Technology

[Via Satellite 08-01-2014] Geolink Satellite Services, a part of CETel Group, has upgraded its Evolution-based network to iDirect’s iDX 3.2 operating system. Additionally, the company plans to deploy iDirect’s X7 remotes for oil and gas, mining and maritime customers. Beyond serving these customers, Geolink Satellite Services is also looking to expand in disaster recovery and...

[Via Satellite 07-31-2014] Eutelsat has announced the manufacturer and launch provider for the early add-on satellite Eutelsat 172B. The company selected Airbus Defence and Space to build the 13 kW satellite with electric propulsion for both orbit raising and station keeping using the Eurostar E3000 bus. Arianespace was chosen to launch the satellite in 2017,...

[Via Satellite 07-31-2014] SSTL subsidiary Surrey Satellite Technology US announced it is pursuing a second Orbital Test Bed (OTB) mission for 2016. The first OTB mission, also planned for 2016, is slated to carry payloads from NASA, the Air Force and others to test technologies in space. “As soon as we closed the OTB manifest,...

[Via Satellite 07-29-2014] Thales Alenia Space’s recently created subsidiary Thales Alenia Space U.K. is preparing to take on a major company project, according to CEO Martin Gee. Roughly three months after forming, the subsidiary is planning to take a lead role in the creation of a new “mini” geostationary satellite bus. “Thales Alenia Space has made...

[Via Satellite 07-29-2014] Rocket Lab revealed plans to build a carbon-composite dedicated small satellite launch vehicle named Electron. Currently under construction in New Zealand, the company anticipates launching payloads of up to 100-kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for less than $5 million. Silicon Valley venture firm Khosla Ventures is the principal funder. The Electron...

[Via Satellite 07-25-2014] Northrop Grumman reported lower sales in three of the company’s four main sectors during second quarter 2014. aerospace systems experienced a 4 percent decrease, electronic systems a 2 percent decrease, and information systems an 8 percent decrease. Technical services increased during Q2 by 1 percent. Northrop Grumman attributed the lower sales in...

[Via Satellite 07-25-2014] Surrey Satellite Technology US has decided on five payloads to carry on the company’s Orbital Test Bed (OTB) mission in 2016. Using the SSTL-150 satellite bus, the OTB provides a means to test and space-qualify new technology in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The U.S. Air Force Academy will test its Integrated Miniaturized...

[Via Satellite 07-25-2014] Interns from United Launch Alliance and Ball Aerospace are planning to launch Colorado’s largest rocket on July 26, 2014. More than 100 students are participating in the seventh annual Student Rocket Launch, where a total of 18 payloads will be carried on three high-power sports rockets. The Ball Aerospace interns collectively known...

[Via Satellite 07-23-2014] Arabsat has contracted Spanish technology group GMV to construct a new satellite control center (SCC) capable of managing the company’s six current satellites, with room for two more by the end of 2014. The decision was influenced by Arabsat’s desire to shift to a homogenous SCC solution that can seamlessly operate different...

[Via Satellite 07-22-2014] Telekomunikasi Indonesia TbK (Telkom) has selected Thales Alenia Space to build a new 3,500 kg satellite named Telkom 3S for HD broadcasts and Global System for Mobile communications (GSM)/Internet services. Thales Alenia Space said the satellite will likely launch with preferred bidder Arianespace in late 2016. Telkom 3S will carry a C-band...