Steely Newsletter Issue #039 |
Read all about Via Satellite's top stories of 2023, China's first satellite that is part of their G60 megaconstellation, the VLEO satellite industry space race, and so much more! |
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| | Via Satellite | Rachel Jewett | 12-20-2023 The satellite industry experienced major shifts in 2023, from mergers and leadership changes to technological advancements and in-orbit challenges. Amidst consolidations like the Viasat/Inmarsat merger and executive departures like Steve Collar's exit from SES, the rise of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations like Starlink, Kuiper, and Lightspeed propelled the industry towards a new era. As we navigate this period of transformation, a closer look at Via Satellite's most-read news stories reveals the key events that shaped the year. | Space News | Andrew Jones | 12-29-2023 Shanghai's new satellite factory rolled out the first satellite for G60 Starlink, China's second planned megaconstellation in low Earth orbit. This ambitious project aims to launch 1,296 satellites by 2024, joining the 13,000-satellite Guowang constellation already underway. The G60 satellites promise low-cost, high-speed internet access worldwide, similar to SpaceX's Starlink. This rapid satellite deployment will boost global connectivity, but also raises concerns about space traffic management and potential geopolitical implications. | IEEE Spectrum | Lucas Laursen | 12-14-2023 Space agencies and private companies are racing to launch the first commercial satellites in an very-low Earth orbit (VLEO), just 100km above the planet. This dramatic shift promises faster internet, sharper Earth observation, and even new scientific measurements. But challenges abound, from keeping satellites fueled in the thin atmosphere to mitigating the risk of colliding space debris. |
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| | everythingRF | 12-27-2023 In a major breakthrough for military communication technology, Redwire Corporation successfully transmitted a Link 16 signal from space using their L-Band Helical Antenna technology. This achievement paves the way for secure, beyond-line-of-sight communication for soldiers on the battlefield, potentially revolutionizing battlefield awareness and decision-making. Redwire's custom-designed antennas, developed for an undisclosed national security client, will integrate seamlessly with the existing Link 16 tactical network, offering soldiers a crucial advantage in communication speed and reliability. This success marks a significant milestone for Redwire, solidifying their position as a leader in space-based communication infrastructure. |
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🚀Satellite Launch News Coverage |
| Space.com | Mike Wall | 12-22-2023 Firefly Alpha rocket's fourth flight experienced an upper-stage issue, placing the payload in an unintended orbit. The mission, named Fly the Lightning, carried a Lockheed Martin-developed electronically steerable antenna (ESA) for faster on-orbit sensor calibration. Despite the off-target orbit, communication with the spacecraft is established, and investigations are underway to determine the cause. This launch, despite the anomaly, holds significance for the U.S. military, showcasing Firefly's potential for rapid and responsive launch capabilities. |
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🏛️US Government Satellite News |
| Air & Space Forces Magazine | Greg Hadley | 12-21-2023 The secretive Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO) is quietly but swiftly modernizing U.S. space capabilities. They've made significant strides in upgrading the aging Satellite Control Network (SCN) with the SCAR program, poised for its first radar delivery in March 2025. Beyond that, SpRCO has deployed sensors in geosynchronous orbit that have already yielded valuable intelligence on foreign capabilities. While details remain classified, the office is actively integrating its work across the Space Force to ensure robust command and control for satellites in today's increasingly dynamic orbital environment. |
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