Satellite News

SES Astra has signed a reseller agreement with the satellite equipment distributor Eurosat for the marketing and sales of its satellite based interactive broadband service Astra2Connect.

“The Chinese government is particularly worried by the misconception surrounding the satellite as expressed in the media here in the country. It is also concerned that its first efforts at exporting its satellite technology to a country like Nigeria is being mis-construed by the unfortunate loss [of NigComSat 1]. It has therefore given instructions that all efforts must be put together to straighten things out. Both the Nigerian and Chinese governments are keen to address the challenge quickly.” – An unnamed senior Nigerian ministerial official, according to the Guardian (Nigeria)

The launch of NROL-26 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a Delta IV Heavy, most recently targeted for 16 November, has been delayed again because of problems with the satellite.

Intelsat, Ltd. announced a joint venture with a South African investor group led by Convergence Partners that will utilise project financing to build and launch a new satellite into the 33 degrees East orbital location.

China’s Chang’e 1 moon probe has successfully lowered its orbit to an altitude of 100 km from 200 km.

Aerojet announced that its 668-N (150-lbf) thrust high performance storable bipropellant engine demonstrated a specific impulse of 333.5 seconds at its Redmond, Washington/USA facility.

Nigerian and Chinese officials have reportedly opened talks on a replacement satellite for NigComSat 1, a Nigerian newspaper reported.
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Recent observations suggest that the failed DSP 23 early warning satellite may actually be completely dead. In related news, one affected satellite operator said the U.S. military did not warn it when the defunct spacecraft approached its own satellite.
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