Archives for May 2025

NASA has selected Rocket Lab USA Inc. to launch the agency’s Aspera mission, a smallsat to study galaxy formation and evolution, providing new insights into how the universe works.

The selection is part of NASA’s Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) launch services contract. This contract allows the agency to make fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity launch service task order awards during VADR’s five-year ordering period, with a maximum total contract value of $300 million.

Through the observation of ultraviolet light, Aspera will examine hot gas in the space between galaxies, called the intergalactic medium. The mission will study the inflow and outflow of gas from galaxies, a process thought to contribute to star formation.

Aspera is part of NASA’s Pioneers Program in the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington, which funds compelling astrophysics science at a lower cost using small hardware and modest payloads. The principal investigator for Aspera is Carlos Vargas at the University of Arizona in Tucson. NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, manages the VADR contract.

NASA news article by Tiernan P. Doyle

AAC Clyde Space has won an order from Ghalam LLP in Kazakhstan for Starbuck Mini power systems—the order is valued at 814,000 euros, with delivery scheduled for March of 2026. The units will be used onboard EO satellites developed under the KazEOSat-MR program.

The order reinforces AAC Clyde Space’s advanced and reliable satellite systems and highlights the company’s ability to win business in new and expanding markets. Starbuck Mini is a proven solution for demanding missions and continues to play a key role in positioning AAC Clyde Space as a preferred supplier for critical satellite subsystems.

KazEOSat-MR is a national EO program that will provide data for environmental monitoring, land use, and security in Kazakhstan. The customer, Ghalam LLP, is based in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) has selected Blue Origin as the firm’s launch mission partner to support Viasat’s demonstration of its InRange launch telemetry relay service as part of its work with NASA’s Communications Services Project (CSP).

Viasat’s Space and Mission Systems team, part of the company’s Defense and Advanced Technologies (DAT) segment, will work with Blue Origin across two future launches to integrate the user terminal and InRange solution on the New Glenn launch vehicle to showcase this innovative space-based launch communications capability. Blue Origin successfully launched the first New Glenn rocket on January 16, 2025.

By demonstrating the InRange launch service capability with Blue Origin, Viasat will support NASA’s aim to transition orbital communication users from NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system to commercial SATCOM solutions. NASA announced in November 2024 that no new missions will be onboarded to use TDRS services, which means launch providers will need a commercial SATCOM-based launch telemetry solution.

TDRS has long provided launch communications support for U.S. government, commercial sector and other global national space agency missions. Providers globally are now seeking alternative commercial telemetry relay services for their launch missions. In alignment with this, Viasat is also partnering with the NASA Launch Services Program (LSP) team, which has been responsible for collecting TDRS relayed data for launch vehicles and sharing it with launch operators.

InRange is designed to provide a constant relay connection to the ground through Viasat’s network, enabling real-time data transmission during launch to support mission operations. The technology uses Viasat’s global L-band satellite network to provide real-time telemetry data for launch missions, enabling launch mission controllers to maintain communications and monitor the performance of their vehicles beyond-line-of-sight and avoid reliance on ground communications, which can experience communication “blackouts” when the launch vehicle moves into an area not covered by Earth-based connections.

Viasat’s first New Glenn launch will be the initial InRange flight test of these services and is currently anticipated to launch this year. This is also expected be the first in-flight demonstration of Viasat’s data-relay services being developed under the NASA CSP program, which include a portfolio of multi-band space-relay communications services that support LEO missions and constellation operations. The second mission, which will be a full InRange service demonstration, is currently planned for 2026.

INNOSPACE (KS:462350) has signed a strategic MoU with Saturn Satellite Networks, Inc. (Saturn), a U.S.-based satellite company headquartered in Florida. The companies will jointly develop next-generation satellites, commercialize complementary products and services and explore strategic investment opportunities, including the potential establishment of a joint venture (JV) aimed at expanding into the U.S launch services market.

Through this partnership, Saturn will develop, with the support of INNOSPACE, a next- generation of LEO satellite, the Caelsat, optimized for INNOSPACE’s HANBIT-Mini launch vehicle. The Caelsat satellite is designed for more than ten years of operation and can provide a stable power supply of over 1000W to onboard payloads. To reduce launch costs, the Caelsat will feature an integrated deployment mechanism capable of efficiently accommodating multiple satellites within a single launch vehicle fairing.

The development of the Caelsat satellite will be led by Space Systems Korea (SSK), Saturn’s South Korean affiliate. Launch services for the satellite constellation projects jointly pursued by both companies will primarily be provided by INNOSPACE.

The ‘Skycel’ project, which focuses on building a 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), is the initial use case for this satellite. The project involves 120 LEO satellites, with a minimum of eight launches required, based on the HABIT-Mini standard. These launches will be carried out using INNOSPACE’s launch services.

As part of the joint vision, INNOSPACE and Saturn plan to establish a joint venture to advance into the U.S. space launch services market.The two companies will also explore strategic investment collaborations aimed at long-term business growth. This initiative is expected to broaden launch service offerings to U.S. customers and lay the groundwork for further expansion in the global space industry.

This partnership with INNOSPACE enables Saturn and its Korean affiliate, Space Systems Korea, to offer an integrated satellite platform and launch solution which should achieve the lowest cost point for any customer that is looking to develop their own commercial and government LEO satellite constellations,” said Tom Choi, Chairman of Saturn. “INNOSPACE’s ability to launch from virtually any location, subject to export approvals, provides additional flexibility and attractiveness to our joint offering. We strongly believe U.S. customers will be excited to see a new launch entrant to the marketplace that combines both extreme technical competence, reliability, and affordability. We look forward to building a bright future with INNOSPACE.”

This agreement marks a significant milestone in building a joint value chain that spans from satellite and launch vehicle development to launch and satellite services,” said Soojong Kim, CEO of INNOSPACE. “By combining INNOSPACE’s space launch technologies with Saturn’s expertise in satellite development and operations, we aim to accelerate global market penetration in the U.S. and strengthen our competitiveness in the commercial space industry through close partnership.”

Rocket Lab USA, Inc (Nasdaq: RKLB) has completed a record turnaround of two Earth return missions in two months with its latest successful mission and Pioneer spacecraft for Varda Space Industries (Varda).

Rocket Lab successfully supported the return to Earth of Varda’s W-3 capsule at 02:07 a.m. UTC on May 14th, the third overall successful operation in the W-series of Varda missions.

For the second time this year, Rocket Lab’s highly configurable, medium delta-V spacecraft platform, Pioneer, delivered Varda’s hypersonic re-entry capsule back to Earth. To date, Rocket Lab has successfully built, tested, integrated, and managed on-orbit and de-orbit operations for three of the four contracted missions for Varda.

Each Pioneer spacecraft for Varda’s W-series missions delivered critical mission functions for Varda’s 120kg capsule including power, communications, propulsion, and attitude control. The Pioneer spacecraft was designed, built, and tested at Rocket Lab’s Spacecraft Production Complex and headquarters in Long Beach, California. Rocket Lab’s Pioneer spacecraft platform uses the Company’s vertically integrated components and systems, including star trackers, propulsion systems, reaction wheels, solar panels, flight software, radios, composite structures, tanks, separation systems, and more.

The fourth spacecraft in Varda’s W-series is currently undergoing integration and testing at Rocket Lab’s Spacecraft Production Complex and headquarters in Long Beach, California.

ScotRail, in partnership with Clarus Networks Group, has launched a transformational connectivity project that sees the world’s first deployment of a rail-certified LEO satellite antenna.

This deployment delivers high-speed, resilient internet access to trains operating across some of the UK’s most remote rail corridors and sets a new global benchmark for digital rail infrastructure.

Scottish trains operating on rural routes from Inverness to Wick, Thurso, Kyle of Lochalsh, and Aberdeen have been equipped with a next-generation, onboard system powered by Starlink’s Rigid Terminal, which has now achieved full certification for use in rail environments.

The solution has been developed in close collaboration with SpaceX engineers, ensuring it meets the stringent performance, safety, and environmental standards required for rail deployment. Unlike legacy satellite or terrestrial connectivity solutions, the Starlink terminal is engineered to deliver consistent, high-throughput connectivity under the dynamic conditions of the rail environment — including vibration, varying altitudes, and severe weather exposure.

Achieving certification to the EN50155, EN50121, and EN45545 standards confirms the terminal’s suitability for critical transport applications. These include electromagnetic compatibility, electronic equipment resilience, and compliance with fire protection requirements in rail vehicles. The result is a ruggedised, high-performance connectivity solution that delivers enterprise-grade reliability, safety, and speed—uniquely adapted to the needs of modern rail.

The ScotRail deployment supports a wide range of digital enhancements, benefiting both customers and frontline rail operations…

• Improved passenger Wi-Fi, enabling streaming, browsing, and productivity even in remote regions;

• Wi-Fi calling, allowing passengers and train crew to make voice calls over the internet where mobile coverage is unavailable;

• GPS tracking of rolling stock, enabling real-time location data to support joined-up public transport and better service information;

• Live access to onboard CCTV, supporting rapid incident response, passenger safety, and enhanced situational awareness;

• Enhanced onboard passenger information systems, with more accurate and timely journey updates.

Passengers will easily identify upgraded trains via new on-board signage and will also experience a redesigned Wi-Fi landing page upon connection.

The project supports broader efforts to improve digital services in rural areas, addressing the long-standing connectivity gaps that have impacted community resilience, mobility, and economic development. By delivering stable, high-speed internet to even the most isolated parts of the rail network, the deployment plays a direct role in enabling smarter travel, improving service quality, and encouraging confidence in public transport.

This solution is already being considered for wider roll-out across the ScotRail fleet, with potential to cover other remote lines including the West Highlands, Stranraer, Dumfries, and the Borders and is also influencing the requirements of future rolling stock procurement — ensuring that connectivity is not a bolt-on, but a core part of train design and delivery.

Clarus Networks is leveraging this milestone to accelerate rail connectivity projects around the world. The company is currently engaged in deployments and partnerships across Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and North America, helping rail operators modernise their onboard systems, streamline operations, and meet rising passenger expectations.

In these environments—often marked by sparse mobile coverage and complex terrain— LEO satellite solutions provide a cost-effective, rapidly deployable alternative to traditional infrastructure. By integrating these technologies into certified, rail-ready platforms, Clarus is helping global rail networks deliver the same level of connectivity seen in urban centers— without the need for fixed infrastructure or long lead times.

About Clarus Networks
Clarus is a global connectivity solutions provider, delivering innovative, high-performance communications across the most demanding environments—including rail, energy, construction, public safety, and maritime. With deep expertise in LEO satellite integration and hybrid connectivity, Clarus works with leading technology partners to deliver scalable, resilient solutions that keep people, infrastructure, and operations connected—anywhere in the world.

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) has successfully completed a series of test flights featuring its ESR-2030Ku electronically steered antenna (ESA).

Conducted in collaboration with Gogo, which will be the exclusive distributor of the antenna for the business aviation and defense markets, the tests demonstrated outstanding performance of the ESA on the OneWeb LEO network.

The ESR-2030Ku—designed for mobility and engineered for efficiency—delivered full-duplex connectivity with throughput of 195 Mbps downlink and 32 Mbps uplink. The terminal remained stable and reliable throughout the tests, even in demanding performance scenarios.

The ESR-2030Ku is a unique compact and low-power full-duplex aero ESA built for the OneWeb network. Production hardware delivery to support customer STCs is expected later in 2025.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) will launch their medium-lift, reusable rocket—Neutron—for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for a Rocket Cargo mission that supports point-to-point cargo transportation and this mission is scheduled for a return-to-Earth launch no earlier than 2026.

The launch contract will see Neutron execute a Rocket Cargo survivability experiment under the AFRL Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL) solicitation, an effort by the Department of Defense to create a rocket-based point-to-point transportation system to quickly and rapidly deliver cargo around the world with commercial launch providers. AFRL’s experiment will be launched by Neutron and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in a demonstration of re-entry capability for future REGAL missions.

Rocket Lab’s Neutron medium-lift reusable launch vehicle will provide both government and commercial customers with an alternative and reliable launch service capable of deploying 13,000 kg to LEO. Neutron is tailored to deploy constellations and national security missions as well as science and exploration payloads.

In addition to serving customers with greater affordability in the medium-launch market, Neutron is key to Rocket Lab’s strategy as an end-to-end space company preparing to deploy its own constellations and deliver services from space in the future. Neutron’s debut remains on track for first launch in the second half of 2025.

Rheinmetall and ICEYE are intensifying their cooperation and the two companies intend to establish a joint venture (JV) for satellite production, with an MoU signed by both firms to this effect on May 8, 2025.

Rheinmetall is to be the majority shareholder in the new joint venture named Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, with 60 percent of the shares, while ICEYE will hold 40 percent. The foundation is still subject to definitive agreements and official approvals.

As part of a Rheinmetall Space Cluster in Germany, Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions is to manufacture satellites, starting with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites and subsequently other space solutions. Production is to take place at the Neuss site, among others, and is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.

In September of 2024, Rheinmetall and ICEYE had further intensified their cooperation, with Rheinmetall securing exclusive rights to market the SAR satellites to military and government end users in the German and Hungarian markets. The first major milestone in the cooperation between Rheinmetall and ICEYE was reached in November of 2024. To meet the Ukraine’s urgent need for SAR imaging satellite reconnaissance capabilities, the two companies had signed a contract with the support of the German government. The agreement extends the SAR data and other support that Ukraine received from ICEYE during the war.