Capella Space to Partner with SpaceNet to Develop Geospatial AI Apps

Capella Space is partnering with SpaceNet®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating open source, artificial intelligence (AI) applied research for geospatial applications.

Capella joins the collaborative SpaceNet partnership alongside In-Q-Tel’s (IQT) CosmiQ Works, Maxar Technologies, Intel AI and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Capella’s addition to the partnership presents an exciting opportunity to expand SpaceNet’s existing geospatial open source research to a new data type, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Opening access to this data will help broaden the use of high-quality SAR in a variety of geospatial analytic applications.

There is tremendous potential in applying machine learning to SAR data for a range of applications, from natural disaster response to monitoring global supply chain activity, but the industry still faces significant barriers to adoption. Developers and data scientists lack open data and software tools. Capella seeks to help overcome these obstacles through its partnership with SpaceNet and the development of a new SAR user community.

The Capella User Community will broaden the adoption of high-resolution SAR data to solve a range of global issues. Data scientists and software engineers will have access to free and open Capella data along with tools and techniques to work more easily with SAR data. The company invites academics, non-government organizations (NGOs), governments, and companies to join Capella’s User Community at this direct link…

Ryan Lewis, SVP at IQT and GM of SpaceNet, stated that SAR promises substantial value for a wide variety of geospatial applications because, unlike satellite imagery, it is not limited by weather or lighting conditions. Furthermore, SAR phase data can offer additional insights into a particular location such as land subsidence. Capella’s contribution of an open-source, high-resolution SAR data set is an important next step for SpaceNet, and the organization is excited to see how participants use this data for machine learning models in an upcoming challenge.

Andrew Ulmer, VP of Business Development at Capella Space, added that, traditionally, this type of high-resolution SAR data has only been used by governments for defense applications and has not been easy to access. By opening access to this type of data and lowering barriers to adoption, the company aims to foster broad and rapid advances in commerce, conservation and well-being across many industries. Capella Space encourages industry leaders, academics and NGOs to experiment with the data, as it’s collective imagination that will unlock the most value and transform how all live.


For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘New Space’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

GomSpace Reports Their Success with the UnseenLabs BRO-1 Smallsat

GomSpace has successfully delivered and commissioned the satellite bus for UnseenLabs BRO-1, launched from New Zealand by Rocket Lab on August 19, 2019.

The launch and early operations phase was successfully completed in only a few days, and the spacecraft is ready to commence operation for UnseenLabs.

BRO-1 is a 6U cubesat designed to supply spectrum monitoring services from LEO, featuring unique hardware and software. The successful commission allows UnseenLab to take the operation to the next level and begin their adventure of maritime surveillance service based on electromagnetic intelligence.


Artistic rendition of UnseenLab’s BRO-1 smallsat.

Under the Authorization To Proceed, signed at the Paris Airshow earlier this year, the parties continue to detail the design and specification of the second-generation 6U platform and expect an agreement to be finalized within the fall of 2019.

GomSpace and UnseenLabs SAS continue to develop and deliver the second-generation 6U constellation platform. A phase of detailed design has been kicked off with the purpose of enhancing the capabilities and adding even more features — providing an even more disruptive spectrum monitoring service from space.

Niels Buus, CEO of GomSpace, said it is a pleasure to witness yet another successful launch and commission and the company is honored to help UnseenLabs achieve their goals in space. With BRO-1, GomSpace has proven that the company’s platform forms a solid and very capable foundation for accommodating partners’ payloads. It further demonstrates the firm’s ability to deliver high maturity of both our hardware and software products.

Jonathan Galic, CEO and Co-Founder of UnseenLabs, added the company is very pleased with the technical capabilities and the agility of the solutions GomSpace can provide. The development of BRO-1 has convinced UnseenLabs that they are the correct choice for the company’s continued roadmap. Their ability to deliver a standardized platform, successfully hosting the firm’s payloads, and mission concepts in space is a major source of confidence.

Capella Space Partnering with SpaceNet for AI-Based Geospatial Research Endeavors

Capella Space is partnering with SpaceNet®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating open source, artificial intelligence (AI) applied research for geospatial applications.

Capella joins the collaborative SpaceNet partnership alongside In-Q-Tel’s (IQT) CosmiQ Works, Maxar Technologies, Intel AI and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Capella’s addition to the partnership presents an exciting opportunity to expand SpaceNet’s existing geospatial open source research to a new data type, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Opening access to this data will help broaden the use of high-quality SAR in a variety of geospatial analytic applications.

There is tremendous potential in applying machine learning to SAR data for a range of applications, from natural disaster response to monitoring global supply chain activity, but the industry still faces significant barriers to adoption. Developers and data scientists lack open data and software tools. Capella seeks to help overcome these obstacles through its partnership with SpaceNet and the development of a new SAR user community.

The Capella User Community will broaden the adoption of high-resolution SAR data to solve a range of global issues. Data scientists and software engineers will have access to free and open Capella data along with tools and techniques to work more easily with SAR data. The company invites academics, non-government organizations (NGOs), governments, and companies to join Capella’s User Community — access this direct link for additional information…

Ryan Lewis, the SVP at IQT and General Manager of SpaceNet, said that SAR promises substantial value for a wide variety of geospatial applications because, unlike satellite imagery, it is not limited by weather or lighting conditions. Furthermore, SAR phase data can offer additional insights into a particular location such as land subsidence. Capella’s contribution of an open-source, high-resolution SAR data set is an important next step for SpaceNet and the company is excited to see how participants use this data for machine learning models in an upcoming challenge.

Andrew Ulmer, VP of Business Development at Capella Space, added that, traditionally, this type of high-resolution SAR data has only been used by governments for defense applications and has not been easy to access. By opening access to this type of data and lowering barriers to adoption, the company aims to foster broad and rapid advances in commerce, conservation and well-being across many industries. Capella Space encourages industry leaders, academics and NGOs to experiment with the data, as it’s the firm’s collective imagination that will unlock the most value and transform how we live.


 

Kleos Space Gains USAF SBIR Phase 1 Contract

Kleos Space S.A. (ASX: KSS, Frankfurt: KS1) has been awarded a United States Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 contract with a focus on “Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need.”

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a highly competitive program that encourages small businesses to engage in U.S. Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization. The special U.S. Air Force (USAF) SBIR topics, developed in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory, National Security Innovation Network and AFWERX, are experiments to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transition rate of the SBIR program.


Artistic rendition of a Kleos Space Scouting Mission smallsat.

Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR enables small businesses to explore technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from commercialization. Kleos was successful in its presentation of the Kleos’ Scouting Mission under AF192-001 and is participating in Phase I of the program. Phase 1 is to be completed by October 23, 2019, with delivery of a report including technical feasibility, financial sustainability and meeting defense needs serving as a gateway to a Phase 2.

The multi-satellite Scouting Mission system will form the foundation of a constellation that delivers a global picture of hidden maritime activity, enhancing the intelligence capability of government and commercial entities when AIS (Automatic Identification System) is defeated, imagery is unclear, or targets are out of patrol range.

Kleos’ Head of U.S. Strategy, Karyn Hayes-Ryan, said that participation by Kleos in the SBIR program is a welcomed opportunity for the company to provide access to numerous Department of Defense entities.

The first scouting mission is made up of 4x smallsats built by GomSpace in Denmark.


For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘New Space’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

Orbion Space Technology Obtains Series A Funding for Hall-Effect Plasma Thrusters for Smallsats

Orbion Space Technology has raised $9.2 million in Series A funding led by Material Impact, a venture capital firm focused on translating early stage, innovative materials technologies into products and companies that solve real-world problems — additional participants in the round include Invest Michigan, Invest Detroit, Wakestream Ventures, Ann Arbor SPARK, and Boomerang Catapult.

The financing comes at a crucial moment for Orbion and the space market. Just last year, the company announced plans to manufacture and mass-produce the first-ever Hall-effect plasma thrusters for smallsats, dubbed the Orbion Aurora system. According to the company, Aurora is the highest-performing system of its kind in the world and will deliver the accelerated access and efficiency gains that New Space operators need to drive greater ROI for smallsat missions. Also in the last year, dozens of companies and government defense agencies announced plans to build and launch thousands of new small satellites — all of which will require plasma thrusters.

Unique to Orbion is their end-to-end approach to manufacturing, which integrates high-performance space technology, robotic assembly-line integration, and acceptance testing perfected in high-volume production environments. This model adapts key techniques and infrastructure developed in the tactical missile industry.

Smallsat launches are projected to increase at an unprecedented rate in the coming years, but the supplier base for key technologies is not yet mature enough to support the projected growth. Many of the components on new small satellites, such as solar cells, batteries, and computers, can be leveraged from large established terrestrial markets and can easily satisfy the projected growth. Propulsion, however, is a “space-only” technology that has no terrestrial counterpart and, until Orbion, there was no supplier capable of delivering hundreds or thousands of thrusters for satellites.

In addition to their unique ability to manufacture at-scale, Orbion’s approach has the potential to save hundreds of millions of dollars for these operators by reducing propulsion system mass by 3X while improving the imaging, lifespan, orbit control and re-entry. And unlike traditional testing that takes 6-8 months of testing before delivery, Orbion’s manufacturing approach aims to build and ship thrusters within just 6-8 days of order.

Adam Sharkawy, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Material Impact, said the company is proud to be part of the Orbion team and believe Orbion’s thruster technology will propel small satellites into a booming market driven by applications ranging from high-speed mobile communications to high-resolution imaging. While there is also a great deal of interest in shoebox-sized cubesats, we believe that the small satellites in the 100 kg. range that the Orbion thrusters can currently propel will represent the workhorse applications, with the largest growth in the next 5 to10 years. As a result, the smallsat market is projected to exceed $62 billion by 2030.

Dr. Brad King, CEO of Orbion Space Technology, added that the company is honored to have the financial support and expertise of such key investors as Material Impact to power the firm’s progress. It’s an exciting milestone in Orbion’s mission to bring modern mass-manufacturing to space technology and help New Space operators unlock their full potential.


For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘New Space’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

SWISSto12 Closes Series B Financing and Parners with Tyvak for mini-GEO Smallsats

SWISSto12 has closed a CHF 18.1M (USD 18.5 million) Series B financing round, led by Swisscanto Invest by Zürcher Kantonalbank and Swisscom Ventures and returning investor Constantia New Business (CNB).

This new round will accelerate the company’s industrialization and the commercial deployment of antenna products for communication satellites. The company will also direct the funding toward the introduction of new advanced communication payloads for the smallsat market as well as continue the expansion of its recently opened offices in the  U.S.  and Israel.

In  addition,  SWISSto12  will  explore  first  opportunities  in  terrestrial communications, such as 5G. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) provides a unique opportunity for next-generation equipment onboard communication satellites. With SWISSto12’s innovative solutions, satellite communication operators gain high-performance, lightweight, and highly customizable products, opening a new area in payload engineering.

The technology also brings new design and manufacturing possibilities that SWISSto12 has mastered after development and successful space qualification of its patents. In a short amount of time, SWISSto12 will deliver on the firm’s promise of space ready, 3D-printed radio frequency communication products. As the company also moves into the smallsat and constellation markets, SWISSto12 will provide high-performing and versatile antenna payload products based on the firm’s additive manufacturing technology expertise.

The Board of Directors is delighted to welcome Swisscanto Invest and Swisscom Ventures, which together with CNB, constitute a first-class pool of experienced, global investors, committed to the long-term success of SWISSto12. These major institutional investors will contribute to strengthening a sustainable ramp-up capacity for SWISSto12.

Marking another major company milestone, Michael Kaliski has joined as Head of SWISSto12’s U.S. team.  With  more  than  25  years of  satellite  communications  experience,  Kaliski  will  build  a U.S. engineering and sales team, in Santa Clara, California, to meet increasing customer demand.

Previously, Kaliski worked at RUAG Space as Director of Payload Systems and Business Development with a focus on telecom satellite Digital Payloads and Solid State Power Amplifiers. Prior to this, Kaliski spent more than 23  years  in  multiple  roles  at  Space  Systems/Loral  (SSL,  now  Maxar)  including  Satellite  Thermal Systems, Communications Payload Systems, Program Management, and as the Engineering Lead for the payload supply chain.

Nils Granath, responsible for ICT investments at Swisscanto Private Equity Switzerland Growth I KmGK.Pär  Lange,  Investment  Partner  at  Swisscom  Ventures, said SWISSto12 convinced the firm with its innovative technology and business model. With its space-ready, 3D-printed  radio frequency  communication  products,  the company  believes  SWISSto12  has  a  great  growth potential. It is an ideal addition to the firm’s portfolio, which focuses on unlisted Swiss growth companies in the expansion phase. With  its  innovative  3D-printing technology, SWISSto12 is leading the way into the next generation of microwave components such as wave  guides,  antennas,and  filters,  giving  the  aerospace  industry  unrivaled  solutions  in  terms  of performance, weight and size. As the satellite industry is transforming, with many LEO constellation initiatives on the way, the firm believes that SWISSto12 will have an important part to play in this development a

Philipp Thurn und Taxis, Managing Director of CNB, added the company is proud of the path already taken by SWISSto12 and are delighted to join forces with two highly experienced investors who bring complementary strengths to the firm’s investor base.

Dr. Emile de Rijk, CEO of SWISSto12, said that with  this  financing  round,  the company’s  mission  to  bring  disruptively  performing  and  reliable,  3D-printed communication products to the aerospace industry goes to the next level. The firm is round to have brought the first products into operation in space this year and look forward to further developing our journey with the company’s clients by enabling increasingly affordable and flexible satellite communication services and are excited to have the trust of Swisscanto Invest, Swisscom Ventures and continued support from CNB as new capabilities are brought to the space industry. SWISSto12 thanks its fantastic team, shareholders and long-term supporters for their work and help in the successful growth of the company.

SWISSto12 will be attending the World Satellite Business Week in Paris, France, from September 9  to 13.

Plus, SWISSto12 and Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc. are partnering in the development and production of mini-GEO satellites.

The evolution of mini-GEO missions(GEO satellites of 100 to 500 kg.) is complementary to LEO and MEO constellations offered by the satellite communications industry. However, according to the company, the market lacks experienced and trusted mini-GEO solution providers that can offer reliability and high performance at a price point compatible with the market’s new expectations. The combination of Tyvak’s mission operations, platform, and payload expertise, along with SWISSto12’s end-to-end telecom payload and 3-D printed RF products, brings a new level of innovation to the GEO market. Together they will deliver highly efficient and customized min-GEO satellites at competitive costs, covering frequency bands from X- to Ka- and Q/V bands.

Capitalizing on engineering teams from both Europe and the U.S., Tyvak and SWISSto12 aim to expedite the delivery of mini-GEO satellite fleets.

Marco Villa, the COO of Tyvak, said the company is excited about this partnership to enable and accelerate cost-effective, mini-GEO missions with SWISSto12 closing the gap through expertise and new technology applications. Tyvak has invested in GEO bus technology for years and the firm is pleased to extend the company’s reach and apply agile aerospace processes to the telecommunications sector.


Designed to deliver pertinent data efficiently, Satnews Publishers is pleased to host seven concise Market Briefs at Satellite Innovation 2019.

Culled from market data, news analytics, and surveys, these seven topical areas represent the most important market forces affecting business growth in the satellite industry.

Five of the industry’s foremost experts in these respective fields will share their extensive knowledge and real-time data.  

Don’t miss the opportunity for insight that will be of utmost value to your business. 

Register for Satellite Innovation 2019
at this direct link…

To view the agenda for Satellite Innovation 2019,
select this direct link…

Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions to Support Astranis’ Alaskan Broadband Mission

Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions and Astranis are working together to support the latter’s efforts to bring widespread broadband internet access to the people of Alaska.

Astranis’ small, Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) communications satellite will more than triple the amount of current satellite capacity available in Alaska, where 39 percent of the population still has unreliable internet access and will leverage Cobham’s new LeanREL microcontroller and CAN transceiver product offerings.

Cobham’s LeanREL Electronics offer world-class harsh environment performance at a fraction of the normal cost. A full suite of ICs, LeanREL leverages Cobham’s 30+ years of radiation-hardened, QML level reliability, and innovative space systems design expertise to create an unmatched offering. Based on the same QML pedigree and silicon as the company’s renowned HiRel solutions, Cobham’s LeanREL ICs can enable up to 60 percent cost savings to extend mission durations well beyond that of typical off-the-shelf ICs and greatly speeds up time to market through rapid prototyping.

Miki Heller, VP of Business Operations and Strategy at Astranis, said that Cobham’s LeanREL products are a great fit for the company’s Alaska mission. Cobham’s extensive space pedigree helps the firm to meet the reliability targets of this program and their forward-thinking on LeanREL products makes their offerings price-competitive for a satellite of this size.

David Meyouhas, Director of Standard Product Marketing, Space and Semiconductor Products, Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions, added that the company is excited to support Astranis on their journey to bring dependable broadband internet to the people of Alaska and the firm looks forward to providing mission-matched, affordable reliability through the LeanREL products.


For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘New Space’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

Riding on SpaceX’s First Smallsat Rideshare Mission Will be the Momentus Vigoride Orbital Shuttle

Momentus has plans to provide orbital shuttle service to its customers on SpaceX’s first dedicated SmallSat Rideshare mission.

Momentus’ Vigoride orbital shuttle will carry multiple customer satellites, with a total mass up to 250 kg., each to its own custom orbit on a mission scheduled to launch no earlier than late 2020. As part of this launch, Momentus will offer its customers the ability to access multiple destination orbits through its in-space last-mile transportation services.


Artistic rendition of Momentus’ Vigoride.

Image is courtesy of the company.

A graduate of the prestigious Y Combinator program and based in Santa Clara, California, Momentus recently announced a $25.5 million Series A, bringing total funding to $34 million. Momentus employs new and proprietary technology including water plasma propulsion for the mission of low-cost sustainable transportation through space. Momentus’ Vigoride orbital shuttle, which is designed and built in-house, is powered by proprietary water plasma propulsion to ferry satellites from one orbit to another.

Mikhail Kokorich, the CEO of Momentus, said that showing ridesharing from the Falcon 9 will be a game-changer. By ferrying payloads to multiple orbits from a single launch, the company multiplies the capability of an already very impressive system.

Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO at SpaceX said the company is excited to have Momentus as SpaceX’s first customer on a dedicated small satellite rideshare mission. Their innovative technology will offer a strong complement to Falcon 9’s capability to reliably and affordably launch payloads for small satellite operators.


For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘NewSpace’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

Big Questions Regarding Space to Possibly be Answered by a Smallsat from Israel


Artistic rendition of Israel’s ULTRASAT smallsat.

Image is courtesy of the Israel Space Agency.

A posting at the Israel21c infosite reports that, weighing just about 160 kilograms (353 pounds), a new type of scientific satellite to be built in Israel will carry a telescope designed to observe the universe as it has not before been seen.

The ULTRASAT, projected to launch in 2023, will operate in an ultraviolet range of light, normally invisible to us, with a very large field of view.

Among the big questions to be answered: How do dense neutron stars form and later merge and emit gravitational waves? How do supermassive black holes rule their neighborhoods? How do stars explode? Where do the heavy elements in the universe come from? What are the properties of stars that could have habitable planets?

The Weizmann Institute and the Israel Space Agency will begin working on the project in September. The German DESY Research Center of the Helmholtz Association pledged its support and cooperation for the initiative. Negotiations are also under way with other major space agencies to get ULTRASAT off the ground. The project is expected to cost some $70 million over a projected four years of detailed planning, construction and launch.

Professor Eli Waxman of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, stated this unique configuration will help to answer some of the big questions in astrophysics.

ISA Director Avi Blasberger added that the ULTRASAT spacecraft will be constructed by the Israeli industries and will put Israel —– and Israeli scientists and engineers — at the forefront of a global movement to explore the universe with small, affordable satellites.

Weizmann President Professor Daniel Zajfman noted that a small country — and a small satellite — can produce big results, even in exploring the wonders of distant outer space.


For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘New Space’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

Development Contract for GomSpace Subsidiary and the European Space Agency

GomSpace’s subsidiary in Luxembourg and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a development contract at a value of 1,425,000 euros for GomSpace Luxembourg SARL’s continued development of the Mega-Constellation Operations Platform (MCOP) product.

The development of MCOP was initiated in 2018 under the first development contract resulting in development of a minimum viable product focusing on scalability which was recently proven through the first operational deployment test. This new contract will enable GomSpace to take constellation management and the MCOP product to the next level. Additional features will be added, including:

  • Constellation level simulation and planning to optimize operations
  • Increased automation to reduce operator workloads
  • Improved visualization and constellation level situational awareness

 

The contract is funded by the Luxembourg Space Agency through the Luxembourg National Space Program LuxIMPULSE and it is being implemented through ESA.

Niels Buus, the CEO at GomSpace, stated that customers are increasingly paying attention to the scaling and operational aspects of their constellation plans. Given that the company’s MCOP offering is developing according to plan, GomSpace is able to respond with a compelling solution helping customers to achieve lower lifetime costs and improved return on investment.

Marc Serres of the Luxembourg Space Agency added that the organization is pleased with GomSpace Luxembourg’s continued development as they are becoming an important part of the space ecosystem in Luxembourg and are bringing unique and innovative commercial offerings to the SATCOM market.