Satellite News

The European Space Agency has signed a contract with OHB as the prime contractor to build eight more satellites for its Galileo satnav system. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd is in charge of the navigation payloads.

Harris Corporation has delivered an advanced digital weather satellite instrument to the Korea Aerospace Research Institute that will help forecasters safeguard people in the region from typhoons and other severe weather.

EchoStar Mobile Limited, a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation and Thales announced that they are collaborating to jointly develop advanced mobile satellite voice and data services for security forces and first responders dealing with emergency situations in France and throughout Europe.

The Konnect Africa broadband venture set up by Eutelsat Communications has this month officially launched new-generation services, starting in Benin, Cameroon, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Uganda.

Orbital ATK has completed analysis of the critical components demonstrated in the Orion Launch Abort System Attitude Control Motor (ACM) test conducted at the company’s Elkton, Maryland, facility. Results from the test indicate the motor’s HT-11 ‘High Thrust’ test was fully successful.

ESA and 16 satellite industry leaders have signed a joint statement on their collaboration over ‘Satellite for 5G’.

Thales Alenia Space has signed its first contract with OHB to provide new-generation electronic equipment, made in Belgium, for the Electra platform.

China’s Zhongxing-9A [ChinaSat 9A] communications satellite, launched atop a Chang Zheng 3B rocket, did not reach its planned orbital destination on 18 June. The rocket lifted off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 1611 UTC.