Steely Newsletter Issue #050 |
Read all about the opportunities and risks of using AI in satellite networks, how the GEO satellite market is diminishing, SpaceX is selling lasers to other satellite manufacturers, and so much more! |
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| | Via Satellite | Mark Holmes | 03-20-2024 A key topic at SATELLITE 2024 was the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in satellite technology. New companies like Space42 are emerging with AI as a core focus, but challenges remain. Data reliability, the balance between AI autonomy and human control, and safety are all areas that need to be addressed. Experts like Shadrach Benny Retnamony of Neuron emphasize the importance of high-quality data for training AI systems. Building trust in AI is another hurdle, as engineers are accustomed to maintaining control. There is a consensus that standards need to be developed to guide the responsible implementation of AI in satellite technology. | Via Satellite | Marisa Torrieri | 03-20-2024 There is a growing movement in the satellite industry to merge cellular and satellite networks. This convergence would allow users to seamlessly switch between cellular and satellite signals depending on location. Industry leaders are enthusiastic about the potential benefits, including wider network coverage and improved services in remote areas. However, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed, such as reducing costs, convincing mobile network operators of the advantages, and working with regulators to establish new standards. Despite the hurdles, there is optimism that these issues can be resolved and that a converged network will eventually become a reality. | Space News | Jeff Foust | 03-18-2024 Despite a significant decline in demand from its peak, manufacturers of geostationary (GEO) communication satellites remain confident in the future of the technology. At a recent industry conference, they pointed to advancements like software-defined payloads and the value proposition of GEO for high-bandwidth applications as reasons for optimism. While acknowledging the need to adapt to a changing market with new partnerships and customer approaches, these manufacturers believe GEO satellites will still play a crucial role, potentially even experiencing a resurgence with the development of more affordable heavy launch options. Interestingly, the discussion excluded the recent rise of micro GEO satellites, which have captured a significant portion of recent orders. | CNBC | Michael Sheetz | 03-21-2024 SpaceX is expanding its offerings by selling space lasers (OISLs) to other companies. This is the latest example of SpaceX going beyond just launching rockets and becoming a broader space infrastructure provider. According to a space industry expert, this strategy is not surprising, as SpaceX has always been open about its plan to build a vast space network. By offering OISLs, SpaceX is essentially creating a "space railroad" that other companies can leverage for data transfer, potentially lowering entry barriers for new space businesses. While existing space laser companies are not worried about SpaceX as direct competitors, SpaceX's move is seen as a positive sign for the growth of the space industry as a whole. |
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🛡️Satellite Cybersecurity News |
| Cybersecurity Dive | David Jones | 03-22-2024 Researchers discovered a new variant of wiper malware, AcidPour, which is more sophisticated than its predecessor AcidRain. This is concerning because AcidPour can target a wider range of devices, including critical infrastructure systems. The emergence of AcidPour highlights Russia's continued development of cyberwarfare techniques, potentially increasing the risk of attacks on essential services in the West. This discovery comes amidst ongoing anxieties about cyberattacks targeting space and other vital technologies. |
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| | The Defense Post | Rojoef Manuel | 03-21-2024 "L3Harris has secured a $60 million contract to deliver advanced satellite communication terminals to the US Army. The terminals, called Hawkeye III Lite Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), are designed for easy deployment and can provide high-speed internet connections for troops on the move. This latest contract marks the fifth order L3Harris has received under a multi-year program to modernize the Army's communications infrastructure. The Hawkeye III VSATs are an improvement over previous iterations, offering faster restoration of communication after relocation and greater flexibility in network configurations. |
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| | Space News | Andrew Jones | 03-18-2024 China is launching a powerful communication satellite, Queqiao-2, on a Long March 8 rocket in late March. Queqiao-2 will relay signals between Earth and future lunar missions on the far side and south pole of the Moon, where there is no direct line of sight to Earth. This satellite will support upcoming missions like Chang’e-6, which aims to collect moon samples from the far side, and Chang’e-7, which will land near the lunar south pole. The launch will also carry Tiandu-1 and -2, small satellites that will test navigation and communication technologies for a future lunar network. |
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🏛️US Government Satellite News |
| Popular Mechanics | Darren Orf | 03-22-2024 A new report revealed that SpaceX is building a satellite network for the US military. This project, named Starshield, aims to provide real-time intelligence for US intelligence agencies. The project has drawn criticism from both Russia and China, who view it as a threat. SpaceX's CEO, Elon Musk, defended the deal, stating that Starshield is entirely controlled by the US government. | Via Satellite | Frank Wolfe | 03-21-2024 "The U.S. Space Force's Space Development Agency (SDA) has successfully transmitted Link 16 data from space to military forces on the ground. This military data network is used to share real-time battlefield information. In earlier tests, the data transmission only had a 50% success rate, but recent tests have achieved a 90% success rate with connections lasting much longer. The SDA is still waiting for FAA approval to broadcast Link 16 from space over U.S. airspace. |
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