small satellites
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Orbital test bed satellite completes system, preflight testing: General Atomics
SAN DIEGO, Calif. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced that it has completed full system and “ready for launch” preflight testing of its Orbital Test Bed (OTB) satellite; OTB will launch as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Space Technology Program (STP-2) flight on the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
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Polar Scout small satellites built by Raytheon for responsive space program
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. In partnership with Millennium Engineering and Integration, Raytheon engineers built two two small, Polar Scout satellites for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under a larger program led by the U.S. Air Force Operationally Responsive Space program to show how they can be built efficiently and cost effectively.
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Companies finalize alliance for small-sat manufacture
SEATTLE. The Space Alliance -- a group formed by Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio, and Leonardo -- announced that it has officially taken a minority stake in Seattle-based Spaceflight Industries after having received all government approvals for the transaction.
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General Atomics acquires assets of small-satellite technology firm
SAN DIEGO. General Atomics has acquired the majority of the assets of Surrey Satellite Technology US (Englewood, Colorado), an established provider of small satellite technologies, systems, and services. The assets and workforce will be integrated into the General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Group (GA-EMS) as GA-EMS enhances its focus on development and delivery of small satellite and advanced payload systems.
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Vorago wins two NASA rad-hard innovation grants
AUSTIN, Texas. NASA has awarded Vorago Technologies two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grants to develop semiconductor devices that are hardened against the effects of radiation and extreme temperature.
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NASA small satellites launch using hi-rel Cobham microprocessors
WASHINGTON. NASA has announced the successful launch of its Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), a constellation of eight low-Earth-orbiting (LEO) microsatellites, with high-reliability controllers and processors from Cobham aboard.
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NASA to launch groups of small satellites for science missions
WASHINGTON, D.C. NASA has announced that it will launch a suite of six small-satellite missions, beginning sometime in November 2016 and continuing into spring 2017, aimed at demonstrating new technologies while studying the Earth's climate and energy budget.
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CubeSat initiative now open to educational and nonprofit groups
WASHINGTON. NASA officials announced that accredited educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and NASA centers can now participate in the next round of the agency’s CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI). Applicants must submit proposals by 4:30 p.m. EST, Nov. 22.
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COTS in space? Not so fast, say some rad-hard designers
The role of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts fielded in satellites and other space applications remains a hot topic as the demand for low-cost nanosatellites grows. COTS signal-processing designs are also attractive to military space system designers, but they fear the reliability of such components in long space missions.
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Radiation-tolerance screening for missions of all sizes
Decreasing costs for satellite launches have created new opportunities for nontraditional small satellites in alternative orbits. The application of expensive radiation-hardened (rad-hard) certified components is often not warranted for these applications. Rather, radiation-tolerant technology can provide these smaller projects with both substantial savings and an enhanced safety margin. Reliable methods to determine if commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components are radiation tolerant can allow designers to screen components for the target radiation criteria that meet the mission requirements.
Lisa Daigle, Assistant Managing Editor
Mariana Iriarte, Technology Editor
Lisa Daigle, Assistant Managing Editor
Lisa Daigle, Assistant Managing Editor
John McHale, Editorial Director
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