News on key developments at SupremeSAT, and general news on the Space and Satellite industry from across the web
A Proton-M rocket. Photo: Khrunichev [Via Satellite 09-30-2014] After four months, the conclusions regarding Proton’s May 16 failure have been released, citing a “loss of structural integrity of a bolted interface” as the probable cause that led to a series of consequences that ultimately undid the rocket. The International Launch Services (ILS) Failure Review Oversight…
A Globalstar ground station. Photo: Globalstar [Via Satellite 09-30-2014] Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) provider Globalstar is seeking to build up its presence in Southern Africa by building a new gateway station in Gaborone, Botswana. Broadband Botswana Internet (BBi) has partnered on the new facility, which is already under construction and is expected to be complete…
A digital rendering of Hylas 2. Photo: Avanti [Via Satellite 09-30-2014] Northern Sky Research (NSR) has released its “Satellite Operator Financial Analysis (SOFA), 4th Edition,” report in which the research group finds an increased focus on operational efficiencies is driving both acquisitions and new High Throughput Satellite (HTS) payloads being launched. The report gives a…
ATK staff celebrate the 6,000 tank. Photo: ATK [Via Satellite 09-30-2014] Alliant Techsystems (ATK) has shipped its 6,000 titanium propellant tank from the company’s Commerce, Calif. facility this month. Last year, ATK’s Commerce site reached its 50th anniversary, remaining in operation for pressure vessel design and manufacturing projects since 1963. ATK has expanded the number…
An S & X Band, Coaxial Cavity Feed. Photo: Orbit Communications [Via Satellite 09-30-2014] Orbit Communications Systems has been awarded a $725,000 contract to upgrade a ground station in Alaska for a U.S.-based system integrator. To reduce downtime, the company is performing the upgrade with its Pedestal Interface Unit (PIU) to accelerate the shift from…
350 Wpk GaN Power Pallet, MAPG-002729-350L00. Photo: Macom [Via Satellite 09-30-2014] Macom has released a new set of surface mount S-Band Gallium Nitride (GaN) power products: the 30 Wpk and 85 Wpk hybrid GaN amplifiers and a 350 Wpk pallet option based on aluminum. The new products are specialized for applications in commercial air traffic control, weather…
SupremeSAT is mentioned in a piece considering India’s potential as a regional power in the Space Industry http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/boost-for-indias-credentials-as-launch-pad-for-neighbours/article6443038.ece
An airplane flying over Rome. Photo: Simone Ramella (Flickr) [Via Satellite 09-29-2014] Inmarsat sees an Air-to-Ground (ATG) network serving as the centerpiece for its In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) plans in high traffic areas. Speaking during Inmarsat’s Sept. 24 Investor Day, Leo Mondale, president of aviation at Inmarsat, said this realization was hard to embrace initially, but…
Com Dev HTS components. Photo: Com Dev [Via Satellite 09-29-2014] Com Dev International has received an Authorization to Proceed (ATP) contract worth more than $7.5 million from an undisclosed customer to manufacture components for a High Throughput Satellite (HTS). The company will provide multiplexer equipment, microwave components and waveguide and coaxial switches for the Ku-band…
Artist’s rendition of Firefly Alpha. Photo: Firefly Space Systems [Via Satellite 09-29-2014] Firefly Space Systems, a launch company dedicated to small satellites, is moving from Hawthorne, Calif. to Cedar Park, Texas following a commitment of $1.225 million from the City of Cedar Park Economic Development Corporation. The new office will be close to the company’s…