Satellite News

Vector Space Systems, a Micro Satellite space platform enterprise comprised of new-space industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and Sea Launch, announced the successful test of its second stage engine, a major milestone in advance of the company’s first sub-orbital test flight as Vector Space Systems this summer.

Proton manufacturer Khrunichev announced that the launch of Intelsat DLA-2 aka Intelsat 31 had to be postponed owing to technical reasons discovered during pre-launch checks. Lift-off from Baikonur was previously scheduled for 28 May. No new launch date was announced.

Airbus Defence and Space has started assembling the European Service Module (ESM), a key element of NASA’s next-generation Orion spacecraft that is to transport astronauts into deep space for the first time since the end of the Apollo programme.

Orbital ATK advocated for a manned lunar-orbit outpost as the United States’ next step in human space exploration.

Clyde Space is to provide the satellites for a new pilot programme offering quick, regular and more affordable access to space.

SES announced a new strategic partnership with PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk (Telkom), Indonesia’s largest satellite telecommunications services company. Telkom will provide connectivity to the Indonesian market via capacity on the recently-launched SES-9 satellite, SES’s latest and largest spacecraft for the Asia-Pacific region.