Featured

Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) has confirmed that six radio frequency geolocation smallsats developed for HawkEye 360 have successfully communicated with ground control — the HawkEye 360 Cluster 8 and 9 satellites were launched from Florida aboard the SpaceX Bandwagon-1 Rideshare mission.

The two new three-satellite clusters bring to 27 the total number of geolocation microsatellites developed by SFL for HawkEye 360, which integrated Cluster 8 at its own plant in Virginia under SFL’s Flex Production Program. For Cluster 9, which represents the next evolution and includes updated payload and platform features, SFL handled the entire process, including development, integration, and testing, at its Toronto facility.

HawkEye 360 selected SFL to develop its satellites due to the importance of attitude control and formation flying by multiple spacecraft for accurate RF signal geolocation. SFL has innovated compact, low-cost formation-flying technology at a maturity and price point that, according to the company, no other smallsat developer can credibly offer.

SFL built the HawkEye 360 Pathfinder satellites on its 15 kg NEMO platform. All subsequent clusters have been developed on the larger 30 kg SFL DEFIANT bus.

The HawkEye 360 constellation detects, characterizes and geolocates RF signals for a variety of communications, navigation, and security applications. Clusters 8 and 9 were launched in mid-inclination orbits to increase coverage over the busiest maritime traffic corridors at mid-latitudes, including the Indo-Pacific region, according to HawkEye 360.

Established in 1998, SFL has developed 76 operationally successful smaller satellite missions totaling more than 300 cumulative years in orbit. Another 20 missions are now under development by SFL, which 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. For a comprehensive list of SFL high-performance satellite platforms, please access this direct infolink…

“SFL is proud to play a key role in the development of HawkEye 360’s space assets as it continues to expand and enhance its unparalleled space-based RF data detection and analytics capabilities,” said SFL Director Dr. Robert E. Zee.

About Space Flight Laboratory (SFL)
SFL generates bigger returns from smaller, lower cost satellites. Small satellites built by SFL consistently push the performance envelope and disrupt the traditional cost paradigm. Satellites are built with advanced power systems, stringent attitude control and high-volume data capacity that are striking relative to the budget. SFL arranges launches globally and maintains a mission control center accessing ground stations worldwide. The pioneering and barrier-breaking work of SFL is a key enabler to tomorrow’s cost-aggressive satellites and constellations.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS) has successfully demonstrated a fully virtualized SATCOM ground system using Kratos’ OpenSpace^® Platform for the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T). With demonstration partners Telesat Government Solutions and Cobham Satcom, the three companies showed dynamic support of simultaneous communication pathways for resilient SATCOM at LEO.

LEO constellations are strategic to military operations, delivering connectivity with lower latency than a traditional GEO satellite. These capabilities will be increasingly important as future MILSATCOM networks must quickly adapt to multiple missions and multiple orbits. A virtualized ground system, such as OpenSpace, provides far greater resiliency and agility needed for these modern military operations, including multi-orbit, multi-mission support when compared to traditional, hardware-based systems. Kratos’ OpenSpace Platform is the industry’s only commercially available, fully software-defined satellite ground system.

The demonstration showed a flexible network architecture that allowed soldiers to connect Telesat’s LEO 3 satellite through Cobham antennas. Kratos’ OpenEdge^TM 2500 digitizer was integrated with Cobham’s Tracker 1300TT antenna, enabling standardized traffic (DIFI) to pass directly from Cobham’s digital-ready antenna through virtualized modems at the network’s edge to the LEO 3 satellite.

In future conflicts, it will be crucial to have multi-orbit operations seamlessly share information among military branches and international partners. Kratos has worked with several satellite service operators over the past year to test and verify functionality of OpenSpace as a gateway and edge platform at each of the major orbital belts, GEO, MEO and LEO. Kratos has successfully demonstrated the openness, flexibility and interoperability of OpenSpace in other satellite orbits, with other satellite operators and equipment partners.

Chris Badgett, Vice President of Technology for Kratos Space, said, “Every mission has different requirements for space connectivity requiring maximum flexibility to leverage multiple satellites, networks and network elements. Only a software-defined platform can provide the levels of adaptability at mission speed along with the openness to maximize available network resources. Both Telesat and Cobham are at the forefront in this digital transformation of satellite ground systems.”

Funding for this project was through the Network Cross-Functional Team (N-CFT) established by the Army Futures Command.

Tyvak International SRL, a Torino, Italy-based subsidiary of Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) and a leading European provider of nano and microsatellites, has announced a secured service subcontract for the European Defense Agency’s (EDA) Hub for EU Defense Innovation (HEDI) proof-of-concept prototype 2023. This groundbreaking project focuses on VLEO satellite exploration, marking a significant leap forward in military space technology.

The contract encompasses Phase A of the LEO to VLEO spacecraft, culminating in a Preliminary Design Review. Tyvak International will play a leading role within a consortium including prime contractor CNIT, collaborating with FlySight and Politecnico di Milano.

Tyvak International, leveraging its extensive experience in satellite design, development, and spaceflight heritage, will spearhead critical aspects of the project. This includes leading market analysis, identifying key components, defining requirements based on the business case, and ultimately assessing the feasibility of satellite development.

This contract underscores the commitment of Tyvak International to push the boundaries of satellite technology. The collaboration with the European Defence Agency extends to strategic applications encompassing Earth observation, in-space situational awareness, signal detection, and navigation warfare, ultimately advancing European defense capabilities.

“We are delighted to announce our participation in this significant EDA VLEO contract,” said Fabio Nichele, Chief Executive Officer of Tyvak International. “This collaboration presents a remarkable opportunity to leverage our expertise and innovative solutions to support the critical mission objectives of the European Defence Agency. By doing so, we will drive advancements in satellite technology and propel future defense capabilities.”

Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT) has received a letter from Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry regarding an investment in Telesat Lightspeed.

The letter states that, following several months of negotiations between Telesat and federal officials, the Government of Canada (GoC) is prepared to invest C$2.14 billion in Telesat Lightspeed by way of a loan to Telesat LEO Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Telesat, that is developing and will own and operate the Telesat Lightspeed LEO global broadband satellite constellation.

The loan will carry a floating interest rate that is 4.75% above the Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average (CORRA) with a 15-year maturity. Interest is payable in-kind during the Telesat Lightspeed construction period, followed by a 10-year sculpted amortization. Furthermore, Telesat LEO Inc. will provide the GoC with warrants for 10% of the common shares of Telesat LEO based upon an equity valuation for Telesat LEO of US$3 billion.

“Telesat Lightspeed is a highly innovative and disruptive global broadband network and the largest space program in Canada’s long and distinguished history as a space faring nation,” said Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO. “I am delighted with the engagement we have had with the Government of Canada on this flagship program, which will help bridge the global digital divide, create and sustain thousands of high-quality jobs in Canada, spur domestic innovation, investment and exports, and ensure that Canada is at the forefront of the rapidly growing New Space Economy. The Government of Canada has been a strong supporter of the Telesat Lightspeed program and we applaud their leadership and foresight. We estimate that, in addition to the roughly $2 billion of capital cost savings, we will realize roughly $750 million of savings in reduced borrowing costs relative to the original Telesat Lightspeed program. Telesat Lightspeed will revolutionize broadband connectivity for enterprise and government users and represents a highly compelling growth and value creation opportunity for Telesat and its stakeholders.”

The GoC investment is subject to certain conditions, including the entry of definitive documentation with the GoC and Telesat’s other financing sources to the GoC’s satisfaction.

Benchmark Space Systems has revealed the firm’s Xantus electric propulsion system has successfully deployed and will undergo subsystem health check and operational verification, including a range of firing modes, aboard mission prime Orion Space Solutions’ 12U cubesat in LEO.

Benchmark’s first electric propulsion system in space, launched aboard the SpaceX Transporter-10 rideshare mission, is tasked with end-to-end mission operations for Orion Space Solutions’ satellite as it supports the demonstration of cloud and weather data mapping for potential, future, military operations. Once the mission objectives are met, the Xantus metal plasma thrusters will be used to deorbit the spacecraft, a critical capability for regulatory compliance and the sustainability of LEO infrastructure.

Based on the early mission milestone, Benchmark is greenlighting shipments of dozens of Xantus MPTs to meet the pent-up demand for proven electric and hybrid propulsion systems among commercial and government operations. Of the 50-plus Xantus EP thrusters being shipped this year, Orion has baselined units in upcoming missions — at least ten will go to UK-based In-Space Missions, a wholly owned subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, among several, smallsat builders and operators that are integrating Xantus MPTs into electric and hybrid propulsion configurations for upcoming missions.

Multiple satellite and mission operators that need to go fast, station keep, and make precision maneuvers in space, are evaluating Benchmark’s hybrid duo of Xantus EP thrusters and Halcyon non-toxic chemical propulsion systems, which unlock expanded dynamic operations for 12U to ~200kg spacecraft that are often limited by a single technology, compromising mission capability and value.

The production Xantus metal plasma thrusters are baselined to run on the metal molybdenum, which offers the best combination of properties and efficient thrust generation among a variety of metal propellants tested in trials (also copper, stainless steel, aluminum, and magnesium). The MPTs are designed to ultimately run on metals that can be harvested in space, including spent space vehicle materials and orbital debris.

Early operations and telemetry will be used to validate the Xantus EP system’s thrust across several power levels and other key capabilities, which boost mission readiness and assurance levels realized during third-party testing at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Ohio and at Benchmark’s Research and Development facility in Pleasanton, California.

The milestone debut of Benchmark’s electric propulsion system in space comes less than 18 months after the company acquired the metal plasma thruster technology from Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation and follows a previous mission launch in January 2023 that did not deploy.

The Xantus electric propulsion system, with its innovative MPTs, is one key element of Benchmark’s full in-space mobility strategy and market-leading lineup of propulsion systems and solutions. The company offers electric, green chemical, and hybrid platforms designed to provide speed, endurance, precision maneuvering, and deorbit capabilities to meet the fast-growing demand for dynamic and sustainable space operations across multiple orbits and mission profiles

“The Benchmark team is thrilled that our Xantus electric propulsion system and metal plasma thrusters are supporting this important mission for Orion Space and the US Government,” said Chris Carella, Chief Commercial Officer for Benchmark Space Systems. “Our government and commercial mission partners around the world have closely followed this historic first, as our Xantus metal plasma thrusters demonstrate their capabilities in space. Our partners have been preparing for space with our software and engineering development units (SDUs/EDUs), and they’re excited to soon be receiving shipments of flight units to close on their own missions in the months ahead.”

“Our Xantus MPTs are designed to provide optimal station keeping for most cubesats, microsats in the range of 5 to 250 kilograms, and precision operations for ESPA-class satellites from 250 to 1000 kilograms. That’s a wide sweet spot, and we look forward to enabling dozens of upcoming missions to fly using what promises to be an extremely valuable electric propulsion tool in LEO, MEO, and GEO,” said Kent Frankovich, Benchmark’s Vice President of Electric Propulsion, who is leading the company’s metal plasma thruster development.

Aerospacelab, a company engaged in smallsat design, manufacturing, and operations, and Xona Space Systems, a service provider in  high-performance navigation satellite systems, have entered into a partnership, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of satellite technology spearheaded by two, innovative companies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Aerospacelab will leverage its Versatile Satellite Platform (VSP) capabilities to design, manufacture, and launch Xona Space Systems’ upcoming navigation satellite, assist Xona Space Systems in obtaining the necessary operator license, and support launch operations for two years. Xona Space Systems will provide the Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) payload for integration into Aerospacelab’s platform.

This collaboration underscores Aerospacelab’s ability to accommodate diverse payloads and its expertise in satellite systems integration and also further reinforces the company’s objective to provide tailored satellite solutions to customers.   

“Our collaboration with Xona demonstrates how our two companies can work together to bring new technological advancements and faster development, contributing to the overall progress in satellite navigation”, said Tina Ghataore, Chief Strategy & Revenue Officer of Aerospacelab. “We are excited to be a part of Xona’s journey as we will build this navigation satellite for them, but will also be assembling, integrating and testing at our new US facilities. We are excited to support Xona’s ambitious plan to significantly grow their satellite fleet in the upcoming years.” 

Tyler Reid, Co-founder & CTO of Xona Space Systems, said, “We look forward to working with Aerospacelab on our next mission to bring live sky capability for Xona PULSAR” said Reid. “We are bringing our navigation payload expertise and coupling this with proven satellite platforms from Aerospacelab’s successful flights and operations. Their competitive pricing and commitment to an aggressive schedule align with our goals. Together, we aim to accelerate innovation in global navigation satellite systems.” 

NASA has selected 15 companies to provide flight and payload integration services to advance technologies and procedures for operating in space, including testing in high-altitude, reduced gravity, or other relevant environments — examples of payloads include NASA science instruments or technology demonstrations.

The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) base contract awards are firm-fixed-price with a total combined value of $45 million and a performance period of five years. The flights and other services covered by these contracts are for use by NASA and other government agencies. The types of platforms that will be used for testing include suborbital rockets, high-altitude balloons, orbital spacecraft and satellites, and, in some instances, suborbital rockets that can accommodate carry people.

The following companies have been awarded contracts to provide services through demonstrated commercial capabilities:

• Aerostar International, Inc., of Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Angstrom Designs Inc., of Santa Barbara, California
• Astrobotic Technology Inc., of Pittsburgh
• Astro Digital US Inc., of Santa Clara, California
• Blue Origin Texas, LLC of Van Horn, Texas
• Galactic Enterprises, LLC of Las Cruces, New Mexico
• Loft Orbital Federal, LLC of Golden, Colorado
• Momentus Space LLC of San Jose, California
• Near Space Corp., of Tillamook, Oregon
• Rocket Lab USA Inc., of Long Beach, California
• Space Exploration Technologies Corp., of Hawthorne, California
• Spire Global Subsidiary, Inc., of Vienna, Virginia
• Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc., of Irvine, California
• Varda Space Industries, Inc., of El Segundo, California
• World View Enterprises Inc., of Tucson, Arizona

The contracts are in support of NASA’s Flight Opportunities and Small Spacecraft Technology programs, both part of the NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate at the agency’s headquarters in Washington. These programs support technology development and missions to change the pace of space exploration, discovery, and space commerce.

Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) has been awarded an Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a $45 million ceiling value with NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.

The Directorate is comprised of NASA’s Flight Opportunities program and the Small Spacecraft Technology program.

The five-year agreement enables Terran Orbital to provide space vehicles and payload integration services for a variety of missions. These missions will use Terran Orbital’s proven space vehicle platforms and are intended to advance technological maturity of systems that will transform the landscape of space exploration, discovery, and space commerce.

NASA’s selection of Terran Orbital was based on the proven capabilities of the company’s standard space vehicle platforms, including the successful and proven Pathfinder-Triumph Class 6U CubeSat and Capstone-Voyager Class 12U CubeSat. These platforms offer the required size, capability, and performance required for these NASA missions.

“We are honored to be selected by NASA for this exciting opportunity,” said Marc Bell, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Terran Orbital. “Terran Orbital’s expertise and innovative space vehicle platforms have the potential to play a pivotal role in advancing the next generation of space technologies.”

Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd. will celebrate the success of the firm’s tactical-grade, DMU41 inertial measurement unit (IMU) which, over the last 12 months, has been selected for multiple deployments on platforms in LEO.

The DMU41 redefines the capabilities of MEMS technology, delivering tactical-grade, high-performance inertial sensing in a small and cost-effective unit. Just over 50mm3 and weighing less than 180 grams, this robust product operates in temperatures from -40°C to +85°C, offering new levels of reliability and adaptability in the harshest environments.

Silicon Sensing is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, with a sales growth of more than 65% in just five years. Interest in the company’s rugged, compact, solid-state technology has expanded significantly as demand has grown for precise, reliable motion sensing for ever-shrinking platforms – including satellites. A number of products, from tiny navigation and pointing gyros to full 6 axis inertial measurement units (IMU’s), are already in use across a range of space programs. All are based around the company’s patented, vibrating ring micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors, which are manufactured in the company’s foundry in Japan.

David Sommerville, General Manager, Silicon Sensing Systems, said, “Typically, our DMU41 is used to enable accurate, sustained satellite positioning in LEO for earth observation, high resolution imaging and geospatial data collection – which continues throughout the 3-to-4-year operational life cycle of the satellite. Our latest products on the market are delivering tactical grade performance levels, exceeding the envelope typically expected of MEMS technology. And we expect our next generation of products will reflect our new mission statement by truly redefining MEMS inertial. For the first time, Silicon Sensing will offer navigation-level inertial sensing performance in a compact, robust and cost effective MEMS package.”

Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd. is a gyroscope and inertial systems engineering development company, jointly owned by Collins Aerospace and Sumitomo Precision Products. The company was formed in 1999 and is, today, a market leader in silicon, micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based navigation and stabilization technology. Many millions of MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers have been supplied to thousands of customers since the company’s formation 25 years ago.

AAC Clyde Space‘s subsidiary AAC Space Africa has won its first satellite order.

AAC Space Africa will assemble, integrate and test two satellites. The order, valued at 4.1 million South African Rands (approx. SEK 2.3 M), is scheduled for delivery in June of 2024. 

“We are delighted that AAC Space Africa has received its first satellite order, a critical milestone in the growth of our company in Africa.  We look forward to seeing these satellites in space delivering their mission,” said AAC Clyde Space CEO Luis Gomes.