Smallsats
Beck: CAPSTONE demonstrates feasibility of low-cost interplanetary smallsats
Rocket Lab’s launch of a NASA lunar cubesat mission lived up to its name, serving as a capstone for the company’s efforts to develop end-to-end space systems and interplanetary missions, according to its chief executive.
NRO’s spy satellite fleet to become more diverse
NRO Director Scolese said the agency will continue to build large, bespoke satellites but also will increasingly rely on lower cost commercial smallsats
Northrop Grumman gets $22 million Space Force contract to build small-satellite carrier bus
Northrop Grumman won a sole-source award for a satellite called ROOSTER, short for Rapid On-orbit Space Technology Evaluation Ring
NaraSpace Technology closes $7.88 million Series A for nanosatellite project
South Korean startup NaraSpace Technology will use the $7.88 million to pursue the development of optical remote-sensing nanosatellites.
Japan’s ArkEdge Space closes $18.7 million Series A for nanosatellite projects
Japanese startup ArkEdge Space has raised $18.7 million since this year to continue developing nanosatellite technologies needed for building an Earth-to-moon communication system and a multi-functional smallsat constellation.
Millennium prepares for mass manufacturing
For the moment, Millennium Space System’s new small satellite factory looks like a series of huge rooms that are mostly empty except for powerful yellow cranes in the corners and impressive power strips lining the walls.
Millennium works with Boeing to address smallsat demand
Millennium Space Systems is working closely with Boeing, its corporate parent, to gear up for rapid production of spacecraft for government and commercial constellations.
Rocket Lab to launch NASA smallsat using SBIR award
Rocket Lab will launch a NASA technology demonstration satellite under an unconventional arrangement as the agency works on a more standardized approach for launching smallsats.
Japanese carmaker Honda developing reusable rocket for LEO satellites
Honda says its core automotive technologies for combustion, fluid, remote control and guidance will be applied to a rocket it aims to test launch by 2030.
BAE Systems to acquire smallsat company In-Space Missions
BAE Systems announced Sept. 14 that it will acquire In-Space Missions, a company that recently won a contract to build a British military satellite.
Orbion wins contract to demonstrate high-thrust propulsion
Orbion Space Technology announced a U.S. Air Force contract to develop and demonstrate high-thrust propulsion to help small satellites quickly dodge satellites or space debris.
Euroconsult: Pandemic does little to slow smallsat sector
The space sector in general has proven resilient throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexandre Najjar, Euroconsult senior consultant, said Aug. 12 during a Small Satellite Conference side panel.
Hemeria seeks niche in microsat manufacturing
French space and defense company Hemeria is taking steps to quickly scale beyond cubesats and find a niche building slightly larger classes of small satellites.
Rocket Lab launches first Photon satellite
Rocket Lab announced Sept. 3 that it has placed its first Photon satellite into orbit, demonstrating the spacecraft’s technologies and the company’s ability to provide end-to-end space solutions.
FCC streamlined smallsat licensing regulations published
New FCC regulations will go into effect next week intended to make it easier for small satellites to get licenses for commercial operations.
Pandemic delays launch of NASA astrophysics smallsat mission
The launch of a NASA astronomy smallsat mission next year will be postponed by several months after the pandemic delayed assembly of key elements of the spacecraft.
Smallsat reliability increasing
The percentage of small satellites that successfully complete their missions has improved in recent years even as the number of such satellites has dramatically increased.
GomSpace shuts down constellation spinoff
European smallsat builder GomSpace has entered a settlement agreement with Aerial & Maritime, a company Gomspace helped start and for which it had already built eight satellites.
Blue Canyon Technologies opens smallsat constellation factory
Smallsat builder Blue Canyon Technologies is moving employees into a recently opened factory designed to build 100 satellites a year, and more in the future.
