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Planet Labs launches 36 SuperDove smallsats with SpaceX

January 3, 2023

Planet Labs PBC launched 36 of their SuperDove satellites, Flock 4y, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 3, 2023, at 9:56 a.m., ET (14:56 UTC), on SpaceX’s Transporter-6 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (SFS), Florida.

These 36 SuperDoves will replenish Planet’s current fleet of approximately 200 satellites on-orbit, working to provide a continuous, and complete view of the world from above every day. Each Planet SuperDove is equipped with eight spectral-bands and improved on-orbit capacity that helps to quickly deliver sharp, analysis-ready data to Planet’s customers. The data collected by Planet’s SuperDoves allows organizations in agriculture, government — both intelligence and civilian agencies — forestry, sustainability, and other industries to make informed, timely decisions.

Further, a select number of these Planet SuperDoves are adorned with artwork and quotes that celebrate the legacy of Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry, as a part of Planet’s collaboration with The Roddenberry Foundation’s Boldly Go Campaign. The Roddenberry Foundation launched this campaign in 2021 to celebrate Gene’s hopeful vision of humanity’s future — one of inclusion, scientific progress, and cooperation. Five of the Planet SuperDoves on this mission will have artwork laser-etched onto their side panels that is inspired by the more than 1,500 submissions to the Boldly Go campaign, which asked the world to share what gives them hope for humanity’s future.

This was Planet’s eighth overall launch with SpaceX. Since its founding, Planet has launched more than 500 imaging satellites, more than any commercial company in history. Follow along at Planet’s Twitter account as the company gears up for the launch of its 36 SuperDoves.

“We’re excited to again work with SpaceX to bring 36 SuperDoves to orbit, our eighth overall launch with the launch provider,” said Planet’s Vice President of Launch, Mike Safyan. “Once in orbit, these satellites will join our current fleet and work to deliver cutting-edge geospatial solutions to our global customer base.”

Filed Under: Constellation, Earth Observation (EO), Falcon 9, Launch, Launch Contract, Launch Management, Launch Systems, Launch Vehicle, News, SmallSat, SpaceX, SuperDoves Tagged With: Featured

Launched: SpaceX’s 2Gen Starlink satellites + ImageSat International’s EROS C-3 satellite

January 1, 2023

SpaceX Starlink satellites en route to their orbits aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle.

On Wednesday, December 28th at 4:34 a.m., ET, SpaceX launched 54 Starlink satellites to LEO from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

This was the 11th launch and landing for this Falcon 9 first stage booster, which previously launched GPS III Space Vehicle 04, GPS III Space Vehicle 05, Inspiration4, Ax-1, Nilesat 301, and now six Starlink missions.

This launch marked the first of Starlink’s upgraded network. Under the company’s new license, SpaceX is now able to deploy satellites to new orbits that will add even more capacity to the network. Ultimately, this enables SpaceX to add more customers and provide faster service — particularly in areas that are currently over-subscribed.

Then, on Thursday, December 29th at 11:38 p.m. PT, a Falcon 9 launched the ImageSat International (ISI) EROS C-3 (Earth Resources Observation Systems C) mission to a LEO from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

This was the 11th launch of this booster, which previously supported the launch of Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, and two Starlink missions.

According to the company, Starlink now has more than 1,000,000 active subscribers across the globe.

Filed Under: Falcon 9, ImageSat International, Launch, Launch Facilities, Launch Management, Launch Support, Launch Systems, Launch Vehicle, SmallSat, SpaceX, Starlink, Vandenberg SFB Tagged With: Featured

Terran Orbital delivers 10 satellite buses to prime Lockheed Martin for SDA Tranche 0 integration

December 22, 2022

Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) has delivered the final ten satellite buses to prime contractor Lockheed Martin in support of the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 0 Transport Layer.

The delivery of the ten Tranche 0 buses demonstrates Terran Orbital’s ability to build modules and deliver vehicles at scale — marking the company’s shift from lower quantity, mission-unique satellites to robust production. Terran Orbital delivered the satellite buses at a rate greater than one per week over an approximately six-week period.

The Tranche 0 constellation, operating in LEO, will provide secure high-bandwidth, low-latency data links to enable the initial warfighting capability of the SDA’s National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA). This beyond-line-of-sight tracking, targeting, and communications will dramatically extend U.S. warfighting options and allow additional coalition and allied partners to eventually bring their capabilities into the network.

“The delivery of all ten Tranche 0 satellite buses marks a key milestone, and we are excited to continue effective teamwork as Terran Orbital will also design and build the buses for Lockheed Martin’s SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites,” said Terran Orbital Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Marc Bell. “We are always thrilled to work with Lockheed Martin and look forward to delivering the Tranche 1 satellite buses.”

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com.

Filed Under: Featured, Lockheed Martin, Military, News, Satellite Buses, SDA, SmallSat, Terran Orbital, Tranche 0 Tagged With: Featured

Europe’s first satellite launch complex to be inaugurated in Northern Sweden

December 22, 2022

On January 13, 2023, the Swedish head of state, King Carl XVI Gustaf, together with European and Swedish political dignitaries, will visit Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden to cut the ribbon of a new spaceport that will significantly reshape the European space landscape.

After years of preparation and construction, European mainland’s first orbital launch complex, Spaceport Esrange, will be inaugurated. The event will take place in the city of Kiruna in conjunction with Sweden taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

For Europe, the new orbital launch facility at Esrange is a long-awaited critical asset. Today, ten countries in the world have the capability to launch satellites. Spaceport Esrange will offer an independent European gateway to Space, supplementing and strengthening current European capabilities in French Guiana.

The convenience of everyday connectivity and the importance of information about the changes that our planet is undergoing, means that more satellites will be needed in the future. Around 10,000 new satellites are expected to be launched over the next few years, and by 2040 the total number of satellites could reach a 100,000 – compared with the 5,000 operational satellites in orbit today.

Apart from launching satellites into orbit, Spaceport Esrange will host testing of Europe’s initiative for reusable rocketry – ESA’s Themis program lead by ArianeGroup. Themis reusable space launcher demonstrator will begin tests at Spaceport Esrange in 2023, starting with first-stage tests aiming to achieve vehicle liftoff and recovery – known as “hop tests.” The development is done within the frame of the EU funded Salto project. The launch facility will also host suborbital test launches of several next generation rockets.

As Spaceport Esrange gets closer to inauguration, satellite owners and orbital rocket manufacturers are lining up as potential partners for future launches and reusability testing. The first satellite launch is expected late 2023. The inauguration event will be live broadcasted by SSC.

“This new launch complex will help creating a foundation for a resilient Europe in Space. New satellite constellations in orbit, responsive launch capabilities and development of reusable rocketry will enable a secure, competitive and sustainable Europe. This will make Europe stronger,“ said Stefan Gardefjord, CEO of SSC. “This is a giant leap for SSC, for Sweden, for Europe and the rest of the world. Satellites are decisive for many functions of the daily lives of today’s modern world, and the need for them will only increase in the years to come with Space playing an even more important role.”

Swedish Space Corporation helps Earth benefit from Space. Since the 70’s, SSC has helped space organizations, companies, other commercial actors and research institutes to get access to Space. Our products and services enable successful space projects within Earth observation, telecommunications, security, meteorology, navigation and positioning, scientific research and other applications. Through our local presence on all continents and more than 600 committed employees, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications, spacecraft operations, rocket and balloon systems, launch services, flight test services and data analytics. Among our strongest assets are Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden, set to become first to launch satellites from continental Europe in 2023, as well as one of the world’s largest commercial ground station networks for satellite communications. Via our subsidiary GlobalTrust, we also leverage satellite data and analytics applications to help companies, organizations and governments to develop and deliver sustainability strategies. www.sscspace.com | Media Pack

Filed Under: Launch, Launch Facilities, Launch Management, News, Spaceport Esrange, Sweden Tagged With: Featured

Exolaunch to deploy Unseenlabs’ BRO-8 smallsat into orbit

December 22, 2022

Unseenlabs has signed a launch services agreement (LSA) with Exolaunch to deploy their BRO-8 smallsat on SpaceX’s Transporter-6 rideshare mission, which is to launch no earlier than (NET) January of 2023.

Manufactured by GOMSpace, BRO-8 (Breizh Reconnaissance Orbiter-8) is a 6U satellite designed to provide customers with data and analytics based on the interception of radio frequency (RF) signals (detection of electromagnetic waves emitted by electronic devices from Earth’s surface). It is to be the eighth satellite of Unseenlabs’ constellation, designed for high-precision maritime vessel tracking.

BRO-8 will be launched via Falcon 9 and deployed via Exolaunch’s EXOpod Nova smallsat deployer into SSO from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Under the LSA, Exolaunch is overseeing all rideshare mission management, environmental testing and satellite integration and deployment.

“We are looking forward to launching BRO-8, our eighth satellite, with Exolaunch and SpaceX,” said Jonathan Galic, CTO and Co-Founder of Unseenlabs. “This RF nanosatellite represents a crucial step in the development of our space-based radio frequency detection technology dedicated to Maritime Domain Awareness. It will allow us to improve our solution and revisit time. Thanks to Exolaunch and SpaceX, we will be able to provide the best quality service possible to our customers.”

“Unseenlabs and Exolaunch have long held a strong partnership, launching together on nearly all of our companies’ space missions and now expanding to new launch vehicles,” said Michael Tolstoj, Mission Director at Exolaunch. ”Unseenlabs is at the leading edge of maritime surveillance, and with so much at stake in this field we are happy to support those who are contributing the most.”

Filed Under: Deployer, Deployments, Exolaunch, GomSpace, Launch Agreement, Mission Management, News, Rideshare, SmallSat, Testing, Unseenlabs, Vessel Tracking Tagged With: Featured

Momentus engages in a 2nd launch management agreement with Australia’s CUAVA

December 21, 2022

Momentus Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTS) has an agreement with the Australian Research Council Training Centre for CubeSats, Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles, and their Applications (CUAVA), for the transportation of the Waratah Seed WS-1 CubeSat to LEO in October of 2023.

The Waratah Seed WS-1 mission will carry payloads from the winners of a competition to support NSW-based Australian space start-up companies in demonstrating their technology in space and gaining spaceflight heritage. The Waratah Seed WS-1 mission will also carry commercial clients with the final manifest expected to be announced soon.

Waratah Seed is Australia’s first rideshare mission, an Australian-built industry and commercially focused CubeSat. Supported by the NSW Government through their Space Industry Development program, Waratah Seed’s mission is to deliver a 6U CubeSat platform providing spaceflight opportunities in low-Earth orbit to test and prove function and capability.

The Waratah Seed Consortium is a partnership between CUAVA, centered at the University of Sydney, Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research (ACSER) at the University of NSW, Saber Astronautics, Delta-V NewSpace Alliance, Macquarie University, and the University of Technology Sydney.

Momentus signed its first services agreement with CUAVA earlier this year to fly the CUAVA-2 CubeSat.

“We’re happy to continue to grow our relationship with CUAVA and support the Waratah Seed mission that provides space access to a new generation of innovators,” said Momentus Chief Executive Officer, John Rood. “Space infrastructure services can enable expanded access to space and optimize the use of space, and we’re looking forward to supporting Australia’s first rideshare mission as it seeks to bring new ideas and technologies to the space economy.”

“We are very excited to have signed two launch contracts with Momentus that will see both our rideshare satellite WS-1 and the CUAVA-2 CubeSat go into space in 2023,” said Director of Waratah Seed and CUAVA, Professor Iver Cairns. “Working with Momentus has been very productive and enjoyable, despite the many challenges in developing a complex pilot project like the Waratah Seed.”

CUAVA is the Australian Research Council Training Centre for CubeSats, UAVs and their Applications, centered at the University of Sydney. CUAVA aims to fundamentally change the capabilities and applications of CubeSats to create major commercial value with wide applications.

Momentus is a U.S. commercial space company that plans to offer in-space infrastructure services, including in-space transportation, hosted payloads and in-orbit services. Momentus believes it can make new ways of operating in space possible with its in-space transfer and service vehicles that will be powered by an innovative water plasma-based propulsion system that is under development.

Filed Under: CUAVA, CubeSat, In-Space Demo, Launch, Launch Agreement, Launch Management, Launch Support, LEO, Momentus, News, Rideshare, SmallSat Tagged With: Featured

UK Space regulator issues Virgin Orbit launch licenses

December 21, 2022

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has issued the final, remaining licenses to Virgin Orbit ahead of the company’s planned UK launch after the agency’s requirements were met within 15 months.

The licenses were issued following consent from Transport Secretary Mark Harper for Virgin Orbit’s launch and range license, meaning he is in agreement with the licensing decisions made by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Virgin Orbit met the licensing requirements having demonstrated to the UK Civil Aviation Authority the company has taken all reasonable steps to ensure safety risks arising from launch activities are as low as reasonably practicable. Virgin Orbit also met other appropriate security and environmental aspects required for launch.

Virgin Orbit also received its range control licence from the space regulator, that enables the company to issue warning notices to keep people out of hazardous areas and monitor the progress of the rocket.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority granted the licenses within 15 months, well within the expected timescales for these types of licenses, putting the UK’s regulatory framework on a competitive footing with other international space regulators.

Establishing orbital launch capabilities in the UK is bringing investment and jobs into Cornwall and other regions across the UK. The growing space industry will boost innovation and is estimated to be worth £16.5 billion and support 47,000 jobs, with 2,500 apprentices opening the sector up to even more people.  

Licenses come after the regulator issued a spaceport license to Spaceport Cornwall. These licenses are one of many factors that need to be in place for launch, including airspace access arrangements, technical and operational readiness by the operator and suitable weather conditions. They also add to the more than 150 satellite licences already approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority since becoming the regulator in July 2021.

Virgin Orbit’s ‘Start Me Up’ mission will launch from Spaceport Cornwall, operating out of Cornwall Newquay Airport. The event will see a modified Boeing 747 ‘Jumbo Jet’ be able to carry a rocket to be flown and released in a designated launch location over the Atlantic Ocean.  

Licensing forms a key part of enabling growth in the UK space sector, with the regulator progressing applications from a range of other spaceports and operators, and recently consulted on the environmental effects of a proposed SaxaVord launch in Scotland.

Tim Johnson, Director for Space Regulation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said, “This is another major milestone in enabling the very first orbital space launch from UK shores and these licences will assist Virgin Orbit with their final preparations for launch. Effective licensing forms an integral part of UK space activity, and with public safety at the heart of our decision making, we’ve worked with Virgin Orbit to assess their applications and issue licences within our expected timelines.”

Dan Hart, Chief Executive of Virgin Orbit, said, “Receiving Virgin Orbit’s range and launch licences takes us one step closer to the first satellite launch take-off from UK soil. This is a major milestone for the CAA and represents the successful completion of an enormous effort, which has included the construction of new regulations, new processes and new teams. With our partners at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Spaceport Cornwall, UK Space Agency and our payload customers, together we are progressing towards the first launch from Cornwall – keeping a strong focus on a safe and successful mission for all.”

UK Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said, “Today we are one step closer to opening the UK’s galactic gateway, with Virgin Orbit receiving an historic first license to allow the UK’s first ever spaceflight launch. The planned launch reinforces our position as a leading space nation as we look to the future of spaceflight, which can spur growth and innovation across the sector, as well as creating thousands of jobs and apprenticeships.”

Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall, said, “We are thrilled for the Virgin Orbit licenses to be in place for this historic launch. It has been an incredible effort by all partners to reach this milestone, and my team cannot wait to share in the excitement of the upcoming launch with everyone that has made it happen. Together we can now get these Earth benefiting technologies into Low Earth Orbit and open up Space For Good from Cornwall.”

Ian Annett, Deputy Chief Executive at the UK Space Agency, said, “With Virgin Orbit’s licences secured, we have achieved another key delivery milestone ahead of the first satellite launch from UK soil. I would like to thank our partners across government and industry who continue to work hard to make our shared ambitions a reality. Establishing orbital launch capabilities in the UK is already bringing investment and jobs into Cornwall and other communities across the UK, and inspiring a new generation to join our growing space sector.”

Filed Under: Agencies, Launch, Launch Facilities, Launch Management, Launch Systems, Launch Vehicle, LauncherOne, Spaceport Cornwall, Virgin Orbit Tagged With: Featured

UPDATE 4: Arianespace + ESA appoint an independent inquiry mission to investigate the Flight VB22 launch failure

December 21, 2022

The Arianespace Vega C VV22 launch vehicle lifted off as scheduled on December 20, 2022 at 10:47 p.m. (local time in French Guiana). The lift-off, the mission and the separation of the first stage (P120C) were nominal. Following the nominal ignition of the second stage’s (Zefiro 40) engine around 144 seconds after lift-off, a decrease in the pressure was observed that resulted in the premature end of the mission. Under standard procedure, the order of destruction of the launcher was given by CNES, the launch safety authority — no damage to persons or properties occurred.

Arianespace and the European Space Agency (ESA) immediately decided to appoint an independent inquiry commission. This commission is tasked with analyzing the reasons for the failure and defining the measures fulfilling all requisite safety and reliability conditions to allow the resumption of Vega C flights. Composed of independent experts, the commission will work with Avio, Vega C launch system prime contractor.

The inquiry commission is co-chaired by the Inspector General of ESA and the Chief Technical Officer of Arianespace. More information will be shared as soon as the Commission has progressed in the investigations.

Update 3 posting…

Arianespace Flight VV22 via the Vega C launcher that was taking two Pléiades Neo satellites to their orbital slots came to end two minutes and 27 seconds into the liftoff, due to an anomaly with the Zeofire 40, second stage, propulsion system. An investigation is now underway to determine how and why this failure occurred and more details will be forthcoming.

Update 2 posting…

After the discovery of a defective equipment when arming the Vega C launcher for the Flight VV22, Arianespace has taken the decision to postpone the launch. In order to replace the equipment, the upper composite of the launcher will be taken back to the payload preparation facilities and the payload fairing will be opened for the intervention.

All the operations will be handled, in respect of the environmental requirements of the two Pléiades Neo satellites and in accordance with Arianespace’s quality policy. In order to secure both launch dates for Ariane 5 flight VA259 and Vega C flight VV22, Arianespace decided to update its manifest, swapping the two missions:

  • The new targeted launch date for VV22 now is December 20;
  • The new targeted launch date for VA259 –initially scheduled for December 14- now is December 13.

Update 1 posting…

Due to a defective equipment that needs to be replaced on the launcher, Flight VV22 – initially scheduled for November 24th from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana –must be postponed.

The Vega C launch vehicle and the two Pléiades Neo satellites are in safe conditions.

A new launch date, in December, will be shared as soon as possible.

Original posting…

On Thursday, November 24, 2022 at 10:47 pm local time (01:47 am (UTC) on Friday, November 25), Arianespace’s first Vega C mission will lift off from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, with the 30cm resolution satellites Pléiades Neo 5 and 6. This first commercial flight follows the success, July 13, of Vega C inaugural launch operated by the European Space Agency (ESA).

After liftoff from Europe’s Spaceport, the Vega C launcher will fly powered by the first three stages for a little over seven minutes. The third stage ZEFIRO 9 will then separate from the upper composite, which comprises the AVUM+ upper stage and the two Pléiades Neo satellites. The AVUM+ stage will ignite its engine for the first time about nine and an half minutes, followed by a ballistic phase lasting approximately 35 minutes, in order to reach the injection altitude of the first satellite.

The AVUM+ stage will then restart its engine for a second burn lasting 2 minutes and 30 seconds to circularize the orbit at an altitude of 629 km before releasing the first satellite. The next step, 6 minutes and 39 seconds later, will be a 15 seconds RACS boost leading to a new ballistic phase lasting about 36 minutes. It will be interrupted by a third AVUM+ ignition phase lasting exactly 5 seconds, and will be followed by the release of the second satellite at an altitude of 614 km.

Approximately nine minutes later will occur the fourth and last AVUM+ ignition for a period of 61 seconds, that will deorbit the launcher — marking the end of mission VV22, one hour, 53 minutes and 55 seconds after liftoff.

Pléiades Neo 5 and 6 fully funded and manufactured by its operator Airbus, are the two final satellites of the Pléiades Neo constellation that will respectively be the 139th and 138th Airbus Defence and Space satellites to be launched by Arianespace as well as the 120th and 119th satellites launched by a launcher of the Vega family.

The first one, Pléiades Neo 3, has been successfully orbited by Vega Flight 18 on April 28, 2021, and the second one, Pléiades Neo 4, by Vega Flight 19 on August 16, 2021. Built using the latest Airbus’ innovations and technological developments, the constellation allows imaging any point of the globe, several times per day, at 30cm resolution. Highly agile and reactive, they can be tasked up to 15 minutes before acquisition, and send the images back to Earth within the following hour. Smaller, lighter, more agile, accurate and reactive than the competition, they are the first of their class whose capacity will be fully commercially available. Thanks to these state-of-the-art satellites, each step of the acquisition and delivery cycle offers top-level Earth observation services now and going forward for the next ten years.

Vega C, which stands for Consolidation, has been developed to better respond to customers’ needs based on the lessons learned from the first decade (2012-2022) of Vega operations. The launcher has been upgraded with more powerful first and second stage Solid Rocket Motors, bigger AVUM tanks and with a larger fairing that significantly increase payload mass (up to 2,350t in SSO – Sun-Synchronous Orbit) and double allowable volume.

The launcher also better meets the specific needs of small spacecraft, as a result of its improved SSMS (Small Spacecraft Mission Service) dispenser and to its AVUM+ that will allow seven re-ignitions. Vega C can thus achieve three different orbits for its multiple payloads on the same mission, instead of the two previously possible with Vega.

Vega C development program has been managed by ESA. It associates 12 of Member States of the Agency. Avio Spa (Colleferro, Italy) is the industrial prime contractor for both launch vehicle and interfacing ground infrastructure. Avio is also responsible for campaign operations and preparation of the launch vehicle up to lift-off. Avio hands over a “ready to fly” rocket to Arianespace, which sells the Vega C, defines the missions’ requirements, validates its flight worthiness, and operates it from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

During launch campaigns, Arianespace works closely with CNES, the French space agency and the launch range authority at the European Spaceport in Kourou, who is notably looking after the satellite preparation facilities besides being responsible for the protection of populations.

Filed Under: Airbus, Airbus Defence and Space, Arianespace, Earth Observation (EO), Pléiades Neo, SmallSat, Vega C Tagged With: Featured

NASA awards SpaceX with the Sentinel-6B launch services contract

December 20, 2022

Artistic rendition of the Sentinel-6B satellite, courtesy of NASA.

NASA has selected Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) of Hawthorne, California, to provide launch services for the Sentinel-6B mission.

Sentinel-6B will continue the long-term, global sea level, data record started in 1992 by Topex/Poseidon, followed by Jason 1, 2, 3, and Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich.

The mission is a partnership between NASA, NOAA, ESA (European Space Agency), and EUMETSAT.

Sentinel-6B will use a radar altimeter to bounce signals off the ocean surface and deliver continuity of ocean topography measurements. The mission also will collect high-resolution vertical profiles of temperature, using the Global Navigation Satellite System Radio-Occultation sounding technique, to assess temperature changes in Earth’s atmosphere and improve weather prediction models.

This is a firm fixed price contract with a value of approximately $94 million, which includes launch services and other mission related costs. The Sentinel-6B mission currently is targeted to launch in November of 2025 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vhttps://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/andenberg Space Force Base in California.

NASA’s Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for program management of the SpaceX launch services. The Sentinel-6B project office is located at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

Filed Under: Agencies, Business Moves, Contracts, Falcon 9, Launch, Launch Contract, Launch Vehicle, NASA / JPL, Ocean, Sentinel, SpaceX, Topography Tagged With: Featured

L3Harris set to acquire the Tactical Data Link network from Viasat

December 20, 2022

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has obtained all of the regulatory approvals for the company’s acquisition of the Tactical Data Link product line — known as Link 16 — from Viasat.

The company announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the TDL network on October 3, 2022, with the deal originally expected to close in the first half of 2023. With U.S. regulatory and allied partner approval now obtained, this deal is expected to close by January 3, 2023.

The product line, comprised of nearly 450 employees and generating approximately $400 million in annual sales, is installed in more than 20,000 U.S. and allied platforms around the world, enabling warfighters across multiple domains to securely share voice and data communications.

L3Harris plans to modernize the technology, adding advanced tactical data links to the existing Link 16 network, achieving a level of resiliency relevant for evolving electronic warfare (EW) environments and JADC21 requirements.

“We are in position to close this acquisition much earlier than expected, which means we can welcome our new employees and begin work even earlier on this important modernization effort,” said Christopher Kubasik, L3Harris CEO and Chair. “The team is excited to deliver advanced tactical data links for this broadly used network, which will give our warfighters distinct advantages in multiple domains.”

TDL Data Sheet download here…

1JADC2 is a warfighting necessity to keep pace with the volume and complexity of data in modern warfare and to defeat adversaries decisively. JADC2 enables the Joint Force to “sense,” “make sense,” and “act” on information across the battle-space quickly using automation, artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and machine learning (ML) to deliver informed solutions via a resilient and robust network environment. — Department of Defense

Filed Under: Acquisitions, Business Moves, EW, JADC2, L3Harris Technologies, Military, Tactical Data Links, Viasat Tagged With: Featured

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