ground segment
York Space Systems automates ground system operations
York Space Systems has learned a lot from operating its first production-model spacecraft in orbit for two years. The biggest takeaway, though, has been the need to automate satellite handling on the ground.
An open system for missile-warning satellite data is in the works but faces challenges
The Space Force wants an open platform to process and distribute data from missile-warning satellites so it's less dependent on the current prime contractor Lockheed Martin.
Kratos unveils OpenSpace platform to make ground systems more adaptable
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions announced the release Oct. 20 of OpenSpace, a software platform and family of virtual products designed to help satellite ground systems adapt rapidly to changing conditions.
Infostellar, watching coronavirus, extends capital raising effort
Japanese ground station startup Infostellar announced $3.5 million in new funds April 29 from Airbus Ventures and other investors, but is seeking $1.2 million more by June as a bulwark against challenges stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
Comtech acquiring Gilat for $533 million
Comtech is acquiring Gilat Satellite Networks for $532.5 million, a move the company says will position it to capitalize on large anticipated demand for new ground segment infrastructure.
Celestia eyes larger stake in ground segment market
Dutch conglomerate Celestia Technologies Group hopes to provide more satellite gateway stations following its December acquisition of Antwerp Space’s ground systems division in Belgium.
Satellite industry slowly embracing the cloud
Satellite operators are partnering with cloud service providers, but not on everything.
Booz Allen Hamilton pursuing growth in military space programs
Senior VP Chris Bogdan: “We don’t build satellites, rockets or rovers. We are investing in open architectures."
RBC Signals pursues government work, wins first award
RBC Signals, a startup creating a global network of satellite ground stations, aggressively pursuing and beginning to win government business, Ron Faith, RBC Signals president and chief operating officer, told SpaceNews.
Amazon activates ground station business with first two of 12 stations
Ground stations in Ohio and Oregon mark the first two of a planned 12 stations spread out globally to enable communication with satellites, allowing operators to downlink data such as imagery and weather. The stations also enable operators to control their satellites.
Ground station startup Leaf Space plans capital raise
Italian startup Leaf Space wants to triple the number of ground station locations it has by late next year, citing customer demand for providing communications services to small satellites.
Commercial satellite roaming possible with existing military terminals, experiment shows
The roaming test was part of an Air Force pilot project that is looking at ways to use commercial satellite services to lower the cost and increase the resiliency of military communications.
SAIC wins $655 million Air Force contract to modernize satellite ground systems
The Air Force announced it awarded Engility Corp. — now owned by SAIC — a $655 million contract for satellite ground systems’ engineering, development, integration and sustainment.
Atlas Space Operations wins first defense customer
With the SpaceX rideshare launch, Atlas Space Operations welcomed its first Defense Department customer into its cloud-based ground station network.
Ground segment getting more attention in military space programs, U.S. leaders say
Building and launching spacecraft sometimes gets so much attention that the ground segment — user terminals, command and control systems and network operations —isn’t always ready even after a satellite is in space.
