Author: starpathwp-production
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SpaceX takes a proactive step toward responsible behavior in orbit
SpaceX announced this week that it will voluntarily bring down about 100 of its first-generation Starlink satellites, which provide broadband Internet from low-Earth orbit, as part of its commitment to “space sustainability.” The satellites are presently operational and serving Internet customers. However, in a statement, the company said, “The Starlink team identified a common issue…
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FCC Proposes New Framework for Licensing In-Space Servicing
The Federal Communications Commission proposed a framework for licensing in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) activities at its most recent meeting on Feb. 15. All five commissioners voted in favor of proposing the framework. The FCC said these proposed changes are meant to support the development of these space activities, which it described as an…
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Unpacking the Geopolitical Landscape of GNSS With Zephr CEO Sean Gorman
We often take for granted how much of our modern lives are underpinned by GPS technology. This episode of On Orbit digs into GPS and the global landscape of GNSS, which stands for Global Navigation Satellite System. Dr. Sean Gorman, CEO of new startup Zephr, joins as this episode’s guest. Zephr, which recently raised a…
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NASA’s Artemis Science Mission and First Intuitive Machines Flight Launches to the Moon
A suite of NASA science instruments and technology demonstrations is on the way to our nearest celestial neighbor for the benefit of humanity. Through this flight to the Moon, they will provide insights into the lunar surface environment and test technologies for future landers and Artemis astronauts. At 1:05 a.m. EST on February 15, 2024,…
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Iridium Posts Record Revenue in 2023, Adds 5 Years to Expected Constellation Life
Iridium Communications continued its multi-year growth streak in 2023, reporting record revenue for the year of $790.7 million, up 10% from the year-ago period. The satellite operator reported full year financial results on Feb. 15. Total revenue included $584.5 million of service revenue and $206.2 million of revenue related to equipment sales and engineering and…
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Voyager Space Awarded a Contract by Millennium Space Systems to Build Star Trackers
Voyager Space, one of the global leaders in space exploration, announced it has been awarded a contract by Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, to build 13 Flight Model Star Trackers (µSTAR-250) and two Engineering Models. Phased delivery is slated for late 2024 through early 2025 to support Millennium’s small satellite constellations programs. Voyager’s µSTAR-250…
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Eutelsat’s Shift from Video Revenues Continues
Eutelsat Group is seeing encouraging signs in its mobility business, but video revenues continue to decline. These are two of the highlights of the operator’s latest results, announced Feb. 16. Overall revenues remained largely flat. In the six months to the end of December 2023, the operator generated revenues of 572.6 million euros ($615.4 million),…
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Rocket Lab Receives FAA Approval for Varda Space Industries’ Manufacturing Capsule Reentry
Rocket Lab USA, a launch and space systems company, announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the reentry of Varda Space Industries’ in-space manufacturing capsule, enabling Rocket Lab to commence a series of complex in-space maneuvers and de-orbit burns on the Rocket Lab-built and operated satellite currently hosting the capsule on orbit. This…
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After a decade and $1.2 billion, NASA reveals its booty from Bennu: 121 grams
After years of speculation, NASA finally revealed on Thursday the totality of the asteroid sample returned from Bennu to Earth last fall: 4.29 ounces (121.6 grams). To put that number into perspective, the total mass is only slightly more than one-half cup of sugar or a box of 100 paper clips. It’s about the same…
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TelePIX Unveils a Breakthrough High-Performance AI Processor for Satellites
TelePIX, a pioneering space startup based in South Korea, has achieved a groundbreaking feat: the development of TetraPLEX, a high-performance AI processor designed specifically for satellites. Boasting an impressive 10 trillion operations per second of processing capability, TetraPLEX marks a monumental leap forward in satellite technology. Functioning as an on-board processor (OBP), TetraPLEX facilitates in-space…