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UK Space Agency funding in the million£s to support satellite launch sector

The UK Space Agency has announced £2.7 million for 13 early-stage technology projects across England, Scotland and Wales to support the satellite launch sector

Funding from the agency’s new Launch UK Technology Investment Program will support teams from industry and universities to develop technology, products and services that will enhance the UK spaceflight supply chain, strengthen international competitiveness and catalyze further investment.

One project will recycle materials, including natural cork, to create thermal protection solutions for launcher propulsion systems and launch vehicles with a lower environmental impact, while another will develop launcher components out of lighter and more cost-effective metal composites, reducing the risk of creating space debris. Two further projects will follow next year.

Ian Annett, Deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency, said, “Funding new science and technology developments is crucial to growing the UK space sector and catalyzing further investment into our economy. While we look forward to marking a major milestone in UK launch capabilities with the upcoming launch from Spaceport Cornwall, projects such as these ensure we have growing pipeline of new technologies ready for lift-off to support our long-term ambitions.”

Launch services are worth a potential £3.8 billion to the UK economy over the next decade. The UK Space Agency is already delivering a program of spaceflight projects, including Virgin Orbit’s first launch from Spaceport Cornwall, which will carry nine satellites into orbit early next year.

Work is also underway on the construction of spaceports in Sutherland and Shetland, which will host vertical rocket launches from national and international launch providers. Further spaceports are in development at other locations in Scotland and Wales, with the potential to host a wide range of new and innovative launch technologies.

The projects in detail

Organization: Space Prime, London
Funding: £17,000
Summary: Demonstrate the ability to recycle advanced engineering materials, including natural cork and thermoplastics, for use in high temperature launcher propulsion system applications and launch vehicle structures. This capability will provide the UK launch market with solutions for thermal protection systems that offer a low environmental impact and opportunities for use across the engineering industry.

Organization: UKLSL, London
Funding: £26,000
Summary: Develop tools to streamline the process of applying for spaceflight licenses under the 2021 Space Industry Regulations (SIR). The project should reduce time and costs associated with preparing and maintaining a license application for any organization wishing to operate launch systems from UK spaceports, and also satellite operators wishing to launch or operate satellites from the UK, making the UK a more attractive launch option for customers.

Organization: Rocket Engineering, London
Funding: £50,000
Summary: Commercial feasibility study to examine how the UK’s nuclear space power program, coordinated by the Nuclear Space Power (NSP) Working Group, could significantly widen and strengthen the use case for commercial spaceflight. This will enable the UK to deliver innovative space power services, leading to new launch contracts, a wider role for government and spaceports, and the potential to stimulate development of both launch and power services for commercial spaceflight and deep space exploration.

Organization: European Astrotech, Westcott
Funding: £54,000
Summary: Development, building and qualification of a propellant loading cart (GSE) to service satellites with electric propulsion systems using xenon or krypton. This project expands on the firm’s established fuelling GSE to provide a similar, low-cost service to customers using satellites with electric propulsion.

Organization: SmallSpark Space Systems, Cardiff
Funding: £76,000
Summary: Development and maturation of SmallSpark’s dual-firing mode propulsion system, the S4-NEWT-A2; which will form part of the architecture of its S4-SLV in-space logistics vehicle, and as a candidate system for upper-stage launch vehicles. The SLV seeks to provide logistics support for small satellites and aims to remove the need for manufacturers to develop dedicated propulsion, power and communications systems, by providing all of these onboard its reusable vehicle. A demo mission is slated for 2024 onboard one of the UK’s upcoming launch vehicles and is designed to service up to 60 satellites in a lifetime; with slot reservations available on the SmallSpark site.

Organization: Lúnasa, Harwell
Funding: £216,000
Summary: Reach technology readiness level of Lúnasa’s reusable dual-stage spacecraft that will provide in-space logistics and infrastructure services for small satellites. The first-of-its-kind vehicle will fit the type of launch vehicles planned for use from UK spaceports, offering satellite operators opportunities to reach otherwise unattainable or fuel-exhaustive orbits. This project, funded in partnership with the Satellite Applications Catapult at Harwell will focus on de-risking the vehicle’s rendezvous proximity operations and docking capabilities.

Organization: Magdrive, Harwell
Funding: £250,000
Summary: Next stage of development for the Magdrive kick-stage for launch, which will allow satellites launched from the UK to reach higher altitudes and new orbits, filling a supply chain gap and building resilience in the UK launch market. The kick-stage uses the Magdrive electric plasma thruster, which can future-proof against the risk of colliding with or causing space debris by rapidly burning.

Organization: Shetland Space Centre, Scotland
Funding: £378,000
Summary: Project SkyReach will build and install a rocket launch rail for sub-orbital launches that can be used by different sounding rockets up to three tonnes gross lift-off weight, giving rocket launch providers in the UK the ability to test components of their vehicles in advance of orbital launch. SkyReach is planned for SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland, due to begin launch activities early next year.

Organization: HyImpulse, Shetland
Funding: £399,000
Summary: Create a Shetland-based motor test program to implement design improvements for an advanced hybrid rocket, which will power the company’s sub-orbital and orbital launch vehicles. This is an important step towards the sub-orbital demonstration flight, which will be the most powerful European hybrid rocket ever flown to date. HyImpulse has also partnered with Cranfield University to analyse the liquid oxygen feed system.

Organization: Gravitilab Aerospace Service Ltd, Norwich
Funding: £400,000
Summary: Plans to develop Gravitilab’s suborbital launch vehicle, ISAAC, from the advanced design and development stage through to design freeze and prototype build. The ISAAC launch vehicle aims to reach a max altitude of 250km with a payload mass of 20kg and a microgravity duration of around 300 seconds. In addition, this project also includes the acquisition and build of bespoke testing facilities.

Organization: AltaRange Ltd, Scotland
Funding: £400,000
Summary: Plans for a simulated test of AltaRange’s telemetry, tracking and termination system, which will provide customers with range services – the processes performed by license providers to reduce risks to the public and property throughout launch events – at lower costs. AltaRange aims to catalyse investment into Scotland while prioritising and upskilling local suppliers to provide specialised system parts.

Organization: Discover Space, Scotland
Funding: £227,000
Summary: Work with the University of Glasgow to develop the MachLab propulsion and space research laboratory, which will offer testing capabilities of Earth-storable and cryogenic rocket engines of up to 10kN. The facility will offer ancillary testing capabilities to support a wide range of propulsion systems at various technology readiness levels. The project also includes designing the first UK propellant densification system and high-thrust test facilities for full scale launch vehicles.

Organization: TISICS Metal Composites, Farnborough
Funding: £123,000 (grant amount)
Summary: Develop launcher components that demise during re-entry, eliminating space debris. TISICS lightweight tanks for launchers will enable a UK on-shore supply chain for high-value propulsion components. TISICS innovative manufacturing capability provides short lead time, low-cost, customer optimized solutions which will ensure lasting competitive advantage to the UK’s commercial spaceflight ambitions.

L3Harris to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne

This marks L3Harris’ second acquisition announcement of 2022, demonstrating its continued focus on delivering critical capabilities to warfighters while strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base through increased competition.

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) and Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AJRD) together announced the signing of a definitive agreement for L3Harris to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne for $58 per share, in an all-cash transaction valued at $4.7 billion, inclusive of net debt.

A proven provider of world-class propulsion systems and energetics to the DoD, NASA and other partners and allies worldwide, Aerojet Rocketdyne has a 100-year heritage of excellence delivering some of the most significant moments in space exploration and discovery, while leading the industry with investments in rocket propulsion that support America’s warfighters and enhance integrated deterrence.

The acquisition will ensure the defense industrial base and our customers will have a strengthened merchant supplier to effectively address both current and emerging threats – and promote scientific discovery and innovation – through targeted investment in advanced missile technologies, hypersonics and more.

Aerojet Rocketdyne currently generates approximately $2.3 billion in annual revenue. The company’s employees operate primarily out of advanced manufacturing facilities in Canoga Park, California; Camden, Arkansas; West Palm Beach and Orlando, Florida; Huntsville, Alabama; Orange, Virginia; Redmond, Washington; Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Jonesborough, Tennessee; and Carlstadt, New Jersey.

The cash acquisition will be funded with existing cash and the issuance of new debt. The deal is expected to close in 2023, subject to required regulatory approvals and clearances and other customary closing conditions.

“We’ve heard the DoD leadership loud and clear: they want high-quality, innovative and cost-effective solutions to meet both current and emerging threats, and they’re relying upon a strong, competitive industrial base to deliver those solutions,” said Christopher E. Kubasik, L3Harris CEO and Chair. “With this acquisition, we will use the combined talents of more than 50,000 employees to drive continuous process improvement, enhance business operations and elevate the performance of this crucial national asset.”

“This agreement will accelerate innovation for national security propulsion solutions while providing a premium cash value for our shareholders and tremendous benefits for our employees, customers, partners and the communities in which we operate,” said Eileen P. Drake, CEO and President of Aerojet Rocketdyne. “Joining L3Harris is a testament to the world-class organization and team we’ve built and represents a natural next phase of our evolution. As part of L3Harris, we will bring our advanced technologies together with their substantial expertise and resources to accelerate our shared purpose: enabling the defense of our nation and space exploration. This is an exciting new chapter for Aerojet Rocketdyne and our over 5,200 dedicated team members, providing them with additional opportunities, and we look forward to working closely with L3Harris to complete this transaction.”

Additional information regarding this transaction can be found at the L3Harris investor page and the Aerojet Rocketdyne investor page.

Spaceflight’s 10th + final 2022 mission to ride to orbit via SpaceX Transporter 6

Spaceflight Inc. is preparing the firm’s 10th and final launch of 2022, providing the launch and integration services for Kleos Space’s fourth satellite cluster, Observer, through ISISPACE Group on SpaceX’s Transporter 6 rideshare mission.

The four Kleos spacecraft are heading to a 525 kilometer SSO aboard a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This launch represents Spaceflight’s 55th launch since the company’s inception.

With the Transporter 6 mission, Spaceflight will have completed 10 missions in 2022, including the successful debut launches of the firm’s experimental OTV for hosted payloads, Sherpa-AC, in May, and its chemical propulsion OTV Sherpa-LTC in September.

Spaceflight also worked with several launch vehicle providers in 2022, including SpaceX, Rocket Lab, PSLV/NSIL and Astra, and has signed additional agreements for launches with new vehicle providers, including Firefly, ABL, Rocket Factory and SAB/Vega. In addition, the company helped extend a number of customer constellations, including Kleos, Astrocast and BlackSky among others, and is continuing to expand its OTV capabilities from last-mile delivery to on-orbit servicing. 

Earlier this year, Spaceflight celebrated a major milestone — its 50th mission, which flew aboard a Rocket Lab Electron, and the company moved into a new, 39,000 square feet office headquarters and state-of-the-art integration facility space in Bellevue, Washington. In addition, NASA selected Spaceflight to provide launch services for the agency’s Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) missions.

In 2023, Spaceflight plans to execute 10 to 15 missions and work with more launch vehicle providers to efficiently launch customer payloads to their desired orbital destinations. Spaceflight is also underway preparing the debut of the next variation in its Sherpa OTV program — Sherpa-ES, a higher energy variant with a bipropellant, high delta-V OTV that enables smallsat delivery anywhere in cislunar space.

“In 2022, we executed groundbreaking missions on behalf of our clients, improved customer success and showcased innovation with the expansion and early success of our Sherpa OTV program through our Sherpa-AC and Sherpa-LTC OTV launches,” said Curt Blake, CEO and president of Spaceflight. “This next year, we’re looking forward to further progressing our Sherpa OTV program, executing missions with new launch vehicle providers, and continuing to expand our transportation services beyond LEO.”

SpaceX lifts 54 additional Starlinks to LEO

On Saturday, December 17th at 4:32 p.m., ET, SpaceX launched 54 Starlink satellites to LEO from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida (photo below).

This was the 15th launch and landing for this Falcon 9 first stage booster, which previously launched Crew Demo-2, ANASIS-II, CRS-21, Transporter-1, Transporter-3, and now ten Starlink missions.

The Falcon 9 first stage booster landed on the “Just Read The Instructions” droneship.

UPDATE 1: The first two O3b mPOWER satellites’ signals received by Boeing

Artistic rendition of an SES O3b mPOWER satellite on-orbit. Image is courtesy of Boeing.

The first two Boeing [NYSE:BA]-built O3b mPOWER satellites are sending and receiving signals as they continue their journey into MEO following their successful, dual-configuration launch.

Developed for service provider SES, the satellites lifted off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on December 16th at 5:48 PM ET.

O3b mPOWER is SES’s second-generation MEO system designed to transform industries with terabit-level scale, roundtrip latency of less than 150 milliseconds, and unmatched service availability.

The O3b mPOWER ecosystem comprises an initial 11 satellites each equipped with more than 5,000 digitally formed beams. Coupled with an extensive ground infrastructure, the software-driven system enables SES to address current and future connectivity needs for governments, mobile network operators, energy companies, cruise lines and enterprises across the globe.

Boeing will oversee the satellites’ orbit raising and in-orbit testing before handover to SES in approximately five months.

The O3b mPOWER satellite constellation will kick off commercial service in the third quarter of 2023.

“This launch marks the next milestone of our MEO journey. With O3b mPOWER, we are bringing game-changing technology to deliver a unique combination of high-throughput, guaranteed reliability and service flexibility that is the first in the industry,” said Steve Collar, chief executive officer, SES. “O3b mPOWER is the satellite system of choice for applications where performance matters most.”

“From concept to reality, the partnership with SES while developing the first-of-its-kind technology has been remarkable,” said Jim Chilton, senior vice president of Boeing Space and Launch. “The next few months will be another critical collaboration period as we prepare the next nine satellites for launch and enable these first satellites to fulfill their mission to connect people around the world.”

Original launch posting…

The first two, SES O3b mPOWER satellites were successfully launched into space by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States, at 5:48 p.m., local time, on December 16th.

Built by Boeing on their 702x satellite platform, O3b mPOWER is SES’s second-generation medium earth orbit (MEO) system. Customers leveraging O3b mPOWER are set to transform their operations and benefit from terabit-level scale; the highest, most flexible, guaranteed throughput; roundtrip latency of less than 150 milliseconds and unmatched service availability.

Artistic rendition of a Boeing 702x built satellite on-orbit. Image is courtesy of the company.

The O3b mPOWER ecosystem is easily scalable and comprises an initial 11 powerful satellites, each equipped with more than 5,000 digitally formed beams, and an extensive next-generation O3b mPOWER ground infrastructure. It enables SES to address current and future connectivity needs for governments, mobile network operators, energy companies, world-class cruises, and enterprises across the globe. Key customers who have signed up for O3b mPOWER include Microsoft, Princess Cruises, Marlink, Jio Platforms, Orange, Claro Brasil and the newly-announced Vodafone Cook Islands.

“Much more than just another launch, today marks the next milestone of our MEO journey. Since starting this journey, we have gone on to positively impact millions around the world. Today, with our second-generation O3b mPOWER, we are bringing game-changing technology that delivers a unique combination of multiple gigabits per second of throughput at any location, guaranteed reliability and service flexibility that is a first in the industry,” said Steve Collar, CEO of SES. “Whether we are enabling governments to carry out critical missions securely, cruise operators to provide high-speed broadband access to passengers at all times, or mobile network operators to deploy 4G/5G networks in underconnected areas or restore communications networks in down time, O3b mPOWER is the satellite system of choice for applications where performance matters most.”

“From concept to reality, the partnership with SES while developing the first-of-its-kind technology has been remarkable,” said Jim Chilton, Senior Vice President of Boeing Space and Launch. “The next few months will be another critical collaboration period as we prepare the next nine satellites for launch and enable these first satellites to fulfill their mission to connect people around the world.”

O3b mPOWER commercial service is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2023.

Original, pre-launch posting…

SES’s most high-performance satellite system will start launching next week 

SES’s first two O3b mPOWER satellites were delivered to Cape Canaveral last weekend and are scheduled for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket mid-December. The O3b mPOWER satellites are part of SES’s second-generation Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) system operating at approximately 8,000 km away from the Earth’s surface, and will deliver high-performance connectivity services to enterprises and governments around the world. 

The O3b mPOWER ecosystem comprises an extensive ground infrastructure of eight ground stations strategically located around the world, dozens of software service providers, platform and customer terminal partners, as well as an initial constellation of 11 Boeing-built satellites.

With a scheduled start-of-service date in Q3 2023 with only six satellites, O3b mPOWER will offer the highest, most flexible throughput, roundtrip latency of less than 150 milliseconds and uncontended service options, backed by guaranteed service-level agreements.

Maxar Technologies is acquired for $6.4 billion by private equity firm Advent International … a win-win for all

Maxar stockholders to receive $53.00 per share in cash, a 129% premium to prior closing price 
Transaction will support Maxar to accelerate investment in and development of the Company’s next-generation satellite technologies and data insights for its customers 

The following is an announcement released by Maxar Technologies.

Maxar Technologies (“Maxar” or the “Company”), provider of comprehensive space solutions and secure, precise, geospatial intelligence, today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by Advent International (“Advent”), one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, in an all-cash transaction that values Maxar at an enterprise value of approximately $6.4 billion. Advent is headquartered in the United States and has a demonstrable track record as a responsible owner of defense and security businesses. Following the close of the transaction, Maxar will remain a U.S.-controlled and operated company. 

Maxar to remain U.S.-controlled and operated company following close 

Under the terms of the definitive merger agreement, Advent has agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of Maxar common stock for $53.00 per share in cash. The purchase price represents a premium of approximately 129% over Maxar’s closing stock price of $23.10 on December 15, 2022, the last full trading day prior to this announcement, an approximately 135% premium to the 60-day volume-weighted average price prior to this announcement, and a premium of approximately 34% over Maxar’s 52-week high.  

POWERING MULTIDOMAIN, MULTIFORCE OPERATIONS
Counter today’s intelligence challenges to source, ingest, process and analyze more data with geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) solutions and expertise.
Advent brings 35+ year investment track record with significant experience in global security and defense 

Following the closing of the transaction, Maxar will benefit from the significant resources, operational expertise and capacity for investment provided by Advent. As a private company, Maxar will be able to accelerate investments in next-generation satellite technologies and data insights that are vital to the Company’s government and commercial customers, as well as pursue select, strategic M&A to further enhance the Company’s portfolio of solutions.

This includes supporting the successful delivery of the new Legion satellite constellation, accelerating the launch of Legion 7 and 8 satellites and further growing the Earth Intelligence and Space Infrastructure businesses through investments in next-generation capabilities, such as advanced machine learning and 3D mapping.

This includes supporting the successful delivery of the new Legion satellite constellation, accelerating the launch of Legion 7 and 8 satellites and further growing the Earth Intelligence and Space Infrastructure businesses through investments in next-generation capabilities, such as advanced machine learning and 3D mapping. With approximately $28 billion invested across the defense, security and cybersecurity sectors in the last three years, Advent’s portfolio companies have substantial expertise supporting many satellite and defense platforms which serve the U.S. government and its allies as well as companies across the globe.  

“This transaction delivers immediate and certain value to our stockholders at a substantial premium,” said General Howell M. Estes, III (USAF Retired), Chair of Maxar’s Board of Directors. “Maxar’s mission has never been more important, and this transaction allows us to maximize value for stockholders while accelerating the Company’s ability to deliver its mission-critical technology and solutions to customers over the near and long term.” 

“Today’s announcement is an exceptional outcome for stockholders and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, the value Maxar has created and the reputation we have built in our industry,” said Daniel Jablonsky, President and CEO of Maxar. “Advent has a proven record of strengthening its portfolio companies and a desire to support Maxar in advancing our long-term strategic objectives. As a private company, we will have enhanced flexibility and additional resources to build on Maxar’s strong foundation, further scale operations and capture the significant opportunities in a rapidly expanding market.” 

“We have tremendous respect and admiration for Maxar, its industry-leading technology and the vital role it serves in supporting the national security of the United States and its allies around the world,” said David Mussafer, Chairman and Managing Partner of Advent. “We will prioritize Maxar’s commitment as a core provider to the U.S. defense and intelligence communities, and allies, while providing Maxar with the financial and operational support necessary to apply its technology and team members even more fully to the missions and programs of its government and commercial customers.” 

“In our view, Maxar is a uniquely positioned and attractive asset in satellite manufacturing and space-based high-resolution imagery, with an incredible workforce and many opportunities ahead,” said Shonnel Malani, Managing Director and global head of Advent’s aerospace and defense team. “We have strong conviction in the growing need for the differentiated solutions Maxar provides, and our goal is to invest in expanding Maxar’s satellite constellation as well as supporting Maxar’s team to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring mission success for its customers.”  

Transaction Details 

Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by Maxar’s Board of Directors, Maxar stockholders will receive $53.00 in cash for each share of common stock they own.  

Advent has arranged committed debt and equity financing commitments for the purpose of financing the transaction, providing a high level of closing certainty. Funds advised by Advent have committed an aggregate equity contribution of $3.1 billion and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (“BCI”) is providing a minority equity investment through a committed aggregate equity contribution equal to $1.0 billion, both on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the signed equity commitment letters. 

The agreement includes a 60-day “go-shop” period expiring at 11:59 pm EST on February 14, 2023. During this period, the Maxar Board of Directors and its advisors will actively initiate, solicit and consider alternative acquisition proposals from third parties. The Maxar Board will have the right to terminate the merger agreement to enter into a superior proposal subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement. There can be no assurance that this “go-shop” will result in a superior proposal, and Maxar does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the solicitation process unless and until it determines such disclosure is appropriate or otherwise required. The Company, Advent and BCI will contemporaneously pursue regulatory reviews and approvals required to conclude the transaction. 

The transaction is expected to close mid-2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Maxar stockholders and receipt of regulatory approvals. The transaction is not subject to any conditionality related to the launch, deployment or performance of Maxar’s WorldView Legion satellite program. Upon completion of the transaction, Maxar’s common stock will no longer be publicly listed. It is expected that Maxar will continue to operate under the same brand and maintain its current headquarters in Westminster, Colorado. 

The foregoing description of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full terms of the merger agreement, which Maxar will be filing on Form 8-K. 

Advisors 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as financial advisor to Maxar and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as lead counsel to Maxar. Milbank LLP is serving as Maxar’s legal advisor with respect to certain space industry and regulatory matters. 

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are serving as financial advisors to Advent and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is serving as lead counsel to Advent. Covington & Burling LLP is serving as Advent’s legal advisor with respect to certain regulatory matters. 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as lead counsel to BCI. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is serving as BCI’s legal advisor with respect to certain regulatory matters. 

UPDATE 3: SWOT sailing to slot courtesy of SpaceX + Falcon 9

On Friday, December 16, at 3:46 a.m., PT, SpaceX launched NASA’s Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission to LEO from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

SWOT is an internationally developed mission to conduct the first global survey of Earth’s surface water. This satellite aims to provide a new understanding of the ocean’s role in climate change and improve the data humanity relies upon for fresh water management.

This was the sixth launch and landing of this Falcon 9 first stage booster, which previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, and two Starlink missions.

To learn more about NASA’s science missions, visit science.nasa.gov.

Update 1 posting…

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) spacecraft is moved into a transport container inside the Astrotech facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Photo credit: USSF 30th Space Wing/Chris Okula

NASA, the French space agency Centre National d’Études Spatiales, and SpaceX now are targeting 3:46 a.m. PST on Friday, December 16th, for launch of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission.

After SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket went vertical on the pad at Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, teams identified moisture in two Merlin engines on the rocket’s first stage booster. Teams completed inspections of the rocket’s engines today, but will use the additional time to complete data reviews and analysis before a launch attempt.

The first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, and two Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The SWOT satellite is healthy and the weather forecast remains favorable for liftoff on Friday morning.

SWOT is an internationally developed mission to conduct the first global survey of Earth’s surface water and aims to provide a new understanding of the ocean’s role in climate change and improve the data humanity relies upon for fresh water management. To learn more about NASA’s science missions, access this direct link…

Live launch coverage will be provided by NASA. Tune in to NASA.gov/live to watch the live broadcast, starting at 3:00 a.m. PT on Friday, December 16th.

Original posting…

NASA’s upcoming SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) mission will survey nearly all water on Earth’s surface for the first time, measuring the height of the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes, helping scientists track how fresh and saltwater bodies change over time.

This launch event is scheduled to occur on Thursday, December 15th, from Vandenberg SFB via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

The satellite will help scientists investigate how the oceans absorb atmospheric heat and carbon, moderating global temperatures and climate change.

Using SWOT’s state-of the-art technology, scientists will observe ocean features with 10 times the resolution of current technologies, along with providing high-definition views of freshwater bodies.

SWOT can observe the entire length of nearly all rivers wider than 330 feet (100 meters), as well as collect data on more than a million lakes larger than 15 acres (62,500 square meters).

A global inventory of water resources will help scientists better understand where the water is, where it’s coming from and where it’s going. The observations will benefit people on Earth by helping improve flood forecasts, improving the models used to monitor droughts and improving predictions for sea level rise.

The observations also will benefit industries, like shipping, by providing measurements of water levels along rivers, as well as information about tides, currents, and storm surges in the ocean.

The mission is a collaborative effort by NASA and the French space agency Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) with contributions from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the UK Space Agency.

AstroAccess successfully completes 1st weightless research flight with Int’l disabled crew

Top photo: The crew members of the AstroAccess disabled research flight, conducted on December 15, 2022 at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas, on the tarmac before taking off.
Bottom left photo: Denna Lambert [L], Victoria Garcia [C], Dr. K Renee Horton [R], float in zero-gravity to investigate accessibility techniques for future space vehicles and space stations onboard AstroAccess’ disabled research parabolic flight.
Bottom right photo: Jose Luis de Augusto, a Spanish aerospace engineer who uses a wheelchair, demonstrates zero-gravity docking techniques for future space vehicles and space stations onboard AstroAccess’ disabled research parabolic flight Top: Zero G Photographer was Tasha Dixon.

AstroAccess, a project dedicated to promoting disability inclusion in space, successfully completed the first, formal research flight ‘AA2’ onboard a Zero-G Corporation’s aircraft. The flight included 14 disabled crew members from five different countries: Australia, Brazil, Germany, Spain, and the U.S.

The Zero-G aircraft ascended to an altitude of 25,000 feet, at which point the vehicle commenced 18 parabolic maneuvers. The flight was completed in Houston, Texas, on December 15, 2022. The mission took off and landed at Ellington Airport, adjacent to the Houston Spaceport and the NASA Johnson Space Center, the home to U.S. human spaceflight training.

The AstroAccess AA2 flight was completed just weeks after the European Space Agency (ESA) announced that John McFall, a person with a disability, would be part of the 2022 ESA Astronaut Class. AstroAccess is proud to have Johann Dietrich Worner, the former Director General of ESA under whom their disabled astronaut initiative was conceived, on its Advisory Board.

AA2 was the first full charter research flight for AstroAccess. In Zero-G Research Flights, the cabin is configured for research demonstrations and the number of parabolas is extended. During the AA2 flight, the disabled crew conducted a variety of scientific demonstrations to advance universal design in space:

The Blind Crew tested an innovative set of tactile graphics to be added to cabin walls that will allow both blind crew members and sighted crew members to stay oriented during emergencies and find emergency gear in zero gravity if the lights go off.

The Blind and Mobility Crews also demonstrated for the first time that a disabled person can independently get into a launch seat and safely fasten the five-point seat harness, making it clear that disabled people can safely fly aboard suborbital space missions.

In collaboration with Sony and SonicCloud, the Hard-of-Hearing and Blind Crews demonstrated a system to enable improved speech understanding using SonicCloud’s innovative sound personalization software, which allows the user to tailor the audio to their hearing ability, in conjunction with Sony headphones.

The Deaf crew continued their work on linguistics studies of intelligibility of American Sign Language (ASL) in zero gravity. This group previously worked on ASL comprehension on the Aurelia Institute Horizon flight early this year and as part of a scuba diving experiment at the University of Arizona’s Biosphere 2 in Tucson, Arizona last month.

The Biosphere2 experiment was made possible through the partnership and generosity of Uplift Aerospace, which has selected AstroAccess as the official philanthropic beneficiary of the Space+5, a commercial astronaut program. This work was also supported by CHaSE, the Center for Human Space Exploration.

Zuby, a low vision ambassador, holds up a phone that operates the prototype heads-up display technology he is testing on Mission: AstroAccess Flight One. Credit: ZERO-G.

Anna Voelker, the executive director of AstroAccess, said, “While there is still work to be done to make space accessible for everyone, the success of this historic parabolic flight and ESA’s selection of John McFall show strong movement in the right direction.”

The flight was sponsored by George Whitesides, the co-founder of AstroAccess, and Dylan Taylor, the space entrepreneur. Mr. Taylor said, “AstroAccess is proving that space can one day be accessible for everyone.”

“From our time with Steven Hawking to our relationship with AstroAccess, Zero G believes that the only limits you have are the ones you place on yourself,” said Matt Gohd, CEO of Zero G Corporation. “We are honored to share this amazing experience and the first steps to space with this extraordinary group of individuals. Space should be open to everyone.”

“Inclusiveness and innovation go hand in hand,” said Arturo Machuca, Director of Houston Spaceport and Ellington Airport. “As a focal point for aerospace innovation, we stand proud with partners like AstroAccess, who strive to level the playing field for space exploration.”

The success of AstroAccess AA2 highlights the growth of AstroAccess over the past year. AstroAccess continues to form partnerships and have conversations with major stakeholders in the commercial space industry, including commercial space station companies.

AstroAccess is funded entirely by charitable donations, which can be made via the website: astroaccess.org/donate/.

Ellington Airport was acquired by the City of Houston in 1984 and now supports the operations of the United States military, NASA, and a variety of general aviation tenants. The airport is home to the annual Wings Over Houston Airshow and is also the place where many of the astronauts from the world-renowned Johnson Space Center receive their ongoing space training. Ellington Airport is also home to the Houston Spaceport, the nation’s 10th commercial spaceport.

Northrop Grumman is turning science fiction into science fact by transmitting solar energy from space to Earth

In the 1940s, science fiction author Isaac Asimov theorized the concept of collecting the sun’s energy in space, then beaming that energy down to Earth.

Today, Northrop Grumman’s Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research (SSPIDR) Project team is making that science fiction a reality with steady progress towards transmitting solar energy from space to anywhere on Earth. SSPIDR technology can be especially useful in forward operating and contested areas where warfighters need steady power to maintain mission operations.

Harnessing solar power for use on Earth has enormous potential for communities where energy is scarce. For example, when military personnel establish a forward operating base one of the most dangerous parts of the ground operation is getting power. Convoys and supply lines, which are major targets for adversaries, are the usual methods to supply power. However, solar-powered beaming energy technology can provide constant, consistent and logistically agile power to expeditionary forces operating in hard-to-reach areas — assuring power is transmitted via radio frequency (RF) from space and reducing reliance on fuel convoys and other energy generation methods.

Using one of the company’s test chambers specifically designed for RF at its Baltimore manufacturing and test campus, the SSPIDR team successfully demonstrated the transmission of directed RF energy to a ground-based rectifying antenna (rectenna) – a critical milestone in the development of this pioneering technology. In this demonstration, engineers steered RF energy to rectenna hardware, energizing a series of lights that indicated successful formation of an energy beam and conversion to useful electrical current.

Rectenna hardware stands positioned (left) to successfully receive transmitted RF energy in a Northrop Grumman RF test chamber. Credit: Northrop Grumman

As part of this laboratory demonstration, engineers also showcased the ability to beam RF energy to multiple fixed points by electronically steering and controlling the power beam using Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) capabilities.

An artistic rendering showing the concept of collecting solar energy in space and beaming converted RF energy to a terrestrial rectenna. Credit: Northrop Grumman

“Space solar power beaming has the potential to provide energy anywhere on Earth at any time, making consistent and reliable energy available to remote locations when its needed most,” said Tara Theret, SSPIDR program director, Northrop Grumman. “With this demonstration, we are one step closer to taking this technology out of the lab and putting it on orbit.”

As ambitious as it is revolutionary, the SSPIDR Project which is under contracted development partnership with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) will utilize on-orbit, highly-efficient photovoltaic cells to collect solar energy. This solar energy will then be converted into RF energy and beamed to a receiving station on Earth — like a power plant, but for space solar energy — where it would be converted to usable energy.

Having successfully demonstrated the conversion of solar energy to transmittable RF energy and wireless beaming capabilities in a laboratory environment, engineers are continuing to fine-tune the array to strengthen beam steering capabilities.

What has for decades been a science fiction concept will soon be on its way to space-based demonstration with AFRL’s anticipated mission launch in 2025.

Spire Global preparing to launch six satellites in January of 2023

Spire Global, Inc. will launch six satellites on the SpaceX Transporter-6 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (SFS) no earlier than January of 2023. The satellites will demonstrate advancements and new capabilities for Spire’s weather and aviation solutions.

Spire will launch two demonstration satellites carrying next-generation Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) payloads, which collect aircraft position data. The satellites will expand Spire’s existing ADS-B constellation and play an integral role in improving coverage and latency for the Company’s aviation products. They will demonstrate sophisticated technology for global aircraft tracking, including an advanced antenna design based on years of on-orbit, ADS-B, payload experience and state-of-the-art, inter-satellite links.

These will be Spire’s first smallsats to include propulsion systems on board. The multipurpose satellites will also carry payloads to monitor Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals for vessel tracking data and for Space Services customer Myriota, a provider of global Internet of Things (IoT) service from satellites.

One of the satellites on the launch will fly a polarimetric radio occultation (PRO) payload that collects data on precipitation profiles and patterns. The mission will validate PRO sensitivity to precipitation using several global navigation satellite systems as signals of opportunity. This will be the first step towards the assimilation of PRO data into weather models, which will enhance the value and accuracy of global weather forecasts along with the weather variables currently gathered by Spire’s constellation.

The PRO payload, which will be the first launched by a private company, was designed as part of the ESA InCubed Program, a co-funding program focused on developing innovative and commercially viable products and services that generate or exploit the value of EO imagery and dataset. This activity is supported by the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA). Spire is the largest producer of radio occultation data, which is leveraged by government agencies such as NOAA, NASA, ECMWF, and EUMETSAT to drive global weather predictions.

The Company is also launching three satellites to replenish the company’s fully deployed constellation of more than 100 multipurpose satellites. Spire designs and builds its satellites entirely in house at its manufacturing facility in Glasgow, Scotland. The Company has built and launched more than 150 satellites, carrying more than 500 years of spaceflight heritage across its fleet.

The satellites are manifested on the mission through a multi-launch agreement between Spire and Exolaunch, which includes access to the Transporter missions through Exolaunch’s long-term launch arrangements with SpaceX. Exolaunch, a global provider of launch, in-space logistics and deployment services, will also provide Spire with deployment and integration services.

“We at ESA are very happy with the efficiency, focus, and speed of implementation of this activity, and if we can see it resulting in measurement data and processing results for systematic evaluation of their assimilation into numerical weather prediction, that will be a rewarding completion,” said Thomas Burger, ESA Technical Officer for Spire.

“Satellites and payloads are continuing to get smaller and more powerful,” said Jeroen Cappaert, Spire CTO and Co-founder. “We’re capitalizing on this rapid pace of innovation and miniaturization to continue to enhance our constellation with cutting-edge technology that drives new applications of satellite data. The applications we’re demonstrating for aviation tracking and precipitation data will play a crucial role in solving some of the greatest challenges we face on Earth, such as overcoming climate change with more accurate weather forecasting and bringing transparency to the supply chain.”

Spire (NYSE: SPIR) provides space-based data, analytics and space services, offering access to unique datasets and powerful insights about Earth from the ultimate vantage point so that organizations can make decisions with confidence, accuracy, and speed. Spire uses one of the world’s largest multipurpose satellite constellations to source hard to acquire, valuable data and enriches it with predictive solutions. Spire then provides this data as a subscription to organizations around the world so they can improve business operations, decrease their environmental footprint, deploy resources for growth and competitive advantage, and mitigate risk. Spire gives commercial and government organizations the competitive advantage they seek to innovate and solve some of the world’s toughest problems with insights from space. Spire has offices in San Francisco, Boulder, Washington DC, Ontario, Glasgow, Oxfordshire, Luxembourg, and Singapore.