Tag: Low Earth Orbit
-
NASA Names Four-Astronaut Crew for Artemis III Docking Mission with SpaceX and Blue Origin Landers
NASA has selected three American astronauts and one European astronaut to fly on Artemis III, a landmark mission scheduled for late 2027 that will conduct the first in-space docking demonstrations between NASA’s Orion spacecraft and lunar landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the crew during a ceremony in Houston…
-
Telefónica Germany and OQ Technology Test Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity
Telefónica Germany has partnered with Luxembourg-based satellite operator OQ Technology to test direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications, marking a step toward integrating satellite connectivity with conventional mobile networks. The companies are conducting trials in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany, using Telefónica Deutschland’s frequency spectrum to evaluate two-way text messaging and voice communication directly between satellites and standard mobile…
-
Infinite Orbits Selects Open Cosmos for ‘Tom & Jerry’ Satellite Inspection Mission
European space companies Infinite Orbits and Open Cosmos have partnered on a new satellite mission designed to demonstrate rendezvous, proximity and inspection operations in low-Earth orbit (LEO). The mission, dubbed “Tom & Jerry,” will involve two satellites that will perform a series of maneuvering and inspection activities after launch, which is currently targeted for mid-2027.…
-
Eutelsat Signs Maritime Connectivity Agreement With Tototheo Global
Eutelsat has signed a new agreement with Cyprus-based connectivity provider Tototheo Global to expand the availability of its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services across maritime, enterprise and government markets. Under the partnership, Tototheo Global will deliver Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO connectivity services to maritime customers worldwide and support enterprise, civil government and military connectivity requirements in…
-
Impulse Space Raises $500 Million to Expand In-Space Transportation Business
Impulse Space has raised $500 million in a Series D funding round, bringing the company’s total funding to more than $1 billion since its founding five years ago. The California-based company said the new capital will support hiring, expand vehicle development programs and help meet growing demand for in-space transportation services. Growing Demand for Space…
-
Vast Expands Into Satellite Bus Market With High-Power Spacecraft Platform
Vast said it will enter the satellite bus market with a new high-power spacecraft platform aimed at commercial, Earth observation and national security missions. The company announced plans to offer a 15-kilowatt-class satellite bus designed for high-volume and lower-cost deployment across a range of orbital applications. Vast also said customers will have the option to…
-
STMicroelectronics Targets $3 Billion in Space Revenue on Growing LEO Demand
STMicroelectronics expects to generate more than $3 billion in revenue from its space-related business over the next three years, driven by growing demand in low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite programs and continued collaboration with SpaceX. Speaking during a virtual presentation, Remi El-Ouazzane, president of Microcontrollers, Digital ICs and RF Products at STMicroelectronics, said the company’s LEO-related…
-
Mantis Space Raises $10 Million to Develop Satellite Solar Power Beaming Technology
U.S. startup Mantis Space has raised $10 million in seed funding to develop technology designed to transmit solar power between satellites in orbit using laser beams. The financing round was led by Rule 1 Ventures with additional participation from Montauk Capital, an incubator backing the company. Mantis Space said the funds will be used to…
-
ESA Seeks Proposals for Studies on European-Led Modular Space Station in Low Earth Orbit
The European Space Agency (ESA) has issued a call for tenders to conduct studies exploring the feasibility of a European-led, modular space station in low Earth orbit as the International Space Station approaches retirement. NASA announced in January 2022 that the ISS is expected to be decommissioned and deorbited in the first quarter of 2031…
-
Rocket Lab Launches Confidential Satellite on Electron Rocket From New Zealand
Rocket Lab launched a satellite for an undisclosed commercial customer on March 5, sending the payload into low Earth orbit aboard its Electron rocket from the company’s launch site in New Zealand. The 18-meter-tall Electron rocket lifted off at 6:53 p.m. EST (2353 GMT), or 12:53 p.m. local time on March 6, beginning a mission…