Satellite News

Intelsat today commemorated its 50th anniversary of providing critical telecommunications and video content distribution infrastructure for businesses, organisations and governments around the world.

Rocket: Chang Zheng-4B; Payload: Gaofen-2, BRITE-PL-2 “Heweliusz” (aka CanX-3D); Date: 19 August 2014, 0315 UTC; Launch site: Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, China. The launch of the high-definition Earth observation satellite was succesful, according to the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND).

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, a joint project between NASA and JAXA, has run out of fuel. However, this isn’t the end of the mission yet.

The satellite network set up and running to provide high potential Ka-Band Internet access has enlisted the five thousandth active subscriber, according to the Russian Satellite Communication Company (RSCC).

Aerojet Rocketdyne announced that its Low Earth Orbiting Nanosatellite Integrated Defense Autonomous System (LEONIDAS) first stage solid propellant rocket motor (LEO-46) successfully completed a hot-fire static test at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. announced that its Kratos Integral Systems International (Kratos ISI) business unit has been selected by ABS to extend its Epoch IPS Fleet Management System to support the new ABS-3A and ABS-2A programmes.

A Russian-Ukrainian Dnepr with Japanese satellites aboard will be launched from Yasny in early October, a source in the Russian Military Industrial Commission was quoted as saying.

The return of Optus 10 to French Guiana has set the stage for a new phase of payload preparations at the Spaceport with Arianespace’s next Ariane 5 mission, which is scheduled for a lift-off carrying this multi-mission satellite and its Measat-3b co-passenger on 11 September.