General news on the satellite and space industry from around the web
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…
The Galileo FOC (Full Operational Capability) satellites “Milena” (right) and “Doresa” (left). Photo: Arianespace **Update: On Saturday Aug. 23, 2014, Arianespace discovered that the satellites were injected into the wrong orbit. Further details will come soon.** [Via Satellite 08-22-2014] Following a one-day weather-induced delay, Arianespace has launched Galileo satellites 5 and 6 for the European…
Sea Launch’s Zenit 3SL. Photo: Sea Launch [Via Satellite 08-22-2014] Sea Launch is reducing its head count among staff at both its Nyon, Switzerland headquarters and at Energia Logistics’ Long Beach, Calif. site to compensate for the lack of launches this year. Sea Launch is also temporarily taking its Launch Commander and Odyssey vessels out…
Sentinel 2A. Photo: Airbus Defence and Space [Via Satellite 08-22-2014] Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the Sentinel 2A Earth Observation (EO) satellite to IABG, near Munich, Germany, for environmental testing. Engineers will evaluate the 1.2-ton spacecraft’s readiness for space prior to its launch in the first half of 2015. Sentinel 2A is one of…
Himawari 8. Photo: Mitsubishi Electric [Via Satellite 08-22-2014] Mitsubishi Electric has completed the manufacturing of Himawari 8, a geostationary weather satellite for the Japan Meteorological Agency. The satellite will soon be delivered to the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan where Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will conduct an October launch…
Vuelta a España. Photo: Vuelta [Via Satellite 08-22-2014] Hispasat is providing two mobile units equipped with satellite transmission systems to provide satellite communications for the 2014 Vuelta a España cycling race. Journalists and the host organization will have access to Hispasat services for broadband, video and voice, among other services. Hispasat is placing the first…
Arianespace on 21 August decided to postpone the launch of Soyuz flight VS09 carrying Europe’s fifth and sixth Galileo satellites. http://www.sat-nd.com/archive/?id=2014082100