Author: starpathwp-production
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What NASA test pilots do when there’s no plane to fly
X-59 lead test pilot Nils Larson talks to a crowd at EAA AirVenture. Image: Seth Kurkowski / Space Explored Building the tools to test Along with also developing the testing plan for the X-59 once it’s finally in the air, the pilots also work on the tools that will be used during flight tests. NASA…
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Iridium Grows Revenue 4% in Q2, Repurchases Nearly $100M of Shares
Iridium Communications increased revenue by 4% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year with higher commercial revenue and higher government engineering revenue. The satellite operator reported its second quarter 2024 results on July 23, affirming its full-year guidance projecting service revenue growth between 4% and 6% for the full year. Also…
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Astroscale UK Receives $15 Million Contract for Final Phase of ELSA-M In-Orbit Demonstration
Astroscale, the UK subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings, the market leader in satellite servicing and long-term orbital sustainability, has secured EUR 13.95 million (approximately USD 15 million or GBP 11.78 million) from the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency to support the final phase of the End-of-Life by Astroscale-Multiple (ELSA-M) in-orbit demonstration. The funding…
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A mid-September test flight of Vulcan could permit a military launch this year
United Launch Alliance is targeting September 16 for the second test flight of the new Vulcan rocket, and a flawless mission could finally set the stage for the first Vulcan launch for the US military by the end of the year. The US Space Force has contracted ULA’s Vulcan rocket to launch the majority of…
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The Importance of Low-Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) in Satellite Communication Systems
Abstract In satellite communication systems, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) are essential components that enhance weak signals received from satellites while reducing the amount of extra noise they introduce. The clarity and dependability of the received data depend on a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which is maintained by these amplifiers. The importance of LNAs is examined in…
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UK Space Agency Announces $43M in Funding for 23 Space Projects
The UK Space Agency announced 33 million pounds ($43 million) in funding for space projects on Monday as part of the UKSA’s National Space Innovation Programme. The funding will be split between a number of established projects and kickstarter projects receiving a smaller amount. The two main beneficiaries will receive 5 million pounds ($6.5 million).…
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Thales Alenia Space Receives Funding from French Government for Carb-Chaser Project
Thales Alenia Space, a global space manufacturer, has been awarded French government funding to develop the Carb-Chaser project as part of the France 2030 stimulus plan. The funding was allocated following a call for projects to support the investments needed to develop and produce new components, systems and subsystems for satellite constellations and their enabling…
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Astrobotic’s Vertical Solar Array Enters Thermal Vacuum Testing
Astrobotic’s Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) is a key technology that will be used to harness solar energy for our commercial lunar power grid is being prepped to enter thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing in Chamber A at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. This follows recent testing of our rover for VOLT, or VSAT Optimized for Lunar…
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The Falcon 9 rocket may return to flight as soon as Tuesday night
It was only about 10 days ago that the Falcon 9 rocket’s upper stage failed in flight, preventing the rocket from delivering its 20 Starlink satellites into a proper orbit. Because they were released lower than expected—about 135 km above the Earth’s surface and subject to atmospheric drag—these satellites ultimately reentered the planet’s atmosphere and…