Satellite News

On 23 February 2018, NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter was brought out of safe mode, a precautionary standby status. The mission’s team is proceeding cautiously to restore the spacecraft to full service in coming days.

Rocket: H-2A; Payload: IGS-Optical 6; Date: 27 February 2018, 0434 UTC; Launch site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan. The imaging satellite was deployed into a Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 500-kilometers, inclined 97.4 degrees, approx. 20 minutes after lift-off.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Kratos RT Logic, delivered a virtual machine software satellite ground communications solution that commands the payload of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) SATCOM satellites. Boeing’s Global SATCOM Configuration Control Element (GSCCE) Evolution programme chose Kratos’ virtual solution to replace an older command and control technology.

The foundation for Lockheed Martin’s satellite production factory of the future has been completed. The Gateway Center construction is making rapid progress and is on track for its completion in 2020. The project recently reached a significant milestone, when the construction team began installing vertical structural steel.

Maxar Technologies Ltd. reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ending 31 December 2017.

SES S.A. announced financial results for the year 2017.

Intelsat S.A. announced financial results for the three months and full-year ending 31 December 2017.

EchoStar Corporation announced its financial results for the year 2017.