Articles tagged with "satellite-technology"
Russia's satellite games are testing the boundaries of space deterrence
The article discusses recent developments involving Russia’s satellite Kosmos-2558, which has been shadowing a classified US reconnaissance satellite, USA 326, since 2022. On June 28, 2025, Kosmos-2558 deployed a smaller subsatellite (Object C, NORAD ID 64627) into a nearly identical orbit, raising concerns among US national security and space experts about potential space-based weapons or anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities. While no aggressive actions have been observed, analysts speculate that the subsatellite may be maneuverable and possibly armed with kinetic ASAT technology capable of disabling or destroying other satellites. This move is viewed as either a deliberate show of strength or a covert test of space-based countermeasures, signaling a possible escalation in the militarization of low Earth orbit. The article highlights Russia’s history of similar behavior, noting previous “inspector” satellites (Kosmos-2519, 2542) that deployed subsatellites firing project
satellite-technologyanti-satellite-weaponsspace-defensemilitary-technologyspace-warfarespace-securitymaneuverable-satellitesUS Space Force taps Boeing to develop 'Nuclear Command' satellites
The US Space Force has awarded Boeing a $2.8 billion contract to develop two advanced defense satellites under the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program. These satellites are designed to ensure secure, reliable communication for strategic warfighters and maintain continuity of the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) mission. Boeing’s satellites will replace the current Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) system, featuring enhanced cyber capabilities, greater resilience to space conditions, and operation in geostationary orbit to provide global coverage. The contract also includes an option for two additional satellites, with the overall ESS program aiming for global coverage, including enhanced capabilities in the Arctic, with completion expected by 2033. Boeing’s technology aims to address an evolving threat environment in space by offering a rugged, highly protected communication system developed in partnership with the US Department of Defense. Despite Boeing’s extensive experience in military and commercial satellite programs, the company has faced criticism and scrutiny over manufacturing practices and delays in other
energysatellite-technologyspace-defensesecure-communicationsBoeingUS-Space-Forcenuclear-command-systemsThe EU Proposes New Rules to Govern the European Space Race
The European Commission has proposed new legislation, dubbed the EU Space Act, to address the fragmented and nationally varied space regulations within the eurozone. With an estimated 11,000 satellites currently orbiting Earth and projections of at least 50,000 more launches in the next decade, the Commission aims to streamline regulatory procedures, protect assets in orbit, and foster a level playing field for European companies. The regulation focuses on three pillars: safety—by improving tracking of space debris and ensuring satellite disposal; resilience—by mandating risk assessments and cybersecurity standards for space operators; and sustainability—by establishing standards to manage resources, emissions, and waste from space activities. Recognizing the significant costs compliance may impose on the industry, the Commission plans support measures to assist particularly startups and SMEs, including enhanced technical capabilities, access to testing facilities, and help with authorization processes. The broader strategy to boost Europe’s space economy includes over 40 actions to strengthen the bloc’s global market participation, autonomy, and technological edge.
IoTsatellite-technologyspace-regulationcybersecurityspace-debris-managementsustainabilityEuropean-space-economyUS Space Force gives retractable Light Wing solar panels funding boost
The US Space Force has awarded $2 million in funding to Atomic-6, a Marietta, Georgia-based startup, to develop its innovative “Light Wing” retractable solar arrays for military satellite applications. These solar panels can fold and unfold repeatedly, enabling satellites to adapt their configurations during different mission phases. A key feature of the Light Wing technology is its patented “space mast” and “space hinge” mechanism, which allows rapid stowing and redeployment of solar panels. This capability is especially valuable in crowded orbital environments, as satellites can retract their arrays to avoid collisions with debris or other spacecraft and then redeploy them once in safer orbits. Atomic-6, founded in 2018 and advised by notable figures such as astronaut Chris Hadfield, specializes in high-performance composite materials designed for extreme space conditions. The company has previously received multiple Department of Defense and NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards, including a $3.8 million contract to develop “Space Armor” tiles that
energysolar-panelsspace-technologycomposite-materialssatellite-technologyUS-Space-Forceorbital-debris-mitigationSierra Space's new tech center to produce solar panels for satellites and defense
Sierra Space has inaugurated a $45 million Power Station facility in Broomfield, Colorado, to scale up manufacturing of its Surface Mount Technology (SMT) solar arrays designed for satellites and defense applications. The 70,000-square-foot center uses commercial pick-and-place electronics technology to produce compact, resilient solar panels that range in power from 10 watts to 10 kilowatts. Equipped with integrated testing capabilities such as thermal vacuum chambers and dynamics labs, the facility can build one solar panel per day and one satellite wing per week, aiming to deliver 40 satellite wings initially and ramp up to 100 annually. The new Power Station supports Sierra Space’s Defense division, which focuses on supplying power systems for government satellites, including those manufactured at its Victory Works facility. The company emphasizes that its solar arrays are more durable due to their unique architecture and are tailored to meet the demands of increasingly crowded and complex space missions requiring efficient, lightweight power solutions. With about 100 employees currently and plans for expansion
energysolar-panelssatellite-technologyspace-defensemanufacturingscalable-power-systemsprinted-circuit-boardsWorld’s first quantum satellite computer launched in historic SpaceX rideshare
The world’s first quantum satellite computer was launched into orbit on June 23, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter 14 rideshare mission. Developed by an international team led by Philip Walther at the University of Vienna, this compact photonic quantum processor is designed to operate approximately 550 kilometers above Earth. The satellite aims to test the durability and performance of quantum hardware in the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperature fluctuations, radiation, and vibrations. The device was assembled rapidly in a clean room at the German Aerospace Center, marking a significant engineering achievement. This quantum computer’s primary advantage lies in its ability to perform edge computing in orbit, processing data onboard rather than transmitting raw data back to Earth. This capability can enhance applications such as forest fire detection by reducing energy consumption and improving response times. Utilizing light-based optical systems, the processor efficiently handles complex computational tasks like Fourier transforms and convolutions. The system is adaptable for future missions and holds
quantum-computingsatellite-technologyspace-technologyenergy-efficiencyedge-computingEarth-observationphotonic-quantum-computerChina tests home-grown OS in space to reduce foreign dependence
China has successfully tested its domestically developed OpenHarmony real-time operating system (RTOS) in space, marking a significant step toward reducing reliance on foreign software amid escalating Western sanctions. The Dalian-1 Lianli CubeSat, launched from China’s Tiangong space station, operated for over 1,000 hours using OpenHarmony—a lightweight, open-source version of Huawei’s HarmonyOS—demonstrating enhanced processing speed and operational stability. Key subsystems such as the magnetometer, sun sensor, and attitude unit responded to commands within two microseconds, enabling faster data updates and improved real-time responsiveness compared to previous firmware or foreign software setups. This mission represents a milestone as the first satellite to combine OpenHarmony RTOS with a domestically produced chip, offering a fully home-grown hardware-software solution for spacecraft. Following the success, Chinese researchers introduced national technical standards to promote widespread adoption of OpenHarmony in small satellites, supporting both commercial and research projects. The development addresses challenges stemming from China
IoTsatellite-technologyreal-time-operating-systemOpenHarmonyspace-technologyembedded-systemsChina-space-programThe Robinhood founder who might just revolutionize energy, if he succeeds
Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of the Robinhood trading app, has shifted his focus from finance to space technology by launching Aetherflux, a company aiming to revolutionize energy delivery from space. Unlike traditional space solar power concepts that rely on massive geostationary satellites and microwave transmission, Bhatt’s approach uses smaller, more agile satellites equipped with fiber lasers. These satellites convert solar energy into focused light beams that can be precisely targeted to ground receivers, offering a more practical and scalable solution. Aetherflux plans to launch a demonstration satellite by June next year. Bhatt’s initial focus is on national defense, with funding approved by the U.S. Department of Defense. The technology promises to provide energy to forward military bases without the logistical challenges of fuel transport. The system’s precision allows for a laser spot on the ground as small as five to ten meters, with compact, portable receivers that have minimal strategic value if captured by adversaries. If successful, Aetherflux could significantly enhance U
energyspace-technologysolar-powersatellite-technologyfiber-lasersnational-defenseaerospace-innovationChina to test satellite refueling in space as US spies watch closely
China is set to conduct a pioneering orbital refueling test involving two satellites, Shijian-21 and Shijian-25, in geostationary orbit (GEO). The test, scheduled for June 11, will see Shijian-25 transfer approximately 313 pounds (142 kg) of hydrazine fuel to Shijian-21, potentially extending the latter’s operational life by eight years. Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, these satellites have already demonstrated complex orbital maneuvers, including Shijian-21’s 2022 docking with a defunct Beidou navigation satellite to move it to a graveyard orbit. This test marks China’s first on-orbit refueling attempt in GEO and represents a significant technological advancement. The United States is closely monitoring the operation through two surveillance satellites, USA 270 and USA 271, part of the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program. These US satellites have maneuvered to observe the Chinese satellites
energysatellite-technologyspace-refuelingorbital-dockingaerospace-materialsspace-technologysatellite-lifespan-extensionNhững công nghệ tiên tiến ứng phó thiên tai ở Trung Quốc
robotUAVdisaster-responsesatellite-technologyAIemergency-managementChina