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satellite

Second SpaceDataHighway satellite to launch in July

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The EDRS-C satellite, the second node of the SpaceDataHighway network (also known as EDRS), will be launched into geostationary orbit at 31° East on 24 July 2019 by an Ariane 5 launcher.

Once positioned above Europe, it will provide redundant back-up for the SpaceDataHighway system, double transmission capacity and be able to relay the data from two observation satellites simultaneously.

This second satellite will be joining EDRS-A which transmits the images of Earth acquired by the Copernicus programme’s four Sentinel observation satellites on a daily basis.

[Read more…] about Second SpaceDataHighway satellite to launch in July

Oceaneering selected to ‘digitally’ transform Pacific Drilling’s global fleet

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Oceaneering International, Inc., and Pacific Drilling have entered into a five-year Digital Services Package agreement to provide Pacific’s customers with better reliability and improved throughput enabling streaming video and real-time data.

This will allow the provision of emerging services such as remote ROV piloting, surveying, and automation aboard Pacific Drilling’s high-specification drillship fleet.

As a result of these efforts, Pacific Drilling’s customers can benefit from higher security, increased access and management of third parties as well as new and expanded digital services.

[Read more…] about Oceaneering selected to ‘digitally’ transform Pacific Drilling’s global fleet

Astranis Space Technologies selects Wind River real-time operating system for new satellite

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Wind River, a provider of software for critical infrastructure, says satellite startup Astranis Space Technologies is using VxWorks real-time operating system for its next-generation satellite that will deliver cost-effective high-speed internet to underserved markets.

Over half of the world doesn’t have access to the internet – and satellites are expected to play a major role in solving that problem.

Astranis is building satellites that are capable of delivering broadband internet services to individuals around the globe.  [Read more…] about Astranis Space Technologies selects Wind River real-time operating system for new satellite

Taiwan launches its first satellite into space

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Taiwan has launched its first domestically designed satellite into space. The satellite will be used for Earth observation. 

The Danish National Space Institute supplied equipment for the satellite and DTU Space representative Professor John Leif Jørgensen says this enables it to have “a very high degree of precision and flexibility for satellite navigation”.

The satellite itself is named FormoSat-5 and is approximately 500 kg in weight.  [Read more…] about Taiwan launches its first satellite into space

MDA recognized by Nasa for robotic servicing of International Space Station

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nasa ssl robotic spacecraft to fix satellites
Artist’s illustration of the robotic spacecraft which will float around in space, fixing satellites. Picture courtesy of SSL

MDA US Systems, a division of MDA managed by SSL, has been recognized by Nasa’s Johnson Space Center for its “outstanding support” of a robotic upgrade to the International Space Station’s power system which took place in January.

The MDA team based in Houston played a critical role in planning and validating the robotic maneuvering both before and during the mission.

Nasa JSC ground controllers used the 15-degrees-of-freedom Special Purpose Dextrous Manipulator (Dextre) arm to install six new 430-pound lithium-ion batteries in two power channel integrated electronics assembly pallets.

Dextre first removed 12 older and depleted 740-pound nickel-hydrogen batteries from the pallets, nine of which were put on the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle’s external pallet to burn up on re-entry with it.  [Read more…] about MDA recognized by Nasa for robotic servicing of International Space Station

Nasa places order with SSL for robotic spacecraft which will fix satellites in orbit

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New craft will be used to service satellites out in space 

Nasa has placed an order with Space Systems Loral for a robotic spacecraft which will go and fix satellites while in orbit. 

Nasa calls it the Restore-L servicing mission, and it is designed to demonstrate the ability to extend the life of a satellite in Low Earth Orbit. Scheduled launch is in 2020.

The Restore-L spacecraft will use robotics to grasp, refuel and relocate an existing US government satellite already in LEO orbit with the goal of demonstrating tools, technologies and techniques that can be implemented on future government and commercial missions.  [Read more…] about Nasa places order with SSL for robotic spacecraft which will fix satellites in orbit

Telesat awards SSL contract to build Ka-band satellite for global LEO constellation

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Space Systems Loral has been awarded a contract from Telesat, one of the world’s top satellite operators, for a prototype Ka-band satellite that Telesat expects to launch into Low Earth Orbit next year as part of the test and demonstration phase for a global constellation that Telesat is now designing. 

“The prototype spacecraft we are providing to Telesat demonstrates the versatility of our LEO capability,” says John Celli, president of SSL.

“Our focus on low cost production has enabled SSL to win a growing range of satellite contracts. Telesat is a long term SSL customer and we look forward to supporting them in their test and demonstration phase.”  [Read more…] about Telesat awards SSL contract to build Ka-band satellite for global LEO constellation

SSL to build low earth orbit satellite for new customer

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ssl picture

Space Systems Loral, a provider of commercial satellites, has been awarded a contract to provide a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite to an undisclosed customer.

In addition to building the satellite, SSL will also provide the launch and will operate the satellite on orbit.

“Our production of innovative small satellites is growing in both size and diversity,” said John Celli, president of SSL.

SSL’s manufacturing facility for small satellite production provides lower cost and faster production time than has been typical for satellite manufacturing in the past. With this contract award SSL now has 21 LEO satellites under construction.