maine respectively.

Four CubeSats also went to the space station as cargo in a SpaceX Dragon capsule on March 21 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida as part of the agency’s SpaceX 30th commercial resupply mission. Once aboard the space station, astronauts deployed the small missions into various orbits to demonstrate and mature technologies meant to improve solar power generation, detect gamma ray bursts, determine crop water usage, and measure root-zone soil and snowpack moisture levels.

CubeSats are a class of spacecraft sized in multiples of a standardized unit called a “U.” A 1-Unit (1U) CubeSat is about 10 x 10 x 11 cm in size (3.9 x 3.9 x 4.5 inches). They are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and can be stacked together to form a slightly larger, more capable spacecraft. A 3U CubeSat is three times the size of a 1U, a 6U is six times the size.

NASA has selected CubeSat missions from 45 states, Washington, and Puerto Rico, and launched about 160 CubeSats since the program’s inception.

The CubeSat Launch Initiative is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 

“Working with CubeSats is a way to get students interested in launching a career in the space industry,” said Jeanie Hall, CSLI program executive at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “NASA reviews applications for CubeSat missions every year and selects projects with an educational component that also can benefit the agency in better understanding education, science, exploration, and technology.”

Interstellar Technologies Inc. has successfully raised 3.1 billion yen in the firm’s Series E round, via third-party share allocation to new investors such as SBI GROUP and NTT DOCOMO, INC., alongside financing from Resona Bank,Ltd. — this addition brings the cumulative funding, including subsidies, to about 17 billion yen.

Interstellar is pursuing Japan’s first vertical integration of the rocket and satellite businesses. In September of 2023, the development of the orbital class launch vehicle ZERO was selected for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s “SBIR Phase 3” (Small Business Innovation Research).

Upon successful completion of two stage-gate evaluations, as much as 14 billion yen will be granted by fiscal year 2027, supporting steady progress towards the inaugural launch.

Interstellar’s proposed ‘Satellite Communication 3.0’ enables direct connections with ground terminals such as smartphones, promising high-speed, high-capacity communication comparable to terrestrial networks. With this concept, the satellite department focuses on areas where the strengths of owning a rocket company can be maximized, aiming to enter the satellite communication market led by ventures such as SpaceX’s ‘Starlink’.

Joint research with the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) commenced in September 2023, with NICT also participating as an investor in this round.

Additionally, in June 2024, the company was entrusted with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ “Expanding Wireless Communication Spectrum Research Project.”

As Japan’s first vertically integrated rocket and satellite startup, Interstellar will use this newly secured funding to accelerate both its rocket and satellite operations.

Astroscale Ltd. (“Astroscale UK”), a subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc. (“Astroscale”), has launched the company’s new awareness-raising tool, the SPACE PROTECTOR.  

SPACE PROTECTOR is an immersive simulation that puts players in the role of a satellite operations engineer tasked with capturing inactive satellites using advanced robotics in a realistic space environment. This innovative game is designed to engage and educate players of all ages on the critical issue of space debris and why we need to address it. 

With more than 130 million pieces of space debris orbiting Earth and nearly a quarter of satellites in space no longer functioning, the need for effective and routine debris removal is more pressing than ever. Astroscale’s Active Debris Removal (ADR) service is designed to mitigate the risks associated with space debris, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities. 

SPACE PROTECTOR will teach users about the complexities and importance of space debris removal through engaging gameplay. The game offers a simulated mission experience, highlighting the intricacies of maneuvering in orbit close to debris objects and capturing unprepared, inactive satellites with precision robotics technology. A highly interactive learning tool, it is designed to build awareness about the scale of space debris and the vital role of sustainability in space operations, allowing players to learn about Astroscale’s proven technologies and solutions for a cleaner space environment. 

By educating the public on the challenges and solutions of ADR, Astroscale hopes to foster a deeper understanding of space sustainability and the need for a circular economy in space, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from all it offers. 

Astroscale UK continues the development of safe and reliable on-orbit servicing products and services, fostering innovation and collaboration within the UK and European space industry. 

“Educating the next generation about space sustainability is crucial for the future of our planet and beyond,” said Managing Director of Astroscale UK, Nick Shave. “SPACE PROTECTOR by Astroscale is not only a game; it’s a way for people to understand the real technical challenges we face in addressing the space debris problem and provides a view of what will be possible through future routine in-orbit servicing. We’re excited to see players enjoy the experience, become passionate about protecting the space environment, and learn why it needs to remain available for future generations.”

Synspective Inc., a SAR satellite data and solutions provider, has revealed that the firm’s fifth SAR satellite successfully reached its target orbit and spread its wings.

The new StriX satellite was successfully deployed into orbit by Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from the Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula.

This fifth satellite operates in an inclined orbit. By operating from orbit, capturing images can be concentrated in densely populated areas in low- to mid-latitude regions, allowing for more frequent imaging in high-demand areas.

Until the launch of this new StriX satellite, the company’s satellite imaging direction was limited to a single direction, resulting in some areas being impossible to observe. However, combining satellites in inclined and sun-synchronous orbits will enable observation from four directions (east, west, north, and south), allowing us to reduce any blind spots.

Over the coming months, the company will verify observation and data acquisition.