| | | | Steely Newsletter Issue #018 |
| Read all about Starlink satellites having to make 25,000 collision-avoidance maneuvers in the past 6 months, a hacker group allegedly hacking global satellite systems, scientists detecting unintended electromagnetic radiation from Starlink satellites and so much more! |
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| | Space.com | Tereza Pultarova | 07-07-2023 SpaceX's Starlink satellites have been forced to conduct more than 25,000 collision-avoidance maneuvers in the past six months, a number that is growing exponentially. Experts are concerned that the increasing number of satellites in orbit could lead to a cascade of collisions, known as the Kessler Syndrome. If regulators do not cap the number of satellites in orbit, collisions could soon become a regular part of the space business. |
| Fortune | Cindy Wang | 07-06-2023 Taiwan is vulnerable to a near-total internet blackout because its undersea cables are an easy target in the event of a war with China. Taiwan has been trying to bolster its communications by traveling the globe to find a low-orbit satellite system that could back up connections in the event of a failure. Elon Musk's Starlink network is one clear solution, but there are problems, not least of all Taiwan's distrust of the billionaire given his deep business ties with China and pro-Beijing comments. SpaceX has been in talks with Taiwan about a Starlink deal, but the talks have broken down because SpaceX has insisted on 100% ownership of the company in Taiwan, which is against local laws. |
| Space News | Sandra Erwin | 07-06-2023 HawkEye 360 has been selected by the Australian government to help detect illegal fishing in the Pacific Islands. The company will use its radio-frequency data analytics to geolocate electronic emissions from ships and other vessels. This information will be used by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency to track illicit maritime activity and protect the region's tuna fisheries. |
| Phys.org | 07-05-2023 Scientists have detected unintended electromagnetic radiation from SpaceX's Starlink satellites. The radiation was detected by the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) telescope, which is sensitive to radio waves in the frequency range of 110 to 188 MHz. This radiation could impact astronomical research, as it falls within the frequency range that is specifically allocated to radio astronomy. The authors of the study encourage satellite operators and regulators to consider this impact on radio astronomy in spacecraft development and regulatory processes alike. |
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🛡️Satellite Cybersecurity News |
| Cyberscoop | Aj Vicens, Christian Vasquez | 07-03-2023 Hacking group SiegedSec, known for blending politics and criminal activities, claimed to have targeted satellite receivers and control systems, particularly in states banning gender affirming care. They carried out a supply chain attack, gaining control over accounts used to monitor satellite receivers and other systems of companies such as Halliburton, Shell, Helix Energy, and Oceaneering. |
| Space News | Debra Werner | 06-22-2023 Cybersecurity firm SpiderOak successfully tested its OrbitSecure software on a Ball Aerospace payload in low-Earth orbit. OrbitSecure is a zero-trust application that encrypts and stores data in a digital ledger. The successful test of OrbitSecure shows that the software can be used to protect data in space, which is a critical concern for the U.S. Space Force and other organizations that rely on space-based assets. |
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| | Yahoo Finance | 07-05-2023 Precision Infocomm has become an authorized reseller for Intellian Technologies' 45cm Compact & Light Ku-Band VSAT Antenna. The antenna system is designed for smaller boats and vessels and weighs only 23kg. It offers reliable connectivity and user experience, opening up possibilities for smaller vessels that do not have the infrastructure and space to support large antenna systems. |
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🏛️US Government Satellite News |
| Ars Technica | Stephen Clark | 07-07-2023 The US military currently operates its satellites with a limited maneuverability due to the finite amount of fuel they have. Lt. Gen. John Shaw, deputy commander of US Space Command, believes that this approach is outdated and that the military needs to develop satellites that can maneuver more freely in orbit. This limited maneuverability can be a problem in certain situations. For example, if a satellite needs to quickly move to a different location to observe a suspicious object, it may not have enough fuel to do so. The Space Force is currently working on projects to develop in-orbit refueling capabilities, which would allow satellites to stay in orbit longer and maneuver more freely. |
| Via Satellite | Rachel Jewett | 06-30-2023 The Space Development Agency (SDA) is seeking proposals for 100 satellites that will be part of its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The PWSA is a proliferated constellation architecture that will provide global communications access and persistent regional encrypted connectivity in support of warfighter missions around the globe. The SDA is looking for satellites with four optical communications terminals, a Link-16 payload, BMC3 module, and GNSS SA capability. |
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