Satellite News

Rocket: Delta IV Medium+ (5,2); Payload: NROL-45 [USA 267; Topaz 4?]; Date: 10 February 2016, 140 UTC; Launch site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, USA. The satellite was probably deployed into into an 1,100 km x 123 degrees retrograde orbit.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced the launch time and launch window for the X-ray Astronomy Satellite (ASTRO-H) by H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 30 (H-IIA F30).

Arianespace and ViaSat Inc. have contracted for the launches of ViaSat-2 and a ViaSat-3 class satellite.

Spaceflight announced it is the first launch services provider to be awarded the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Professional Services Schedule.

Tyvak Nanosatellite Systems has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with United Launch Alliance (ULA) to serve as the primary Auxiliary Payload Customer on CubeSat Rideshare Initiative efforts through 31 December 2019.

ViaSat Inc. has introduced the ViaSat-3 ultra-high capacity satellite platform, which is comprised of three ViaSat-3 class satellites with ground network infrastructure.

Space Systems Loral (SSL) announced that it is collaborating with Busek Co, Inc. to advance the current capability of solar electric propulsion systems. SSL and Busek plan to build on the current collaboration specifically to address the future needs of NASA and other U.S. government agencies.

ViaSat Inc. and Eutelsat Communications announced an agreement to create a joint venture combining Eutelsat’s current European broadband business with ViaSat’s industry-broadband technologies and consumer Internet Service Provider (ISP) business expertise.