Satellite News

Ulysses, a joint ESA/NASA mission to study the Sun’s poles and the influence of the star on surrounding space, is coming to an end after almost four times its expected lifetime. An attempt to extend its life by saving power failed in January.

China hopes to launch its second moon-orbiting satellite in 2009, state media reported. The news came after scientists regained contact with the country’s first lunar satellite Chang’e-1.

The Japanese space agency plans to launch its high-speed Internet satellite Kizuna (or Wideband Inter-Networking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite, WINDS) from Tanegashima Space Center aboard an H-IIA on 23 February (UTC).

U.S. military officials over the past few days encountered some verbal problems in delivering their message regarding the destruction of the errant NRO-L21 (USA 193) spy satellite. One even re-invented the Gregorian calendar.

Globalstar, Inc. has received the necessary Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicacoes (ANATEL) regulatory approval for its agreement to purchase the Globalstar independent gateway operator in Brazil from Loral Space & Communications Inc. and various affiliated entities.

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. reported its results for the quarter ending 31 December 2007.

Now that the wayward NRO-L21 spy (USA 193) satellite has been shot down (or rather blown into smithereens): which spacecraft is next? This question is not as frivolous and far-fetched as it may seem at first glance.

A U.S. missile shot down the failed NRO-L21 (USA 193) spy satellite in space, defence officials said.