Tag: supply chain
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From Blueprint to Delivery: The Work Behind a Satellite That Never Appears in Product Photos
On the day of delivery, the people most likely to appear in photos are usually the product, the customer, and the technical leaders. Once testing is completed, the shipping container is sealed, and the handover documents are signed, a product finally moves from the development site to the customer. But outside the camera frame, many…
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How China Is Expanding Space Product Manufacturing Capacity: Inside the Smart Factory Upgrade at the Shanghai Institute of Spaceflight Control Technology
China’s satellite manufacturing capacity is expanding at an unprecedented pace, driven by the rapid development of commercial spaceflight and large-scale constellation deployment. But how are Chinese space manufacturers increasing output while maintaining the stringent quality standards required for orbital missions? A look inside this upgraded smart factory reveals how digital twins, AI-powered inspection, flexible production…
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Pentagon Awards $7.1M to Scale Satellite Cover Glass in Ohio
Is U.S. Satellite Solar Cell Glass a National Security Vulnerability? $7.1 million. That is what the Pentagon judged it worth to shore up domestic supply of one of the most overlooked consumables in spacecraft manufacturing: radiation-resistant cover glass for satellite solar arrays. The award, made July 17 under Title III of the Defense Production Act,…
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NASA SBA Partnership Targets Space Supply Chain Gaps
Does NASA’s New SBA Partnership Fix the Space Supply Chain? NASA and the U.S. Small Business Administration signed a memorandum of agreement last week that directs at least 60% of participating investment fund capital toward seven NASA-identified technology focus areas — a structural fix aimed squarely at a fragile supplier base that industry groups say…
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York Space Systems to Acquire Solar Cell Maker Solestial
York Space Systems has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Solestial as the company continues a broader strategy to strengthen control over key spacecraft technologies and supply chains. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition marks York’s third announced deal this year following its planned $355 million acquisition of satellite terminal manufacturer…
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China builds 1,000+ satellite annual capacity amid launch bottlenecks
How fast is China scaling satellite manufacturing capacity? China has built satellite manufacturing infrastructure capable of producing over 1,000 spacecraft annually, representing a 300% increase from 2023 levels, as state-owned enterprises and commercial players race to support ambitious satellite constellation deployments. However, this production surge has created a critical mismatch with launch capacity, as Chinese…