Satellite News

Harris Corporation has partnered with NASA’s Johnson Space Center to successfully complete thermal vacuum testing for the James Webb Space Telescope – validating its ability to operate in the frigid space environment.

QinetiQ has signed a EUR26.6 million contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to produce a new docking mechanism for the International Space Station (ISS).

The U.S. Navy’s Communications Satellite Program Office, PMW 146, and Lockheed Martin handed over full operational control of the fifth Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite to the Naval Satellite Operations Center (NAVSOC).

NASA has selected a science instrument for an upcoming Japan-led sample return mission to the moons of Mars planned for launch in 2024.

A signed contract for the Earth Observation satellites for the UrtheDaily Constellation was announced by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and UrtheCast of Canada.

Thales Alenia Space has been chosen by the Italian space agency ASI to develop an instrument called RIME (Radar sounder for Icy Moons Exploration) for the JUICE (JUpiter Icy moons Explorer) mission, part of the European Space Agency’s “2015-25 Cosmic Vision” programme.

SSL was selected by NASA to conduct a four-month study for a module that will provide power and control for NASA’s deep space gateway concept.

Orbital ATK announced that the recently launched Cygnus spacecraft successfully completed its rendezvous and berthing manoeuvres with the International Space Station. This marks the company’s eighth successful berthing with the orbiting laboratory.