Archives for February 2025

Hiltron Communications will promote the latest additions to its range of satellite communication products, systems and  supporting services at GovSatCom 2025. The event will be held at its usual location, the European Convention Center in Luxembourg, from Thursday February 27th through Friday 28th.

“A highlight of our GovSatCom 2025 presence will be the latest addition to our HMAM series of motorized antenna mounts,” says Antonio Monteverde, Sales Director at Hiltron Communications. “The new HMAM-XY is an advanced model designed to perform high precision tracking of LEO and MEO satellites, smallsat constellations and flying objects such as drones. It combines fast high tracking speed and fast acceleration with precise pointing and tracking accuracy, including low backlash and full hemispheric coverage with no zenith keyhole. Tracking velocity is up to 10 degrees per second with 6 degrees per second squared maximum acceleration and within 0.05% accuracy. TLE/NORAD tracking capabilities are included and Steptrack is available as an option.”

“Operation and supervision of the HMAM-XY are via Hiltron’s established HACU antenna control unit,” adds Thomas Wurst, Pre-Sales Engineering Manager. “Browser-based control and monitoring can be performed from any desired location via an Ethernet link connection. The control unit can be mounted on the HMAM-XY support column with local operation additionally possible via a directly connected handheld unit.”

Also new to GovSatCom delegates will be Hiltron’s Field-Upgradable Motorization Kit for the CPI 2385 Satcom Antenna. The kit is designed for broadcast applications, two-way satellite telecommunication links or receive-only downlinks. Based on the established HMAM, it offers an economical alternative to new installations. Tracking capabilities include manual positioning to known satellites, automatic positioning and active step tracking. TLE/NORAD, inclined orbit tracking and Intelsat 11 tracking are also supported. An optional motorized feed changer allows the head to be moved quickly to a new position for switching between frequency bands.

“GovSatCom continues to be a useful venue for the creation of new partnerships and a catalyst for product development in line with the evolving requirements of the satellite communications market,” summarizes Jochen Ermel, Hiltron Communications’ Managing Director. “We look forward to meeting with existing and potential new customers.”

The European Space Agency (ESA) and AAC Clyde Space have jointly signed a contract for the first phase of satellite constellation project INFLECION—this initiative will transform Maritime Domain Awareness by enhancing safety, efficiency, compliance, and environmental sustainability in maritime operations.

With approximately 90% of international trade traveling by sea, maritime routes are becoming increasingly congested due to supply chain disruptions, changing trade patterns, and geopolitical tensions. INFLECION will be specifically designed to monitor and support maritime operations, while also contributing to the International Maritime Organization’s e-Navigation strategy to make navigation safer and more efficient.

The proposed €30 million project will be co-funded by the UK Space Agency through ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems (ARTES) Partnership Project programme within the agency’s Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate. The project will deliver three crucial services:

• Improve operational efficiency by helping vessels optimize routes and achieve just-in-time arrivals
• Enhance maritime security through AI-powered satellite surveillance to combat smuggling and illegal fishing
• Support environmental sustainability by protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring compliance with regulations

The system combines three key technologies: VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), enabling reliable two-way data exchange between ships, satellites, and shore stations; Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), which detects and analyses electronic signals to identify vessels engaged in illegal activities; and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), providing continuous surveillance of shipping lanes and coastal areas in all weather conditions.

Following this first phase, which will define the project’s requirements by the end of 2025, the project will see two more phases: a 15 month development phase to build prototypes and systems, followed by a demonstration phase to test and prepare the system for commercial use. Full operational capability is expected by 2028.

AAC Clyde Space leads a consortium of UK organizations, including AST Marine, Bright Ascension, Craft Prospect, Heriot Watt University, Horizon Technologies, ICEYE UK, Omanos Analytics, Nash Maritime, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Saab UK, and University of Strathclyde.

“The maritime industry faces unprecedented challenges from supply chain disruptions and shifting trade patterns. INFLECION will provide the space-based tools needed to navigate these challenges while protecting our marine environment,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

“INFLECION is a key step in AAC Clyde Space’s strategy to grow Space Data as a Service. With this project, we are using space technology to tackle real challenges in the maritime industry. Together with our partners, we are setting a new standard for safety, efficiency, and sustainability at sea,” said Luis Gomes, CEO of AAC Clyde Space.

As the frequency of natural disasters continues to rise, IEC Telecom has launched RDK 2.0, a next-generation, Rapid Deployment Kit designed to provide uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity to first responders and humanitarian teams.

With Starlink Mini at the core, this intelligent solution comes with an advanced network management toolkit and off-grid power supply, expanding possibilities of aid operations.

The increasing prevalence of climate-related disasters underscores the urgent need for robust communication solutions.

According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the frequency of natural disasters has surged by 83% over the past two decades. From floods to fires, hurricanes to landslides, these events require immediate and coordinated action.

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) reports that more than 75% of first responders identify dependable connectivity as the single most critical factor for operational efficiency.

Reflecting this demand, the market for mobile satellite services in disaster management is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% through 2030. IEC Telecom, with more than 30 years of experience supporting the humanitarian sector, is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. As an authorized reseller of Starlink, IEC Telecom integrates advanced satellite technology with proprietary network management tools, delivering tailored solutions that empower emergency response teams to operate effectively in high-stakes scenarios.

RDK 2.0, powered by the innovative Starlink Mini, sets a new benchmark for reliable high-speed low-latency satellite connectivity and in the field. Featuring a compact terminal equipped with WIFI 5 technology, the smart case can seamlessly support up to 128 devices. Designed for ultimate autonomy, RDK 2.0 is fitted with batteries, enabling uninterrupted operation without dependence on external power sources. It can also be fitted with a car-mount kit for the Mini, enabling users to stay connected on the move.Seamless integration with IEC Telecom’s OptiView dashboard offers real-time monitoring giving teams full visibility and control over their network, ensuring entire teams stay connected during critical missions.

“RDK 2.0 was designed to redefine the end-user experience with Starlink, taking it to an entirely new level. Our solution enables autonomous, off-grid operation of the terminal. Integrated with OptiView, our advanced network management ecosystem, each kit can be remotely accessed for troubleshooting, ensuring seamless support in the field. In critical situations where every minute counts, RDK 2.0 delivers a comprehensive connectivity solution tailored to the specific needs of aid operations,” said Alf Stian Mauritz, Chief Strategy Officer of IEC Telecom Group.

“We believe that RDK 2.0 represents a significant leap forward in disaster response capabilities,” added Alf Stian Mauritz. “By combining Starlink’s state-of-the-art satellite technology with our expertise in network engineering, we’re equipping first responders with a reliable, portable tool that enhances their agility and effectiveness in the field, ultimately saving lives.”

IEC Telecom Group is a leading international provider of satellite voice and data services, with over three decades of expertise in network management solutions. The company plays a pivotal role in driving digitization at sea and across remote regions where GSM coverage is limited or unavailable. For urban enterprises, IEC Telecom ensures business continuity with resilient satellite backup solutions. With a comprehensive portfolio covering the entire communications lifecycle—from POC development to installation and maintenance—IEC Telecom also provides a wide range of value-added services, including cybersecurity, welfare communications, tracking, and more. IEC Telecom maintains a strong regional presence across eight countries, supported by a vast distribution network and global stock availability, ensuring seamless worldwide delivery.

NASA’s Small Spacecraft Systems Virtual Institute (S3VI) has released their 2024 State-of-the-Art Small Spacecraft Technology report.

This accomplishment was made possible by the contributions of numerous dedicated people across NASA who graciously supported the preparation of the document as authors and reviewers. We also want to extend Our gratitude is also extended to all the companies, universities and organizations that provided content for this report.

The report is also available in PDF format as a single document containing all report content as well as individual chapters available on their respective chapter webpages. This 2024 edition reflects updates in several chapters to include: the Formation Flying and Rendezvous and Proximity Operations section within the “Guidance, Navigation, and Control” chapter; the Additive Manufacturing section within the “Structures, Materials, and Mechanisms” chapter; the Free Space Optical Communications section within the “Communications” chapter; and the Hosted Orbital Services section within the “Complete Spacecraft Platforms” chapter.

As in previous editions, the report contains a general overview of current state-of-the-art SmallSat technologies and their development status as discussed in open literature. The report is not intended to be an exhaustive representation of all technologies currently available to the small spacecraft community, nor does the inclusion of technologies in the report serve as an endorsement by NASA. Sources of publicly available data commonly used as sources in the development of the report include manufacturer datasheets, press releases, conference papers, journal papers, public filings with government agencies, and news articles.

Readers are highly encouraged to reach out to companies for further information regarding the performance and maturity of described technologies of interest. During the report’s development, companies were encouraged to release test information and flight data when possible so it may be appropriately captured. It should be noted that technology maturity designations may vary with change to payload, mission requirements, reliability considerations, and the associated test/flight environment in which performance was demonstrated.

Suggestions or corrections to the 2024 report toward a subsequent edition, should be submitted to the NASA Small Spacecraft Systems Virtual Institute for consideration prior to the publication of the future edition. When submitting suggestions or corrections, please cite appropriate publicly accessible references. Private correspondence is not considered an adequate reference. Efforts are underway for the 2025 report and organizations are invited to submit technologies for consideration for inclusion by August 1, 2025.

NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology program within the Space Technology Mission Directorate funds the Small Spacecraft Systems Virtual Institute.

Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies Inc (EACOWT), operating in combination as a wholly owned independent U.S. proxy company and subsidiary of Eutelsat Group, have announced a contract with Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes), an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), to develop an enterprise-grade OneWeb capable LEO modem transceiver Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) that will support EACOWT’s contract with L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) Call 003 program.

This hybrid SATCOM technology will deliver resilient Eutelsat OneWeb LEO broadband connectivity to the L3Harris RASOR Ecosystem, a scalable and configurable waveform solution that unifies multiple line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight capabilities into a single unit. It will provide military users with flexible software-defined multi-orbit connectivity for critical Comms on the Pause (COTP), Comms on the Move (COTM) and Aero applications through the AFRL’s DEUCSI Call 003 program. The partners will deliver this future-proof Eutelsat OneWeb LEO capability, helping to augment military communications by leveraging agile, commercial satellite innovation, beginning in 2025.

As a Eutelsat OneWeb and EACOWT distribution partner, Hughes has delivered and developed the OneWeb gateway electronics and core modules that enable military users to access OneWeb LEO broadband connectivity.

EACOWT is a leading provider of satellite services for the U.S. government and its allies, committed to ensuring customers’ access to the most reliable SATCOM capabilities available. Together, EACOWT and Hughes have delivered OneWeb LEO capabilities in the Arctic region for AFRL since 2021.

“Hughes is developing this solution leveraging its deep expertise in the OneWeb gateway electronics, Satellite Subscriber Module (SSM) and systems architecture,” said Ian Canning, CEO of EACOWT. “In addition to its engineering capabilities, Hughes is a long-standing distribution and technology partner. They are well placed to support EACOWT to deliver seamless and innovative connectivity solutions to address military users’ multi-orbit mobility needs.”

“Hughes looks forward to developing this critical, multi-orbit solution, which will integrate Eutelsat OneWeb’s resilient LEO broadband connectivity into L3Harris’ innovative RASOR Ecosystem,” said Raghunandan Janardhan, vice president at Hughes Defense and Government Systems. “By collaborating with EACOWT, we are meeting military requirements for innovative, resilient satellite communications worldwide.”

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) will soon launch a satellite on a dedicated Electron mission, the first of a bulk order of multiple new missions for real-time space-based intelligence company BlackSky (NYSE: BSKY).

The mission, named “Fasten Your Space Belts”, will launch from Rocket Lab’s private orbital launch site, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, in New Zealand during a launch window that opens on February 18^th UTC. The mission will launch the first Gen-3 satellite in BlackSky’s mid-inclination, Earth-imaging constellation to a circular 470 km orbit. The mission is the ninth launch for BlackSky since 2019, making Rocket Lab the most prolific launch provider for BlackSky’s constellation to date.

The mission will bring the total number of satellites delivered to space by Rocket Lab to 210 and follows a record year of 16 successful launches 2024. Each mission for BlackSky includes a Rocket Lab Motorized Lightband separation system for BlackSky’s satellites, demonstrating Rocket Lab’s vertical integration strategy and ability to provide commercial launch, satellite, and spacecraft components solutions across the mission spectrum.

“Fasten Your Space Belts” will be Rocket Lab’s second mission of 2025 and its 60^th Electron launch overall. Rocket Lab’s 2025 launch manifest includes Electron missions for commercial and government customers, as well as HASTE missions from Launch Complex 2. Launch windows for each will be announced in due course.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, said, “Electron is a trusted and reliable constellation builder for companies like BlackSky, allowing them to be in control of how, when, and where to deploy their constellation. BlackSky is one of our earliest and longest-standing commercial satellite customers, and it’s great to be heading back to the pad with them once again to continue to advance and expand their constellation.”

“This launch represents a major inflection point for our global defense and intelligence customer base as BlackSky introduces low-latency, very high-resolution Gen-3 satellite to our dynamic, high-frequency monitoring constellation,” said Brian O’Toole, BlackSky CEO. “As more Gen-3 satellites complete production, we expect a regular cadence of additional launches over the coming year.”