News & Events

A NASA digital rendering of satellite optical communications. Photo: NASA [Via Satellite 10-02-2015] BridgeSat, a startup satellite operator focusing on optical connectivity, is planning a network of SmallSats and ground stations designed to aid other small satellites in beaming data down from Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The company is part of the portfolio of Allied…

Russia’s Proton rocket readied for the launch of RSCC’s Express AM8 satellite on Sept. 8. Photo: Roscosmos [Via Satellite 10-02-2015] In order to restore faith in Proton, International Launch Services (ILS) has implemented an organizational realignment to expand the role of engineering and mission assurance. The company has appointed Jim Kramer, formerly VP of sales,…

Thales Alenia Space’s new optical integration center. Photo: Thales Alenia Space [Via Satellite 10-02-2015] Thales Alenia Space has opened its new Selene building in Cannes, which has a footprint of 1,500 square meters, including four separate integration zones for handling four satellites at the same time. The building, for which construction began in October 2014,…

The Atlas 5 launch of Mexico’s Morelos 3 satellite. Photo: ULA [Via Satellite 10-02-2015] United Launch Alliance (ULA) reached a launch milestone Oct. 2, completing its 100 successful launch since forming in 2006. The Boeing–Lockheed Martin joint venture orbited the Morelos 3 satellite using an Atlas 5 rocket for Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transportation…

Thuraya products on the Expansys website. Photo: Thuraya. [Via Satellite 10-02-2015] Thuraya Telecommunications has reached an agreement with leading online retailer Expansys to offer SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot products in 28 countries across Europe. The full scope of the Expansys distribution agreement also means that Thuraya SatSleeve models will be available in high profile third…

Arianespace’s VA226 mission for ARSAT and NBN Co. Photo: Via Satellite screen capture. [Via Satellite 10-01-2015] European launch provider Arianespace has orbited two telecommunications satellites for customers in Latin America and Australia. The Flight VA226 Ariane 5 mission carried NBN Co’s first satellite, Sky Muster, and Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales Sociedad Anonima’s (ARSAT) second…

S3′s SOAR space shuttle. Photo: S3 [Via Satellite 10-01-2015] Swiss Space Systems has teamed up with D&B Group to open a subsidiary named S3 Middle East, laying the framework for small satellite launch activity in the Arab World. Together, the companies will seek through the subsidiary to develop, manufacture, certify and operate unmanned suborbital shuttles…

Acta Marine’s Coastal Chariot. Photo: Alphatron Marine [Via Satellite 10-01-2015] Alphatron Marine will integrate a VSAT system with wireless access into Acta Marine’s IT infrastructure for its fleet of multicats, tugs and shoalbusters, the company announced Sept. 29. The 13 vessels will have unlimited dataflow for both operations and crew welfare. Acta Marine’s vessels will…

Space Fence will use S-band ground-based radars to provide the Air Force with detection, tracking and accurate measurement of space objects, primarily in low-earth orbit. Photo: Lockheed Martin [Via Satellite 10-01-2015] Lockheed Martin has approval to start building the U.S. Air Force’s Space Fence, having successfully completed a three-day Critical Design Review (CDR). Government officials…

[Via Satellite 10-01-2015] Inmarsat is planning to shift voice and broadband data services for the Europe, Mid-East and Africa region from the Inmarsat-4 F2 (I-4 F2) satellite to Alphasat, and then move I-4 F2 to a new position in order to create a fourth L-band region. To do so, the company has selected SpectralNet from…