Satellite News

The launch of the Atlas V carrying the WGS-2 satellite was scrubbed after the launch team detected an anomalous leak rate in the Centaur upper stage oxidiser valve.

Alliant Techsystems awarded United Space Alliance (USA) a US$257 Million contract to perform subcontractor support to ATK for the NASA’s Ares I and Ares 1-X programmes through the Design, Development, Test and Engineering (DDT&E) phase.

Intelsat, Ltd. reported results for the three-month period and combined year ending 31 December 2008.

NSR has released its newest market intelligence and forecast report: “Advanced Satellite Coding and Modulation, 2nd Edition.”

According to Brazilian news reports, more than three dozen satellite pirates were busted today by the country’s authorities. These are not pay-TV pirates as you may suspect. Instead, they have been using U.S. military satellites… to chat.

Rocket: Rokot/Briz-KM; Payload: GOCE (Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer); Date: 17 March 2009, 1421 UTC; Site: Plesetsk, Russia. The spacecraft with a fuelled mass of 1,052 kg was successfully deployed into the intended near Sun synchronous orbit of approximately 280 km altitude with an inclination of 96.7 degrees.

On 19 June 2008, Orbcomm launched its Coast Guard demonstration satellite and five quick-launch satellites. Amidst ongoing troubles with these spacecraft, one of the satellites is now even expected to be a total loss.

Loral Space & Communications Inc. reported its financial results for the year and fourth quarter ending 31 December 2008.