Satellite News

Antrix Corp. Ltd, the commercial arm of ISRO, has won two deals from Algeria and Italy to launch Earth observation satellites next year on PSLV rockets.

An ATK-built prototype sounding rocket, designed to evaluate low-cost launch system technologies, had to be destroyed shortly after lift-off as it veered off course.

Thales Alenia Space and Inmarsat have signed an ATP (Authorisation To Proceed) for the development of the “EuropaSat” satellite. Launch aboard a Proton rocket is expected in early 2011 — if everything goes ahead as planned.

Sky Perfect JSAT has formed a joint venture with Stratos, which is set to be acquired by Inmarsat, to provide mobile satellite services to Japan and then possibly to other Asian countries.

Orbital Sciences Corporation announced that it has been selected by Intelsat to design, build and deliver the Intelsat-18 (IS-18) commercial communications satellite.

Andrews Space, Inc. announced that it has signed a contract with Aerojet to develop aft propulsion system controllers for Bigelow’s Sundancer spacecraft.

Iran has rejected reports from the U.S. that claim the recent launch of a Safir 1 rocket failed.

The Briz M upper stage that will be used for the next ILS Proton launch last Sunday arrived at Yubileiny Airport on an Antonov cargo plane provided by the Russian air carrier Polyot.