Satellite News

After the CanX-7 nanosatellite deployed its drag sails only a week ago, early results indicate the sails are having a noticeable effect. Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, which developed CanX-7, has announced the altitude decay rate changed significantly following the deployment in the late evening of 4 May 2017 (Toronto time).

JAXA is developing the main engine for its next-generation H-III rocket, which could see service in fiscal 2020. This marks the first time in about 20 years that Japan has been developing main rocket engines.

A team of NASA scientists and engineers recently won NASA funding to build the Plasma Enhancements in The Ionosphere-Thermosphere Satellite. The mission, also known as petitSat, is a precursor to a possible Explorer-class mission and leverages several R and D-supported technologies, including the satellite bus itself.

Ethiopia’s Information Network Security Agency (INSA), in charge of the transformation of the country’s high-tech and security industry, officialised the launch of Ethiosat, its new TV platform.

Payload preparations are advancing for Arianespace’s upcoming launch: a Soyuz mission to orbit the SES-15 telecommunications spacecraft from the Spaceport in French Guiana next week.

Aerojet Rocketdyne successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR) for AR1, a 2.22 MN (500,000 lbf) thrust-class, liquid-fuelled rocket engine.

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. announced that its Quebec subsidiary has signed a Letter of Intent with the Government of Quebec to establish a Satellite Centre of Excellence in Montreal.

A Chang Zheng-5 has arrived in Wenchang in south China’s Hainan Province for the launch of the Shijian-18 communication satellite, scheduled for June, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation said.