Steely Newsletter Issue #046

A dead satellite will crash back to Earth this month. What to know.

USA Today | Janet Loehrke | 02-15-2024

After 16 years of service, a decommissioned European satellite is set to return to Earth this month, with most debris likely landing in the vast ocean covering 70% of the planet. Launched in 1995, the ERS-2 satellite monitored Earth's environment for over a decade before ending its mission in 2011. Now, due to carefully controlled maneuvers, the satellite is re-entering the atmosphere, expected to break apart around 50 miles above Earth. While some small pieces may reach the surface, the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of it being an oceanic splashdown. This event highlights the growing issue of space junk, with tens of thousands of objects currently orbiting Earth, posing a potential threat to active satellites and future space missions.

Russia has obtained a ‘troubling’ emerging anti-satellite weapon, the White House says

AP News | Aamer Madhani, Zeke Miller | 02-15-2024

The White House confirmed Russia has developed an "emerging" anti-satellite weapon but downplayed immediate threats. The weapon is not operational and cannot cause physical harm on Earth. While the US is concerned and analyzing the technology, they believe engaging Russia directly is a better approach than public announcements. Some lawmakers criticized the White House for not disclosing the information sooner, while others defended it.

SDA Director Tournear Addresses Concerns About Fixed-Price Contracts

Via Satellite | Calvin Biesecker | 02-15-2024

Despite industry concerns about the risks of fixed-price contracts, the Space Development Agency (SDA) plans to stick with this model. SDA Director Derek Tournear says his conversations with industry executives confirm continued interest in their fixed-price satellite competitions. He argues that unlike traditional fixed-price contracts, SDA's model offers flexibility and predictability through shorter development cycles, multiple competition tranches, and open selection processes. While acknowledging challenges related to new technology adoption, Tournear highlights the benefits of faster innovation, cost control, and a diverse supplier base for both SDA and industry.

Trouble at US space force as multibillion-dollar program cancelled

The Guardian | Edward Helmore | 02-15-2024

The US Space Force scrapped a multi-billion dollar project for a classified military communications satellite due to cost overruns, technical issues, and delays. This follows concerns about a potential Russian anti-satellite weapon and highlights the growing militarization of space. The canceled program aligns with the Space Force's broader goal of ensuring US dominance in space and reflects the shifting security landscape where space capabilities play a crucial role.

Payload Research: The Space Cybersecurity Landscape and Zero Trust Protocols

Payload | Jack Kuhr, Mo Islam | 02-14-2024

The space industry boom, with thousands of satellites and interconnected data networks, creates countless attack points for hackers. This growing dependence on space-based data for everything from GPS to national security exposes critical infrastructure to cyber threats. Hackers can disrupt operations, steal information, or even hijack satellites, causing widespread chaos. While traditional encryption offers partial protection, data travels across various networks, demanding more robust solutions. The Pentagon and satellite operators are exploring software-based encryption and "zero trust" architecture, where every piece of data is individually secured and access is constantly verified. Addressing budget constraints and integrating outsourced solutions remain challenges, but the urgency for enhanced space cybersecurity is undeniable.

SDA Launches Missile Tracking Satellites; All of ‘Tranche 0’ Now in Orbit

Air & Space Forces Magazine | Greg Hadley | 02-14-2024

The Space Development Agency (SDA) successfully launched all 27 of its Tranche 0 satellites, with the last four arriving in orbit recently. These satellites are designed for missile warning, tracking, and data transport, and will be used by the military to improve its space capabilities. The SDA collaborated with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) on the launch of two MDA satellites that are similar to the SDA's tracking satellites. This collaboration will allow the agencies to test how their sensors work together. Tranche 0 is a "warfighter immersion" tranche, meaning that service members will be able to use the satellites to develop operational concepts. The SDA is looking to get the satellites involved in real-world Pentagon exercises to demonstrate their capabilities. The successful deployment of Tranche 0 paves the way for Tranche 1, which will be the first operational batch of SDA satellites and will include significantly more satellites than Tranche 0.

AmpliTech Introduces Ka-Band Low-Noise Block for LEO, MEO, GEO And KA Band Teleport Applications

everythingRF | 02-14-2024

AmpliTech has released a new Ka-Band LNB with ultra-low noise temperature, designed for applications in small satellites and various teleports. This innovative product utilizes their proprietary technologies to achieve high performance and stability. Essentially, it acts as an intermediary between satellites and receivers, ensuring clear and reliable signal transmission. AmpliTech is committed to providing industry-leading LNBs, and this new model is a testament to their dedication.

• How the US is preparing to fight — and win — a war in space
• Iridium adds five years to constellation lifetime estimate
• Vitesse Systems Delivers its first Additively Manufactured Satellite Antenna for Weather Radars
• A new satellite will use Google’s AI to map methane leaks from space