Japan achieved a significant milestone in its space program with the successful launch of its new H3 flagship rocket on Saturday. This launch comes as a redemption after the setback of the rocket’s failed inaugural flight last year. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has seen a recent string of successes, including the “pinpoint” touchdown of its lunar lander, SLIM, making Japan the fifth country to land a spacecraft on the moon. Despite being a relatively minor player in terms of the number of launches, Japan aims to revitalize its space program, particularly as it collaborates with the United…
Author: Michael Hughes
Eutelsat has announced a strategic decision to delay the deployment of significantly upgraded OneWeb broadband satellites. Instead, the company will concentrate on enhancing continuity of service for customers with long-term contracts. This shift in approach, according to Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke, will reduce nearly one-third of the company’s previous $4 billion budget earmarked for a second-generation constellation. Speaking during an earnings call, Berneke emphasized that this strategy adjustment allows Eutelsat to remain eligible for potential public sector funding from initiatives like IRIS², Europe’s sovereign broadband project. This funding could support the development of new technologies to enhance the constellation.…
Lockheed Martin, traditionally renowned for its prowess in GPS and large geostationary (GEO) satellites, is now making waves in the small satellite market. The aerospace giant has quietly amassed a backlog of 100 small satellites ordered by the Department of Defense and intelligence clients. Johnathon Caldwell, head of Lockheed Martin’s military space business, highlighted this surprising development at a recent military conference in Aurora, Colorado. He emphasized that the company’s shift towards small satellites gained momentum through its pursuit of contracts from the Space Development Agency (SDA). The SDA is constructing a network of satellites in low Earth orbit…
MyRadar, a weather data company, has forged a launch agreement with Exolaunch, a German CubeSat deployment firm, to deploy weather satellites. These pathfinder satellites, named “HORIS-1” and “HORIS-2,” are set to launch as part of two upcoming SpaceX Transporter rideshare missions. Exolaunch has gained prominence in rideshare missions, particularly on SpaceX’s Transporter missions, deploying over 240 CubeSats with its “EXOpod” CubeSat deployer. Apart from the collaboration with MyRadar, Exolaunch recently inked a launch agreement with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, offering launch opportunities under the Access to Space for All initiative. MyRadar, along with parent company ACME…
The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, expressed Russia’s readiness to collaborate with the United States on the development of anti-satellite weapons, as reported by TASS on Friday. This statement comes amidst rising tensions following rumors regarding Russia’s purported new nuclear capabilities in space. In response to the U.S. warning about Moscow’s alleged advancements in space-based nuclear capabilities, the Kremlin dismissed the assertions as a “malicious fabrication” and a ploy by the White House to secure additional funding to counter Russia, as stated on Thursday. U.S. officials have informed Congress and European allies about intelligence related to potential Russian nuclear…
Chinese launch start-up Galactic Energy is preparing for the unveiling of its reusable rocket later this year, potentially marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind developed in China to reach orbit. However, it remains uncertain whether the rocket will be recovered during its inaugural flight. Named after the Greek goddess Athena, Pallas-1 is scheduled to launch from a spacecraft launch center on Hainan Island in November, as reported by local news site Hinews.cn. The 49-meter (160-foot) kerosene-liquid oxygen rocket is designed for reusability, with an anticipated lifespan of up to 50 launches. Galactic Energy’s CEO Liu Baiqi…
Viasat has successfully carried out the initial satellite broadband upgrade aboard a Military Sealift Command vessel, marking a significant milestone in its broader initiative. The project, encompassing a total of 105 vessels, is part of a contract valued at $578 million, initially secured by Inmarsat in 2022 prior to its acquisition by Viasat. The Military Sealift Command, responsible for facilitating ocean transportation for the Department of Defense, operates a fleet comprising approximately 125 civilian-crewed ships. These vessels play a pivotal role in replenishing Navy ships at sea, transporting military personnel and equipment, and strategically distributing cargo worldwide. Under…
Uruguay inked its commitment to the Artemis Accords on February 15, becoming the latest participant in the global endeavor for responsible space exploration. The ceremony, held at NASA Headquarters, saw Omar Paganini, Uruguay’s foreign minister, formally endorse the Accords, stating, “We are honored to have the opportunity to introduce space cooperation as a new chapter in the robust bilateral agenda between Uruguay and the U.S.” Officials from both the United States and Uruguay, including NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, were present to witness the historic event. Despite Uruguay’s nascent space program, plans were announced last year to establish a national…
India has announced plans for up to 30 launches over a 15-month period, signaling a significant push in both civil and commercial space endeavors. The planned launches comprise a diverse array of missions, including scientific, commercial, user-funded, and technology demonstration initiatives. Scheduled across the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023-24 and fiscal year 2024-25, these launches encompass seven test missions dedicated to India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and nine under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Additionally, New Space India Limited (NSIL) is orchestrating 14 launches dedicated to India’s burgeoning commercial space sector. These launches will involve four…
BAE Systems is on track to conclude its $5.5 billion acquisition of Ball Aerospace in the coming days after receiving regulatory approvals for the deal, the companies announced on Monday. Tom Arseneault, President and CEO of BAE Systems Inc., stated in an interview that all necessary approvals have been secured from regulators, with only standard closing procedures remaining to be completed. The Department of Justice, after issuing a second request for information in November, granted early termination of the second request, indicating no antitrust concerns following its examination of the portfolios of both companies. With a “standard…