Focus: In-Space Services

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded Kepler Communications a 500,000 euro ($581,000) contract to test satellite hardware terminals. Kepler Communications is working to build an in-space data transfer network called Aether. This ESA award is part of a project exploring satellite telemetry and control using space Internet of Things (IoT) networks for small satellites. Under...

OHB Systems AG (OHB) will build the satellites for SpaceLink’s data relay constellation in a contract that is expected to exceed $300 million in value. The companies announced the deal on Thursday, and are in the process of finalizing the contract.  SpaceLink, a subsidiary of Electro Optic Systems (EOS), plans to build a constellation of...

Two space-as-a-service solutions providers are teaming up to demonstrate the feasibility of blockchain technology computation in space. Spire Global, a publicly traded space data analytics company, announced it entered into a partnership agreement with Singapore’s SpaceChain to demonstrate the ability to resolve land-based centralized infrastructure issues using in-space blockchain computing. SpaceChain has been developing what...

In-orbit service provider Orbital Astronautics (OrbAstro) has signed a contract to host a propulsion demonstration for Aliena on a mission set to launch in September 20220.  Aliena is a small satellite propulsion startup based in Singapore. It has developed a multi-modal attitude and orbit control system (AOCS) with partners from Aurora Propulsion Technologies. The propulsion...

Myriota will use Spire’s space services to deploy its satellite Internet of Things (IoT) constellation, the companies announced Wednesday. This is Spire’s first large-scale, commercial IoT customer for its space-as-a-service offering.  Through Spire’s space-as-a-service, Spire’s constellation will collect Myriota’s data and Myriota will be able to access it without the cost of building, launching, and...

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded the U.K. branch of D-Orbit a contract to develop debris removal technology, the company announced Wednesday, Sept. 8. The ESA contract is worth $2.6 million (2.2 million euros) as part of ESA’s Space Safety Programme (S2P). D-Orbit will development and perform an in-orbit demonstration of a “Deorbit Kit”...

Rocket Lab has signed a deal with in-space manufacturing company Varda Space Industries to produce three Photon spacecraft that will integrate with the company’s “space factories.”   Varda Space is working to commercialize space manufacturing to build fiber optic cables, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors, which the company says have higher performance when produced in zero-gravity. Varda Space...

Malaysian satellite operator Measat was unable to salvage the Measat-3 satellite after it suffered an anomaly in late June. The company announced Friday that it is now in the process of de-orbiting the satellite, which will take place over the next few weeks. Measat still does not know the cause of the anomaly and said...

Space debris removal company Astroscale secured two significant endorsements of its long-term sustainability solutions within its home nation of Japan — its first collaborative partnership agreement with a launch service provider, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), and an in-orbit servicing robotics research contract with the Japanese government. MHI, one of Japan’s largest global aerospace companies, will...

Benchmark Space Systems has announced an in-space mobility offering that allows customers to pay as they go for in-space transport. SCOUT and Orbit Fab has signed on with agreements for the service, Benchmark announced on Wednesday.  Under the agreement, SCOUT plans to integrate Benchmark Halcyon thrusters across its fleet of 3D imaging and thermal sensor-equipped...