Satellite News

Teal Group space analysts have identified 5,095 satellites, probes and capsules to be built and launched to Earth or deep space orbits between 2016 and 2035. They estimate the value of these space payloads at more than US$245 billion.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 will launch Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft on the initial leg of its cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The 30-minute launch window opens at approximately 0305 UTC on 23 March .

Components for another of Arianespace’s up-to-eight planned Ariane 5 launches in 2016 are now at the Spaceport in French Guiana, following their delivery from Europe this week.

Paragon Space Development Corporation and partner Thin Red Line Aerospace (TRLA) received a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from NASA to advance their Cryogenic Encapsulating Launch Shroud and Insulated Upper Stage (CELSIUS) technology.

Thales Alenia Space Belgium announced that its new-generation PPU Mk3 power supply units for the plasma thrusters on upcoming all-electric satellites have been qualified.

ISS-Reshetnev Company’s Assembly, Integration and Test Facility, currently under construction, is being furnished with new technological equipment and tools.

NSR’s Satellite Manufacturing and Launch Services, 6th Edition report identifies non-GEO markets as the leading growth opportunities for manufacturing and launch in the next ten years, with expected cumulative revenue generation exceeding US$175 billion of the US$285 billion total market.

Rocket: Soyuz-FG; Payload: Soyuz TMA-20M [ISS 46S]; Date: 18 March 2016, 2126 UTC; Launch site: Baikonur, Kazakhstan. The crewed vessel reached orbit nine minutes after lift-off as planned.