Space

OneWeb has asked the FCC to reject satellite broadcaster Dish Network’s and spectrum holder RS Access’ proposal to run two-way mobile services in the 12 GHz band. OneWeb sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) backing Starlink’s concern about terrestrial 5G interference with satellite broadband networks.

Launch and space systems company, Rocket Lab USA, has supported a significant milestone for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Mandrake-2 mission, the company said. Able and Baker, the two Mandrake-2 spacecraft, successfully closed and maintained an optical communications link at a range of 114 km.

SpaceWatch.Global Senior Editor and Space Café Italy Host Emma Gatti spoke with Joe Dodd, Senior Vice President and Corporate Development of LinQuest Corporation, during the 6th Space Security Conference, held in Prague between the 19th and the 22nd of June 2022.

Euroconsult published the latest update of “Prospects for the Small Satellite Market” forecasting further growth in the global supply and demand of small satellites weighing a maximum of 500 kg. The 8th edition of the market intelligence report expects about 18,500 smallsats to be launched over the next decade.

New European launch vehicle designed and manufactured by Avio, Vega C (Consolidation), successfully launched for the first time from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana under the supervision of ESA. Vega C can now begin its operational phase targeting at least four launches per year.

Launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), successfully tested its Helix engine in flight configuration for a total of 74 seconds, the company reported. The test included long-duration hot firings of 30 and 40 seconds each, preceded by a short test of four seconds of the same engine. The tests reached the desired duration, Helix operated nominally and was shut down safely. 

SpaceX’s first orbital Starship vehicle’s booster test ended in an anomalous fire originating from the base of the vehicle. The pad was cleared of personnel at the time of the fire, no injuries were reported. Super Heavy Booster 7 was tested at SpaceX’s Starbase complex at Boca Chica, Texas. SpaceX was planning on conducting a spin start test of the engines, which did not involve ignition.

ESA set up a 12-member advisory group to provide decision-makers with independent and objective geopolitical, economic and societal assessments regarding the agency's human and robotic space exploration. The group comprises eight men and five women from political, economic, academic and explorer backgrounds.

Antenna developer, Anywaves, has signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space to supply antennas for over 15 satellite platforms for a project for space infrastructure provider, Loft Orbital, Anywaves said. According to the contract, Anywaves will provide more than 70 products for the platforms to be deployed by Loft Orbital.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Radio Regulations Board (RRB) have rejected a request by the government of Liechtenstein and its US-based industrial partner, Rivada Space Networks, for a one-year extension of the deadline for two low Earth orbit broadband satellite constellations.