These contracts allow Exolaunch to continue integrating and deploying satellites of all sizes-from CubeSats up to 16U formats, to microsatellites weighing 20 to 800 kilograms, and larger payloads. Exolaunch has collaborated with SpaceX since 2020, managing over 160 launches and deploying more than 400 satellites across 20 missions using both Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets.

Exolaunch holds the distinction of being the only launch integrator to participate in every SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission. Its global clientele spans over 25 countries, and its services have enabled first-time space missions for emerging spacefaring nations such as Senegal, Kenya, Mongolia, and Botswana.

The company's proprietary separation and deployment systems-CarboNIX rings, EXOport adapters, EXOpod Nova deployers, and Quadro systems-have proven critical to its launch success. Exolaunch plans to debut additional satellite separation technologies on upcoming missions to further address evolving industry needs.

"Exolaunch's sustained and growing collaboration with SpaceX underscores our joint commitment and mission to provide reliable access to space," said Kier Fortier, Vice President of Global Business Development at Exolaunch.

"We're proud of Exolaunch's ongoing trust in our capabilities to provide rapid and reliable access to space for their customers aboard our small satellite rideshare missions," added Stephanie Bednarek, Vice President of Commercial Sales at SpaceX.

During the most recent Transporter-13 launch, Exolaunch successfully deployed 27 satellites totaling over 1,500 kilograms for clients in 14 countries. The upcoming Transporter-14 mission is expected to see nearly 50 satellites deployed, reflecting the company's growing annual launch cadence.

"We're thankful to SpaceX for our fruitful long-term collaboration and for delivering hundreds of payloads successfully to orbit," said Jeanne Allarie, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Exolaunch.

As demand for small satellite deployment continues to rise, Exolaunch is scaling its U.S. footprint with expanded operations in Denver, and has established additional offices in France and Japan to support regional customers more directly.

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:09:09 AEST Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 15, 2025 - York Space Systems (York), the Denver-based aerospace firm specializing in rapid mission deployment, has confirmed its Bard mission is ready for launch. The mission will test the Polylingual Experimental Terminal (PExT), a cutting-edge communications system developed in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program. This terminal is designed to provide real-time interoperability across government and commercial satellite relay networks, a critical capability as NASA shifts toward a more commercially driven communications architecture.

Bard is one of five missions York plans to launch this year, reinforcing its leadership in providing spacecraft for government, civil, and commercial customers. The mission reflects York's expanding role as a key enabler of national space infrastructure, offering rapid, scalable solutions for both operational systems and experimental technologies.

The Bard mission is built on York's proven spacecraft platform and will demonstrate the power of wideband polylingual terminals. These systems utilize software-defined radios capable of dynamically switching across multiple frequency bands, protocols, and relay networks.

The mission's on-orbit demonstration phase is set to conclude in April 2026, aiming to validate seamless communication with NASA's legacy Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), various commercial networks, and direct-to-Earth links. This capability marks a crucial step in NASA's transition to commercial relay services, projected to be fully operational by 2031.

"Bard is yet another proof point that York continues to deliver a full spectrum of missions and customers-from high-performance constellations to critical pathfinder demonstrations," said Melanie Preisser, GM and Executive VP of York. "This is just another example of how York has become the provider of choice for deploying next-generation capabilities with the speed, scale, and operational readiness that customers demand."

The Bard mission also highlights York's innovative approach to mission operations. The spacecraft will be managed through the company's secure, cloud-based Multi-Mission Operations Center (MMOC), demonstrating the ability to support real-time command and control for multiple missions from a single, autonomous infrastructure.

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:09:09 AEST Tokyo, Japan (SPX) May 14, 2025 - Small satellites, typically weighing between 10 and 100 kilograms, are playing a crucial role in advancing global connectivity through satellite constellations. However, these compact satellites often face limitations in managing communication beams, which are essential for transmitting and receiving signals across vast distances.

Communication beams are electromagnetic waves that can exhibit either right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) or left-hand circular polarization (LHCP), depending on the rotation direction of their electric fields. While bulkier satellites can handle both polarization types, smaller satellites have traditionally been constrained to single polarization, restricting their communication versatility and overall capacity.

To address this, a research team led by Associate Professor Atsushi Shirane at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, now integrated into the Institute of Science Tokyo, has developed an innovative Ka-band wireless chip capable of independently managing both RHCP and LHCP signals. This breakthrough, achieved in collaboration with Axelspace, Japan, was presented at the 2025 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) held from February 16-20, 2025, at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis in California.

"Conventional satellite communication receivers often struggle to handle both RHCP and LHCP beams independently," explains Dr. Shirane. "To overcome this, we designed a switch-type quadrature-hybrid within a wireless chip that can pick up both left-hand and right-hand circularly polarized signals."

A quadrature-hybrid is a critical component that splits incoming signals into two paths, introducing a slight delay in one path to create a 90-degree phase difference. This capability enables the chip to differentiate between left- and right-spinning signals, significantly enhancing its ability to handle diverse communication requirements.

Moreover, this novel chip doubles the number of controllable beams, boosting overall communication capacity and flexibility-a critical advantage as satellite networks aim to provide broadband connectivity to underserved and remote regions.

An additional benefit is that the chip is manufactured using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, known for its efficiency, low power consumption, and compact size, making it cost-effective and scalable for large-scale satellite deployments.

"Our receiver chip works in the Ka-band frequency, known for its high-speed data transfer," emphasizes Dr. Shirane. "In fact, it's the very same frequency band harnessed by cutting-edge satellite networks like SpaceX's Starlink!"

Tests conducted with a prototype satellite-mounted communication device confirmed the chip's ability to handle both polarization types effectively, maintaining the necessary performance metrics for modern satellite communication systems.

This technology represents a significant advancement in satellite communication, with the potential to transform the industry by making global connectivity more efficient, affordable, and widely accessible.

Research Report:A 256-Element Ka-Band CMOS Phased-Array Receiver Using Switch-Type Quadrature-Hybrid-First Architecture for Small Satellite Constellations

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:09:09 AEST Washington DC (UPI) May 2, 2025 - South Korea will fly a shoebox-size cube satellite on an Artemis II test flight in April 2026 in preparation for missions to the moon, NASA and the Korea AeroSpace Administration announced Friday.

During the 10-day flight, NASA is planning to send four astronauts around the moon, the first time since Apollo 17 landed men on the lunar surface in 1972. Artimis II was originally scheduled to launch in 2024.

The Korea AeroSpace Administration formed last year.

K-RadCube, which is being developed by South Korean space startup Nara Space Technology Inc., will be mounted on the Orion stage adapter between the Space Launch System rocket and the crewed Orion spacecraft, NASA said.

Once the satellite is produced, the Korea space agency plans to deliver it to NASA by this July.

The 42-pound satellite, safely flying on its own a short distance from the stage, will monitor cosmic radiation and analyze effects on astronauts as it passes through the Van Allen radiation belts more than 2,200 miles above Earth.

The belts' zones are composed of high-energy particles trapped by Earth's magnetic field.

The cube payloads are "a relatively cost-effective way to potentially expand knowledge of the space environment and enable CubeSat providers to continue to refine development and integration of hardware for missions in space," NASA said.

Yoon Young-bin, head of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, said in a news release in Korean: "Through this implementation agreement, we expect closer cooperation between the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the field of deep space exploration beyond the moon."

The space agency plans to make the data obtained from K-RadCube publicly accessible.

"As we expand the scope of space exploration, understanding high-risk space environments will become increasingly important," Choi Young-jun, deputy director of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, said. "While experiments can be conducted on Earth to simulate space conditions, this cannot surpass the value of conducting experiments in actual geostationary orbit under various variables."

NASA Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley launched its first CubeSat, GeneSat, in December 2006. Ames has launched 16 CubeSat spacecraft varying in size from 1U, or 10x10x10 centimeters, to 3U with an additional 12 CubeSats in development or awaiting launch.

NASA has been working with other nations "to integrate and fly technology and experiments as part of the agency's Artemis campaign," NASA said in a news release.

In September, NASA announced an agreement with German Space Agency DLR to fly a CubeSat on Artemis II.

In April 2024, NASA and Japan signed an agreement to produce a pressurized lunar rover.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy traveled to South Korea for international cooperation in n July 2024.

Chosun Biz in South Korea reported the signing of the K-RadCube implementation agreement was delayed because of the complete halt of new agreements between the U.S. and foreign governments since the start of the Trump administration on Jan. 20.

KAA Administrator Yoon Young-bin met with Janet Petro, the acting director general of NASA, last month during the 2025 Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo.

In 2022, Artemis I entered lunar orbit with a mannequin.

The first human moon landing in Artemis III is scheduled for mid-2027.

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:09:09 AEST Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 30, 2025 - SFL Missions Inc. is charting a new path in small satellite development by building on the legacy of the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL), with an emphasis on affordability, innovation, and global service delivery.

Founded by Dr. Robert E. Zee, SFL Missions inherits over two decades of success from SFL, including 86 operational missions and more than 370 cumulative years of spacecraft performance in orbit. The company is focused on producing nano-, micro-, and small satellites, along with entire constellations, for diverse applications such as Earth observation, communications, environmental and maritime monitoring, space astronomy, and scientific research.

"The market for small satellite missions has evolved rapidly in recent years, especially in the NewSpace era," said Zee. "We have created SFL Missions with the right combination of business responsiveness, expertise, and capabilities needed to meet smallsat mission challenges now and far into the future."

SFL Missions will continue pioneering advanced technologies for compact spacecraft, including precision attitude control systems, high-accuracy sensor pointing, autonomous formation flying, scalable propulsion and power systems, and deployable antenna arrays. A new Flex Production program enables customers to choose where their spacecraft are built-at the SFL Missions facility, a third-party site, or even at their own location.

"We are expanding our spacecraft development capacity in Toronto and are signing new mission contracts now," Zee added. "Our order book is filling fast."

The company also plans to launch an Apprenticeship Program aimed at preparing the next generation of aerospace engineers specializing in small satellite technologies.

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:09:09 AEST Berlin, Germany (SPX) Apr 28, 2025 - The Meridian Space constellation is pioneering a next-generation model for orbital broadband, combining a suite of cutting-edge technologies never before fielded in a commercial satellite network. The collaboration between Kongsberg NanoAvionics and SpinLaunch will initially produce two prototypes and then proceed with the serial production of 280 satellites.

Engineers are designing a prototype satellite tailored for both enhanced performance and launch adaptability. Each unit, weighing about 70 kilograms, will offer a significant weight reduction compared to traditional communications satellites, translating into superior performance per unit mass.

Leveraging an innovative platform and high-efficiency avionics and payloads, the satellites will be capable of providing continuous global broadband coverage with terabits-per-second capacity, delivered via a single launch.

To reinforce their commitment to Meridian's market entry, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has also taken a minority investment in SpinLaunch, supporting the broader commercialization of the advanced satcom system. Both organizations emphasized the partnership's potential to deliver cost-effective and sustainable connectivity solutions worldwide.

"The Meridian Space solution, supported by KONGSBERG, will offer significantly higher broadband capacity in a satellite constellation compared with what is available on the market today," said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace.

Designed to meet surging demand for flexible, high-throughput, secure communications, the satellite constellation will target enterprise sectors such as maritime, industrial, and remote infrastructure markets. Connectivity will be accessible through terminal-agnostic devices, expanding satellite broadband access across diverse industries.

"Our supply contract for Meridian is a clear example of how Kongsberg NanoAvionics enables complex satellite missions with standardized, scalable technology," added Atle Wollo, CEO of Kongsberg NanoAvionics.

Looking ahead, SpinLaunch plans to scale the Meridian network to a full deployment of 1,200 satellites, consistent with its original 2021 spectrum filings.

"Kongsberg NanoAvionics brings a strong track record in small satellite manufacturing that aligns well with our goal of bringing a highly differentiated satcom constellation to market," said David Wrenn, CEO of SpinLaunch. "Together, we are taking meaningful steps towards providing a low-cost, reliable, high-speed broadband service to global enterprises."

To meet production demands for the 280-satellite buildout, Kongsberg NanoAvionics will expand its operations by opening a new assembly and test facility at its European headquarters in Vilnius, Lithuania.

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:09:09 AEST Washington DC (UPI) Apr 21, 2025 - SpaceX launched its Bandwagon-3 mission into orbit Monday night from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, with more satellites on board and a re-entry capsule that will become a first for Europe.

The Bandwagon-3 mission, atop a Falcon 9 rocket, lifted off at 8:48 p.m. EDT, from Space Launch Complex 40.

"Liftoff!" SpaceX wrote in a post on X one minute after the launch.

The mission is carrying ADD's 425Sat-3, Tomorrow Companies Inc.'s Tomorrow-S7 and Atmos Space Cargo's PHOENIX re-entry capsule. Atmos Space Cargo is a German company and is the first private European company to attempt space re-entry.

"Our PHOENIX re-entry capsule received FAA approval and is set to fly on SpaceX Bandwagon 3 rideshare mission," the company announced in February.

"On this test flight, ATMOS will become the first private entity in European history to attempt space re-entry, while setting a new global standard for payload efficiency of 1:2 -- redefining commercial space logistics."

Monday's launch was the third flight for the Falcon 9 booster, which also launched 03b mPOWER-E and Crew-10. After stage separation, the first stage landed on Landing Zone 2 at Cape Canaveral.

"Falcon 9's first stage has landed on Landing Zone 2," SpaceX announced less than 10 minutes after launch.

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:09:09 AEST Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 14, 2025 - Built upon more than three decades of space-proven electronic systems and trillions of miles of cumulative flight heritage, Aitech has introduced the IQSat, an ultra-compact, AI-enabled picosatellite platform capable of forming large-scale constellations. The new system enables broad, persistent coverage of the Earth, offering real-time insights into life patterns, environmental change, and strategic activity.

At the heart of IQSat is embedded artificial intelligence and machine learning powered by Intuidex's Watchman for Space (W4S), a tool designed to identify anomalies and discern patterns across numerous domains such as agriculture, climate monitoring, defense operations, biology, and public safety.

"Space-based infrastructure solves big problems and fuels big advancements on Earth. The new IQSat platform is integral to space accessibility by delivering low cost, rapid deployment constellations that provide access to actionable information quickly and frequently for infinite applications," explained Pratish Shah, U.S. general manager at Aitech. "Whether used for military and defense, environmental or agricultural applications, communications or scientific research, the flexibility, cost and availability of a solution like IQSat has not existed before - providing more accessibility to the power of space."

The system leverages Intuidex's Higher-Order Low-Resource Learning (HO-LRL) framework to support on-board data analysis with low computing demands. This enables user-driven model creation, tracking, and detection capabilities, tailored for rapid decision-making and flexible constellation operations.

Military and defense sectors can use IQSat's stealthy profile and real-time surveillance tools to identify threats and monitor adversary movements. For space situational awareness, IQSat offers adaptable sensors and constellation structures to detect orbital debris, monitor satellite behaviors, and flag potential anti-satellite threats.

In support of future space habitats, IQSat can monitor variables like radiation and temperature or inspect surfaces for signs of micrometeorite impacts and material fatigue. In public safety roles, IQSat's low-Earth orbit configuration allows rapid response to wildfires, floods, and infrastructure monitoring, enhancing search-and-rescue and disaster mitigation efforts.

For agriculture, farmers benefit from real-time assessments of soil, crop health, and weather patterns, all contributing to improved yields and resource management. In scientific fields, IQSat constellations provide an economical tool for observing ecological trends, tracking animal migrations, analyzing ocean behavior, and more.

Designed for maximum flexibility and cost-efficiency, the IQSat features a standardized mechanical and electrical payload interface, supporting multi-mission adaptability and reducing development cycles. With user-configurable software updates, missions can be redefined on the fly to meet evolving operational priorities.

Aitech is showcasing the IQSat platform at this year's Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, booth #612, from April 7 to 10. The platform will be ready for mission development in the final quarter of 2025, with initial launches planned for early 2026.

Key features include:

- Fast-track design and deployment of custom satellite constellations

- Modular sensor options to accommodate diverse mission profiles

- Near-instantaneous data return from any global location via high-frequency revisit cycles

- Advanced onboard AI/ML analytics for detecting behaviors and anomalies

- Efficient communication bandwidth use for expedited data delivery directly to decision points

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:09:09 AEST Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 25, 2025 - Exolaunch has finalized a Launch Services Agreement (LSA) with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to facilitate the deployment of CubeSats under the CUBICS (CubeSats Initiative in Canada for STEM) program. This initiative seeks to enhance Canada's space technology capabilities while equipping the next generation of Canadian space professionals with hands-on experience.

The agreement covers the launch of nine 3U CubeSats, designed by teams from Canadian universities, with potential for future missions extending through mid-2028. These satellites are scheduled for deployment as part of a rideshare mission launching no earlier than mid-2026. Integration activities will take place at CSA's facilities in Quebec.

Under the terms of the LSA, Exolaunch will deliver comprehensive mission support, including integration, testing, and deployment services. The CubeSats will be released into orbit using EXOpod Nova, Exolaunch's advanced CubeSat deployer, engineered to deliver superior flexibility and performance for complex missions. This partnership also signals Exolaunch's expanding footprint in Canada, underscoring its dedication to cost-effective and reliable space access for governmental, academic, and commercial entities worldwide.

The CubeSats developed within the CUBICS program represent a collaborative effort among nine universities across Canada, each contributing innovative research and experimental technologies. The missions encompass diverse fields such as Earth observation, space weather analysis, and communication systems.

In the lead-up to the mission, CSA will conduct technical workshops where Exolaunch will collaborate closely with university teams. These sessions will include student-led presentations and detailed mission planning to ensure seamless integration and successful satellite deployment.

"We are thrilled to expand Exolaunch's global presence into Canada by working with one of the country's most distinguished government agencies," said Robert W. Sproles, chief executive officer at Exolaunch. "CSA's CUBICS program is an incredible initiative that not only encourages CubeSat innovation, but also empowers ambitious students to gain real-world spaceflight experience. At Exolaunch, we are deeply committed to making space more accessible, and we are honored to provide our flight-proven EXOpod Nova deployers to ensure these CubeSats reach orbit safely and successfully. We look forward to supporting CSA and the brilliant teams behind these projects."

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:09:09 AEST Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 24, 2025 - Botswana has entered the space age with the successful launch of BOTSAT-1, the nation's first satellite, developed through a collaboration between Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) and Dragonfly Aerospace. Carried into orbit aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 during the Transporter-13 rideshare on March 15, 2025, BOTSAT-1 marks a significant step forward in Botswana's ambitions to become a regional leader in space technology.

Designed, owned, and operated by Botswana, BOTSAT-1 was developed with contributions from both regional and international partners. Dragonfly Aerospace provided its state-of-the-art Mantis Hyperspectral Imager, equipping the satellite with advanced Earth observation capabilities to support Botswana's push into high-tech space research.

At the heart of the mission lies Botswana's strategy to harness cutting-edge technologies for sustainable development. The Mantis Hyperspectral Imager, produced in South Africa, offers detailed spectral imaging essential for monitoring environmental changes, managing resources, and advancing agricultural research. These capabilities are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing pressing development challenges across the continent.

Made possible by the support of Botswana's government, including the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Higher Education, the initiative also saw contributions from Endurosat, which provided assistance in satellite integration and technical training. A ground station in Botswana has been established to enable real-time data acquisition and processing, supporting key sectors such as agriculture, climate monitoring, and urban planning.

Dragonfly Aerospace's involvement extends beyond imaging technology. The company is working with BIUST to develop clean room facilities that meet rigorous space industry standards. These controlled environments, equipped with air filtration, static control, and monitoring systems, will enable satellite assembly, integration, and testing, thereby fostering local expertise and expanding research capabilities.

As part of its commitment to advancing Botswana's space infrastructure, Dragonfly has also delivered a 3U satellite structure to BIUST. This unit serves as a hands-on tool for student training and technology demonstration, further bolstering the university's capacity to engage in future satellite development projects.

Francois Mostert, CEO of Cameras at Dragonfly Aerospace, stated, "We are proud to contribute to Botswana's space ambitions. The Mantis Hyperspectral Imager will provide the advanced imaging capabilities needed to support critical environmental and research applications, strengthening Africa's Earth observation capacity."

BIUST's Vice Chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo, remarked, "The launch of BOTSAT-1 is a defining moment for Botswana. It demonstrates our ability to develop, launch, and utilise space technology for national development. This project strengthens our country's role in space research and enhances our ability to monitor and manage our natural resources."

The successful deployment of BOTSAT-1 represents the initial phase of Botswana's long-term space strategy, which seeks to expand scientific, environmental, and digital capabilities through space-based technology. The mission also highlights the importance of African-led initiatives and international cooperation in advancing technological innovation across the region.

By investing in infrastructure, skills development, and strategic alliances, this mission is expected to catalyze the growth of a robust space sector in Southern Africa. Dragonfly Aerospace's support underscores its long-term commitment to regional development and technology transfer, paving the way for future collaborative projects and empowering local talent.

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:09:09 AEST Subscribe to our daily selection of space, military, environment and energy newsletters responseText http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=0016gbbKsaiGSpQFojVO8ZoHw%3D%3D