Tag: satellites
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34 satellites go into orbit for OneWeb’s broadband constellation, amid questions about finances
OneWeb’s third batch of satellites for its broadband internet constellation was lofted into orbit today on a Russian Soyuz rocket launched from Kazakhstan with the aid of Europe’s Arianespace consortium. Liftoff from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, which is leased by Russia for Soyuz launches, came at 10:06 p.m. local time (10:06 a.m. PT). The 34 satellites…
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SpaceX wins FCC license for up to a million Starlink satellite broadband data terminals
An artist’s conception shows the deployment of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. (SpaceX Illustration) After months of consideration, the Federal Communications Commission has granted SpaceX a license for up to a million terminals that would work on the ground with the company’s Starlink satellite constellation to deliver global broadband internet service. Word of the 15-year license’s approval…
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SpaceX sends sixth batch of 60 Starlink satellites into orbit and marks milestone for rocket reusability
A Falcon 9 rocket sent SpaceX’s sixth batch of 60 Starlink broadband satellites into orbit and set a record for reusability today, but missed making yet another touchdown. The Falcon 9 lifted off right on time at 8:16 a.m. ET (5:16 a.m. PT) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It…
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SpaceX aborts Starlink satellite launch at the last second, due to Falcon 9 rocket engine issue
SpaceX’s planned launch of its sixth batch of 60 Starlink broadband satellites literally fizzled out today, due to an engine power problem on the Falcon 9 rocket. The countdown at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida went all the way to zero at 9:22 a.m. ET (6:22 a.m. PT). But the rocket didn’t…
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It’s a first: One commercial satellite docks with another to demonstrate orbital servicing
An image captured by Northrop Grumman’s MEV-1 satellite shows the Intelsat 901 satellite at a distance of about 80 meters, with Earth in the background. (Northrop Grumman / SpaceLogistics Photo) For the first time, one commercial satellite has docked with another satellite in geosynchronous orbit, demonstrating a technology that will be crucial for on-orbit servicing…
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SpaceX sends 60 Starlink broadband satellites into a different orbit, but misses 50th booster landing
SpaceX launched 60 more satellites for its Starlink internet broadband constellation on a Falcon 9 rocket today, bringing the total count to 300. Liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida came at 10:05 a.m. ET (7:05 a.m. PT). This Falcon’s first-stage booster had been used three times before over the course of nine…
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Spaceflight Industries strikes deal to sell rideshare launch business; will focus on BlackSky satellites
One of Spaceflight Industries’ most notable projects was the launch of 64 satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in December 2018. (SpaceX Photo) Seattle-based Spaceflight Industries says it has signed a deal to sell Spaceflight Inc., its satellite rideshare launch subsidiary, to one of Japan’s largest trading companies. The definitive share purchase agreement, reached…
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Report: SpaceX is planning to spin out Starlink satellite broadband network and take it public
An artist’s conception shows the deployment of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. (SpaceX Illustration) SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell is quoted as saying that the company is planning to spin out its Starlink satellite internet operation — which is currently centered in Redmond, Wash. — and offer shares in an initial public offering. Bloomberg News reports that Shotwell…
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OneWeb sends 34 broadband satellites into orbit on Arianespace Soyuz rocket, challenging SpaceX
Europe’s Arianespace launch consortium today used a Russian-made Soyuz rocket to send 34 satellites into a near-polar orbit for OneWeb’s broadband internet constellation, sharpening a rivalry with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation. The Soyuz lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 2:42 a.m. Feb. 7 (1:42 p.m. PT Feb. 6) and successfully deployed the…
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Accion Systems raises $11M for tiny ion engines, with Boeing HorizonX Ventures playing a lead role
Each of Accion Systems’ ion thrusters is about the size of a postage stamp. (Accion Systems Photo) Boeing HorizonX Ventures has teamed up with Shasta Ventures to lead an $11 million Series B investment round for Accion Systems, a pioneer in developing miniaturized ion propulsion systems for satellites in space. This isn’t the first time…