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Astranis has won a DoD contract to design next-gen Resilient GPS satellites. R-GPS is a new $1.9 billion program to: ? build 24+ small satellites ? boost GPS resilience ? deter GPS attacks by America's adversaries Here’s why it matters, and why we’re honored to play a part: It’s an open secret that GPS is unusable today on the front lines of conflict.?The Russia-Ukraine frontline is known as the “most signal-dense conflict zone in human history,” and China and Russia alike have fielded anti-satellite capabilities capable of kinetic attack. If our GPS satellites are vulnerable, our warfighters are vulnerable. As Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said, “the U.S. cannot project power successfully unless our space-based services are resilient enough to endure while under attack.” GPS degradation would also be a massive problem for the American economy.?A Department of Commerce report estimated that the impact of a GPS outage would be $1 billion per day. Or much higher. Space Force’s answer is Resilient GPS: a new program that will deploy up to $1.9 billion to build 24+ small satellites to supplement the existing constellation. And they are moving at lightning speed— Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has personally led the charge on this, using the DoD’s “quick start” authority for the first time ever — and six months later, Astranis has already been awarded a contract for the initial design phase. The goal of the program is deterrence through proliferation.?The Head of Space Force, 4-star General Chance Salzman said it best: “If it only takes me five satellites to perform a mission, that’s not very many targets for an adversary to think about. But if we proliferate that out to hundreds of satellites performing that [mission], it changes the attack calculus substantially.” Our solution for Resilient GPS is our newest product — Astranis Nexus. Astranis Nexus takes our existing small, high-orbit satellite design, and applies it to a new mission area. It’s our first move beyond GEO, and beyond comms. But it won’t be our last. We’re honored and humbled to play a part in such an important program. In just a few years, your phone might connect with an Astranis satellite every single day. That’s a huge responsibility. But we’re ready for it. Link to CNBC article: https://lnkd.in/gGRnP9CC

Astranis unveils Omega ‘MicroGEO’ satellites for beaming dedicated broadband down from high orbit Astranis has taken the wraps disconnected a caller procreation of communications satellites that volition service broadband to customers connected Earth from geostationary orbit, but faster and smaller than immoderate comsat up there. They judge the aboriginal of orbital communications is not conscionable successful higher orbits, but successful the anticipation of customers — authorities and commercialized — having their precise ain backstage outer network. Called Omega, the caller people of satellites volition each supply immoderate 50 gigabits per 2nd of bandwidth successful some civilian and subject Ka bands — making it wide from the outset that this is intended to beryllium a dual-use technology. Astranis builds and operates comparatively tiny broadband satellites successful precocious orbits, and sells that capableness connected to telecom and net work providers. The institution has contracts to supply capableness to providers successful Mexico, the Philippines, Alaska and southeast Asia. The startup takes prize successful the comparatively diminutive size of its GEO satellites, which are usually immense and, arsenic a result, are casual to way and perchance attack. “We request to determination to a much resilient architecture. No much big, fat, juicy targets!” said Astranis CEO John Gedmark astatine an lawsuit astatine Space Symposium wherever the quality was announced. The improved bandwidth is acknowledgment to a next-gen Astranis software-defined radio, but the awesome is deployed much efficiently; portion the erstwhile procreation sent down a acceptable of coherent beams, similar spotlights, the caller procreation is much similar a large LED array, providing adjacent awesome crossed a overmuch greater area. Gedmark said that though the fig of points that tin beryllium served depends connected the lawsuit and usage case, it is theoretically successful the millions. The satellites usage existing Ka-band receivers alternatively than a bespoke antenna similar Starlink’s. Speaking of competitors: erstwhile asked astir however the orbital communications marketplace would make successful the adjacent term, Gedmark was highly optimistic. He said that the appetite for bandwidth is efficaciously unlimited, astatine slightest astatine the prices they are capable to offer, which are good beneath bequest GEO information connections. Notably, Astranis said the outer volition enactment circumstantial waveforms that are of involvement to the DOD, similar the Protected Tactical Waveform, truthful it tin inactive supply capableness adjacent successful contested environments. Astranis’ connection — galore tiny satellites successful GEO — is simply a acold outcry from bequest...

So far, 17 African nations have successfully launched more than 60 satellites into orbit. In the past year alone, Senegal, Djibouti, and Zimbabwe celebrated their first satellites becoming operational. Excitingly, many more African satellites are slated to soar into space in the near future. ??? Discover why there's a surge in African satellite launches here: https://lnkd.in/eQdKBN4T #SpaceIndustry #Satellites

Senegal made history by launching its first satellite, GaindeSAT-1A, in August 2023. This CubeSat will offer earth observation and telecommunications services, marking a significant step toward technological independence. The falling cost of space launches has enabled smaller nations, like Senegal, to enter the space race, with 17 #African countries now having launched over 60 #satellites. Despite this progress, many African nations remain dependent on foreign #technology, while experts highlight the need for satellite programs to address climate challenges, such as monitoring crops and weather conditions. #Africa’s growing space sector is gaining geopolitical interest, with countries like the U.S. and China investing in local space programs. While this support has helped propel African technology into orbit, it raises concerns about foreign influence. However, some experts believe African nations can leverage competition between global powers to their advantage. With nearly 80 satellites in development across the continent, the future of Africa's space industry looks promising, with potential opportunities for local spaceports and further technological advancements. Learn more:?https://lnkd.in/gc_mM_4A

https://lnkd.in/dWzGH3rQ Extracts They had blasted off from Earth just an hour earlier, on 16 August. The 116 satellites onboard the launch vehicle were mostly designed and built by Western nations and businesses – but one of them was different. It was the first such spacecraft ever developed by the African country of Senegal. A small CubeSat called GaindeSAT-1A, it will provide earth observation and telecommunications services. Senegal’s president called it a big step towards “technological sovereignty”. The cost of launching a satellite has fallen significantly in recent years, says Kwaku Sumah, founder and managing director at Spacehubs Africa, a space consultancy. “That reduction in cost has opened the market up,” he adds. “These smaller nations… now have the opportunity to get involved.” To date, a total of 17 African countries have put more than 60 satellites into orbit and, along with Senegal, both Djibouti and Zimbabwe have also watched their first satellites become operational during the past 12 months. Dozens more African satellites are expected to go into orbit in the coming years. And yet, the continent currently has no space launch facilities of its own. Plus, powerful countries elsewhere in the world are arguably using nascent African space programmes as a means of building relationships and asserting their geopolitical dominance more broadly. Can more African nations chart their own way into orbit – and beyond? “It’s important for African countries to have their own satellites,” says Mr Sumah. He argues that it means better control over the technology and easier access to satellite data. This information could help Africans monitor crops, detect threats posed by extreme weather such as floods, or improve telecommunications in remote areas, he adds. Senegal’s new satellite was built by Senegalese technicians. While not wanting to detract from their significant achievement, it is worth noting that development of the satellite was made possible through a partnership with a French university, and that the spacecraft was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California. Officials in both the US and China have considered the “strategic” implications of involving themselves in African space endeavours, says Julie Klinger, at the University of Delaware. “That does bring with it an intensifying need for updating global treaties and strategies around maintaining a peaceful and manageable space environment,” she adds. But there are opportunities, too. Dr Klinger notes that space launches from equatorial regions – which may not require as much fuel – could mean that African space ports have an important role to play in the coming decades.

China’s latest satellite launch for the Guowang constellation raises questions about its true purpose, sparking concerns over transparency and space security. ??? China launched 10 satellites on a Long March 5B rocket to kickstart the Guowang megaconstellation, intended for low Earth orbit communications. ?? Uncertainty surrounds the satellites’ capabilities, with experts speculating they could serve purposes beyond internet services, such as reconnaissance or military applications. ?? The lack of transparency is notable compared to other satellite constellations like Starlink and Thousand Sails, raising concerns about space traffic management and geopolitical tensions. ?? Experts point to potential parallels with Starlink, which has been used for military support, further fueling speculation about Guowang’s dual-use potential. ?? The launch could impact global space governance, emphasizing the need for stronger U.S.-China communication to avoid accidental escalations in space. ?? Guowang’s large-scale plans to deploy 13,000 satellites highlight China’s ambitions to reshape global connectivity and space strategy. #SpaceSecurity #SatelliteConstellations #GlobalConnectivity ?? The implications of Guowang stretch beyond technology — it’s a geopolitical statement in orbit. How will this shape the future of space cooperation? ?? Repost if you enjoyed this post and follow me, César Beltrán Miralles, for more curated content about leadership! https://lnkd.in/gXSwjqbz

What happened in Space Tech last week? Some recent updates and trends: ??? India and Russia on Wednesday discussed the use of space monitoring technologies for risk forecasting and emergency response during the second meeting of their joint commission on the cooperation in the field of emergency management in Moscow. During the meeting, both sides signed a working plan of the commission which will be implemented during 2025-26. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g4_gEbX6 ??? Hindustan Aeronautics?Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd (SAFHAL) on Friday said they have signed an airframer contract to commence joint design, development, manufacture, supply and support of a new generation high power engine named ‘Aravalli’. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gXQHSYzF ??? Starlink’s?expansion into African countries has faced challenges, particularly in Ghana and Botswana. While the company operates in African countries like?Nigeria,?Kenya,?Malawi, and?Zambia, it encountered regulatory hurdles elsewhere. Starlink has now commenced operations in both Ghana and Botswana bringing its high-speed internet connectivity to the regions. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ghyHDzCC ??? Space exploration company Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:LUNR) said that it has been?awarded?a $116.9M contract from NASA. The contract is to deliver six science and technology payloads to the moon's south pole. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gbJ68yMS ??? Power Nickel has expanded its use of Fleet Space Technologies’ ExoSphere — a cutting-edge exploration tool, to better understand its projects along Chile’s Atacama Fault system. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gdS7mkbX Do you have anything to add? Do let us know in the comments! #spacetech #newsupdate #weeklynews #spacenews

A satellite is an object that orbits a larger body in space. Satellites can be natural, like moons, or artificial, which are human-made objects launched into orbit for various purposes. Here are key points about satellites: ### Types of Satellites 1. **Natural Satellites**: These are celestial bodies that orbit a planet or another larger body. The Moon is Earth's natural satellite. 2. **Artificial Satellites**: These are man-made devices launched into space to orbit Earth or other celestial bodies. They serve various purposes: - **Communication Satellites**: Facilitate telecommunications by relaying signals across large distances, enabling television, radio, and internet services. - **Weather Satellites**: Monitor atmospheric conditions and help predict weather patterns and natural disasters. - **Navigation Satellites**: Provide GPS services, aiding in navigation for ships, aircraft, and personal devices. - **Scientific Satellites**: Conduct research and gather data about space, Earth, and other celestial bodies. Examples include the Hubble Space Telescope and various space probes. - **Military Satellites**: Used for defense and intelligence purposes, including reconnaissance and secure communications. ### Key Characteristics - **Orbit Types**: Satellites can have different orbits based on their mission requirements: - **Geostationary Orbit (GEO)**: Satellites remain fixed over a single point on Earth's surface, useful for communication and weather monitoring. - **Low Earth Orbit (LEO)**: Close to Earth, typically ranging from 160 to 2,000 kilometers above the surface, ideal for imaging, reconnaissance, and some communication. - **Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)**: Ranges from 2,000 to 35,786 kilometers, used mainly for navigation systems like GPS. - **Polar Orbit**: Passes over Earth's poles, allowing coverage of the entire surface over time, useful for mapping and environmental monitoring. ### Launch and Lifespan - **Launch**: Satellites are launched into orbit by rockets. The launch vehicle must reach sufficient speed to place the satellite into its desired orbit. - **Lifespan**: Satellites have a finite operational lifespan, typically ranging from a few years to several decades, depending on their design and purpose. Once they reach the end of their life, they may be moved to a "graveyard" orbit or deorbited to burn up in the atmosphere. ### Historical Milestones - **Sputnik 1**: The first artificial satellite, launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, marking the beginning of the space age. - **Explorer 1**: The first American satellite, launched in 1958, which discovered the Van Allen radiation belts. Satellites play a crucial role in modern life, supporting communication, navigation, weather forecasting, scientific research, and national security. #snsinstitution #snsdesignthinkers #designthinking

Space has evolved into a highly contested environment. Over 8,000 active satellites are currently in various Earth orbits, and this number is expected to grow exponentially with mega-constellations like Starlink. Simultaneously, space debris has become an increasingly severe threat, with over 34,000 objects larger than 10 cm tracked in orbit. The US Space Force faces unprecedented challenges in safeguarding national security in this dynamic and complex environment. The future of the space domain relies on successfully harnessing the power of genAI. With thousands of sensors monitoring space activities—from satellites to ground-based radars—analyzing this vast amount of data for anomalies is critical. GenAI, LLMs, and AI agents can sift through terabytes of sensor data to detect unusual or hostile activities, such as unregistered satellite launches or deploying adversarial space assets. The Space Force can identify potential threats in real time by automating this process, ensuring rapid and informed responses. An agentic architecture and LLMs can be the brains behind Space Force’s strategic decisions. Agents and LLMs can support commanders with actionable intelligence by analyzing vast data and providing nuanced, context-aware recommendations. Whether advising on satellite maneuvers to avoid debris or predicting the behavior of adversarial space assets, LLMs can significantly enhance decision-making processes, making them faster, more accurate, and more adaptive to evolving threats. The ability to quickly detect threats, integrate vast amounts of data, and make informed decisions is vital in a space domain becoming increasingly crowded and contested. Agents, LLMs, and genAI offer the potential to revolutionize how we protect our assets in space, ensuring that the U.S. Space Force remains at the forefront of space security. Those nations and organizations that successfully navigate the integration of genAI into their space programs will likely dominate the next era of space exploration and utilization. #GenAI #SpaceForce #AI #LLM #SpaceSecurity #NationalDefense #Innovation

[China Launches 10 Satellites On 2 Rockets Less Than 6 Hours Apart] China launched separate sets of Earth-observation and "Internet of Things" satellites into orbit on Friday (Sept. 20) on two different missions. The action began at 12:11 a.m EDT (0411 GMT, or 12:11 p.m. Beijing time) on Friday, when a Long March 2D rocket lifted off from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern China. Insulation tiles fell away from the rocket's payload fairing as it climbed into cloudy skies above the spaceport. Aboard were six remote-sensing satellites for Changguang Satellite Technology (CGST), a commercial spinoff from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The Jilin-1 Kuanfu (wideband) 02B satellites numbers 1-6 add to CGST's Jilin-1 commercial remote-sensing constellation, which is planned to consist of 300 satellites when completed, and provide high-resolution imagery. The company was founded in 2014 and has already launched more than 100 satellites. U.S. Space Force space domain tracking picked up objects associated with the launch in near-circular, 339 by 330-mile (545 by 531 kilometers) near-polar orbits. This choice of orbit, common for Earth observation and remote sensing, allows the satellites to image the same spots on the planet at the same time of day repeatedly. China's second launch of the day took place just under six hours later. A Kuaizhou 1A solid rocket launched at 5:43 a.m. EDT (0943 GMT, or 5:43 p.m. Beijing time) from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the country's southwest, according to Expace, the commercial launch provider affiliated with the state-owned defense giant CASIC. Aboard were four Tianqi satellites, numbered 29-32, for Guodian Gaoke, a Chinese commercial satellite operator. The satellites provide low-bandwidth communication to connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices in remote or hard-to-reach locations. Source: https://lnkd.in/euW6SnMq #galaxyaerosgh #space #spaceexploration #SpaceNews