In Rocket Lab‘s fifth successful launch of 2024, the New Zealand-based launcher deployed the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology’s (KAIST) NEONSAT-1 satellite and NASA‘s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System to their intended orbit. Rocket Lab’s “Beginning Of The Swarm” (B.T.S.) mission — its 47th on the Electron rocket — lifted off from Rocket...

Rocket Lab was awarded a $32 million contract from the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) contract to deliver the Victus Haze Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) mission. Rocket Lab will design, build, launch, and operate a rendezvous proximity operation (RPO) capable spacecraft. The mission was contracted under subsidiary Rocket Lab National Security on April...

Sierra Space announced a new line of three satellite buses called Eclipse, designed for Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) missions. Sierra Space announced the line on April 5. The three satellite buses are Eclipse Velocity, Eclipse Horizon, and Eclipse Titan.  Eclipse Velocity is a highly maneuverable small satellite that...

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency (SDA) issued a solicitation this week for one contractor to build about 20 Tranche 2, Transport Layer (T2TL)-Gamma satellites, the final in the T2TL series. The T2TL Alpha and Beta satellites, which are to begin launches in September 2026, are to have three optical communications terminals (OCTs), and the Gamma...

While SpaceX dominated launch activity in 2023, other established and emerging launchers including Relativity Space, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, United Launch Alliance, Arianespace, and Rocket Lab see an abundance of opportunities in the market. Launch execs spoke on a Monday panel at SATELLITE 2024 to share what they’re seeing in the industry, as well as best...

After a seismic year in 2023, will 2024 be equally as thrilling for the satellite industry? Ahead of SATELLITE 2024, we talk to some of the leading analysts’ in the sector to talk about what they see as the main talking points at SATELLITE. This roundtable features Arjun Sreekumar, global consulting director, growth advisory, Aerospace...