Launch

Representatives from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), and Orbital ATK recently completed a successful spacecraft Critical Design Review (CDR) for Joint Polar Satellite System 2 (JPSS 2), which demonstrated that the program met all system and schedule requirements. Also evaluated was Orbital ATK’s responsibility for integrating five government-furnished instruments, and supporting the...

Cybersecurity expert Josh Hartman has spoken at length about the benefits of disaggregation when it comes to military space systems. U.S. Air Force Gen. John Hyten, head of U.S. Strategic Command, seems to agree, stating publicly that he opposes the development of large, expensive satellites. And yet a launch service agreement the Air Force is...

Dutch satellite company Magnitude Space is rebranding under a new name, Hiber, to reflect the importance of the launch of its new Low Power Global Area Network (LPGAN) in 2018. According to Hiber, the LPGAN represents the company’s transition to a “global internet service company” rather than one focused exclusively on space. Helping tackle climate...

Although NOAA added new weather reporting capabilities with the launch of Joint Polar Satellite System 1 (JPSS 1) over the weekend, scientists have expressed dismay at the aging infrastructure monitoring climate change at the poles. Will the private industry have to step in to avoid a blind spot in important weather data collection? Read more...

NASA has successfully launched for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) the first in a series of four polar-orbiting satellites, equipped with next-generation technology and designed to improve the accuracy of U.S. weather forecasts out to seven days. The Joint Polar Satellite System 1 (JPSS 1) lifted off on a United Launch Alliance Delta...

Nanosatellite launch company Vector announced it will explore an arrangement with Harris Corporation to establish commercial launch operations of the Vector-R launch vehicle at Harris Spaceport Systems on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The initial steps of the pathfinding operations at Space Launch Complex 8 feature a demonstration of a full-scale engineering development version...

Russian TV operator Tricolor TV is taking a step to expand its audience with a new service called Territoria Tricolor, launched in partnership with Eutelsat Communications. According to Tricolor TV, the new satellite-based service enables consumers in hotels, airports, rail stations and other public venues to have free Wi-Fi access to TV channels on their...

Thuraya has announced the launch of Thuraya Talk, its new Voice Over IP (VOIP) service. According to Thuraya, the service opens up unique communication capabilities for both personal and professional use. All users will receive their own dedicated number that can be used for outgoing and incoming calls. The initial phase of the service allows...

Spacecom announced that its Amos 17 communication satellite has successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR) and entered full production. Specifically designed for the African continent and scheduled for launch in early 2019, Amos17 will operate from 17 degrees east to expand and strengthen Spacecom’s coverage in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The satellite, a replacement...

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) plans to reach a launch cadence of 18 liftoffs per year by 2018 or 2019, according to officials. To accelerate launch operations, the agency intends to outsource to more companies in the Indian space industry, including the possibility of building a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) with industry partners....