Steely Newsletter Issue #037 |
Read all about 10 tech trends that will impact the Satellite Industry in 2024, how Optical communication terminals are improving the speed and reliability of SATCOM, a new quantum technology product that looks to improve secure communications on a satellite mission, and so much more! |
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| | Via Satellite | Viviene Machi | 11-28-2023 In 2024, satellite technology development opportunities are abundant, driven by trends such as AI, launch capacity, and SWaP initiatives. Ten significant trends for 2024 include the impact of climate change on Earth Observation technologies, the potential of satellite-to-cell technology, multi-orbit constellations with onboard data processing, proliferated LEO constellations, in-space manufacturing, industrialization of satellite production, space debris removal gaining U.S. government interest, technology for sustainable space operations, GPS-denied navigation technologies, and a tighter budget environment affecting satellite technology. | Via Satellite | Ria Urban | 11-28-2023 Laser communications terminals offer higher data rates than radio frequency systems, enabling faster and safer transmission in space. Despite advantages like smaller size and quicker market access, optical communications terminals (OCTs) may not fully replace radio frequency technology due to hardware complexities. The market shift towards OCTs is evident, especially in satellite constellations, with expectations of widespread integration in the coming years. | Space News | Sandra Erwin | 12-04-2023 Quilty Space, a research and consulting firm, expects about 20,000 new satellites to be launched by 2030, driven by low Earth orbit broadband constellations and government programs. The Quilty's analysis focuses on funded projects and assigns probabilities to their success, resulting in a more conservative forecast compared to others. SpaceX's Starlink constellation is the biggest driver of new demand, with over 5,400 satellites launched as of November 2023. |
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🛡️Satellite Cybersecurity News |
| Via Satellite | Mark Holmes | 11-30-2023 Quantum Dice, has launched its first space product: the Zenith Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG). This device will enhance the security of quantum communication for the upcoming SpeQtral-1 satellite mission. The SpeQtral-1 mission, set to be a pathfinder for global quantum communication services, will leverage Quantum Dice's Zenith QRNG, SpeQtral's entanglement and weak coherent quantum payloads, and a laser communications system. |
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| | everythingRF | 11-13-2023 A prominent Satcoms operator in the US is utilizing ViaLite's extended frequency L-Band RF over fiber links to transport ground station signals between antennas and network operations centers at high speeds. ViaLite's market-leading equipment boasts expanded bandwidth, accommodating more high-throughput satellite signals on a single fiber. The L-Band rack cards used with ViaLite's 19" 3U chassis allow for rapid hot-swapping, minimizing downtime. |
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| | Space News | Jeff Foust | 12-06-2023 Capella Space has announced plans to launch two of its Acadia radar imaging satellites on SpaceX rideshare missions in the first half of 2024. This decision comes after a September 2023 launch failure by Rocket Lab disrupted Capella's original deployment plans. The first Acadia satellite, Acadia-4, will launch on the Bandwagon-1 mission in April 2024, while Acadia-5 will launch on the Transporter-11 mission in June 2024. Capella said that these SpaceX rideshares will provide a diversity of orbits for its spacecraft, allowing for greater coverage and higher revisits over key areas of interest. While Capella will continue working with Rocket Lab for future launches, the exact timing of those launches has not been disclosed. |
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🏛️US Government Satellite News |
| everythingRF | 12-08-2023 Gilat Satellite Networks, a leader in satellite-based communications, has secured a nearly $20 million contract with the U.S. Army to continue a program providing reliable satellite connectivity anywhere, anytime. Wavestream, Gilat's US subsidiary, will supply ruggedized Solid State Amplifiers (SSPAs) for Satellite Transportable Terminals (STTs) used by the military globally. These SSPAs have proven their reliability over a decade in harsh environments, ensuring vital communication for soldiers operating worldwide. | C4ISRNET | Courtney Albon | 12-07-2023 Derek Tournear, head of the Space Development Agency, voiced concerns about potential delays in the agency's fiscal 2024 funding, which could have a significant impact on its acquisition plans. The ongoing continuing resolution has already caused project delays, and Tournear stressed the importance of predictable budgeting. Established in 2019, the agency is working to deploy a network of satellites, but funding uncertainties threaten to derail Tranche 2 acquisitions. A potential 1% budget cut could be particularly damaging, potentially halting ongoing programs and forcing the termination of contracts. |
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