October 2015

A Ball Aerospace engineer adjusts the multi-layer insulating blanket on NASA’s Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM) spacecraft bus. Photo: Ball Aerospace [Via Satellite 10-05-2015] Ball Aerospace has integrated the propulsion subsystem from Aerojet Rocketdyne into the spacecraft bus for NASA’s Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM). The experimental satellite, which uses the U.S. Air Force Research…

Rig Lights. Photo: Kirsten (Flickr) [Via Satellite 10-05-2015] RigNet has signed an agreement with Inmarsat to offer Fleet Xpress, the maritime version of its Global Xpress service, to the oil and gas maritime sector. The agreement will enable RigNet to extend high-speed communications to offshore service and supply vessels within the global oil and gas…

The French Space Agency CNES’ Toulouse, France location. Photo: CNES [Via Satellite 10-05-2015] French space agency, the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have signed a revised cooperation agreement to promote and organize joint actions in the peaceful use of outer space. The agreement also enables exchanges of personnel…

A NASA digital rendering of satellite optical communications. Photo: NASA [Via Satellite 10-02-2015] BridgeSat, a startup satellite operator focusing on optical connectivity, is planning a network of SmallSats and ground stations designed to aid other small satellites in beaming data down from Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The company is part of the portfolio of Allied…

Russia’s Proton rocket readied for the launch of RSCC’s Express AM8 satellite on Sept. 8. Photo: Roscosmos [Via Satellite 10-02-2015] In order to restore faith in Proton, International Launch Services (ILS) has implemented an organizational realignment to expand the role of engineering and mission assurance. The company has appointed Jim Kramer, formerly VP of sales,…

Thales Alenia Space’s new optical integration center. Photo: Thales Alenia Space [Via Satellite 10-02-2015] Thales Alenia Space has opened its new Selene building in Cannes, which has a footprint of 1,500 square meters, including four separate integration zones for handling four satellites at the same time. The building, for which construction began in October 2014,…

The Atlas 5 launch of Mexico’s Morelos 3 satellite. Photo: ULA [Via Satellite 10-02-2015] United Launch Alliance (ULA) reached a launch milestone Oct. 2, completing its 100 successful launch since forming in 2006. The Boeing–Lockheed Martin joint venture orbited the Morelos 3 satellite using an Atlas 5 rocket for Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transportation…

Thuraya products on the Expansys website. Photo: Thuraya. [Via Satellite 10-02-2015] Thuraya Telecommunications has reached an agreement with leading online retailer Expansys to offer SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot products in 28 countries across Europe. The full scope of the Expansys distribution agreement also means that Thuraya SatSleeve models will be available in high profile third…

Arianespace’s VA226 mission for ARSAT and NBN Co. Photo: Via Satellite screen capture. [Via Satellite 10-01-2015] European launch provider Arianespace has orbited two telecommunications satellites for customers in Latin America and Australia. The Flight VA226 Ariane 5 mission carried NBN Co’s first satellite, Sky Muster, and Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales Sociedad Anonima’s (ARSAT) second…

S3′s SOAR space shuttle. Photo: S3 [Via Satellite 10-01-2015] Swiss Space Systems has teamed up with D&B Group to open a subsidiary named S3 Middle East, laying the framework for small satellite launch activity in the Arab World. Together, the companies will seek through the subsidiary to develop, manufacture, certify and operate unmanned suborbital shuttles…