Steely Newsletter Issue #033

New satellite will detect and share CO2 data from individual facilities

Reuters | 11-11-2023

Canadian company GHGSat launched Vanguard, a satellite detecting carbon dioxide emissions from individual industrial facilities. This space technology aids accountability for polluting industries. The data, available for sale, enhances emission monitoring practices. Vanguard focuses on facility-level emissions, validating measurements and improving accuracy in government inventories and corporate reporting.

Starfish Space scrubs plan for a satellite rendezvous after thruster suffers anomaly

GeekWire | Alan Boyle | 11-10-2023

Starfish Space halts efforts to recover its Otter Pup satellite after an electric propulsion thruster anomaly. Despite the setback, the satellite remains functional and communicative but can no longer thrust. The cause is under investigation. Otter Pup's mission, unable to demonstrate rendezvous and docking, continues with in-orbit tests until atmospheric drag leads to its natural deorbit in about five years. Starfish plans a second Otter Pup mission, aiming for launch in 2024, to pave the way for larger-scale spacecraft missions. Despite emotional highs and lows, the company maintains optimism and humor in the face of challenges.

Satellite industry at odds over proposed power limit review ahead of WRC-23

SpaceNews | Jason Rainbow | 11-09-2023

Satellite operators are divided over a proposal to review satellite power limits that were set over a decade ago to prevent interference between different orbits. These limits, known as Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits, restrict the power of non-geostationary satellites to prevent them from interfering with geostationary spacecraft when they pass over the equator. The proposal, which will be debated at the upcoming WRC-23 meeting, would see the ITU study the limits and propose regulatory changes that could be adopted at the next conference in 2027. Amazon is leading a coalition pushing for the review, arguing that the outdated rules constrain NGSO systems more than is necessary.

ESA Officially Launches its Zero Debris Charter

Via Satellite | Rachel Jewett | 11-08-2023

The European Space Agency (ESA) unveiled the Zero Debris Charter at the 2023 Space Summit, urging participants to halt space debris generation by 2030. The non-binding charter specifies targets, such as a mission's debris probability below 1 in 1,000 and a 99% success rate for post-mission disposal. Airbus, Thales Alenia Space, and OHB initiated the charter, with over 40 organizations contributing.

Cyber Security of Space Systems ‘Crucial,’ As US Space Force Official Notes Recent Attacks

Via Satellite | Frank Wolfe | 11-07-2023

Recent cyberattacks on space systems highlight the urgent need for enhanced security, according to a U.S. Space Force official. These attacks pose a growing threat to satellite communication and space-based systems, due to advanced jamming techniques and illegal satellite uplinks. China's use of AI for cyberattacks, especially in the healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors, is a particular concern. The Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC) plays a key role in monitoring and responding to cyber threats, with plans to collaborate with the Space Systems Command for threat sharing.

Space Operators Should Harden Cryptography Defenses, NSA Cyber Official Says

Via Satellite | Rachel Jewett | 11-07-2023

A senior official for the NSA has emphasized the urgency of implementing quantum-resistant cryptography to safeguard space national security systems from evolving threats, citing increased cyber intrusions by nation-states like China and Russia. Darren Turner, chief of Critical Networks Defense, stresses the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and allies to enhance cybersecurity for space systems. The NSA aims to achieve quantum resistance by 2033 and encourages the use of robust cryptography, especially in the ground segment, to prevent cyber attacks. Turner highlights partnerships and the role of the NSA's Cybersecurity Collaboration Center and the new AI Security Center in responding to and mitigating cyber threats.

SpaceX launches O3b mPOWER communication satellites on its 84th mission of 2023

Space.com | Brett Tingley | 11-12-2023

SpaceX launched SES O3b mPOWER mission, deploying two communication satellites into medium Earth orbit. The Boeing-built satellites will enhance SES S.A.'s O3b constellation, offering high-speed connectivity from late 2023. The Falcon 9 booster used on the flight had already flown eight times, five of those missions carrying Starlink satellites.

DoD signs $270 million agreement to acquire SES satellite communications services

SpaceNews | Sandra Erwin | 11-08-2023

Global satellite operator SES secures a $270 million, five-year deal with the U.S. Defense Department for satellite communication services using the SES O3b broadband constellation. The agreement, part of a 2018 blanket purchase deal, covers managed services for the U.S. armed forces, including broadband, gateway services, terminals, support, installation, backhaul, and training. SES, headquartered in Luxembourg, addresses technical issues in its next-gen O3b mPower satellites, necessitating additional builds for optimal performance.

• Qualcomm Ends Direct-to-Device Deal With Iridium
• Addressing the 5G Satellite Testing Challenge
• OQ Technology’s noteworthy two satellite launch by SpaceX
• SpaceX will launch Ireland's 1st-ever satellite this month