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SpaceWERX awards 124 Orbital Prime contracts

November 12, 2022

Recently, the SpaceWERX Orbital Prime program awarded 124 Phase 1 contracts from June 15 to September 22, 2022, each with a five-month term valued at $250,000. Orbital Prime, which is the first space effort under the SpaceWERX Prime line of business, intends to invigorate the In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing, or ISAM, market using Active Debris Remediation as a use case for the foundational technologies.

The awards, made under the Department of the Air Force’s Small Business Technology Transfer, or STTR, program, administered by AFWERX, represent the first phase of the Orbital Prime program.

“As the U.S. Space Force component of AFWERX, the SpaceWERX team chose STTR awards over its more well-known and revamped Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contracts to drive academic engagement alongside small business,” said Gabe Mounce, SpaceWERX deputy director.

The STTR program requires that companies partner with a research institution such as an academic institution, non-profit or Federally Funded Research and Development Center to perform concept exploration, development and maturation.

Through these awards, SpaceWERX has partnered with 92 companies and 66 research institutions across the country to explore ISAM capabilities and technologies relating to identifying, approaching and servicing an object in space. The Orbital Prime program will culminate with an on-orbit mission to demonstrate active space debris remediation, a public purpose use case intended to stimulate the market for space logistics.

From this initial phase, the STTR Phase 1 awardees will be invited to propose to a STTR Phase 2 opportunity in the early part of next year. Phase 2 will last 15 months at a maximum of $1.5 million per award. SpaceWERX also recently opened a Direct-to-Phase 2 SBIR offering under topic AFX234-DCSO1 to enable small businesses to enter the Orbital Prime program in a parallel path to the STTR Phase 2. Both paths, considered to be Phase II of the Orbital Prime program, will lead to Strategic Financing opportunities in Phase 3 of the program.

The companies receiving Phase 1 awards include:

– Acellent Technologies, Inc.
– Altius Space Machines, Inc.
– Assured Space Access Technologies, Inc.
– ASTER Labs, Inc.
– Astrobotic Technology Inc.
– Atomos Nuclear and Space Corporation.
– Auxon Corporation.
– BlackSky Geospatial Solutions, Inc.
– BotFactory, Inc.
– Busek Co. Inc.
– Cambrian Works, Inc.
– Circle Optics, Inc.
– Continuum Space Systems, Inc.
– ControlX, Inc.
– Elevan LLC dba Elevate Systems.
– Enduralock, LLC.
– EPSILON3, INC.
– First Light Observatory Systems, LLC.
– Free Space Inc.
– Galactiv, Inc.
– Galois, Inc.
– GEOJUMP, INC.
– GhostWave Inc.
– GreenSight.
– GRID RASTER INC.
– Howe Industries LLC.
– Hypergiant Galactic Systems, Inc.
– iMetalx Group, LLC.
– Integral & Open Systems, INC.
– Inversion Space Company
– Kall Morris Inc.
– Karax LLC.
– Kayhan Space Corp.
– krtkl inc.
– Launcher Inc.
– Lexset.ai Inc.
– LGarde, Inc.
– Lunar Outpost Inc.
– Lunar Resources, Inc.
– MARS Aerospace Company.
– Martian Sky Industries, LLC.
– Metis Design Corporation.
– Microsurgeonbot Inc.
– Motiv Space Systems.
– Mountain Aerospace Research Solutions.
– Nanoracks, LLC
– NearSpace Launch Inc.
– Neutron Star Systems USA LLC.
– nou Systems, Inc.
– O Analytics Incorporated.
– Octagon II, Inc.
– Off-World, Inc.
– Ombra LLC.
– Orbital Bridge LLC.
– Orbital Composites, Inc.
– Physical Sciences Inc.
– PickNik Inc.
– Plasma Controls, LLC.
– Polaron Analytics
– Quidient, LLC.
– Radsul Inc.
– RapidFort, Inc.
– Rhea Space Activity.
– Rockdrill Research LLC.
– Rogue Space Systems Corporation.
– Sci Zone.
– Scientific Systems Company, Inc.
– SCOUT Inc.
– Sedaro Corporation.
– Senseics Ltd.
– SIMBA Chain Inc.
– Slingshot Aerospace, Inc.
– Space Micro Inc.
– SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc.
– Spectral Energies, LLC.
– Starfish Space.
– Tangram Flex, Inc.
– Target Arm Inc.
– Ten One Aerospace LLC.
– ThinkOrbital Inc.
– Toyon Research Corp.
– Traclabs, Inc.
– Traction Jedi Technologies, LLC.
– TrustPoint, Inc.
– Turion Space Corp.
– Vision Systems Inc.
– VisSidus Technologies, Inc.
– Vy Corporation.
– Wallaroo Labs, Inc.
– Weintraus, Inc. DBA Modularity Space.
– Xtensor Systems Inc.
– Ziuli Holdings LLC.

The Phase 1 research institution partners include:

– Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).
– Arizona State University.
– Boston University.
– Brigham Young University.
– Brookhaven National Laboratory.
– California State University Northridge.
– Carthage College.
– Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation.
– Clarkson University.
– Colorado State University.
– Cornell University.
– Draper Laboratories.
– Eastern Michigan University.
– Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
– Expanding Frontiers.
– Florida Institute of Technology.
– Georgia Institute of Technology.
– Illinois Institute of Technology.
– Johns Hopkins University.
– Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.
– Louisiana Tech University.
– Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory.
– Michigan Technological University & Michigan State University.
– MIT Innovation Initiative.
– MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
– Morehead State University.
– New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
– New Space New Mexico.
– Oakland University.
– Oklahoma State University.
– Purdue University.
– San Diego State University Research Foundation.
– Sandia National Laboratories.
– Southeast Innovation Institute.
– Southwest Research Institute.
– SRI International Computer Science Laboratory.
– Stanford University.
– Stevens Institute of Technology.
– Taylor University.
– Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station.
– The Ohio State University.
– The Pennsylvania State University, Applied Research Laboratory.
– The University of Alabama.
– The University of Texas at Austin.
– The University of Texas at Austin Office of Sponsored Projects.
– Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.
– United States Naval Research Laboratory.
– University of Alabama in Huntsville.
– University of Central Florida.
– University of Cincinnati.
– University of Colorado Boulder-Office of Contracts and Grants.
– University of Dayton – CME Department.
– University of Florida.
– University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
– University of Maryland.
– University of Massachusetts Amherst.
– University of New Mexico.
– University of Notre Dame.
– University of Southern California – Information Sciences Institute.
– University of Tennessee Space Institute.
– University of Texas at Arlington.
– University of Texas at Austin.
– University of Texas at San Antonio.
– University of Utah.
– University of Washington.
– Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
– Yeshiva University.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force and United States Space Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit: www.afresearchlab.com.

UPDATE 1: ULA’s Atlas V launch vehicle lofts NOAA’s / NASA’s JPSS-2 satellite to orbit

November 12, 2022

*ULA’s launch of the JPSS-2 satellite for NOAA and NASA*.

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS)-2 mission for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and NASA’s Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) lifted off on November 10 at 1:49 a.m., PST, from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

To date, ULA has launched 155 times with 100 percent mission success.

The Atlas V rocket delivered the JPSS-2 spacecraft to a sun-synchronous LEO. After delivering the JPSS-2 spacecraft, subsequent burns by the Centaur upper stage lowered the altitude to a re-entry trajectory to deploy the LOFTID experiment.

*Artistic rendition of the JPSS-2 satellite on-orbit.*

Once separated, LOFTID reentered Earth’s atmosphere, deployed its parachute and landed off the coast of Hawaii. This experiment demonstrates how an inflatable aeroshell, or heat shield, could deliver heavy payloads safely through the atmosphere to the surface of Earth and potentially other planets.

“We depend on accuracy and timeliness of weather prediction models for enhanced weather forecasting and climate observations. Our ULA team is proud to launch the JPSS-2 mission that supports advanced forecasting of extreme weather and global climate monitoring,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “Additionally, we look forward to reviewing the data collected from LOFTID as we explore Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) technology for engine reusability on our future Vulcan rocket. Successfully deploying these two payloads is a monumental achievement; thank you to our mission partners for their outstanding teamwork.”

“The NASA and ULA public-private LOFTID partnership was the ideal pairing opportunity for demonstrating our Vulcan reuse plans,” said Mark Peller, ULA vice president of Major Development. “This demonstration allows ULA to focus on launch integration applications for engine recovery including parachute development, transportation and recovery, flight environments, precision navigation for landing and recovery and more.”

Leveraging a legacy of 100 percent mission success launching more than 150 missions to explore, protect and enhance our world, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider with world-leading reliability, schedule confidence, and mission optimization. We deliver value unmatched by any launch services company in the industry, a tireless drive to improve, and commitment to the extraordinary.

Original news story…

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 401 rocket will launch the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS)-2 civilian polar-orbiting weather satellite for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA and NASA’s Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID).

Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

Eleven years ago, a ULA Delta II rocket launched the Suomi NPP weather observatory for NOAA and NASA. That was the first of the advanced JPSS program constellation and was joined by JPSS-1/NOAA-20 in 2017. Atlas V will add JPSS-2 to the polar-orbiting fleet on Tuesday.

JPSS-1 also launched atop a ULA Delta II rocket to orbit from pole to pole and collect weather observations across the entire globe twice per day. That data is needed to run numerical weather forecast models with improved accuracy.

These satellites improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather prediction models to enhance forecasting. Soon, #JPSS2 will join NOAA-20 and SNPP to provide global observations that are the backbone of both short- and long-term weather forecasting and keep track of climate trends.

Rocket Lab’s trilogy of projects…

November 12, 2022

*Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle arrives at Launch Complex 2 in preparation for a December 7 launch window. (Photo: Business Wire)*

First, Rocket Lab USA, Inc. is scheduled to launch its first Electron mission from Virginia during a launch window opening December 7th, EST.

The mission, named “Virginia is for Launch Lovers,” will deploy satellites for HawkEye 360 and will be Rocket Lab’s first lift-off from Launch Complex 2 at Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.

This launch pad developed to support Electron missions from U.S. soil for government and commercial customers. The launch window has been set following recent progress by NASA in certifying its Autonomous Flight Termination Unit (NAFTU) software, which is required to enable Electron launches from Virginia.

*Photo of x 2 at Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.*

Launch Complex 2 supplements Rocket Lab’s existing site, Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, from which 31 Electron missions have already launched. This extensive launch heritage already makes Electron the most frequently launched small orbital rocket globally, and now with two launch complexes combined, Rocket Lab can support more than 130 launch opportunities every year for government and commercial satellite operators. The launch pad and production complex for Rocket Lab’s large reusable Neutron launch vehicle will also be located at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, streamlining operations across small and large launch.

The “Virginia is for Launch Lovers” mission will be the first of three Electron launches for HawkEye 360 in a contract that will see Rocket Lab deliver 15 satellites to LEO between late 2022 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 of 2021.

A live launch webcast will also be available at this direct link at around T-40 minutes.

“We are honored and excited to bring a new launch capability to Virginia’s Eastern Shore,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. “Electron is well established as the leader in small launch, reliably serving the responsive space needs of the commercial, civil, DoD, and national security markets alike. With our inaugural mission from Launch Complex 2, we are immensely proud to expand on this strong launch heritage by enabling a new capability for the nation from Virginian soil. We look forward to making history this December with our dedicated mission partners HawkEye 360, NASA and Virginia Space.”

“For our fifth cluster of next-generation satellites, we needed optimal orbital flexibility — and Rocket Lab’s new Electron launch pad in Wallops, Virginia provides the perfect domestic capability,” said CEO of HawkEye 360, John Serafini. “Rocket Lab’s inaugural launch facilitates our first mid-latitude satellite cluster, which will strengthen the diversity of our geospatial insights for our government and commercial customers across the globe.”

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. has also been selected by MDA Ltd. (TSX: MDA) to develop the Satellite Operations Control Center (SOCC) for Globalstar’s (NYSE American: GSAT) growing constellation — MDA is the prime contractor for Globalstar’s new LEO constellation.

The SOCC contract builds on the existing relationship between MDA, Rocket Lab and Globalstar established in February of 2022 when Rocket Lab was awarded a $143 million contract design and manufacture of 17 spacecraft buses for Globalstar’s new LEO satellites. These new satellites and SOCC will augment Globalstar’s existing constellation, delivering reliable mobile satellite voice and data services from space.

The SOCC system will be developed by Rocket Lab’s Denver, Colorado, ground data systems team and based on the MAX Ground Data System (MAX GDS). MAX GDS is in use on several satellites and constellations, including the DARPA/SDA Mandrake-2 mission involving two formation flying spacecraft performing optical crosslink demonstrations. The Globalstar SOCC will provide 24/7 monitoring and management of Globalstar’s constellation including:

Continuous satellite control and monitoring using Rocket Lab’s MAX GDS, a constellation-class ground software solution that provides complete spacecraft command and control
Satellite orbit determination, maneuver planning, collision avoidance, orbit maintenance, and propellant management
Satellite health analysis and reporting, anomaly resolution, performance trending, payload monitoring, management, and reconfiguration

The SOCC is designed to support Globalstar’s existing constellation and the new 17 satellites. The MAX GDS solution will be deployed to all of Globalstar’s existing operations and network control centers in Covington, Louisiana, Milpitas, California, and Aussaguel, France.

All 17 of the new Globalstar spacecraft platforms are being designed and manufactured at Rocket Lab’s Long Beach production complex and headquarters, where a new high-volume spacecraft manufacturing line has been developed to support growing customer demand for Rocket Lab satellites. The satellite platforms will be delivered to MDA for integration and testing.

Leveraging Rocket Lab’s vertically integrated space systems capabilities, the satellite platforms feature components and subsystems produced by Rocket Lab-acquired companies including solar panels and structures from SolAero Technologies in Albuquerque, New Mexico, software from ASI by Rocket Lab in Denver, Colorado, and reaction wheels from Sinclair Interplanetary in Toronto, Canada. The telemetry and control radio for all spacecraft will also be a C-band variant of Rocket Lab’s Frontier Satellite Radio (Frontier-C).

“The combination of our proven MAX GDS software and our deep expertise operating demanding and complex missions makes us an ideal choice for the Globalstar project, and we’re honored by the confidence and trust MDA have placed in us to deliver consistent mission success for years to come,” said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and CEO. “By designing and manufacturing Globalstar’s spacecraft buses, delivering the flight and ground software solutions, and developing and supporting the spacecraft operations centers, we’re once again executing on our strategy of going beyond launch to deliver complete space mission solutions.”

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. also now has two contracts worth a total of $14 million to provide satellite separation systems for companies building Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) satellites. Rocket Lab will supply more than 80, Lightband Separation Systems (Lightbands) to prime contractor Lockheed Martin and another undisclosed customer, both of whom are manufacturing satellites for the SDA’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer.

Lightbands are separation systems that are used to attach satellites to rockets and release them in space once the rocket reaches its intended orbit. Rocket Lab’s separation systems were designed by Planetary Systems Corp., which was acquired by the Company in 2021, and have a 100% mission success rate across more than 140 missions. Compared to typical clamp band separation systems, Rocket Lab’s Lightbands are lighter weight, have a lower profile, shock and tip-off rate, and have attained the highest Technology Readiness Level by the US Government.

Part of the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA), SDA’s Transport Layer will provide assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to the full range of warfighter platforms. T1TL consists of a mesh network of 126 optically-interconnected space vehicles and will form the initial warfighting capability tranche of the NDSA.

Previously, Rocket Lab’s Lightbands has been used on NASA International Space Station and Space Shuttle missions, on all major U.S. and international rockets.

The Lightbands are a part of Rocket Lab’s vertically-integrated, Space Systems offering that also include the in-house manufactured and operated spacecraft, satellite dispensers, and satellite components such as reaction wheels and star trackers, solar panels, and flight software.

“The Tranche 1 Transport Layer will provide crucial capabilities for the National Defense Space Architecture and we’re proud to be delivering the separation systems that will deploy these spacecraft precisely and accurately,” said Brad Clevenger, Vice President of Space Systems. “Being selected by not one but two companies building spacecraft for the SDA’s Transport Layer is a real vote of confidence in our Lightbands which have delivered 100% mission success for more than 100 separations on orbit.”

DARPA’s robotic servicing of GEO sats demo mission aims for a 2024 launch + Naval Research Lab + SpaceLogistics project involvement

November 12, 2022

*Flight manipulator arm, part of the RSGS robotic payload, in electromagnetic test. Image courtesy NRL*

All component-level tests are complete on DARPA’s Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) program and the on-orbit demonstration mission is on schedule for launch in 2024 — the RSGS goal is to enable inspection and servicing of satellites in GEO, where hundreds of satellites provide communications, meteorological, national security, and other vital functions. Currently, no options exist for visual diagnosis, upgrades or repairs of a malfunctioning satellite’s components.

Integration of the robotic payload with the spacecraft bus will begin in 2023, followed by testing and verification of the combined system. After launch in 2024, the host vehicle will use highly efficient electric propulsion to climb to GEO. Following a period of checkout and calibration activities, the program anticipates on-orbit satellite servicing activities will begin in 2025.

In 2020, DARPA partnered with SpaceLogistics, a Northrop Grumman company, to provide the spacecraft bus, launch, and operations of the integrated spacecraft in exchange for the ability to use the robotic payload to provide commercial servicing once on-orbit. DARPA is funding the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to lead development of the RSGS robotic servicing capabilities.

The on-orbit system DARPA is providing will include two robotic arms, multiple robotic tools, on-orbit checkout and calibration equipment, equipment stowage ports, cameras and lighting, and associated avionics boxes running advanced robotics control flight software. Each arm consists of seven, high-strength, high-performance joints as well as a tool drive. Avionics boxes provide power, data and control services to the arms.

The RSGS arms are robust enough to be fully testable in Earth gravity. Few, if any, other spaceflight robotic arms, either past or in development, meet this design criterion. This unique characteristic is what makes this combined servicing system singularly capable on-orbit, as well as fully ground testable.

To ensure survival of RSGS during launch stresses and years of operations in the harsh environment of space, both the RSGS robotics payload and the partner-provided bus will undergo extensive testing prior to launch. Major tests include those for basic functionality, vibration stresses simulating those during launch, electromagnetic tests to ensure components work together without interference, and thermal-vacuum exposures that simulate the extreme temperature and vacuum conditions of the space environment.

As with most space systems, RSGS is tested in each of these modes at a component level (by joint or box), then after arm assembly, and again at the vehicle level. The first assembled arm has successfully completed functional, vibration, and electromagnetic testing, and is preparing to begin thermal vacuum testing. The second arm is completing integration and will begin environmental testing this fall at NRL.

RSGS is intended to remain on-orbit over the long term, solving problems on existing spacecraft as they arise. DARPA designed RSGS with the ability to resupply it during flight with additional tools and hardware, enabling it to solve unanticipated or emerging challenges in GEO. With the advent of this in-space robotic capability, a variety of new services will become possible – from rescuing a new spacecraft that encounters a deployment anomaly, to upgrading older satellites that still have useful life. With RSGS, DARPA is establishing the trajectory for an on-orbit servicing industry that benefits both government and commercial clients.

“We are seeking to create a persistent operational dexterous robotic capability in geosynchronous Earth orbit,” said Ana Saplan, RSGS Program Manager in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office. “This will enable on-orbit satellite repair and upgrade, extending satellite life spans, expanding the capabilities of existing satellites, enhancing spacecraft resilience, and improving the reliability of the current U.S. space infrastructure. Through public-private partnership, DARPA will help propel this technology from demonstration to operational capability. Soon, instead of relegating satellites to space junk because of a broken part or lack of propellant, our robot mechanic will be making repair ‘service calls’ in space.”

“This partnership will enable revolutionary servicing capabilities to commercial and government users for visual diagnostics, upgrades, orbit adjustment, and satellite repairs,” Bernie Kelm, Superintendent of the Spacecraft Engineering Division, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST), said. “As the robotic payload developer, we designed this innovative set of spaceflight hardware and software that will advance national capabilities in satellite servicing.”

NRL developed the robotic tool to grapple customer satellites via their standard launch vehicle interface and procured another tool to capture resupply elements that are compatible with DARPA’s Payload Orbital Delivery (POD) design standard.

“Our diverse team of NCST engineers has focused their efforts on the robotic payload for the RSGS Program for the last seven years,” William Vincent, NRL’s RSGS program manager, said. “The Robotic Payload is one of NRL’s most complicated payload developments ever.”

NRL engineers developed multiple power and control avionics running on a distributed SpaceWire network to support an extended duration mission to control all the sensors and actuators in a robust and redundant manner. NRL procured panchromatic and color cameras, alongside designing LED lighting units to provide situational awareness during robotic activities.

“Our algorithms team developed machine vision, position control, collision avoidance, and compliance control algorithms that support robotics control and enable autonomous grapple capabilities,” Vincent said. “The algorithms are implemented in flight software which also provides all of the command-and-control functionality for the payload and provides control interfaces to the spacecraft bus.”

Robotic motions require special planning to ensure safe spacecraft operations. NRL has developed the Integrated Robotic Workstation (IRW) to accomplish just that. The IRW supports mission planning for the development of new mission activities. Once a mission is planned, the IRW supports screening activities to pre-screen all robotic motion commands in a payload simulator to verify command loads before they are sent.

Finally, using NRL’s Neptune® ground control software, the IRW commands all robotic payload activities and displays and trends payload telemetry during operations. To execute this effort, a skilled systems engineering team spent years performing system analyses, documenting requirements and interfaces, and generating a robust verification and validation plan.

“The engineers worked closely with the integration and test teams to ensure the system meets all requirements as it comes together for component, subsystem, and payload level testing,” Vincent said. “Once complete, the robotic payload will enable the wide range of missions envisioned and future missions not yet imagined.”

The RSGS team completed environmental testing of the first of two flight robotic arm systems. This included simulating the launch environment in NRL’s vibration lab, simulating both the vacuum and extreme temperature ranges of space in NRL’s thermal vacuum (TVAC) chamber, and ensuring electromagnetic interference (EMI) functionality in EMI chamber testing.

During TVAC testing, the robotic arm system demonstrated performance over temperatures representing actual on-orbit conditions. Under the harsh temperature and vacuum conditions of space, the robot arm performed a variety of operations including running pre-planned robotic calibration movements, tool actuation, and camera and light functions.

The second robotic arm system is integrated with a separate testbed that has the entire flight avionics suite. The second arm system has completed environmental testing. Robotic performance testing to demonstrate and verify robotic algorithms’ function is underway in the Robotics Testbed (RTB) at NRL’s Space Robotics Laboratory. The RTB consists of a non-spaceflight version of the flight robotic arm system and avionics hardware running flight software. This high-fidelity robotics testbed allows ground verification of many system-level robotic performance characteristics for the RSGS payload.

Compliance Control algorithm characterization and Marman Ring Detector algorithm performance characterization have been completed. Contact dynamics testing uses a sled floating on a thin layer of air to simulate the arm contacting client space vehicles ranging in mass from 75 – 3,000kg (165 – 6,613lbs.). Grapple, articulation, and release testing is scheduled later this summer.

“The systems engineering and verification efforts required by RSGS are extensive,” Amy Hurley, NRL’s Lead Systems Engineer, said. “It is amazing to see years of systems engineering and a strong verification and validation plan come together successfully.”

First small geostationary HummingSat sold

November 12, 2022

Satellite operator Intelsat has placed an order for the first, small, geostationary “HummingSat,” developed as part of ESA’s efforts to support fast, dynamic and agile private space firms in Europe.

The first HummingSat – which will be called Intelsat 45 (IS-45) – is being developed under an ESA Partnership Project with SWISSto12, an innovative company based in Renens, Switzerland, that was signed in March – just eight months ago.

Named after the tiny, agile, fast-moving and yet apparently stationary hummingbird, HummingSats are just over one cubic meter in volume, which is one-tenth the size of conventional satellites that are placed in geostationary orbit some 36,000 kilometers (22,370 miles) above Earth.

HummingSats are much more affordable to build and launch because they are small and lightweight and are designed for rideshare missions on launchers carrying one or more larger spacecraft to geostationary transfer orbit. The satellites use innovative additive manufactured radio-frequency equipment, and are there to complement much larger legacy spacecraft, boosting and expanding capacity where needed.

Scheduled for launch in 2025, IS-45 will deliver commercial fixed-satellite services that enable Intelsat to provide a specialised and efficient service to its media and network customers.

With the IS-45 order, Intelsat becomes the first anchor customer for SWISSto12’s novel HummingSat product line, continuing its pioneering of innovative satellites. The new satellite product line recently passed its system requirements review, assessed by a panel of ESA senior engineers and experts.

The HummingSat Partnership Project is a showcase for innovation and disruptive technologies introduced through ESA working hand-in-hand with the space industry. ESA bears the development risks and the private partner assumes the commercial risk. With this partnership approach, challenging projects such as HummingSat become viable for the commercial market.

The project offers an opportunity for high returns on investment to industry and participating ESA member states.

Emile de Rijk, SWISSto12 founder and chief executive officer, said, “The award of the IS-45 programme by Intelsat is a landmark moment for SWISSto12. We are humbled to embark on this journey with Intelsat, who are the foundational architects of satellite communications. It is unprecedented for a specialist high growth scale-up to secure a contract of this depth with a leading telecommunications operator. It provides a solid start to our HummingSat product line to open a new chapter in the satellite communications industry. The ESA Partnership Project along with the ESA project team is of great value for us to succeed with this first HummingSat mission on IS-45.”

Jean-Luc Froeliger, Senior Vice President for Space Systems at Intelsat, said, “The SWISSto12 product brings two innovations to meet our business needs. The small size addresses a gap in our fleet strategy, enabling us to be increasingly more targeted to meet specific customer requirements. In addition, the additive manufacturing process used for this spacecraft is paving the way for faster satellite build cycles in the future. We are confident in the HummingSat technology and want to support the success of new players in the field of commercial communication satellites.”

Elodie Viau, Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications at ESA, said, “ESA creates jobs and prosperity in Europe by fostering innovation to help space companies succeed in the highly competitive global market for telecommunications satellites. We are proud to support fast, dynamic and agile private space firms such as SWISSto12 to bring innovation directly and rapidly to market, as part of ESA’s Agenda 2025 to boost commercialisation in the European space industry.”

Veterans Day, Lest We Forget…

November 10, 2022

They represent the United States of America.

They come from all walks of life. They represent all ethnicities.

They are men

and women.

They serve while they are in the prime of their lives.

They remember long ago battles, friendships, and harrowing experiences. Some are physically, mentally or spiritually wounded.

All wear the scars of having seen things most others couldn’t imagine in their worst nightmares.

They are our brothers and our sisters, our neighbors and friends. Some were taken prisoner of war, and some are still missing in action.

We are free because they answered the call to the responsibility of not just caring for their loved ones at home, but also for those people they’ll never know, and yes, even defending their enemies.

All gave some...

and some gave all.

Thank you to our veterans everywhere.

While Veterans Day for the U.S. is on November 11,

Satnews Publishers recognizes that many

nations’ veterans are also protecting their countries,

and even though those nations have their special day of

acknowledgement, we include them in our tribute

to U.S. veterans.

In honor of Veterans Day, the Satnews Offices will be closed on
Friday, November 11, and return on Monday, November 14.

Inmarsat Government awarded million$$$ BPA contract from DISA for U.S. Army SATCOM

November 8, 2022

Inmarsat Government has been awarded a U.S. Army Blue Force Tracker (BFT) Network Services Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) for SATCOM to support connectivity between BFT devices and backhaul, with the ceiling value of up to $410 million over a one year base plus 4, one year options — BFT provides friendly force tracking information across tens of thousands of platforms and increased network capacity to transfer data.

Under the contract, Inmarsat Government will deliver Inmarsat ELERA-powered worldwide, assured, resilient L-band satellite solutions to allow connectivity between BFT transceivers and satellite Earth stations.

Inmarsat Government has provided world-class support to operational BFT units since 2017. Under the newly awarded BPA, Inmarsat Government will continue to provide L-band power and bandwidth leases, super high frequency satellite connectivity, Internet service and Host Nation Agreement services to support operations of the BFT networks worldwide. Solution benefits include:

Seamless worldwide mobility — Purpose-designed for mobility, Inmarsat’s ELERA L-band network brings continuous, consistent connectivity to on-the-move platforms worldwide – on land, at sea and in the air.
Reliable service — Inmarsat sets the gold standard for safety services, with 99.9% network reliability, all-weather availability and a global, fully redundant ground infrastructure.
A simplified user experience — Users benefit from unparalleled coverage, performance and data rates on small platforms across a wide variety of often-challenging environments in which they operate, including rain, heavy foliage and low altitudes.
End-to-end solution — Inmarsat owns and operates its global mobile networks throughout the world, including robust space and ground infrastructure, with customers acquiring them quickly and cost-effectively, with high quality of service.

Susan Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Inmarsat Government, said, “The BFT mission requires support around the world for the Global Network and end-user devices. We are proud that our customers recognize Inmarsat Government’s ability to deliver highly reliable, secure satellite-based capabilities that are flexible and scalable throughout the combat space. Our partnership allows for critical situational awareness and Command and Control for deployed personnel – whether on the ground, in a vehicle or in the air. Inmarsat’s trusted network of mobile satellite communication services, supported by our dedicated team – with the utmost reliability, security and affordability – makes this possible.”

The Northrop Grumman ISS Resupply Mission launches + carries NASA science and cargo for ISS

November 7, 2022

The Northrop Grumman ISS Resupply Mission launches and carries NASA science and cargo for the space station

A Northrop Grumman Antares rocket, with the company’s Cygnus spacecraft aboard, launched on Monday, November 7, 2022, from the Mid Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad-0A, at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

NASA astronaut Nicole Mann will use the space station’s robotic Canadarm2 to capture Cygnus upon its arrival, while NASA astronaut Josh Cassada monitors telemetry during rendezvous, capture, and installation on the Earth-facing port of the Unity module.

Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus cargo spacecraft successfully deployed one of its two solar arrays. Northrop Grumman is gathering data on the second array deployment and is working closely with NASA.

Northrop Grumman has reported to NASA that Cygnus has sufficient power to rendezvous with the International Space Station on Wednesday, November 9, to complete its primary mission, and NASA is assessing this as well as the configuration required for capture and berthing.

Northrop Grumman’s 18th cargo flight to the space station is the seventh under its Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract with NASA. The Cygnus spacecraft, which Northrop Grumman dubbed ‘S.S. Sally Ride’ after late NASA astronaut, physicist, and first American woman to fly in space, Sally Ride, launched on an Antares 230+ rocket from the Virginia Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad 0A at Wallops.

The resupply mission will support dozens of the more than 250 investigations that will be conducted during Expedition 68. Included in the scientific investigations are:

Bioprinting tissues
The BioFabrication Facility successfully printed a partial human knee meniscus and a large volume of human heart cells during its first trip to space in 2019. Now the facility is returning to the microgravity laboratory with new capabilities to further human tissue printing research. The 3D bioprinter tests whether microgravity enables the printing of tissue samples of higher quality than those printed on the ground. These technologies could be used to help alleviate organ shortages for patients in need of transplants.

Assessing how plants adapt in space
Plants exposed to spaceflight undergo changes that involve the addition of extra information to their DNA, which regulates how genes turn on or off but does not change the sequence of the DNA itself. This process is known as epigenetic change. Plant Habitat-03 assesses whether such adaptations in one generation of plants grown in space can transfer to the next generation. The research could inform the development of plants better suited for use on future missions to provide food and other services. Results also could help develop or adapt crops and other economically important plants to grow in marginal and reclaimed habitats on Earth.

Mudflow mixtures
Catastrophic mudflows after wildfires can carry heavy boulders and debris downhill, which is dangerous to humans and causes significant damage to infrastructure and watersheds. Post-Wildfire Mudflow Micro-Structure evaluates the composition of these mudflows, which include sand, water, and trapped air. Results could improve understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that govern post-wildfire debris movement, including how mudflows trap air bubbles and carry heavy boulders. This investigation also could help develop and validate models to predict the spread and velocity of debris flows and their effect on houses, other infrastructure, and natural obstacles.

Ovarian cell development in microgravity
Sponsored by NASA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and coordinated by ASI, the Modulation of Granulosa and Theca Cells Activity in Microgravity: Consequences for Human Health and Reproduction (OVOSPACE) investigation examines the effect of microgravity on bovine cell cultures, as living for prolonged times in the reduced microgravity environment could impair fertility. OVOSPACE results could improve fertility treatments on Earth and help prepare for future human settlement in space.

First satellites from Uganda, Zimbabwe
The Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Project-5 (BIRDS-5) is a constellation of three cubesats to be deployed after arrival at the space station: PEARLAFRICASAT-1, the first satellite developed by Uganda; ZIMSAT-1, Zimbabwe’s first satellite; and TAKA from Japan. BIRDS-5 performs multispectral observations of Earth using a commercial off-the-shelf camera and demonstrates a high-energy electronic measuring instrument. The statistical data collected could help distinguish bare ground from forest and farmland and possibly indicate the quality of agricultural growth. A cross-border university project, BIRDS provides students from developing nations with hands-on satellite development opportunities, laying a foundation for similar space technology projects in their home countries that ultimately could lead to sustainable space programs there.

These are just a sample of the hundreds of investigations currently conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory in the areas of biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, and Earth and space science. Such research benefits people on Earth and lays the groundwork for future human exploration through the agency’s Artemis missions, which will send astronauts to the Moon to prepare for future expeditions to Mars.

Cygnus also will deliver a new mounting bracket that astronauts will attach to the starboard side of the station’s truss assembly during a spacewalk planned for Tuesday, November 15th. The mounting bracket will enable the installation of one of the next pair of new solar arrays later this year.

The spacecraft will remain at the space station until January before it disposes of several thousand pounds of trash through the craft’s destructive re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

Exotrail + Isar Aerospace sign multiple launch services agreement

November 7, 2022

Exotrail and Isar Aerospace have signed a multiple launch services agreement — Isar Aerospace’s launch vehicle Spectrum will launch Exotrail’s spacevan™ vehicle on several launches to LEO and geostationary transfer orbits (GTO) from Isar Aerospace’s launch sites in Andøya, Norway, and CSG, French Guiana, between 2024 and 2029. With this combo of launchpads, Isar Aerospace provides access to all orbits.

With the demand for flexible and cost-efficient access to space continuing to rise, Exotrail and Isar Aerospace have partnered to break new ground in the delivery of satellites. This combination of both service offers enables customers to launch single satellites and satellite constellations and place them in the orbit of their choice to drive forward telecommunication, EO, space logistics and exploration.

With this agreement, Exotrail extends its manifest to continue to provide competitive solutions and to meet the market’s growing demand for precise satellite delivery in LEO, with specific orbital planes, inclinations and altitudes, as well as further to the geostationary orbit (GEO). Doing so, the company pursues the increase in the firm’s spacedrop™ manifest, with a stable financial framework and without compromising service flexibility. The spacevan™ vehicles will embark on the Spectrum launcher, with the possibility of flying from Isar Aerospace’s two launch facilities.

Exotrail’s tailored spacedrop™ service allows satellite operators to launch their spacecrafts into their bespoke operational orbits. Exotrail offers an integrated service by procuring access to space, integrating customers satellites onto the spacevan™ platform and performing the required operations in orbit.

Contrary to other solutions on the market, Exotrail’s spacevan™ uses space-proven, electric propulsion to increase passenger capacity and range. The versatility of Isar Aerospace’s launch offering toward specific planes and low inclinations, along with the spacevan™ performances, will allow Exotrail to deliver passengers’ satellites in any plane and any inclination, making new business models available and sustainable. Exotrail’s spacedrop™ service also helps launch service providers to extend the range of their accessible missions and optimize the filling ratio of their rocket, to increase both revenues and profitability.

Isar Aerospace underlines yet another expansion of its launch manifest and is cementing its presence as the leading private European launch service provider. Together, the two companies will further deliver on their mission to shape the European NewSpace industry.

Jean-Luc Maria, CEO of Exotrail, said, “The contract with Isar Aerospace enables us to consolidate our spacedrop™ service by offering more launch opportunities to customers looking for bespoke and competitive access to LEO and GEO orbits. We are looking forward to these flights and to building a long term, mutually beneficial partnership with Isar Aerospace and our respective customers.”

“Exotrail is one of the leading European NewSpace companies – we are delighted to welcome them on-board Spectrum’s flights and thank Exotrail’s team for the trust and confidence it has placed in us. We are proud to further expand our launch manifest and can look on a strong customer record,” said Daniel Metzler, CEO and Co-Founder of Isar Aerospace.

About Exotrail
Exotrail is an end-to-end space mobility operator. The company offers customers the capability to define their space mobility need with the spacestudio™ mission analysis software, meet that need with spaceware™ onboard propulsion systems and spacedrop™ in-space mobility services, and operate the solution with the spacetower™ software. This complete mobility offering called mobilityhub™ allows satellites to optimize their deployment, increase their service performance, and reduce space pollution. Exotrail has been incorporated in 2017 and has secured over 20M€ of funding. The company has more than 20 customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Exotrail’s team is expanding quickly and consists, as of today, of +75 passionate people operating out of two locations: Toulouse and Massy (suburb of Paris) in France.

About Isar Aerospace
Isar Aerospace, based in Ottobrunn/Munich, develops and builds launch vehicles for transporting small and medium-sized satellites as well as satellite constellations into Earth’s orbit. The company was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from Technical University Munich. Since then, it has grown to more than 300 employees from more than 40 nations with many years of hands-on rocket know-how as well as experience within other high-tech industries. The company is privately financed by former SpaceX VP Bulent Altan as well as world-leading investors including Airbus Ventures, Apeiron, Earlybird, HV Capital, Lakestar, Lombard Odier, Porsche SE, UVC Partners, and Vsquared Ventures.

An RFP for 600 LEO satellites issued by Rivada Space Networks

November 6, 2022

Rivada Space Networks GmbH has issued a request for proposals for 600 LEO satellites, having released the RFP for the associated, heavy-lift launch services two weeks ago.

The company anticipates selecting a prime contractor for the space segment, parts of the ground segment and system integration for the LEO constellation by the end of 2022 in parallel to the selection of the launch service provider.

For the first time, Rivada Space Networks will offer access to a secure satellite network with pole-to-pole reach, offering end-to-end latencies similar or better than terrestrial fiber. The Rivada network will operate like an optical backbone in space, using lasers to interconnect satellites and deliver an ultra-secure and highly reliable global data network for business operations in the telecom, enterprise, maritime, energy and government services markets.

Since formally launching in March 2022, Rivada Space Networks has been on a fast-track mission to complete the detailed definition of the overall system architecture and provide the production and deployment framework needed to place a firm contract for the constellation and associated launch services.

The preceding phase B study concluded that the procurement plan will successfully fulfill the requirements associated with the company’s high priority ITU Ka-band filings. With a contract for manufacturing and launch in place by the end of 2022, deployment will start in 2024, with 300 satellites in orbit by mid-2026 and full constellation deployment expected by mid-2028.

Clemens Kaiser, Rivada Space Networks Chief Program Officer, said, “Following a rigorous process with a number of leading satellite manufacturers, we are delighted that today we have completed another major milestone in the specification and development of our unique constellation to enable secure, global connectivity for governments and enterprises. The key attributes of RSN’s laser-linked LEO constellation architecture include global reach, low latency, ultra-security, resilience and optional quantum key encryption. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that our system comprises the best the satellite industry has to offer. We are really looking forward to moving to the next phase of our program to manufacture and deploy our LEO constellation.”

Severin Meister, Rivada Space Networks CEO, said, “RSN is a German ‘NewSpace’ innovator and disruptor. I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved in such a short time frame. Over the course of the past eight months we have completed the design of our satellite system and grown our teams in Munich and Berlin to further develop the technical, commercial and regulatory competencies of the company. With over 60 people today, we anticipate expanding further to over 100 people by the end of Q1 2023 and are on track to execute our vision of providing the first truly global point-to-point low latency connectivity network.” Meister added: “Initial customers are showing great interest, which confirms that we will occupy a much-needed niche. This is the German NewSpace company to watch!“

Rivada Space Networks Founder, Declan Ganley, said, “I am thrilled that we have completed this important milestone. This is a unique satellite network in terms of security, speed and global reach.. Our constellation in combination with our patented Open Access Wireless Market Platform allows us to offer a network with unprecedented flexibility. It will be instrumental in driving the next leg of the ongoing communications revolution. Having recently joined the ITU Partner2Connect digital inclusion initiative and the EU’s multi-stakeholder Secure Connectivity Program, we are committed to providing a secure communications infrastructure like no other for Government and Enterprise.“

Rivada Space Networks GmbH is a disruptive new company set to establish and operate the first, truly global, low latency, point-to-point connectivity network of LEO satellites. By connecting its satellites with lasers, Rivada Space Networks will provide resellers and B2B customers with the ability to securely connect any two points on the globe with low latency and high bandwidth. The constellation of 600 low-earth-orbit communications satellites will represent a fundamental change in the availability of secure, global, end-to-end enterprise-grade connectivity for Telecom, Enterprise, Maritime, Energy and Government Services markets. Rivada Space Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rivada Networks, Inc.