Steely Newsletter Issue #055 |
Read all about the launch of SES' O3b mPOWER MEO satellite system, the critical infrastructure debate that took place at the CyberSat 2024 conference in Paris, why the US is concerned as China launches another spy satellite, and so much more! |
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| | Via Satellite | Jeffrey Hill | 04-24-2024 European satellite operator, SES, has announced that its O3b mPOWER, a new MEO satellite system with software-enabled features, is now operational. The company has launched 6 out of the planned 13 satellites and will begin providing connectivity services ranging from tens of Mbps to multiple gigabits per second in the coming months. This new system targets mobility, government, enterprise and cloud markets, and SES will be working with these customers on onboarding plans. | C4ISRNET | Courtney Albon | 04-22-2024 The Space Development Agency (SDA) is building a constellation of hundreds of satellites for missile tracking and communication. L3Harris, a defense firm, is contracted to deliver some of these satellites. L3Harris learned from its experience that a reliable supply chain is crucial for this project. The company is working on securing its supply chain by partnering with suppliers early and limiting unnecessary design changes. Balancing between a diverse supplier base and a consistent supply is also a challenge that L3Harris is facing. |
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🛡️Satellite Cybersecurity News |
| Via Satellite | Mark Holmes | 04-24-2024 At the Cysat 2024 conference in Paris, a debate addressed growing cybersecurity threats against space assets, with speakers highlighting the critical role space plays in modern life. Leaders from French and European organizations emphasized the importance of international collaboration and information sharing to combat these threats. The discussion also focused on the need for a regulatory framework to ensure space cybersecurity, with a balance between security and fostering innovation being a key concern. Speakers agreed that space is no longer just a commercial or scientific endeavor, but essential infrastructure that underpins daily activities and military operations. | Payload | Tim Fernholz | 04-24-2024 A Canadian cybersecurity company has developed a special hardware tool to monitor satellites for unauthorized access. However, challenges remain, as many satellites lack proper cybersecurity measures and some operators are unaware of best practices. While no successful hacks have been publicly reported yet, experts warn that growing reliance on standard software and the internet in space makes satellites more susceptible to attacks. |
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| | Space News | Andrew Jones | 04-22-2024 China launched a second Yaogan-42 reconnaissance satellite on April 20, 2024, following the launch of the first one earlier in April. The satellite's purpose is not officially revealed, but experts believe it is used for military and civilian purposes such as high-resolution imaging and electronic signal collection. This launch is part of China's ambitious space program, which aims for 100 launches in 2024, including a human spaceflight mission and a lunar sample return mission. The US has expressed concerns about China's growing number of reconnaissance satellites. |
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🏛️US Government Satellite News |
| Defense One | Audrey Decker | 04-25-2024 The U.S. Air Force canceled a classified satellite program due to budget limitations, according to Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Warden. This cancellation highlights a shift in the Pentagon's strategy, prioritizing constellations of smaller satellites over expensive single ones. While details remain confidential, the program was believed to involve military communication for the Space Force. Northrop Grumman also acknowledged their withdrawal from competitions focused on low-cost, expendable drones, emphasizing their commitment to high-tech defense solutions. | Space News | Sandra Erwin | 04-23-2024 The Space Force is looking to collaborate with private space companies on new technologies. While they already buy basic services like launches, they are unsure about the usefulness of some emerging ones, like in-orbit refueling. In-orbit refueling could extend satellite life and reduce space debris, but the military is unsure of the business model and its military value. They want the private sector to take the lead in developing this technology and showing its usefulness. Lawmakers have questioned the budget allocated for studying space refueling, and the Space Force is looking to assess its military applications before making larger investments. The Space Force is open to new areas of partnership with commercial space companies and wants their help to determine which technologies are most beneficial and how they can be used militarily. |
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