August 2014

Comtech EF Data’s Tempe Ariz. office. Photo: Comtech [Via Satellite 08-26-2014] Comtech Telecommunications Corporation has confirmed rumors that it is considering a possible merger or sale in order to increase shareholder value. The company reports that there is no definitive timetable for completing this evaluation, nor will it disclose any further information except if required…

Artist’s impression of UKube 1. Photo: ClydeSpace. [Via Satellite 08-26-2014] The United Kingdom Space Agency’s first CubeSat mission, UKube 1, is experiencing an anomaly with its primary communications link. The agency reports that while the satellite is healthy and its attitude has been stabilized, the anomaly is preventing normal operations for payload commissioning. Launched in…

Artist’s visualization of the TRMM satellite in space over a tropical cyclone. Photo: NASA [Via Satellite 08-26-2014] The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) a joint satellite program between NASA and JAXA, has nearly exhausted its fuel supply. Based on fuel tank pressure readings NASA estimates the satellite will deorbit in November 2016. The TRMM satellite…

Arianespace’s video of Soyuz launch VS09. Photo: Arianespace [Via Satellite 08-25-2014] The Aug. 22 Soyuz launch originally celebrated as the beginning of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) fast-paced deployment of the Galileo GPS network, is now the subject of investigation after officials discovered the two satellites did not reach their intended orbits. The first two…

RD-180 engines. Photo: ULA/NASA [Via Satellite 08-25-2014] The United States Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (AFSPC) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) on a new booster as well as a potential new launch system for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. Conclusions drawn from the RFI process may constitute sufficient market…

SpaceX Falcon 9R explosion. Photo: @EthansMommy17 (Twitter), used with permission. [Via Satellite 08-25-2014] On Aug. 22, SpaceX conducted a test of a reusable rocket in McGregor, Texas. The rocket, a three-engine version of the Falcon 9R, experienced an anomaly resulting in automatic termination by its flight termination system. SpaceX said in a statement that detecting…

Astrotech engineers assisting with the launch of the Kepler Telesoppe. Photo: Astrotech Space Operations [Via Satellite 08-25-2014] Lockheed Martin has finalized the purchase of Astrotech Corporation’s Space Operations business, first announced in May 2014. Now complete, Astrotech Space Operations is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, and will report to the company’s Space Systems…

Laredo Community College’s new satellite uplink system. Photo: Ka You Systems [Via Satellite 08-25-2014] Ka You Systems has installed a satellite uplink system for Laredo Community College (LCC), located in Southern Texas. The academic institution serves more than 12,000 students across two campuses, and can now transmit video, audio and data to global audiences. Ka…

Our Telekom Breeze Mobile Sites map. Photo: Our Telekom [Via Satellite 08-25-2014] O3b Networks has signed a multi-year agreement with Our Telekom, located in the Solomon Islands, for Internet backhaul services. O3b plans to begin initial service rollout in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, and gradually expand to the Outer Islands. More than…

DSSP propellant in production. Photo: DSSP Screen Capture [Via Satellite 08-22-2014] Digital Solid State Propellants (DSSP) is nearing the long awaited test of its Electrically controlled Solid Propellants (ESPs) — a new alternative to hydrazine and a potential competitor for electric propulsion. In January 2014 the company proved its thrusters, which are powered using a…