Tag: Satellite
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Millennium Space Systems Completes VICTUS NOX Tactically Responsive Space Mission
Millennium Space Systems recently completed the VICTUS NOX Tactically Responsive Space mission, following record-breaking execution timelines from build to launch and operations. As part of the Space Domain Awareness mission, the team successfully identified, validated, and observed a resident space object, which included conducting rendezvous and proximity operations by taking advantage of internally-developed software. “Not…
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Portuguese Startup Connected Raises Record Pre-Seed Funding for Space-Based IoT Connectivity
Portuguese startup Connected has secured a groundbreaking €2 million funding round, marking the largest Pre-Seed investment ever raised by a Portuguese-based spacetech startup. The company aims to pioneer universal, standardized, and affordable Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) connectivity from space, addressing the growing demand for satellite-based communication in off-grid areas without terrestrial cellular coverage. Driven…
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In-Space Missions Secures Additional UK Space Agency Funding for Rideshare Satellite Program
In-Space Missions, a wholly owned subsidiary of BAE Systems, has been awarded further funding from the UK Space Agency to progress its Faraday Dragon rideshare satellite program. The funding from Phase 2 of the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund will be used in the development of novel Asia-Pacific payload technologies that will fly on…
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Lockheed Martin’s Pony Express 2 Mission Satellites Ready For Launch
The Lockheed Martin Pony Express 2 mission, intended to showcase how space can enhance Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2), is ready for launch. Pony Express 2 is a self-funded technology demonstration that uses a pair of small satellites. Its mission integrates four Lockheed Martin payloads on two 12U Terran Orbital Renegade-class space vehicles.…
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Rocket Lab Successfully Launches Orbital Debris Inspection Satellite for Astroscale
Rocket Lab USA, one of the global leaders in launch services and space systems, launched its 44th Electron rocket, successfully deploying an orbital debris inspection satellite for Astroscale Japan. The mission, named “On Closer Inspection”, launched from Pad B at Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 03:52 NZDT on February 19th, 2024…
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Thales Alenia Space to Supply Communications Equipment for NASA’s NEO Surveyor Mission
Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with prime contractor Ball Aerospace to supply communications equipment for NASA’s NEO Surveyor mission. The main goal of this five-year mission is to advance efforts to defend our planet against near-Earth objects like asteroids and comets, specifically within 50…
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EpiSci Chosen by Space Development Agency to Develop Hypersonic Missile Detection Tool
California-based EpiSci has been selected by the Space Development Agency (SDA) to develop a tool capable of detecting hypersonic missiles in flight from satellite data, a challenging endeavor due to the extreme speeds of these weapons. Hypersonic missiles, traveling at speeds of at least Mach 5, pose a significant challenge for current defense systems. The…
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Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile Plan Satellite-to-Mobile Service in Japan by 2026
Rakuten Mobile, in collaboration with U.S. satellite designer AST SpaceMobile, has unveiled its ambitious plan to introduce a commercial satellite-to-mobile service in Japan by 2026. This innovative broadband service will enable video and voice calls directly accessible by regular smartphones, eliminating the need for a terminal connection. The rollout timeline remains uncertain, but the coverage…
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Japanese Scientists Develop Wooden Satellite to Tackle Environmental Concerns
Japanese scientists have unveiled an innovative solution to address environmental concerns surrounding space debris with the creation of LignoSat, a spacecraft crafted primarily from timber. Developed by researchers at Kyoto University in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry, the satellite aims to explore the viability of using biodegradable materials in space technology. “We were astounded by wood’s…
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Rocket Lab’s Electron Launches Astroscale’s ADRAS-J Satellite for Space Cleanup
Astroscale’s ADRAS-J spacecraft, launched aboard a Rocket Lab Electron from New Zealand’s Launch Complex 1, aims to rendezvous with and inspect a spent upper stage in low Earth orbit, setting the stage for its eventual removal. This mission marks Rocket Lab’s second launch of the year, following the deployment of four satellites for NorthStar Earth…