Axios
• Thomas Novelly
Gen. Stephen Whiting says the military needs the ability to fight an adversary’s fleet of low Earth orbit satellites, identifying gaps in current space arms. The remarks underscore the growing focus on countering satellite constellations as a military capability.
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Gen. Stephen Whiting says the military needs the ability to fight an adversary’s fleet of low Earth orbit satellites, identifying gaps in current space arms. The remarks underscore the growing focus on countering satellite constellations as a military capability.
Turkey’s Aselsan is under contract to build in-orbit prototypes for Astralink, a planned 198-satellite low Earth orbit constellation serving military, civil government and emergency services. The first satellite is scheduled to launch in 2028, an early step toward a multi-user national space communications system.
The Turkish defense electronics company is investing in space R&D to build end-to-end capabilities in geospatial imaging and satellite communications. Its expansion also includes work on a government-backed low-orbit broadband constellation planned to comprise 198 satellites.
The article draws a parallel between the threat that industrial-era city lighting posed to research astronomy in the late 19th century and the challenge posed by today’s satellite megaconstellations. It frames the issue as a new existential crisis for astronomical research.
The UK spectrum regulator is seeking changes to international rules that limit transmission power for low-Earth-orbit broadband systems in Ku and Ka bands. The restrictions were established about 25 years ago to protect geostationary satellites from interference; Ofcom argues they should be softened for newer LEO constellations.
Duncan Aviation has ordered 40 Gogo Galileo HDX low-Earth-orbit satellite internet systems, in what Gogo describes as its largest single MRO order this year. Duncan says pre-stocking the equipment will help it meet customer requirements.
A Falcon 9 launched 27 Starlink broadband satellites on Oct. 12, the first Starlink mission flown by the rocket since Sept. 19. The launch resumes a cadence of Falcon 9 missions to build out SpaceX’s low Earth orbit broadband constellation.
The Luxembourg-based ispace-EUROPE and Italian space engineering firm ALTEC have signed an MoU to examine collaboration on lunar rover testing, mission simulations and operator training. The work is intended to prepare for future Moon missions; the agreement outlines areas to explore rather than a confirmed program or schedule.
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