Satellite News

With less than two weeks until the launch of ExoMars 2016, preparations are proceeding well and the spacecraft composite has now been encapsulated within the launcher fairing at the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Chang’e-3, China’s first lunar lander, has been operating on the moon for over two years, the longest time for an active probe, according to a Chinese scientist.

Last month SSTL commenced manufacture of its first small geostationary platform, the GMP-T.

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. has received an Authorisation to Proceed from Airbus Defence and Space for the development of multiple communication subsystems to be integrated into the Inmarsat-6 mobile communication satellites.

Spacecom reports that Nepal’s Dish Media Network has entered into another long-term contract adding more capacity to its current capacity on Amos-4.

According to Euroconsult’s latest report, High Throughput Satellites: Vertical Market Analysis & Forecasts, High Throughput Satellites (HTS) have continued their proliferation since late 2014 as over 20 new systems were ordered, including an eight satellite expansion order by O3b.

The launch of SES-9 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was scrubbed on 1 March owing to high altitude winds. A new launch attempt is expected for 4 April.

The GLONASS-M No. 51 navigation satellite , which was designed and built by Information Satellite Systems – Reshetnev Company, has started operation in orbit.