Space Times

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发布日期: 2024年6月14日

Welcome to the latest edition of Agnirva.com Space Times

HydRON: ESA’s Plan for High-Speed Space-Based Internet

The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink by developing its own satellite network for space-based internet, called HydRON. This ambitious project aims to create a secure mega-constellation of satellites to deliver high-speed broadband, with a goal of providing 4K video directly to users’ pockets.

A key feature of HydRON is the use of laser signals to transmit data between satellites. This method not only speeds up data transfer but also enhances security, making it difficult for signals to be intercepted by cybercriminals or affected by bad weather.

Traditionally, satellites sent radiocommunication signals from space to ground receivers, which then distributed the information to various services like cellphone carriers and air traffic control. However, HydRON plans to revolutionize this process by linking satellites in space with lasers, forming a “world-first” optical network called “Internet beyond clouds.” This network aims to achieve internet speeds of up to one terabyte per second.

First announced in 2019, HydRON is now nearing the end of its design phase. Thales Alenia Space, a French-Italian space manufacturer, will lead the creation of these low-orbit satellites.

HydRON’s system includes two main components: scientific research to build the network and an “early bird demonstration” to test it. The project will use satellites in both low Earth orbit (up to 1,000 km above Earth) and geostationary orbit (around 36,000 km). By integrating these satellites, the network aims to reduce dependence on ground systems, enhancing efficiency and reliability.

SpaceX, Blue Origin, ULA Selected for $5.6 Billion Pentagon Launch Program

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) contracts worth up to $5.6 billion over five years. These companies will compete for launch orders from fiscal year 2025 to 2029 under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 program, announced on June 13.

This marks a significant win for Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, as it is their first time being selected to launch national security satellites. Previously, SpaceX and ULA dominated the Phase 2 contracts awarded since 2020.

Blue Origin's New Glenn heavy-lift reusable rocket, in development for nearly a decade, is expected to attempt its first orbital flight later this year. The NSSL Phase 3 program is divided into two lanes: Lane 1 for less demanding low Earth orbit launches, and Lane 2 for heavy-lift missions to more challenging orbits.

Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen noted that many companies are still developing their launch capabilities, but the program allows for new competitors to join each year. Potential future entrants include Rocket Lab, Relativity Space, and Firefly Aerospace.

As part of the contract, Blue Origin will receive $5 million for an initial capabilities assessment, while SpaceX and ULA will receive $1.5 million each due to their incumbent status. Earlier this year, Blue Origin was awarded nearly $18 million for early integration studies of the New Glenn rocket.

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The first task order under Phase 3 Lane 1 will include launches for the U.S. Space Force Space Development Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office. Any qualified provider can bid for these task orders if they have completed a successful orbital launch before the proposal deadline.

The Space Force aims to increase competition and reduce launch costs while ensuring reliable access to space. The selection of Lane 2 providers, which will handle more demanding missions, is expected this fall.

Voyager 1 Resumes Sending Back Data

NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft is once again gathering scientific data from all four of its instruments after overcoming a technical issue that began in November 2023. The spacecraft, which studies plasma waves, magnetic fields, and particles in interstellar space, resumed normal operations on May 19, 2024.

The technical problem was partially resolved in April when Voyager 1 began sending back engineering data. By mid-May, all four science instruments were functioning normally. The spacecraft is more than 15 billion miles from Earth and, along with its twin Voyager 2, is the only probe to directly sample interstellar space, located outside the Sun’s heliosphere.

Although Voyager 1 is back to its scientific mission, engineers still need to synchronize the timekeeping software in its onboard computers and perform maintenance on its digital tape recorder. This recorder stores some data for the plasma wave instrument, which is sent to Earth twice a year.

Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have been operational for nearly 47 years, making them NASA’s longest-running and most-distant spacecraft. Both have flown past Jupiter and Saturn, with Voyager 2 also visiting Uranus and Neptune.

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory