Steely Newsletter Issue #044 |
Read all about the Chinese G60 megaconstellation, Starlink's inter-satellite laser links setting a new record, China's Geespace launching 11 LEO satellites, and so much more! |
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| | SpaceNews | Andrew Jones | 02-02-2024 Shanghai Spacecom has secured $943 million to build a massive satellite network called G60. This constellation, aiming to provide internet access, will join China's other growing space projects including the 13,000-satellite Guowang and Huawei's planned optical constellation. The project is backed by both government and private investors, and will involve launching hundreds of satellites in 2024. This development is part of China's broader effort to increase its space presence and capabilities, with implications for global internet connectivity, security, and space debris management. | Hackaday | Maya Posch | 02-05-2023 SpaceX's Starlink constellation has pushed laser communication in space to new heights, with its network boasting over 9,000 lasers and a daily data throughput of 42 petabytes. This complex mesh allows for efficient data routing, minimizing latency and maximizing uptime. Looking ahead, SpaceX plans to improve its own lasers, share them with other satellites, and even beam them directly to Earth for groundbreaking ground-based communication. | Via Satellite | Mark Holmes | 01-30-2024 Airbus has acquired Eutelsat's 50% stake in the Airbus OneWeb Satellites joint venture, which built OneWeb's first generation constellation. Eutelsat says this move will allow them to diversify their supplier base while Airbus aims to capitalize on the growing small satellite market. However, Eutelsat also lowered its revenue guidance for the year due to OneWeb falling behind schedule and having a revenue mix that impacts margins. Despite this, Eutelsat remains confident in OneWeb's long-term potential and expects the ground network to be 90% complete by Q2 2024. |
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🛡️Satellite Cybersecurity News |
| Scientific American | Sylvester Kaczmarek | 02-05-2024 Satellites underpin critical navigation, communication, and commerce infrastructure, but are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Recent incidents, like the Viasat KA-SAT attack, serve as stark warnings. We need robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption and secure protocols, to safeguard these critical systems. While there are challenges like cost and complexity, advancements in technology and collaborations are paving the way for affordable solutions. Investing in satellite cybersecurity is not just an option, it's an urgent necessity to protect our present and future. By acting decisively, we can ensure space remains a domain of security and progress. |
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| | everythingRF | 01-29-2024 ETL Systems has unveiled the StingRay Compact, an RF-over-Fiber module meant for VSAT use. This product enables operators to position antennas 10 km away from equipment, thanks to its L-band frequency support. The system provides operators with control options through manual, fixed, and automatic gain control modes, ensuring optimized performance. Notably, the platform can incorporate not only StingRay modules but also other ETL devices within the same chassis, reducing costs and space while enhancing resilience. Finally, the upgraded StingRay boasts improved RF performance and security alongside its established high capacity. This system's outdoor unit is housed in a weatherproof casing for various deployment scenarios and connects to an indoor AC-powered unit. |
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| | DIGITIMES Asia | Duan Wu Chen | 02-05-2024 Geespace, a subsidiary of Geely Group, successfully launched 11 satellites, boosting its constellation to 20 and aiming for 240 by 2025. These satellites boast advanced AI-powered remote sensing for high-resolution imaging, crucial for autonomous vehicle navigation. Geely plans to integrate this technology into its electric vehicles, including the Zeekr models and Galaxy E8. While challenges like mass production and cost reduction remain, Geespace has a production facility in China and seeks global partnerships to overcome them. The company also offers satellite application data services and collaborates with countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Belt and Road Initiative participants, aiming for ubiquitous real-time satellite communication. |
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🏛️US Government Satellite News |
| Via Satellite | Rachel Jewett | 02-01-2024 The US Space Force agency SDA expanded its contract with Momentus Space, granting an additional $1.2 million to modify the Vigoride space tug for national security missions. This follows an earlier SBIR award, bringing the total to $1.9 million. Momentus will adapt Vigoride to handle Department of Defense payloads and tasks, paving the way for an in-flight demonstration. In a separate win, Momentus exited a national security agreement with the US government, resolving concerns about its Russian co-founders who are no longer with the company. The company satisfied the agreement's terms by implementing stricter cybersecurity measures and improving export controls. |
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