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USSF + USCG partner to strengthen their presence in the space domain

The United States Space Force Science, Technology, and Research Directorate and United States Coast Guard Research and Development Center solidified their commitment to collaborate and enhance space capabilities for the joint warfighter through a new memorandum of understanding.

This significant occasion marks the first time the two organizations have worked together and is the start of a partnership that is focused on coordination, sharing and exchange of information and identifying opportunities for applied research, and advanced technology development.

The missions of the Space Force and Coast Guard are intertwined and have many goals that could be achieved more effectively and yield greater impact with coordinated planning. This MoU will enable and improve the Space Force’s access to unique USCG Research and Development Center facilities, infrastructure, and personnel to support their mission to protect the space interests of the U.S. and its allies by optimizing the development and transition of future space capabilities to the joint force.

Due to the high dynamics of space and its rapidly evolving domain, the demand for space-based capabilities is significantly increasing and it is imperative for the U.S. national security community to maintain its technological edge and strong foothold in space.

USSF Dr. Joel Mozer, USSF science, technology, and research director, signed the MOU alongside Capt. Daniel Keane, USCG research and development commanding officer; and underscored the importance of the partnership.

Dr. Joel Mozer, United States Space Force Director of Science, Technology and Research, and U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Dan Keane, Coast Guard Research and Development Center commanding officer, sign a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance space-related capabilities for the joint warfighter. This MOU aims to develop a partnership that focuses on coordination, collaboration, and transparency to enhance capabilities and technologies, and to share best practices. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stuart Bright)

The Coast Guard has research activities adept at identifying, developing, and operating emerging technologies to benefit national space-related capabilities, including space missions and operations. Through this MOU the organizations aim to develop a partnership that focuses on collaboration and transparency to enhance capabilities and technologies, and to share best practices.

“The Coast Guard is more than 230 years old, and the Space Force just three,” Mozer said. “The nation’s newest service has a lot to learn from one of its oldest on how to provide national power and security in a burgeoning new domain full of new economic and geostrategic opportunity, but also representing unknown threats. The Coast Guard is a forward-leaning organization with an eye to the future. The Space Force wants to take advantage of their methods of strategic foresight and apply them to our own space problems, where technology developments overlap between the two services, we want to partner.”

“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with the Space Force in potential future research, as well as share researchers and best practices,” Keane said. “We quickly realized the value that this relationship presented for both agencies soon after the Space Force participated in a Coast Guard strategic study that examined the Coast Guard’s future role in space governance, use of spaced based technology and research areas.”

UPDATE: Rocket Lab’s 1st Launch from Wallops is a success as the Electron launch vehicle pushes three HawkEye 360 smallsats to orbit

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has successfully launched the company’s 33rd Electron rocket and first mission from Virginia after an earlier halt in the proceedings due to adverse weather conditions.

The “Virginia is for Launch Lovers” mission lifted off at 18:00 EST on January 24th from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) at Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.

The mission deployed three satellites to a 550 km orbit for HawkEye 360. Rocket Lab has now successfully deployed a total of 155 satellites to orbit from the Company’s three launch pads across the U.S. and New Zealand.

The successful launch from LC-2 marks the beginning of a new era of responsive launch capability for small satellites from U.S. soil. Built with support from Virginia Space, the Commonwealth of Virginia and NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 is designed to serve the responsive space needs of commercial, civil, defense, and national security customers, supporting up to 12 missions per year.

Combined with Rocket Lab’s private Launch Complex 1 site in New Zealand, the Company’s launch sites can support more than 130 launch opportunities every year, delivering flexibility and rapid launch capability for customers.

The launch of Electron from the NASA-controlled Wallops Flight Facility also marked the introduction of the agency’s autonomous flight termination capability, known as NAFTU (NASA Autonomous Flight Termination Unit). While Rocket Lab has successfully flown its own autonomous system on Electron missions since 2019, NASA developed NAFTU in conjunction with this launch to provide a common system for flight termination for a wide array of launch vehicles at any launch range. Autonomous flight termination capability now being in operation at Wallops can provide faster and cheaper access to space for small satellites by enabling wider launch windows, smaller launch safety corridors, and reduced reliance on ground-based systems.

The “Virginia is for Launch Lovers” mission was the first of three Electron launches for HawkEye 360 in a contract that will see Rocket Lab deliver 15 satellites to LEO in 2023 and 2024. These missions will grow HawkEye 360’s constellation of radio frequency monitoring satellites, enabling the company to better deliver precise geolocation of radio frequency emissions anywhere in the world. Supporting Rocket Lab’s vertical integration strategy, Rocket Lab will also supply HawkEye 360 with separation systems produced by Planetary Systems Corporation, a Maryland-based space hardware company acquired by Rocket Lab in December 2021.

Virginia is the first U.S. launch location of the Electron launch vehicle, but it will also be home to the Company’s new larger launch vehicle Neutron, which will be built, tested, launched, and landed within the Wallops Flight Facility in the future. Construction is underway of the Neutron Production Complex as development of the new rocket progresses, thanks to the continuous support from the Commonwealth and Virginia Space.

“Electron is already the leading small orbital rocket globally, and today’s perfect mission from a new pad is testament to our team’s unrelenting commitment to mission success,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. “After our busiest launch year yet in 2022 with nine successful missions, what better way to kick off the new year than by launching Virginia-built spacecraft from a Virginia launch site, enabled by our rapidly growing Virginia-based team. This mission has been a real team effort. Thanks to the consistent support of NASA, Virginia Space, the FAA, the Commonwealth and our mission partner HawkEye 360, Rocket Lab is proud to bring a reliable and responsive new launch capability to Virginia’s Eastern Shore.”

“We are grateful to share in the success of today’s launch. Our sixth trio of satellites and our first mid-latitude satellite cluster will broaden the scope of our geospatial insights for our partners around the world,” said HawkEye 360 CEO, John Serafini. “This also marks our first launch in our home state of Virginia, making today’s success even more meaningful. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with Rocket Lab and Virginia Space in the months and years ahead.”

“We are honored to support the launch of this historic mission,” said Ted Mercer, CEO and Executive Director of Virginia Space. “In addition to being Rocket Lab’s first and only U.S. launch location, we will also be building rockets and processing their payload right here in Accomack County – something that has never been done in Virginia. Our partnership with Rocket Lab is a unique opportunity for the Commonwealth of Virginia to create long-term economic development opportunities in the form of high-paying jobs, launch viewing tourism, and construction of new facilities on the Eastern Shore.”

Original Rocket Lab posting…

Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle at LC-2. Photo is courtesy of Brady Kenniston.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) January 24th launch attempt is now a ‘no-go,’ due to uncooperative weather conditions — upper level high winds. A new launch attempt will be conducted on January 25th.

Rocket Lab Electron being prepared for launch. Photo is courtesy of the company.

The ‘Virginia Is For Launch Lovers’ mission remains that was scheduled to launch on Tuesday, January 24th, from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 at Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility – a U.S. launch pad for Electron missions that serves government and commercial satellite customers — is scrubbed due to high winds.

The mission is Rocket Lab’s 33rd Electron launch and will eventually deploy three satellites for HawkEye 360, an RF geospatial analytics provider. This upcoming launch is the first of three missions for HawkEye 360 scheduled to be carried out by Rocket Lab in 2023 and 2024. The multi-launch contract to deliver 15 satellites to LEO will grow HawkEye 360’s constellation of radio frequency monitoring satellites to better provide geolocation of radio emissions anywhere in the world.

Electron has already delivered 152 satellites to space across 32 missions launched from the company’s private launch site, Launch Complex 1, in New Zealand. Previous Electron missions have deployed satellites for NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, DARPA, the U.S. Space Force and a range of commercial constellation operators.

A live webcast of the launch will stream at this direct link…

Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, the Photon satellite platform and the Company is developing the large Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 152 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia.

HawkEye 360 successfully launches the Cluster 6 satellites

HawkEye 360 Inc. has successfully deployed to orbit the company’s Cluster 6, next-generation satellites aboard the inaugural Rocket Lab Electron flight from Launch Complex 2 at Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.

Communication with the satellites has been established by the company’s operations team. This is the first of three dedicated Rocket Lab USA Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) flights contracted by HawkEye 360.

The Cluster 6 trio of satellites will be the first in the HawkEye constellation to enter an inclined orbit, boosting revisit rates over the mid-latitude regions of the globe. Once Cluster 6 achieves initial operating capability, HawkEye 360 will be able to collect RF data as frequently as once per hour from anywhere on Earth, enabling the company to offer the most timely and actionable RF data and data analytics available on the market.

This successful launch expands HawkEye 360’s constellation to 18 satellites with expanded and improved data collection in the 15 -18 GHz range, exposing new and meaningful insights for customers. These second-generation Cluster 6 satellites hold two payloads for system redundancy and are each equipped to collect VHF, UHF, X-, L-, S-, X-Band, and GPS Interference signals.

“We are happy to report that our Cluster 6 next-generation satellites have reached orbit and we look forward to ramping up operations in the weeks ahead and fully integrating them into our constellation,” said HawkEye 360 CEO, John Serafini. “We are grateful for our valued mission partners, Rocket Lab and the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority, who worked alongside our fantastic HawkEye 360 team to make this inaugural Virginia launch a success.”

“We’re immensely proud to have delivered mission success for HawkEye 360,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. “With Launch Complex 2, we set out to create a new path to orbit from U.S. soil after more than 30 Electron launches from New Zealand, and what could be more fitting for the first Virginia mission than launching a Virginia-built satellite? We couldn’t ask for better mission partners in HawkEye 360 and Virginia Space, and we look forward to many more missions together.”

Thales Alenia Space + partners receive an ESA contract for TeQuantS quantum satellite project

Artistic rendition of TeQuantS satellites on-orbit

Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead the TeQuantS (Technological development for space-based Quantum reSource distribution) project aimed at developing quantum, space-to-Earth, communications technologies.

This contract, part of ESA’s ARTES 4.0 Core Competitiveness program element*, is supported by French space agency CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales) and Austrian space agency ALR.

The TeQuantS project intends to develop quantum technologies for cybersecurity applications and future quantum information networks. These technologies will enable Thales Alenia Space and its partners to build satellites and optical ground stations by the end of 2026. TeQuantS will help to demonstrate the performance of long-distance quantum satellite links.

Satellites are viewed today as the best bet for long-distance quantum communications, as ground-based fiber-optic links directly transmitting quantum information are limited to a range of about 150 kilometers.

The main cybersecurity challenge is to generate secure cryptographic keys using the quantum properties of light and distribute them to users anywhere in the world. This capability is a response to the threat of quantum computers potentially able to crack cryptographic keys now in daily use.

The key challenge for quantum information networks is to enable future quantum computers and sensors to talk to each other and fulfill their promised exponential gains in performance.

Quantum communications are currently the focus of major research and development programs, notably the EuroQCI project in Europe.

The TeQuantS project led by Thales Alenia Space will draw on the expertise of a consortium composed of fellow prime Airbus Defence and Space, seven smaller firms and startups (ALPAO, AUREA Technology, BERTIN Technologies, MIRATLAS, OGS Technologies, QTlabs and SIGMAWORKS), and two research laboratories (LIP6 – Sorbonne University and INPHYNI – Côte d’Azur University/CNRS). The project partners will be innovating together to advance quantum communications in pursuit of Europe’s objectives.

Since 2018, Thales Alenia Space has been rolling out its roadmap to develop mature end-to-end quantum communications, notably through projects initiated by the European Commission (OPENQKD, QSAFE) and ESA (SAGA). With this roadmap, fully aligned with that of the TeQuantS project, Thales Alenia Space is focusing not only on satellites but also on ground stations and complete mission segments, leveraging its longstanding expertise as a telecommunications systems integrator and developer of optical terminals, and drawing on Thales’s two decades of experience in quantum communications.

Javier Benedicto, Acting Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications at ESA, said, “Supporting European autonomy, leadership and responsibility in today’s digital world is becoming increasingly important. We are proud to be working with the consortium led by Thales Alenia Space to ensure that European citizens will continue to benefit from space-based secure connectivity in everyday life on Earth.”

“We’re delighted to be working with our partners to develop quantum technologies that will demonstrate the ability to establish operational long-distance satellite quantum communications links and support Europe’s sovereignty in this area,” said Marc-Henri Serre, Thales Alenia Space Executive Vice President, Telecommunications. “We thank ESA, CNES and the Austrian Space Agency for their vital support on this project, which is addressing future cybersecurity and quantum information network challenges.”

* ESA’s ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) Core Competitiveness programme element is dedicated to the development, verification and demonstration of technologies and products for the satellite telecommunications market: https://artes.esa.int/core-competitiveness

Space Systems Command sets new launch record for the U.S. Space Force

Space Systems Command accomplished delivery of USSF-67 and GPS III SV06 for the U.S. Space Force in just 61 hours, breaking a long-standing record in Assured Access to Space history. USSF-67 launched at 5:56 p.m. ET Jan. 15, 2023 from the historic Launch Complex-39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, while GPS III SV06 lifted off at 7:24 a.m. ET Jan. 18, 2023 from SLC-40, at neighboring Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Launch photos are courtesy of SpaceX.

Space Systems Command (SSC) marked a key milestone for the U.S. Space Force (USSF) last week, setting a new record with two notable launch accomplishments — placing USSF-67 and GPS III SV06 to orbit in only 61 hours.

USSF-67 launched January 15th at 5:56 p.m. ET from Launch Complex-39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, and GPS III SV06 lifted off January 18th at 7:24 a.m. ET from SLC-40, at neighboring Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

In addition to setting a new record, the two launches shared other achievements as well. Both USSF-67 and GPS III SV06 used previously-flown boosters; USSF-67 was the first NSSL Falcon Heavy to use two refurbished side boosters, which had flown on the USSF-44 mission on November 1, 2022.

The GPS III SV06 mission used a booster recovered and prepped from the Crew-5 Dragon Endurance mission to the International Space Station in October of 2022 for NASA, not a prior NSSL flight. For the program, that was another first as the Space Force continues to evolve its mission assurance processes while still satisfying flight worthiness, commensurate with national security standards.

“With the successful delivery of GPS III SV06, I am pleased to report we set a new launch record in our space history,” said Col. Erin Gulden, senior materiel leader, SSC Assured Access to Space Launch Execution Delta. “The closest spacing between two National Security Space Launches (NSSL) of a given vehicle family was previously seven days; a record set in 2014 with United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V 541 lifting the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)-19 from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-3 East at Vandenberg, and the National Reconnaissance Office Launch (NROL)-67 on a ULA Atlas V 401 from SLC-41 at Cape Canaveral. The integrated launch teams just delivered both USSF-67 and GPS III SV06 for the Space Force in just 61 hours! The teamwork and collaboration between the Launch Execution Acquisition Delta, Space Launch Delta 45, SpaceX and our NASA partners were vital to these accomplishments. We challenged and critically evaluated processes and procedures, minimized duplicity and improved synergies across the Falcon program product line.”

The Colonel then added, “The program management team, the 2nd Space Launch Squadron and 5th SLS, Air Force/Space Force launch support services (including Range, Safety, and Weather), our technical mission assurance partners from the Aerospace Corporation, our Systems Engineering & Integration team, NASA and SpaceX — all operated incredibly well together and seamlessly. Everything came together masterfully, ensuring we continue to deliver 100 percent NSSL mission success to our satellite customers.”

Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient war fighting capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in and from space. SSC manages an $11 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to accelerate innovation and outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.

Airbus finalizes JUICE — French Guiana the next stop for an Ariane 5 launch

ESA’s mission will study Jupiter’s three largest icy moons and the Jovian system’s magnetic fields

Artistic rendition of the JUICE spacecraft, courtesy of Airbus.

The Airbus-built JUICE (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer mission) spacecraft will shortly leave Toulouse, France, for Kourou, French Guiana, for lift-off on an Ariane 5 in April of 2023 — shipment is expected in early February.

Photo of an Ariane 5 launch, courtesy of Arianespace.

The spacecraft has been at Airbus in Toulouse since August of 2021 for final assembly and test. This included integration of the final instrument units and the largest solar arrays ever to fly on a planetary exploration mission, needed to power the mission at 740 million kilometers from the Sun.

JUICE’s RIME Antenna integration, photo is courtesy of Airbus.

A commemorative plaque was unveiled as a tribute to Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei. The plaque has been mounted on the spacecraft to honor Galileo, who was the first to view Jupiter and that planet’s largest moons through a telescope in 1610.

On its more than 2 billion-kilometer long journey, the 6.2 ton JUICE spacecraft will collect data on the icy moons to try to understand whether there is any possibility that these moons could host microbial life. Carrying 10 state-of-the-art scientific instruments, including cameras, spectrometers, an ice-penetrating radar, an altimeter, a radio-science experiment, and sensors, the JUICE spacecraft will complete a unique tour of the Jupiter system that will include in-depth studies of three potentially ocean-bearing moons: Ganymede, Europa and Callisto.

During its four year-long mission, JUICE will spend nine months orbiting the icy moon Ganymede analyzing its nature and evolution, characterizing its subsurface ocean and investigating its potential habitability.

After being selected by ESA as prime contractor in 2015, Airbus has led a pan European industrial consortium to design and build this unique spacecraft.

“With JUICE’s departure for the launch site fast approaching, we look back at its long Earthly journey through various Airbus sites in Europe towards final integration and involving close to 500 Airbus employees who prepared the spacecraft for its eight-year cruise,” said Cyril Cavel, JUICE Project Manager at Airbus Defence and Space. “It has been an incredible adventure, along with more than 80 companies across Europe, to bring ESA’s vision to life and ultimately study Jupiter and its icy moons in fine detail.”

UPDATE 2: The USSF’s GPS III SV06 makes its way to orbit courtesy of a SpaceX Falcon 9

SpaceX promptly uplifted the USSF, Lockheed Martin-built, GPS III Space Vehicle 06 (GPS II SV-06) to orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Wednesday, January 18th.

The first stage booster supporting this mission had previously launched Crew-5 and, as part of this mission, successfully re-landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

The U.S. Space Force’s newest Global Positioning System (GPS) III Space Vehicle 06 (SV06) satellite has been rolled out to Space Launch Complex-40 for an early Wednesday morning, January 18th., launch.

The 15-minute launch window opens at 7:09 a.m., Eastern Time, (4:09 a.m. Pacific), with a live feed starting approximately 15 minutes before launch and conclude approximately 30 minutes afterwards. A livestream of the mission can be viewed at www.spacex.com.

GPS III SV06 will augment the current GPS constellation that is comprised of 31 operational spacecraft operating in MEO at an altitude of approximately 20,200 km (12,550 miles) in six orbital planes. Each satellite circles the Earth twice per day. GPS is the premier space-based provider of positioning, navigation, and timing services for more than four billion users worldwide.

SpaceX will recover the booster for reuse on a future launch. The use of previously flown boosters has resulted in substantial savings to the taxpayer and adds flexibility in managing assets.

This latest generation of GPS satellite boasts a 15-year design life — 25 percent longer than the previous generation of GPS satellites on orbit and brings new capabilities to users such as the new L1C civilian signal, which opens the window for future interoperability with international satellite navigation systems.

“SV06 is a key contribution to Space Systems Command’s ongoing GPS modernization effort, bringing about new capabilities to both civilian and military users around the globe. Our progress is only possible due to the close collaboration between our GPS III program office and contractor teammates,” said Cordell DeLaPena Jr., program executive officer, Military Communications & Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Directorate. “GPS III satellites increase our ability to provide military and civilian users with more robust and accurate signals that enable everyday operations such as navigation and search and rescue operations. This will be the fifth launch of a GPS III satellite using a SpaceX Falcon 9 since December 2018 and the last GPS mission procured under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 1A contract, awarded in 2018.”

“We’re thrilled to have our team assembled here on the Space Coast, ready to launch another GPS III satellite,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy Jr., program executive officer for SSC Assured Access to Space (AATS), headquartered at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida. “With each national security launch, we continue to strengthen America’s capabilities and its deterrence in the face of growing threats while adding stability to a very dynamic world. It’s what we do in the Space Force, and we take that charge seriously.”

SSC delivers the first hosted payload to Japan in historic USSF partnership

Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power’s (SDACP) Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload (QZSS-HP) is prepared for delivery to Japan. (Photo
credit MIT/LL)

Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Space Domain Awareness & Combat Power (SDACP) Directorate has delivered the first of two payloads to Japan, placing the United States and Japan one step closer to the launch of two, U.S.-hosted payloads on Japan’s GEO-based Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS).

Artistic rendition of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System

The payload deliveries follow the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed two years ago between Japan’s National Space Policy Secretariat (NSPS) and the U.S. Space Force.

The QZSS-HP program demonstrates a shared commitment to increase space partnerships in alignment with both allies’ national space policies, central to the U.S. Space Force’s priority of expanding cooperation to contribute to integrated deterrence and international security. The QZSS-HP mission has been supported by SSC since its inception in 2018 as a rapid acquisition and pacesetting partnership effort with Japan.

As the payloads arrive in Japan, the program will then begin the next stage of integration to the two QZSS host satellites and to prepare for launch. The two launches will expand the QZSS constellation to a total of seven.

Artistic rendition of the QZSS constellation, courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric.

On the U.S. side, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratories (MIT/LL) is the prime payload developer for QZSS-HP. MIT/LL and SSC have led the development from a concept in 2018 to ready to deliver hardware in 2023. In the next phase, MIT/LL and USSF personnel will mobilize to Japan to support the integration and test efforts with their Japanese partners until completion of the launch of both QZSS host satellites.

QZSS-HP’s mission as a pacesetting partnership with Japan is not complete, but the development, test, and delivery of the first hosted payload demonstrates exactly the kind of partnership spirit needed for the Space Force to set the stage for future success.

Quasi-Zenith Satellite System components are securely loaded on a transport vehicle inside the 66th
Logistics Readiness Squadron facility at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Jan. 5, 2023. (U.S. Air Force
photo by Todd Maki)

“This delivery of the first spaceflight-ready payload represents an important milestone for QZSS-HP. While a lot of work remains, I’m happy to report that we’re on track to meet our commitments,” said Lt. Col. Brian Fredrickson, program manager and representative of SDACP’s Space Domain Awareness Delta. “QZSS-HP has benefited tremendously from being categorized as a prototype, as it has enabled the program to be responsive and move with speed.”

“We’ve worked hard to move from concept and requirements development through the design phase, and into assembly, integration, and test of the two hosted payloads very quickly. We’re excited for our next steps and to work with our Japanese partners,” said Capt. Alex Woodard, deputy program manager.

“This is an exciting and important mission,” said 1st Lt. Joe Santiago, QZSS-HP’s logistics & security lead, adding that the delivery would not be possible without Space Force’s partnership with Air Mobility Command to secure safe transit from Hanscom Air Force Base’s 66th Air Base Wing in Massachusetts to Yokota Air Base’s 374th Airlift Wing in Japan. “QZSS-HP’s success depends on the contributions of a number of mission partners on the US side, including our partners at Yokota and Hanscom.”

2nd Lt. Danielle Katz, the program’s ground lead, added, “QZSS-HP is also making great strides in proving out the end-to-end connectivity with Japan to support on-orbit testing and operations.”

Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient war fighting capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in and from space. SSC manages an $11 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to accelerate innovation and outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.

UPDATE 1: SpaceX sends Northrop Grumman’s USSF-67 two satellite mission to orbit via a Falcon Heavy — Northrop Grumman comments

SpaceX has successfully launched the U.S. Space Force‘s USSF-67 mission from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A on January 15, 2023, with the liftoff of this National Security Space Launch (NSSL) payload aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket. Both of the rocket’s side boosters successfully returned to Landing Zone 1 and Landing Zone 2 safely.

This mission is the fifth SpaceX Falcon Heavy to date and the heavy-lift vehicle’s second NSSL mission and is comprised of two, co-manifested satellites that will be used to transmit military communications data as well as transport payloads to space.

The forward spacecraft, SSC’s Continuous Broadcast Augmenting SATCOM (CBAS)-2, is a satellite destined for GEO to provide communications relay capabilities in support of senior leaders and combatant commanders. The mission of CBAS-2 is to augment existing military satellite communication (MILSATCOM) capabilities and continuously broadcast military data through space-based satellite relay links.

The second spacecraft, the Long Duration Propulsive ESPA (LDPE)-3A, is used to rapidly place multiple, diverse payloads into orbit and provide critical data to inform and influence future U.S. Space Force programs. This LDPE-3A mission includes two SSC payloads: catcher and WASSAT, and three payloads developed by the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SRCO).

The SRCO payloads include two operational prototypes for enhanced situational awareness, and an operational prototype crypto/interface encryption payload providing secure space-to-ground communications capability. The LDPE spacecraft will continue to provide access to space for multiple DoD space Science & Technology (S&T) demonstration experiments.

Northrop Grumman Corporation‘s (NYSE: NOC) Long Duration Propulsive ESPA (LDPE)-3A spacecraft was successfully in support of the USSF-67 mission — this spacecraft helps advance rapid access to space for the U.S. Space Force and marks the third successful launch in the LDPE program.

The ESPAStar platform (as pictured) can accommodate as many as six payloads with independent mission objectives.
Image credit: Northrop Grumman

The LDPE-3A was built using Northrop Grumman’s ESPAStar, providing rapid access to space by maximizing the available volume inside a launch vehicle. This bus carries hardware for five independent missions, eliminating the need for each mission to wait for a future launch opportunity.

Northrop Grumman also designed, developed and implemented the command and control, and mission execution software system for the LDPE program. The software system uses a common baseline across multiple programs, putting more capability in the hands of customer operators at a lower cost. The ESPAStar product employs a customized version of a standard ESPA ring, providing added propulsion, power and avionic subsystems.

USSF-67 is the third mission for the LDPE program. The Northrop Grumman-built LDPE-1 launched aboard the STP-3 mission in December 2021 and LDPE-2 aboard the USSF-44 mission in November 2022. Northrop Grumman will continue to deliver future ESPAStar spacecrafts, mission systems engineering, ground software systems and hardware platforms for critical USSF missions.

“From conception and development of next-generation space technology, like ESPAStar, to on-orbit command and control, we are prepared to support the full lifecycle of our customer’s missions throughout the ever-evolving threat environment,” said Troy Brashear, vice president, national security systems, Northrop Grumman.

This Falcon Heavy launch is the first for the NSSL program this year and the first SpaceX launch from the NSSL Phase 2 contract. NSSL Phase 2 contracts use commercial-like contracts and pricing, saving significant taxpayer dollars while providing stability to the industry base, contributing to more efficient buying practices as well as manifest flexibility that benefits government and commercial customers alike.

A prominent innovation developed by SpaceX and adopted by the U.S. Space Force is booster reusability. The side boosters for USSF-67 were the same ones used for USSF-44, which launched from the Eastern Range on November 1, 2022. The efficiencies garnered from reusability benefit all customers, adding flexibility to a dynamic launch queue and cost savings.

The USSF-67 mission’s two side boosters successfully re-entering and landing at landing at Landing Zone 1 & 2.

“This is a complex mission and truly represents what Assured Access to Space is about and is why we’re so enthusiastic about this upcoming launch…our second Falcon Heavy in just months,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, program executive officer for Assured Access to Space. “The teamwork I’ve seen preparing for this launch has just been exceptional. We’ve worked side-by-side with SpaceX to ensure all boxes are checked…that all systems are GO. And our processes for getting to that ‘go’ decision at LRR are thorough and constantly evolve, so they’re also more efficient than ever.”

Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient war fighting capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in and from space. SSC manages an $11 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to accelerate innovation and outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.

The United States + Japan sign a space collaboration agreement

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, front left, and Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hayashi Yoshimasa, front right, shake hands after signing an agreement Friday, January 13, 2023.

During an event hosted by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy at the agency’s Headquarters in Washington on Friday, January 13th, representatives from the United States and Japan gathered to sign an agreement that builds on a long history of collaboration in space exploration between the two nations.

Known as the “Framework Agreement Between the Government of Japan and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation in Space Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, For Peaceful Purposes,” this pact recognizes a mutual interest in peaceful exploration.

The signing is a highlight of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s visit to Washington, his first since his taking office in 2021.

Among the other witnesses in attendance were the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, the Japanese Ambassador to the U.S., Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency President (JAXA) Yamakawa Hiroshi, and the Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council. NASA astronaut Anne McClain and JAXA astronaut Hoshide Akihiko also participated in the event.

NASA and the Government of Japan finalized a previous agreement in November of 2022, confirming Japan’s contributions to Gateway as part of a commitment to long-term lunar exploration cooperation with NASA under the Artemis program. Japan also was one of the original signatories of the Artemis Accords.

The framework covers a broad swath of joint activities between the countries, including space science, Earth science, space operations and exploration, aeronautical science and technology, space technology, space transportation, safety and mission assurance, and much more.

“The future of space is collaborative,” said Anthony Blinken. “Through this agreement, our nations have strengthened our partnership in space and here on Earth. We will go farther and learn even more together.”

“I expect this agreement to vigorously promote Japan-U.S. space cooperation and expand areas of cooperation for the Japan-U.S. alliance, which is stronger than ever before,” said Kishida.

“From Low Earth Orbit to the Moon and beyond, Japan is one of NASA’s most significant international partners, and this latest framework agreement will allow us to further collaborate across our agencies’ broad portfolios in exploration, science, and research,” said Nelson.