Satellite News

In December, the first GPS III satellite completed system-level Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing, validating Lockheed Martin’s design and manufacturing processes. Seven more GPS III satellites are following the first one in production flow at Lockheed Martin’s GPS Processing Facility in Denver.

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.

The engine that will power the upper stage of Europe’s next-generation launcher completed its first test last week, demonstrating that Ariane 6 is forging ahead for a 2020 debut.