Satellite News

Space Systems Loral (SSL) announced that it is collaborating with Busek Co, Inc. to advance the current capability of solar electric propulsion systems. SSL and Busek plan to build on the current collaboration specifically to address the future needs of NASA and other U.S. government agencies.

Thales Alenia Space has signed a EUR450 million contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for the construction of the Sentinel-3C and D environmental monitoring and oceanographic satellites for the European Copernicus programme.

North Korea’s recently launched Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite has reportedly been observed tumbling in orbit but meanwhile is said to have stabilised, news agencies reported citing two unnamed U.S. officials.

NASA’s solar-powered Juno spacecraft successfully executed a manoeuvre to adjust its flight path on 3 February. The manoeuvre refined the spacecraft’s trajectory, helping set the stage for Juno’s arrival at the solar system’s largest planet five months from now.

The 18th and final primary mirror segment has been installed on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for JCSAT-17, a satellite based on the A2100 common design.

Engineers at Lockheed Martin recently proved their design for the world’s most powerful Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite can operate in and withstand the harsh conditions it will experience on orbit.

The first European part made in space by the additive manufacturing process, also known as 3D printing, took place on 2 February 2016, aboard the International Space Station.