ECAPS’ Post

Two weeks have now passed since the launch of Ovzon 3, and we are pleased to report that all is well with our satellite. Spacecraft separation from the second stage of the Falcon 9 rocket was followed by flawless deployments of both solar arrays and thrusters. Signal from the satellite was established as planned, which means we track the health of the satellite in real-time. The all-electric propulsion system is working as designed and Ovzon 3 is making its way towards geostationary orbit. The first week was dedicated to raising perigee above 1200 km altitude where atmospheric drag is not an issue. During the second week the Ovzon 3 reached above 1200km, and preliminary satellite platform In-Orbit-Test was successfully completed. It is now on track towards its GEO orbit position of 59.7E which it is planned to reach during the second quarter of this year. Follow Ovzon 3 in real time here: https://lnkd.in/duSGiAZn https://lnkd.in/df-Mzmae #Ovzon #SwedishSpace #satellite #spacetechnology #spaceinnovation #satcom #satellitecommunications #satcomasaservice #ovzon3launch

How big is a satellite?🛰 It’s a question we’re often asked. And while there’s a large range, people are often surprised to know that many satellites are as small as a loaf of bread 🍞 These are known as Cubesats These very small sats need very small engines to move them around in space 🌌 Enter the CubeDrive ✨ A small but mighty rocket engine designed specifically for CubeSats, and Dawn’s first piece of hardware launched to orbit (all the way back in 2020) 🛰 Learn more about CubeDrives here: https://lnkd.in/gTdU3J5e

Today’s WorldView Legion spacecraft launch was a success! I couldn’t think of a more exciting way to wrap up my first month as the Comms Director for US Govt at Maxar Intelligence.     As I reflect on these last few weeks, I’m reminded why I chose to join Maxar: 1️⃣ There’s no better mission than national security. Maxar’s technology is having an impact in every theater, in all domains, from the strategic to tactical levels – 24/7/365. I may have taken the uniform off, but I still feel like I’m serving our country.    2️⃣ It’s an exciting pivot period. While today’s launch will increase Maxar’s imagery collection capacity and enable us to deliver faster insights, we’re moving beyond traditional imagery and are developing novel analytics and data products designed to support our customers’ toughest missions—things like 3D modeling, anomaly detection, and more.     3️⃣ The USG GTM team is awesome. We’re combining decades of deep expertise—people who have worked here or on the mission for 20+ years—with fresh perspectives from people like Susanne Hake who have successfully scaled leading software companies. Four weeks have flown by and I’ve only cracked the surface. But hey, if you feel like you know everything… then you probably aren’t learning. #ittakesalegion

Aurora joined the 38th annual Small Satellite Conference (SmallSat) where our CCO Maximilian LeRoux had an opportunity to have plenty of very interesting discussions about the satellite propulsion and deorbiting systems. Aurora’s thruster system extends your mission lifespan and optimizes your space operations. Our safe and effective solution for deorbiting meets international space regulations. The FCC approved in 2022 a new rule that requires all satellites launched after 29th of Sept 2024 to deorbit within five years of ending their mission. Are you already FCC 5-year deorbiting compliant? #space #spacetechnology #innovations #satellite #spaceexploration #startupventures #venturecapital #deeptech #aerospace #newspace #spacedebris #sustainability

#LeahOffTopic #bcwewannaknow about the severe G4 geomagnetic storm expected FR 10 May and could potentially cause widespread voltage control problems, cause some protective systems to "trip out key assets from the grid," as well as orientation issues for spacecraft. PLUS the aurora borealis could be seen as far south as Alabama and in northern California! (NOAA) Full Article here >> https://lnkd.in/gqk8UuV7

Solar sail technology uses sunlight for propulsion by positioning the sails towards or away from the sun. The light particles, or photons, reflect off the shiny sails and push the spacecraft forward. This type of propulsion system is lighter than others, which helps extend the duration of missions while keeping costs low. However, the effectiveness of solar sails is limited by the materials used for the sails and the structure of the booms, which are similar to the masts on a sailboat.

🛰️Sidus Space Begins Payload Activation Upon Successful Completion of Commissioning Phase of LizzieSat-1 LS-1 was successfully launched and deployed via #SpaceX Falcon 9 from #Vandenberg SLC-4 on March 4, 2024. The Sidus team successfully completed the Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP) on March 14th after establishing two-way communications with the orbiting spacecraft and receiving NORAD ID 59132 from USSPACECOM as a permanently catalogued space object called “LizzieSat”. After LEOP, the Sidus Mission Control Center (MCC) team transitioned to the commissioning phase, conducting thorough performance evaluations of all critical subsystems. The Sidus MCC team activated each critical spacecraft component individually and as part of the entire system to verify satisfactory performance after two months in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Continue reading 🔗: https://brnw.ch/21wJOfO #SidusNews #SidusSpace #LaunchingLizzie #LizzieSat #SpaceTechnology #Satellite #NewSpace #Data #Transporter10 #SpaceFlorida #SpaceCoast

🛰️"An Introduction to Mission Design for Geostationary Satellites" by J. J. Pocha offers a comprehensive guide to the mission design of communication satellites, specifically focusing on geostationary satellites. It is tailored not only for practicing mission analysts but also for spacecraft systems engineers and project managers. The book provides valuable insights and methodologies for those looking to utilize geosynchronous spacecraft effectively, covering the fundamental principles, design considerations, and operational strategies necessary for successful satellite missions. #Sharingknowledge #GeoSatellites #GEOSAT #SATCOM #Satellite #spacetech #spaceforce #geosynchronous #Spacemission #nasa #ESA #Space #systemengineering #

Our latest article with Epsilon3 provides insights into the company's telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) automation for spacecraft and its importance for the NewSpace industry. Read the full article on the satsearch blog: https://lnkd.in/dFt5QhMy

Aurora Propulsion Technologies joins WISDOM project - Wise Integration of Satellites PNT tracking Data using OWL for collision avoidance Management. WISDOM is providing the necessary technologies for collision avoidance, including positioning, tracking, inter-satellite communication, and autonomous decision-making capabilities in the absence of human intervention. The collaboration involves C3S Electronics Development LLC, a CubeSat platform provider, and Aurora Propulsion Technologies, specializing in thrusters and plasma brakes for deorbiting. The Plasma Brake system, adapted for CubeSats, is currently at TRL5, targeting spacecraft in the 2 kg - 1000 kg range. WISDOM, which is a part of the ESA NAVISP program, is scheduled for launch in October 2025 when space experiments will begin on board the 2 satellites. Read more at https://lnkd.in/dz8K5QaM #space #spacetechnology #innovations #satellite #spaceexploration #startupventures #venturecapital #deeptech #aerospace #newspace #spacedebris #sustainability