A Transformational Era: Commercial Innovations Bring Promise of “Anywhere/Anytime” SATCOM for Modern Government User
In the modern era of worldwide conflicts and catastrophes, global events can emerge swiftly and unpredictably, which means government/military users providing mission support must stand ready to deploy “anytime/anywhere” on a moment’s notice. In doing so, they rely upon satellite communications (SATCOM) that goes where they go – as fast as they are getting there.…
Small Satellites: The Execution and Launch of a GPS Radio Occultation Instrument in a 6U Nanosatellite
Tyvak Nanosatellite Systems (Tyvak) and GeoOptics, Inc. (GeoOptics) partnered in 2014 to develop and deploy GeoOptics’s CICERO constellation of satellites. Together, they have completed design, assembly and testing of the first three satellites in a constellation designed to gather vital data on the Earth’s weather, climate and environment. The program utilizes Tyvak’s Endeavour small satellite…
The current state and the future of Space Internet – the Space Generation Perspective
During the Space Generation Congress 2015, held in Jerusalem, Israel, students and young professionals representing 14 countries participated in the Space Communication – Space Internet working group. The group investigated the possibilities, risks, and opportunities of using satellites, drones, and high altitude balloons to provide widespread access to the internet. The group focused on one…
The Space Industry: High Tech at Last? A Market-based Interpretation
Despite popular perception of the space industry as ‘high tech’, many commercial satellites are sent into orbit with years- or even decades-old technology. The significant CAPEX involved in building and launching a satellite requires pursuit of a design that will ensure returns and minimize the likelihood of premature satellite loss – a practice that, combined…
COTS 3D Camera for On-orbit Proximity Operations Demonstration
Space exploration and utilization trends demand efficient, reliable and autonomous on-orbit rendezvous and docking processes. Current rendezvous systems use heavy, power intensive scanning radar, or rely on transmitters/beacons from the host spacecraft. A possible alternative to these bulky legacy systems presents itself with the advent of highly efficient 3D cameras. 3D cameras, used as an…
Cubesat Communications — from traditional communications design to evolved emerging space need
Access to space is becoming a reality to a broader global community of students, scientists, and entrepreneurs. The CubeSat industry is furthering this access to space by standardizing affordable components/subsystem boards. Standards provide for clarity in design, repeatability, and risk reduction. Space to ground communications remains open to many variables, all of which add cost…
Space Weather and Environment Effects on the Next-Generation Solar Cell Technology Flying on the AeroCube-6 Twin CubeSat Mission
The AeroCube-6 (AC6) mission began operation in a near-circular 624×716 km 98° inclination LEO in June 2014 and consists of two identical 0.5U CubeSats (AC6-A and AC6-B) each carrying multiple experimental payloads. The CubeSats carry instrumentation for obtaining performance data on next-generation multi-junction solar cell technology flying in space for the first time. Each CubeSat’s…