Satellite and Space Projects Newsletter September 2024

Space Norway's Arctic Broadband satellites reach orbit successfully: After the successful launch, Space Norway’s two ASBM satellites have successfully been raised to their HEO Three Apogee Period orbit 43,000 km over the North Pole and 8,000 km over the South Pole. 

All burns during orbit raising were as planned. Manufacturer Northrop Grumman has concluded solar array deployment and reflector deployment on both satellites and is progressing with payload testing.

Orbex plans first launch for 2025: UK-based orbital launch services company Orbex has announced that it is planning the first launch of its Prime rocket at the Scottish launch site Sutherland Spaceport in 2025. The spaceport is predicted to be ready in early spring. Orbex's CEO, Phil Chambers, stated that the company is targeting twenty-four launches a year, which will require the building of a new factory to increase production and a new funding round to raise at least £37.5 million. 

Eutelsat plans new ground-station-as-a-service company: Eutelsat has announced that it is in exclusive talks to sell 80% of its ground network to private equity firm EQT Infrastructure VI fund to form a new ground station-as-service business. The French operator's infrastructure is worth approximately €790 million and comprises land, buildings, antennas and other passive infrastructure assets. Eutelsat will own the remaining 20% of this ground segment infrastructure and plans to remain a shareholder, anchor tenant and partner in the new business.

FCC fines Intelsat for unauthorised satellite operation: The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has fined Intelsat $160k for "unauthorised operation of its Galaxy 35 satellite" after the satellite carried out unauthorised transmissions whilst in orbit. Intelsat received temporary authority to conduct telemetry, tracking and command transmissions while the satellite moved to a new authorised location. However, Intelsat informed the FCC that the satellite had arrived at 95.05° West when it was actually at 94.85° West. While Intelsat notified the FCC of this mistake, it still breached the authorisation by conducting TT&C transmissions from this unauthorised location.

Lockheed Martin to acquire Terran Orbital: Lockheed Martin has agreed to acquire smallsat manufacturer Terran Orbital in a $450 million deal. Subject to customary conditions, the transaction is expected to close in Q4 of this year. Lockheed Martin was an existing client of Terran and a significant investor and will now acquire the manufacturer for $0.25 per share in cash. The transaction will also retire Terran's existing debt and establish a new $30 million working capital facility.  

UK Space Command launches first military satellite: UK Space Command successfully launched their first military satellite overnight on the 16/17 August from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite, named Tyche, will capture daytime images and videos of the Earth's service, aiding UK armed forces. It is the first satellite under the MOD's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance programme, who plan to deliver a constellation of satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031.

Andøya Spaceport receives launch site operator licence: Andøya Spaceport has announced that it received a licence from the Norwegian government to conduct launches. The spaceport was completed in November 2023 and will be the initial launch site for German company Isar Aerospace. The Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries stated that the licence will allow up to 30 launches per year from the spaceport. Isar Aerospace are currently waiting for their launch licence application to be approved and then the first launch is planned for later this year.

UK Space Agency releases Evaluation Strategy: The UK Space Agency has delivered its Evaluation Strategy, outlining its vision for evaluating its impact and how it supports the UK space sector. The evaluation will then allow the UK Space Agency to maximise impact and value for money. The Strategy also sets out five objectives to deliver the vision and address challenges: long-term evaluation, standard of evidence, partnership working, commercial, and dissemination and learning.