?????CONTEC Campus - September Newsletter
Participation in the StartupEcosystem Summit 2024 as a Speaker
On August 29th, CEO Dr. Sunghee Lee participated in the "Regional Startup Ecosystem Summit 2024" organized by Startup Alliance and sponsored by Naver. During the event, Dr. Lee delivered a presentation on the topic of "Building Regional Ecosystems in New Industrial Opportunities”.
In his presentation, Dr. Lee received a warm response from local startup stakeholders by explaining the reasons behind expanding a global space business in Daejeon, the growth process, management and marketing strategies, and methods for recruiting and retaining local talent.
Above all, sharing the experience of starting a business in the then-unknown space industry was a particularly meaningful opportunity, as it provided new entrepreneurs with valuable insights and lessons from past trials and errors.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Startup Alliance for offering this precious opportunity. CONTEC will continue to support all entrepreneurs and startups, not only in the space sector but also beyond, even from afar!
Support for the Luxembourg Korean School
We Will Continue to be a Space Company Committed to Shared Growth Management – CONTEC.
On August 8th, a donation ceremony was held at CONTEC’s HQ to support the Luxembourg Korean School!
CONTEC first established a connection with the Luxembourg Korean School by donating 10,000 euros in 2022, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Luxembourg. Following the Luxembourg Embassy's invitation to a conference and opening ceremony held on July 1-2, CONTEC decided to provide an additional 10,000 euros in support.
CEO Dr. Sunghee Lee emphasized, “The relationship we built by establishing a branch in Luxembourg in 2019 and supporting the Korean School has provided CONTEC with an opportunity not only to grow our business but also to realize the values of ESG management and contributing to national development.” Dr. Lee reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing sustainable shared growth, nurturing space talent, and advancing the space industry.
Please stay tuned as CONTEC continues torealize the values of shared growth management and contributing to nationaldevelopment!
How Do We Observe Our Earth?
Advancements in science and technology have provided us with various ways to observe the Earth. While drones and traditional ground-based observation devices are increasingly being used, satellites are particularly familiar to those of us fascinated by the space industry.
There are several methods of Earth observation using satellites, similar to how we take photographs. The most common include optical (EO) imaging, which uses visible light, infrared (IR) imaging, which generates thermal detection images using infrared light, and radar imaging, which utilizes microwaves (radio waves).Among these, radar imaging is especially familiar to us under the name SAR(Synthetic Aperture Radar).
When You Need Satellite Data : Global Player in Satellite Data Supply CES (CONTEC Earth Service)
The Earth observation data captured using the three methods mentioned above—optical,infrared, and radar imaging—can include various distortions and errors due to factors such as the satellite's high speed, the Earth's curvature, atmospheric conditions, and the angle of the sun. Therefore, to receive accurate data that matches the actual terrain, the following processes are necessary.
Although the process was simply explained in four steps above, in reality, satellite images that we can conveniently view are created through numerous and complex procedures, such as preprocessing and post-processing using algorithms for radiometric correction, geometric correction, and spatial correction.
To ensure that these satellite images can be easily accessed, CES (CONTEC Earth Service) has acquired the qualifications as a distributor of various satellite images.By analyzing and processing the captured images, CES is leading the way in timely supplying the desired forms of satellite data/images to customers worldwide.
Timely Provision of Satellite Data, Both Domestically and Internationally
CES not only provides greenhouse gas monitoring and analysis services based on environmental satellites, as covered in the previous issue, but also supplies satellite data needed by customers both domestically and internationally. Particularly, as a global distributor of optical and radar satellite images from Korea’s multipurpose practical satellites 2, 3, 3A, and 5, CES offers a variety of satellite images tailored to user needs.
Additionally, to meet the diverse requirements of customers, CES is leading the way in supplying various types of satellite data, including optical and radar images, based on partnership agreements with world-renowned satellite operators.
? Multipurpose Practical Satellite Product Line
? Overseas Satellite Product Line
To supply the optimal satellite data that meets the various needs of domestic and international customers, CES is expanding its satellite data supply network through collaboration with global satellite companies. In particular, CES provides direct satellite data reception and processing systems to support near-real-time missions in the Defense & Intelligence sector.
? CONTEC Satellite Product Line
In particular, based on the diversity of global satellite imagery that CES can supply, it is possible to provide tailored solutions that are most suitable for the customer's specific needs. This enables the provision of appropriate data packages or analysis services for various industries and application fields.Through the supply of such diverse types of satellite imagery, these service scan be utilized in various fields, including urban change detection, ship detection, crop condition monitoring, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and defense.
With such a diverse satellite imagery supply network, CES not only provides customers with the most suitable images at their desired times but also continuously strengthens its technical capabilities for data and application through the on going diversification of satellite data and the integration of AI technology.In this New Space era, where the importance of macro Earth observation data is ever-increasing, we look forward to CES's activities as a global top-tier player.
??#Launch
NASA Decides to Bring Starliner Spacecraft Back to Earth Without Crew
NASA has decided to return Boeing's Starliner to Earth without astronauts. This decision aims to gather additional data on Starliner and avoid unnecessary risks to the crew. Wilmore and Williams will continue their mission aboard the International Space Station and are scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025 via SpaceX Crew-9. NASA and Boeing conducted significant work to address helium leaks and thruster issues, but for safety reasons, the return will proceed without a crew.
SpaceX Launches 116 payloads on the 11th Transporter Rideshare Mission
SpaceX successfully launched 116 payloads into orbit on August 16 during its 11th dedicated small satellite rideshare mission, known as Transporter-11. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Notably, Planet launched its first hyperspectral satellite, Tanager-1, which will monitor methane and carbon dioxide levels in partnership with the Carbon Mapper Coalition. Exolaunch set a company record by supporting 42 satellites on this mission. Other significant launches included Hydrosat’s first satellite for climate monitoring, and various payloads integrated by SEOPS, ISISpace, and other customers, contributing to a diverse array of space projects.
???#Satellite
UMBRA ventures into custom satellite manufacturing
Umbra, a company specializing in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging, is expanding into the satellite manufacturing sector with a new business segment called Mission Solutions. This division targets governments seeking complete satellite systems, including components, software, and mission capabilities. Umbra aims to capitalize on the growing demand for tailored radar satellite systems, which are valuable for various applications like defense, intelligence, and environmental monitoring. The company, which currently operates eight SAR satellites and plans to expand to 32, is following a broader industry trend of offering end-to-end solutions to attract more customers.
New satellite demonstrates the power of AI for Earth observation
The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched Φsat-2, a cubesat designed to revolutionize Earth observation using artificial intelligence (AI). This satellite, equipped with a multispectral camera and an AI processor, can analyze and process images in orbit, sending only essential data back to Earth. It will enhance disaster response, maritime monitoring, and environmental protection. The satellite runs several AI-driven applications, including cloud detection, street map generation, and maritime vessel detection, marking a significant advancement in space-based AI technology.
??#Ground Station
Eutelsat in exclusive talks to create ground station as a service giant
Eutelsat, a French satellite operator, announced plans to carve out and sell 80% of its ground station infrastructure, worth around €790 million, to a private equity fund managed by EQT Partners. This move aims to create the world’s largest independent ground station-as-a-service company, with Eutelsat remaining a long-term shareholder and partner. The deal is part of a strategy to strengthen Eutelsat's financial position amidst declining video service revenues and delays in launching global services from its newly acquired OneWeb's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
Norwegian spaceport receives government license
Norway's And?ya Spaceport received a government license to conduct orbital launches, marking a significant step for Isar Aerospace, a German company developing the Spectrum small launch vehicle. The license allows up to 30 launches per year, including four at night, primarily targeting polar and sun-synchronous orbits. With this approval, Isar Aerospace can proceed with final tests before its first launch, expected later this year. This milestone positions Norway as a significant player in the space industry, benefiting both the country and its international allies.
???#Satellite Imagery Processing
Maxar’s Confirms Successful Launch for Second Batch of WorldView Legion Satellites
Maxar Intelligence has successfully launched and begun commissioning the second batch of its WorldView Legion satellites following a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch on August 15. These two new satellites join the first two, which were launched in May, enhancing Maxar's capability to collect high-resolution 30 cm-class imagery, especially during dawn-to-dusk periods. The full WorldView Legion constellation will consist of six satellites, tripling Maxar's capacity for detailed Earth imagery and supporting advanced mapping, 3D technology, and AI-driven insights. The expansion will also help meet the growing global demand for high-resolution data, particularly for U.S. government and defense contracts.
??#Space Tourism
What the two Boeing Starliner astronauts will do in space until 2025
Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore departed for the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft's first crewed flight test, initially planning to return after about a week. However, they have now been on the ISS for over 11 weeks. Due to issues with the Starliner capsule, NASA has decided that they will remain on the ISS until early 2025 and will be returned to Earth using SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule. They will join the Crew-9 team and take on tasks such as station maintenance, spacewalks, and scientific experiments.
SpaceX is about to send four people on a wild — and risky — mission into the radiation belts. Here’s what to know
Billionaire Jared Isaacman, after funding the 2021 Inspiration4 space mission, is now leading a more ambitious mission called Polaris Dawn. Set to launch on August 26, 2024, the mission aims to push the limits of space travel by reaching higher altitudes than any human since the Apollo program and performing the first-ever spacewalk by private citizens. Polaris Dawn is part of a broader program to advance space technology for deeper space exploration. Despite the significant risks, Isaacman and his team are confident in SpaceX's rigorous preparations and share a strong belief in the company's vision of making humans a multiplanetary species.
??#Space Situational Awareness(SSA)
Chinese Rocket Stage breaks up into cloud of more than 700 pieces of space debris
A Chinese Long March 6A rocket’s upper stage has broken into over 700 pieces of space debris after launching 18 satellites on August 6. The debris poses concerns for long-term orbital safety. U.S. Space Command confirmed the breakup, while radar data suggested the debris cloud could contain over 900 fragments. This is the second breakup of a Long March 6A upper stage, raising concerns despite new guidelines aimed at reducing such incidents. China has not commented on the event. The launch was part of a larger project to deploy a communication satellite constellation.
Supreme Court case could affect orbital debris mitigation rules
A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling could challenge the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) new regulations requiring satellite operators to deorbit satellites within five years. The ruling in June struck down "Chevron deference," which allowed agencies like the FCC to interpret ambiguous laws. This puts the FCC's authority to enforce orbital debris rules into question, as no federal law explicitly grants them this power. Some believe Congress needs to clarify which agency should regulate orbital debris. Without clear legal authority, the FCC's regulations might face legal challenges, creating uncertainty in the space industry.
??#Laser Communication
Aerospacelab successfully closed the link between its VSP-150 satellite, Gregoire, and its optical ground-station (OGS) in?Louvain-la-Neuve.
Aerospacelab successfully established a communication link between its VSP-150 satellite and an optical ground station, demonstrating its free space optical communication (FSOC) capabilities. This achievement enables high-speed, secure data transfers between space and ground, as well as in orbit. The milestone also showcases the agility of the VSP-150 satellite platform and marks the beginning of further testing and development of FSOC technologies. Aerospacelab is one of the few companies globally to accomplish this with fully in-house designed optical systems.
NASA may use lasers to livestream from the moon one day
NASA is developing laser communication technology to improve space communication, enabling high-speed data transmission and potentially live broadcasts during Artemis moon missions. This new method uses laser beams instead of radio waves, offering greater bandwidth and reliability. Recent successful tests, including sending 4K video to the ISS, demonstrate the potential for a solar-system-wide internet, ensuring continuous connectivity between spacecraft and Earth.
???#Space Defense & Security
Space Force to Expand Missile Defense Satellite Network in Medium Earth Orbit
The U.S. Space Force is expanding its missile defense satellite network in medium Earth orbit (MEO). The Space Systems Command has initiated the second phase of its Missile Track Custody program, inviting vendors to submit prototype designs for new satellites. This phase builds on the first, aiming to enhance the tracking of advanced threats like hypersonic missiles. The program, with a projected $6 billion budget, plans to develop up to 18 satellites for continuous missile surveillance and tracking.
UK military satellite launches to boost space power
The UK military has launched its first dedicated Earth-imaging satellite, Tyche, to enhance battlefield surveillance. The satellite, built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, offers 90cm resolution imagery and is part of a broader plan to establish a sovereign satellite constellation by 2030 under the ISTARI program. Tyche's launch marks the UK's initial step towards becoming a significant space power, as it aims to improve its independent military capabilities, which have historically relied on allies like the US for satellite imagery.
Exhibition Schedule??
Strategies in? Satellite Ground Segment
2024. 9. 4 ~ 5 / London, UK
Contact : [email protected]
World Space Business Week
2024. 9. 16 ~ 20 / Paris, France
Contact : [email protected]
KADEX 2024
2024. 10. 2 ~ 6 / Gyeryongdae, Korea
Booth B-367
Contact : [email protected]
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