April 2019
The changing economics of space
... and operators. A tough challenge remains in bridging NewSpace approaches with the stringent requirements of old space. Commercial communication satellites are very often unique, each with their own design differences. A one-size-fits-all approach...
April 2019
Building the UK’s first spaceport
..., and potentially as many as 4000 over the next decade. Constellation satellites tend to be small (only a few hundred kg) compared to traditional GEO communication satellites at several tonnes, but many still exceed the capacity of the smallest...
September 2019
Space cybersecurity - why we mustn’t forget the basics
... new economy which, like all new technology, is woefully undefended. Features first, security second. A Tiantong-1 Mobile Communications Satellite was placed in orbit by China’s Long March 3B rocket in August 2016. What is notable in this image...
September 2019
Extending the life of geostationary orbit satellites
... servicing, the rise of spacecraft such as MRV and MARV will compel satellite manufacturers to include robotic servicing ports on the next generation of communications satellites. Like USB ports on computers, these universal ports will allow for both...
October 2019
Space-based cybersecurity challenges for NATO
... actors find new ways to infiltrate weapons systems. Quantum communications satellite technology, which provides a new way to encrypt information transmitted between satellites - increasing the difficulty of hacking - is likely to make existing...
April 2020
Satellite mega-constellations pose threat to ground-based astronomy
...situation may worsen drastically if several companies execute their plans to fill LEO with overwhelming quantities of communications satellites. If these plans are fulfilled, the current number of artificial objects purposely placed in orbit may more...
