Steely Newsletter Issue #056 |
Read all about the Pentagon's warning of a Russian anti-satellite nuclear weapon, SES acquiring Intelsat to compete with Starlink, a new satellite antenna that uses “reconfigurable intelligent surface” (RIS) technology, and so much more! |
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| | NBC News | Dan De Luce | 05-01-2024 The US government has expressed concern about Russia's development of an "indiscriminate" anti-satellite nuclear device. This weapon could potentially cripple satellites crucial for communication, navigation, and other vital services worldwide. While the threat is not immediate, a detonation could render low-Earth orbit unusable for a year due to radiation. Pentagon officials believe such a weapon would be highly irresponsible and devastating. | ARS Technica | Stephen Clark | 04-30-2024 Facing competition from low-Earth orbit satellite networks like Starlink, traditional satellite operators SES and Intelsat are merging to create a combined company with over 100 geostationary satellites. This will be more than double the size of the next-largest geostationary satellite operator. While geostationary satellites offer wide coverage, low-Earth orbit constellations provide lower latency and are cheaper to build, making them increasingly popular. The combined company will offer services across multiple communication bands and have access to both geostationary and low-Earth orbit constellations, giving them a wider range of services to compete with Starlink. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Both companies have a history of working with the US government and expect continued growth in the military's demand for commercial satellite communications. | Tech Crunch | Aria Alamalhodaei | 05-02-2024 Hubble Network, a Seattle-based startup, has successfully connected a Bluetooth chip to a satellite, paving the way for global connectivity for millions of devices. This technology can be used in various industries like logistics, agriculture, and asset monitoring. Hubble's satellites are equipped with special antennas that amplify Bluetooth signals, enabling communication over long distances. The company plans to launch a constellation of 36 satellites by 2026, providing near-constant coverage anywhere in the world. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the Internet of Things by offering low-power, cost-effective connectivity solutions. |
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🛡️Satellite Cybersecurity News |
| Via Satellite | Mark Holmes | 04-29-2024 WISeSAT.Space and the Swiss Armed Forces are expanding their partnership to launch a new, enhanced satellite equipped with advanced security features. This upgraded satellite will utilize SEALSQ technology and WISeKey encryption for secure communication purposes. The collaboration stems from a study conducted by armasuisse, the Swiss defense procurement agency, which investigated the potential of small satellites for military applications. Key objectives include exploring the feasibility of using low-frequency space segments for electronic intelligence gathering and establishing narrowband connections for training and data collection. This partnership aligns with the Swiss Armed Forces' strategy of developing space-based capabilities, as outlined in a recent defense strategy update. |
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| | IEEE Spectrum | Edd Gent | 05-03-2024 Satellite internet is becoming more accessible, but traditional terminals are expensive and use a lot of power. French startup Greenerwave has developed a new terminal that uses a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) to bring down costs and energy consumption. RIS technology uses a metamaterial surface to manipulate radio waves, making the antenna simpler and more efficient than those using phased arrays. This innovation could enable satellite internet on cars, planes, and other mobile platforms.
Greenerwave plans to begin selling their terminal by the end of the year and is already in talks with satellite companies like Intelsat to develop customized solutions. | everythingRF | 04-29-2024 Reticulate Micro, a communications technology company, has launched a new line of flat panel antennas called VALOR. This product family is designed to be adaptable and work across various platforms like land vehicles, airplanes, and ships. VALOR antennas are also scalable and can connect to multiple satellite networks. The company plans to first introduce a land mobile solution in the fourth quarter, with Ku and Ka-band satellite frequency options available. |
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| | Via Satellite | Rachel Jewett | 05-02-2024 Maxar successfully launched the first two of its long-awaited WorldView Legion satellites, marking a major milestone for the Earth observation program after years of delays. These satellites boast the highest commercially available resolution and will triple Maxar's capacity to collect detailed imagery. When the full constellation of six satellites is operational, they will image the Earth as frequently as every 20 to 30 minutes, providing valuable insights for mapping and 3D technology. This launch signifies a new era for Maxar Intelligence's Earth observation capabilities. |
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🏛️US Government Satellite News |
| Space News | Sandra Erwin | 04-26-2024 The U.S. Space Force is launching an $8 billion procurement to acquire next-generation communication satellites for its nuclear command network. This Evolved Strategic Satcom (ESS) program aims to replace the existing system with jam-resistant capabilities, including coverage in the North Polar region. The Space Systems Command expects proposals soon and plans to begin production in 2025, with a goal of fielding the new constellation by 2030. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are the frontrunners, but the production contract will be an open competition. Both companies have been developing prototypes since 2020 and are expected to submit proposals this year. |
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