Aerospace and Defense Review : News

DirectTV, which was acquired by AT&T in 2015, is hurrying to relocate Spaceway-1 to a disposal orbit 300 kilometres above the geosynchronous arc, away from major large communications satellites, while it can still operate Spaceway-1 relying solely on power directly generated by its solar panels, bypassing the battery Satellite manufacturer Boeing stated that the battery failure that put DirecTV’s Spaceway-1 satellite at risk of exploding has meagre chances of happening on other satellites. Spaceway-1 was the first of three virtually identical Spaceway satellites built by Boeing and launched between 2005 and 2007. Both Spaceway-1 and 2 are owned by AT&T subsidiary DirectTV, which were launched to provide direct broadcast TV services over the Americas. DirectTV spinoff Hughes Network Systems owns Spaceway-3 and uses it to provide internet connectivity to customers in North America. “The battery malfunction occurred in the course of beyond-contract-life operation after a collection of events that have a very low likelihood of occurring on other satellites,” said Boeing spokesman Richard Esposito. “To further lessen operators’ risk, Boeing will be providing affected customers with a minor update to operating procedures that will allow them to avoid a similar malfunction going forward.” The company, however, refuses to reveal what caused the battery malfunction . DirectTV, which was acquired by AT&T in 2015, is hurrying to relocate Spaceway-1 to a disposal orbit 300 kilometres above the geosynchronous arc, away from major large communications satellites, while it can still operate Spaceway-1 relying solely on power directly generated by its solar panels, bypassing the battery. The company, in a statement, told the U.S. Federal Communications Commission using batteries becomes essential when the satellite starts experiencing eclipses in its geostationary orbit in late February, putting the spacecraft at risk of catastrophic battery failure, if it’s not relocated and decommissioned by then. According to AT&T spokesperson Jim Kimberly, the loss of Spaceway-1, which had operated for three years past its designed lifetime, will not affect the customers. "This satellite is a backup, and we do not anticipate any impacts on consumer service as we retire it," he said. "We are replacing it with another satellite in our fleet." Spaceway-1 was initially used to broadcast television channels, but the company decided to dedicate the satellite to provide backup capacity over Alaska in its latter years. Kimberly declined to say if DirecTV is using Spaceway-2 as the replacement. ...Read more

A byproduct of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Accion Systems aims to redefine in-space propulsion systems. The company's TILE (Tiled Ionic Liquid Electrospray) propulsion system is designed to increase the lifespan and maneuverability of satellites and other vehicles in space In- space propulsion system startup, Accion Systems raised USD 11 million in a Series B funding round, co-led by Boeing HorizonX Ventures and Shasta Ventures. The Series B funding takes the company's total raised capital to USD 36 million, which includes USD 14 million in the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA contracts. The newly built capital will be used to ramp up production of Accion’s next-generation product and to expand the hiring process. “At the size of a postage stamp, our propulsion system is re-writing the rules of smallsat navigation and maneuverability,” according to Natalya Bailey, CEO of Accion Systems. “We’re excited to ramp up production and offer our clients benefits such as extending mission lifetime, station-keeping, and de-orbiting capabilities.” A byproduct of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Accion aims to redefine in-space propulsion systems. The company's TILE (Tiled Ionic Liquid Electrospray) propulsion system is designed to increase the lifespan and maneuverability of satellites and other vehicles in space . By leveraging a non-toxic, ionic liquid propellant and postage stamp-size thrusters, the TILE system is smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective than traditional ion engines. Co-leaders Boeing HorizonX Ventures is an innovation and venture organization with Boeing, which is aimed at discovering, shaping, and accelerating the next generation of game-changing ideas, products, and markets through venture investments, partnerships and trend discovery. “Accion’s propulsion system brings new capabilities to satellites , space vehicles, and ultimately, our customers," said Brian Schettler, senior managing director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures. “Our support of Accion supports Boeing’s leadership in adopting next-generation technologies to advance satellite capabilities.” Shasta Ventures led Accion's Series A round, and Rob Coneybeer is on the Accion Board of Directors. “Only sixty satellites were launched during the first nine years of space exploration, but now there are that many smallsats launched in a single mission,” said Rob Coneybeer, managing director at Shasta Ventures. “A new approach to in-space propulsion and smallsat mobility is in order, and I believe Accion has the solution.” See also:  Top Aerospace Tech Solution Companies ...Read more

Currently, the U.S. Space Force is in charge of organizing, training, and equipping forces to support operations run by the U.S. Space Command and other combatant divisions. The commander of the U.S. Space Command, Gen. John “Jay” Raymond, was sworn in as the first Chief of Space Operations of the U.S. Space Force at a White House ceremony by Vice President Mike Pence FREMONT , CA: Plans for the Space Force , the new service branch within the U.S. Air Force, were being drawn up throughout 2019. However, it wasn't until Congress reached a deal in December on the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act that the Space Force became a reality. The uncertainty on the establishment of this division was evident even amongst its planners. “We honestly didn’t know until mid-December,” said Air Force Major Gen John Shaw, commander of the U.S. Space Force’s newly created Space Operations Command at Vandenberg Air Force Base , California. President Donald Trump's signature on the NDAA was the final approval that confirmed the birth of the new branch. Currently, the U.S. Space Force is in charge of organizing, training, and equipping forces to support operations run by the U.S. Space Command and other combatant divisions. The commander of the U.S. Space Command, Gen. John “Jay” Raymond, was sworn in as the first Chief of Space Operations of the U.S. Space Force at a White House ceremony by Vice President Mike Pence. "By creating the Space Force, the president, and Congress have given us a great opportunity to build the force we need to respond to the challenges we face in the space domain," said Raymond. The U.S. Space Force has been set up 72 years after the U.S. last created a new military service, the last being the establishment of the U.S. Air Force, which stemmed from the Army Air Corps. According to Raymond, the addition of the sixth branch of the armed forces is not just historical but also critical for national security and that of its allies. One of the essential goals of the Space Force will be to deter any conflict from extending into space. The ambitious programs of China and Russia to develop offensive space control capabilities are seen as one of the primary reasons for the launch of the space warfighting domains. “We want to deter conflict from happening,” Raymond said. “The best way I know how to do that is from a position of strength.” As of now, the Space Force will be headquartered in the Pentagon with a workforce of 200 personnel. See also:  Top Aerospace Tech Solution Companies ...Read more