Worldwide Satellite Magazine SatMagazineSatMagazine Year in Review — December 2020 Publishing Operations Features Silvano Payne, Publisher + Executive Writer A Year to Forget. Can 2021 Be Better? 4 The Race in Space Depends on the Ground Keeping Pace 20 Simon Payne, Chief Technical Officer By Chris Forrester, Senior Contributor By Stuart Daughtridge, VP of Advanced Technology, Kratos Resilience Amid Challenges, Optimism for the Future 12 Reusable Launch Systems 86 Hartley G. Lesser, Editorial Director By Shelli Brunswick, COO, Space Foundation By Nilopal Ojha, Lead Research Analyst, BIS Reseach Pattie Lesser, Executive Editor Space Industry Investment, A Year’s End Review 18 How EUMETSAT is Collaborating with 88 Donald McGee, Production Manager By Dylan Taylor, Chairman and CEO, Voyager Space African Institutions for Meteorological Development Teresa Sanderson, Operations Director By Muhammed Akinyemi, Editor, Space in Africa Sean Payne, Business Development Director Year in Reviews Advertiser Index Dan Makinster, Technical Advisor Advantech Wireless Technologies 24 Advantech Wireless Technologies, Inc. 23 by Cristi Damian, VP Senior Columnists Alpha Data 26 by David Miller, Managing Director AvL Technologies 15 Chris Forrester, Broadgate Publications Aurora Propulsion Technologies 28 Karl Fuchs, iDirect Government Services by Roope Takala, CEO + Chairman AvL Technologies 30 Comtech EF Data 7 Bob Gough, Goonhilly Earth Station by Krystal Dredge, Marketing Director Rebecca M. Cowen-Hirsch, Inmarsat Cobham SATCOM 32 Ken Peterman, Viasat by Jens Ewerling, Product Manager CPI Satcom Products 5 Comtech EF Data 34 Giles Peeters, Track24 Defence by Richard Swardh, SVP Koen Willems, ST Engineering Newtec Comtech Xicom Technology 36 Integrasys 21 by Mark Schmeichel, President This Issue’s Authors D-Orbit 40 by Luca Rossettini, CEO + Founder Kratos Defense 39 Sulaiman Al Ali Deploy Solutions 42 Muhammed Akinyemi by Nick Kellett, Consultant Curt Blake Exolaunch 44 Mission Microwave 13 Shelli Brunswick by Jeanne Medvedeva, VP Gilat Satellite Networks 48 James Curry by Doreet Oren, Director Momentus Cover (1) Cristi Damian Global Surface Intelligence 50 Stuart Daughtridge by Peter Young, CEO Krystal Dredge ICEYE 52 ND Satcom Products GmbH 3 Thomas Van den Driessche by Rafal Modrzewski, Co-Founder + CEO Mission Microwave 54 Joakim Espeland by Erik Roberts, Product Manager Satnews Digital Editions 49 Jens Ewerling Momentus 56 Chris Forrester by Mikhail Kokorich, CEO David Gelerman QuadSAT 58 SmallSat Symposium 2021 25 Mike Gold by Joakim Espeland, CEO Responsive Access 60 Clint Graumann by Krystyna Lenshyna, COO SpaceBridge 11 John Innes SatADSL 62 Nick Kellett by James Curry, Consultant Mikhail Kokorich Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG) 64 W.B. Walton Enterprises, Inc. 9 Krystyna Lenshyna by Helen Weedon, Managing Director SpaceBridge 66 Jeanne Medvedeva by David Gelerman, President + CEO David Miller Space Data Association (SDA) 68 Rafal Modrzewski by Pascal Wauthier, Chairman SatMagazine is published 11 times a year by Satnews Publishers, 800 Siesta Way, Sonoma, CA, 95476 — USA. Nilopal Ojha Spaceflight Inc. 70 Phone: (707) 939-9306 / Fax: (707) 939-9235 Doreet Oren by Curt Blake, President + CEO © 2020 Satnews Publishers Scottish Space Leadership Council (SSLC) 72 Ray Powers We reserve the right to edit all submitted materials to meet by John Innes, Chairman + CEO Erik Roberts publication content guidelines, as well as for grammar and ST Engineering iDirect 74 spelling errors, or to move articles to an alternative issue to Luca Rossettini by Thomas Van den Driessche, President + CEO accommodate publication space requirements, or remove Mark Schmeichel TerraMetric 78 content due to space restrictions or unacceptable content. Submission of articles does not constitute acceptance of said Richard Swardh by Clint Graumann, Co-Founder + CEO material by Satnews Publishers. Edited materials may, or may not, Terrasat Communications 80 Roope Takala be returned to author and/or company for review prior to by Mike Gold, Regional VP publication. The views expressed in Satnews Publishers’ various Pascal Wauthier Thuraya Telecommunications Company 82 publications do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Helen Weedon Satnews Publishers. All rights reserved. All included imagery is by Sulaiman Al Ali, Deputy CEO courtesy of, and copyright to, the respective companies and/or Peter Young W.B. Walton Enterprises 84 named individuals. by Ray Powers, Director

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The advantage is yours when you choose SKYWAN 5G Release 2.0 [email protected] The Forrester Report: 2020... A Year to Forget. Can 2021 Be Better? By Chris Forrester, Senior Contributor 2020 was definitely a torrid year for almost all of the satellite SES CEO Steve Collar said SES could reach its industry. There were some bright spots, not the least of which was objectives and respond flexibly under the current Elon Musk’s assorted successes in building his Starlink constellation company structure and without the expense of and starting the beta-testing of the system. funding a split. However, Collar firmly declined to make any However, for the satellite operators, IFE suppliers and Cruise businesses comment on any consolidation move with Paris- the year was one to forget. The proof, if any was needed, is seen in the based rival Eutelsat although stressing that he firmly Steve Collar results of the key players. The ‘big five’ have had a terrible time. believed that consolidation was good for the industry. Collar said that the FCC C-band payments (see below) would allow some Spotlight On SES “disciplined” options. Group revenues for the 9-months were 1,410 SES, for example, unveiled their 9 month numbers (to September 30) on million euros and down 2.9 percent on 2019’s 1,452 million euros. November 5 and announced a major strategic change. The company is no Collar said that it was the company’s Networks revenues that were longer considering dividing its business into two entities. The abandoned the star performer, with revenues up 8.4 percent year-on-year (y-o-y) logic was designed to focus the new company on SES’ fast-growing and the third year of strong growth, securing 2.3 billion euros of ‘Networks’ division and leave the once vital cash-cow Video segment (still backlog. The Video division’s revenue was “stable quarter-on-quarter” 59 percent of the firm’s revenues) to maintain a plateauing DTH business. according to a company statement, at 832 million euros (down 8.1 percent) and with a core 3.5 billion euros of backlog.

SatMagazine Page 4 December 2020 The upcoming SES-17 satellite and launches of the firm’s O3b‘s next generation mPower satellites have already secured $500 million of backlog. Also showing excellent growth was SES ‘Mobility,’ with 17.9 percent growth y-o-y. CPI GaN BUCs

Artistic rendition of the SES­17 satellite. Image is courtesy of Thales Group. Collar said that the company was “on track” to clear US C-band frequencies and to realize the full $4 billion of accelerated relocation payments from the FCC. The auction is due to start this month The last word in solid state (December 2020). SES is fully on schedule for first clearing by 5 December 5, 2021, and second clearing by December 5, 2023 and from the 昀rst name in HPAs. providing “Significant shareholder returns [on the second payment].” • Ef昀cient solution for all satellite Specifically, and on the question of shareholder returns from the uplink applications FCC schedule, SES stated, “Second payment of C-band relocation incentive ($2.99bn pre-tax linked to success milestone in Q4 2023) to • Up to 160 W in Ka-band be used for a mix between return to shareholders, [strengthen] the • Up to 200 W in X-band balance sheet and any disciplined value-accretive investment.” SES also said they were anticipating a tax rate of 20 to 25 percent • Up to 100 W in C-band on the FCC payments, at the lower end of that range. • Up to 80 W in Ku-band The SES numbers received praise from analyst Giles Thorne from investment bank Jefferies, who said SES had delivered a “good set • 1,000 W C-band transceiver of results. There is plenty here to support the recent break-out in the equity [share price rise], albeit from depressed levels.” Thorne’s prescient comments were endorsed with the ‘Virus Vaccination’ news on November 8 that sent SES shares up 9 percent on the day, all prompted by hopes that air travel and cruising restarts can start

once again. 80 W Ku-band BUC 160 W Ka-band BUC Sami Kassab from Exane/BNPP was also optimistic. “[This improved organic revenue] underpins our view that SES technology is market-leading and enables the group to win new contracts more Download our app! than offsetting industry-wide pricing pressure. Mobility is ahead of Search: CPI Satcom expectations too. SES keeps growing in Mobility while Eutelsat is suffering declining revenues due to Covid 19 and a weaker infrastructure, in our view. CPI Satcom Products | www.cpii.com | +1 (669) 275-2744

SatMagazine Page 5 December 2020 “We note that management has decided that the costs needed to Collar indicated that while the cruise and aviation segments of the firm’s separate Networks and Video were too high and has announced ‘Mobility’ division were extremely stressed at the current time due to that it would not proceed with the separation of both divisions. We COVID, he was expecting a return to a more normal, trading starting do not believe this closes the optionality on M&A, however.” next year, with the cruise industry returning to activity. As at September 30, 2020, SES carried a total of 8,157 TV channels He also said that SES continues to supply capacity to 4 out of the 6 to viewers around the world, including 2,964 channels in HD and UHD aviation businesses that specialize in passenger connectivity (the two (up 1 percent y-o-y) with 69 percent of total TV channels now broadcast missing being Viasat and Inmarsat’s owned businesses) and that in MPEG-4, with an additional 4 percent in HEVC. Gogo’s passenger-based business (in the process of being bought by Collar explained the company’s “seamless” operation of a multi- Intelsat) remained a valued client. In particular, he said, the SES-15 (at orbit future across GEO and MEO assets stating he believed that SES 129 degrees West) was operating in a prime location and was extremely was well ahead of its competitors in terms of Cloud readiness. As part popular with the aviation sector. of its overall cost-reduction program, the company was going to cut He didn’t mention — nor was he asked — about the $1.8 billion back on unnecessary “legal entities” by about one-third [of the total] dispute with Intelsat over how the C-band alliance was handled. SES of unwanted small subsidiary — and frequently only for local alleges breaches of fiduciary duty by Intelsat. Intelsat has countered compliance — businesses. and, in a 101-page filing to its bankruptcy court on October 19, “Our solid performance continued into the third quarter, despite rebutted the SES claim, saying it was an “astounding — and obviously ongoing COVID-19 headwinds, with sustained growth across Networks inflated” action based on “meritless theories of breach of contract, and stable revenue quarter-on-quarter in our Video business. We were breach of fiduciary duty, and unjust enrichment.” The pair have agreed delighted to announce a substantial extension of our relationship with to wait until December 4 for SES to present their counter arguments to Canal+ across three orbital locations and valued at over €230m, as well Intelsat’s rebuttal. as a meaningful extension of our strategic partnership with Microsoft as an Azure Orbital connectivity partner and satellite partner for Azure Spotlight On Eutelsat Communications Modular Data Centres. We took measures early in the development of Eutelsat showed again that the firm’s revenues are under pressure, the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the bottom line and the benefits of although the company’s contracted backlog at 4.4 billion — helped by these cost-saving measures are reflected in our resilient Adjusted a renewed Sky Italia contract — had gained a reassuring 3 percent y- EBITDA performance,” a company statement revealed. o-y from 4.1 billion euros. Only one of Eutelsat’s key vertical revenue Their Canal+ deal over Europe is a useful addition to SES revenues. divisions showed any growth (Fixed Broadband, up 3 percent from 19.9 However, if one satellite operator makes such a gain, then someone to 20.5 million euros). All of the other, and more important, departments else has to lose the contract. That satellite operator is the fell back — the company’s all-important Broadcast revenue fell 2.1 Intelsat/Telenor position at 1 degree West. The Canal+ owned M7 percent (from 194.7 to 190.6 million euros), reflecting the impact from Group will consolidate its eastern European coverage on SES at 23.5 the July 1 renegotiation of contract terms with Greece’s Forthnet. degrees East by cutting out Intelsat/Telenor at 1 West. SES is, therefore, Eutlesat’s Data and Professional Video fell 8.1 percent; Mobile gaining market share. While the agreement is worth an extra 230 million Connectivity fell 10.2 percent; Government Services fell 2.3 percent. euros to the backlog at SES, it also secures Canal+ as a key ‘anchor’ The end result was an overall reduction (y-o-y) of 3.1 percent from 316.5 tenant on SES beyond 2030. to 306.7 million euros. Nevertheless, Eutelsat’s revenues came in slightly “In Europe, modest volume reductions on some long-term renewals ahead (1.2 percent) of consensus, which is certainly good news. secured in late 2019 led to lower y-o-y revenue, albeit utilisation rates across SES’ industry-leading European Video neighbourhoods remained strong. North American development was impacted by ongoing ‘right-sizing’ of volume across US cable neighbourhoods and the reduction in the wholesale business, resulting in lower overall year- on-year revenue. In the International markets, the contribution of new revenue secured is yet to fully offset the impact of challenging trading environments, leading to a modest revenue reduction (y-o-y),” said SES. This year’s overall guidance is maintained with an expected 1.86 to 1.9 billion euros of revenues. More than 97 percent of group revenue outlook is already contracted.

Artistic rendition of the Eutelsat KONNECT satellite.

Image is courtesy of the Thales Group.

SatMagazine Page 6 December 2020 However, it is Eutelsat’s Broadcast vertical that worries analysts. Sami • Slowdown in the pace of new business against Kassab (Exane/BNPP) summed up his view that delays in new DTH current operating backdrop. projects pointed to a worsening in the three remaining quarters of this • On July 31, 2020, Eutelsat reached an agreement trading year (to June 30, 2021) and not helped by the coronavirus, saying, with Bigblu Broadband to acquire that firm’s “Management pointed to a likely deterioration in organic revenue growth European satellite broadband activities for a rates in Video and Government. Video is suffering from a low rate of new consideration of approximately 38 million business activity, while Government suffered a weak US DoD renewal pounds. The transaction closed on September campaign in the Fallof 2020. The 80 percent renewal rate is below the 30, 2020. 85 percent of spring 20 and the 90 percent of fall 2019.” CFO Sandrine Téran said in the call with analysts that broadcast revenue has been stable over the last 13 quarters, which is quite impressive in the satellite industry. She attributed this stability to Eutelsat’s geographic exposure, its Solving the Sandrine Téran absence from the North American market and the resiliency of DTH broadcasting as well as channel growth in VSAT Puzzle emerging markets. Rudolphe Belmer, the company’s CEO, was also, overall, upbeat, and he said, “Eutelsat has made a solid start to the year, with Operating Verticals revenues in line with Rudolphe Belmer expectations and a backlog of 4.4 billion, up 3 percent y-o-y. Highlights of Q1 include the renewal of the Sky Italia contract at Hotbird, confirming the ongoing relevance of satellite in Western Europe, and significant steps in our Fixed Broadband strategy with the acquisition of Bigblu Broadband Europe ahead of the imminent entry into service of Eutelsat Konnect.”

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CEFD_SatMag 2_3_Puzzle_2020.indd 1 12/10/19 1:18 PM SatMagazine Page 7 December 2020 As of September 30, 2020, the total number of channels broadcast by Spotlight On Intelsat Eutelsat satellites stood at 6,683, down 4 percent y-o-y. The number of Intelsat did not hold an analysts call for the firm’s Q3 numbers; HD channels stood at 1,739 versus 1,582 a year earlier, up by 10 percent, however, Intelsat’s key metrics showed declines in the firm’s key representing 26 percent of channels, as compared with 22.7 percent a division. Q3 revenue was $489.4 million; Network services (35 percent year earlier. As a result, the Mb/s consumption is stable y-o-y. The of overall revenue) fell 6 percent y-o-y to $169.6 million, while Media number of operational transponders as of September 30, 2020, stood (42 percent of overall revenue) was $203.5 million and represented a at 1,382, down by five units y-o-y. This reflected, on the one hand, lower fall of 9 percent y-o-y. The shining light was Intelsat’s reliable operational capacity at 5 degrees West following the transfer of services Government Services unit (22 percent of total), which grew 13 percent from the EUTELSAT 5 West A to the EUTELSAT 5 West B satellites in to $108 million. January of 2020 and, on the other hand, incremental capacity brought Intelsat’s fill rate was 74.5 percent on 1,675 transponders, although by EUTELSAT 7C in January of 2020. capacity fill-rates on its multi-beam ‘Epic’ fleet was The number of used transponders stood at 966, unchanged on a y- flat. The company’s backlog declined by $200 million o-y basis and up by six units q-o-q. As a result, the fill-rate stood at 69.9 to $6.2 billion. percent when compared with 69.7 percent, both a year ago and at the Despite the bankruptcy limitations, Intelsat’s end of June 2020. timely $400 million purchase of in-flight business The analysts delivered comments that could be summed up as Gogo’s commercial aviation company might turn “mixed,” as Exane’s Kassab summarized, saying that Eutelsat’s out to be a bargain — that is, provided air-travel management expected to return to top-line growth in 2023. returns to something like normality in 2022 (as is Steve Spengler, “Management is going to increase its investments in the retail largely expected). Intelsat’s President distribution of its European broadband business. Its retail prices are to Intelsat also has the FCC’s C-band auction run between €30-€70 for up to 100Mb/s and unlimited usage (as long payments to look forward to, although most observers would like the as the satellite capacity permits). Net adds had their second consecutive dispute with SES to be finally resolved. quarter of y-o-y growth in Q1/2021.” Kassab pointed out that the successful renewal of Sky Italia lead him to assume that Nilesat gets renewed on more favourable terms in FY23. “FY23 also benefits from strong growth in Fixed Broadband, driven by the push in retail distribution in Europe and the entry into service of Eutelsat Konnect VHTS, scheduled for FY23 H1.” Giles Thorne from Jefferies said the Eutelsat results were, “A dollop of ambition with a pinch of trepidation”. Thorne described the results as “uneventful” although with a “nervous tilt to the near-term growth outlook”. The "can Eutelsat grow again" debate will remain for now, he added. Thorne listed the fall-off in the number of channels carried:

Artistic rendition of a Telesat LEO satellite. Image is courtesy of SSTL. Down 105 in Q1 Down 79 4Q/20 The good news — such as it is — is that Intelsat hopes to resolve a Down116 1Q/20 major chunk of the firm’s debts. The company entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy reconstruction with $15.2 billion of outstanding obligations Thorne also spoke about the upside growth in HD penetration (now 26 and is looking to mitigate a major portion of that debt, amounting to percent from 24.7 percent / 22.7 percent in 4Q20 / 1Q20) and some $10.2 billion, and is working with various appointees of the highlighted the overall "stable" y-o-y Mb/s consumption. He also spoke unsecured creditors to uncover viable solutions. Intelsat has already optimistically about the likely revenue benefits from ‘Konnect’ which spent $36.4 million on bankruptcy professional costs. were possibly “high.” He said, “Absolute guidance remains tight- lipped, but we'd highlight: Konnect has the subscriber capacity of Spotlight On Telesat roughly one third to one half of that of Konnect VHTS, and the latter Telesat announced the firm’s Q3 and 9 months revenues for the period has capacity for several hundred thousands subscribers; the target retail to September 30, and the news was not good. Revenue for Q3 fell back ARPU is €30-70 per month (including VAT), which also covers the rental 15 percent to C$202 million. The 9 month numbers were slightly better cost of the CPE.” overall with revenues of C$619 million, a fall of 10 percent for the same period in 2019. Telesat’s backlog is about C$2.8 billion and fleet utilisation at 81 percent.

SatMagazine Page 8 December 2020

Telesat explained the revenues falls, saying, “The revenue decrease was Under the agreement, Telesat will be eligible to receive amounts over due to short-term services provided to another satellite operator in the a ten year period, once the Telesat LEO constellation enters service. third quarter of 2019 that did not recur in 2020, a reduction of service Now, all Telesat has to do is to pick a prime contractor to construct for one of Telesat’s North American DTH customers and lower revenue the firm’s planned 298 satellites and to then launch them. Telesat is due to the completion of the term for prepaid services. In addition, the obliged to have 78 craft on-orbit during 2022 and for service to restructuring of certain customer contracts related to the COVID 19 commence by 2023. pandemic negatively impacted revenue.” For the overall 9 month trading period, Telesat added, “For the nine Spotlight On Viasat month period ended September 30, 2020, we reported consolidated Viasat is the shing light among the ‘Big 5’ with decent performances. revenue of C$619 million, a decrease of 10 percent (C$72 million) Revenues for Q2/2021 fell back 6 percent, largely due to the absence compared to the same period in 2019. Revenue decreases were due to of US airline traffic. Government business was solid and US fixed a reduction of service for one of Telesat’s North American DTH broadband added 5,000 subscribers, with an ARPU of just over $100 customers and lower revenue due to the completion of the term for per month. The company said,“Sustained US fixed subscriber prepaid services in a customer agreement that was accounted for as broadband demand in Q2/FY2021 reflected the work-from-home and having a significant financing component. In addition, revenue school-from-home environment. We anticipate some of the factors associated with short-term services provided to other satellite operators affecting demand, especially substantial growth in video streaming, will in 2019 did not recur in 2020.” likely persist post-pandemic.” For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Telesat’s net loss ViaSat announced that Mark Dankberg, the firm’s CEO, is moving was $9 million, compared to net income of $185 million for 2019. The up the boardroom table to the position of Executive Chairman and will negative variation for the period was principally the result of non-cash be replaced by long-term company executive, Rick Baldridge. foreign exchange losses in 2020, arising from the translation of Telesat’s ViaSat delivered a reasonably optimistic set of forecasts for calendar US dollar denominated debt into Canadian dollars compared to foreign 2021 and helped by a booked backlog of $2.3 billion. Importantly, the exchange gains in 2019. company’s planned fleet expansion is underway with a new series of Commenting on the results, Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and Viasat 3 satellites. The first of this new fleet has full payload delivery CEO, said, “The overwhelming majority of our revenues has been anticipated in Q1 calendar year 2021 and satellite launch is targeted to unaffected by the pandemic and we continue to have launch at the end of the calendar year. robust operating margins and cash flow, which are underpinned by our significant contractual backlog. Hope In addition, we are making substantial progress on In summary, we hope that 2021 brings a recovery across key divisions. the development of our revolutionary LEO satellite We hope that 4K/UHD widens its adoption rate and leads to new constellation as well as our other strategic objectives, channels. We hope that sport recovers and is again a major consumer including leveraging our valuable spectrum rights.” of Occasional Use (OU) traffic. The good news for Telesat is the C$600 million We anticipate the 2021 Tokyo Olympics with enthusiasm. We hope Dan Goldberg commitment from the Canadian government on its that Network/Data traffic generally continues to grow and that in-flight ‘digital divide’ plan to reach rural and isolated consumption recovers. We hope the cruise industry sets sail again and communities. The scheme sees the cash going into satellite operator that the awful Corona Virus is put firmly in its box. Telesat, which says it will ensure affordable, high-speed broadband We hope that —for the Big 5 — that DTH/DBS does not die due to connectivity across all of Canada with Telesat’s forthcoming Low Earth the growth of Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Amazon Prime and the various Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. other OTT suppliers. There was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July We hope that 2020 can be quickly forgotten and that 2021 shows of 2019 that outlined the basics of the scheme, which has now been growth, safe employment and dependable forecasts for 2022!. ratified. The agreement enables Internet and mobility service providers to acquire Telesat LEO capacity at substantially reduced rates to bring Senior Columnist Chris Forrester is a well-known universal broadband connectivity to rural, Northern and Indigenous broadcasting journalist and industry consultant. He reports communities across Canada. on all aspects of broadcasting with special emphasis on content, the business of television and emerging applications. He founded Rapid TV News and has edited Interspace and its successor Inside Satellite TV since 1996. He also files for Advanced-Television.com.

SatMagazine Page 10 December 2020 Can you feel what fast internet is?

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[email protected] A Space Foundation Perspective Resilience Amid Challenges, Optimism for the Future

By Shelli Brunswick, Chief Operating Officer, Space Foundation

The global space community understands better than most what it Commercial space enterprises now constitute 80 percent of the U.S. takes to adapt in the face of unforeseen challenges. The world was market, and there was a 48 percent increase in commercial spacecraft dramatically disrupted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and deployments in 2020, notably SpaceX’s historic launch of U.S. space-related organizations moved fast to keep supply chains, astronauts to the International Space Station. missions, education and training on track. Likewise, Space The space economy growth, however, exacerbates the trends in Foundation showed the resilience of its programs and efforts as we workforce shortages, skills deficit and an innovation gap. The silver continued supporting collaboration and workforce development lining of layoffs and work-from-home mandates allowed segments of through the public health crisis. the population time to reevaluate values, adopt a culture of life-long learning, explore new pathways, and engage in training programs that The results of the space community pivoting to overcome obstacles are might lead to sustainable employment. This is good news for the space measured in part by a space economy that grew to $424 billion. community, as is the persistent focus on diversity and inclusion when

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We launched weekly online webinars for K-12 students and educators, using space as a basis to support STEM curriculum. We also offered supplements to school-from-home with virtual field trips as well as e-learning tools and free, downloadable lesson plans.

Center programing includes mentorship and support for minority-led startups and small businesses through its Space Commerce Entrepreneurship Program, a continuation of the Space Foundation’s program first sponsored by the Minority Business Development Agency. The Center also unveiled the Junior Space Entrepreneur Program, training 26 teachers across 16 states as well as its first 50 students — success that earned Space Foundation recognition from Fast Company as a world-changing idea. Committed to public health, Space Foundation rescheduled the 36th Space Symposium to 2021 and launched Space Symposium 365, a Internationally, we forged new partnerships through organizations like digital platform bringing together the space community to learn, connect the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs Space4Women, and conduct business year-round. The initiative gives subscribers access focused on mentoring aspiring young women worldwide, and also to exclusive content, including industry presentations and interviews with WomenTech Network, connecting 100,000 women in 181 countries. Collaboration continued with the UAE Space Agency, and Space Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding with the UAE’s Al Suwaidi Private Office & Group to explore educational content and career development opportunities for UAE students and their families. We also formed a partnership with Krypto Labs to enable space entrepreneurship as well as with the Abu Dhabi Art Society to foster inclusivity between cultural organizations.

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LIGHTWEIGHT IATA-COMPLIANT avltech.comCHECKABLE CASES avltech.com Meanwhile, Space Foundation’s Teacher Liason program supported Plans are currently underway to expand Space Symposium 365 to the Ethiopian Space Science Society with June events for a solar deliver marketplace opportunities globally to connect and conduct eclipse, and a Space in Africa discussion helped open the door to business, forums for policy discussions, mentoring and networking future work with our Teacher Liaisons and other space organizations sessions, and the latest research and reports via The Space Report. throughout Africa. In 2021, Space Foundation will reach globally to engender new Importantly, Space Foundation leadership is taking an active role in connections and possibilities. This work will include: the Future Space the space community outside of our programs. Space Foundation CEO Scholars Meet, a partnership between the United States, China, the Thomas Zelibor was named to the Defense Innovation Board Space UK and Australia in the form of a global competition for high school Advisory Committee, where he provides advice and recommendations students; presenting at the Dubai Expo and seeking expanded to the U.S. defense secretary and other defense leaders on emerging collaboration with organizations such as Compass and its Space and space technologies. As Space Foundation COO, I was elected to the Rocketry Academy UAE; collaboration with organizations like SAVe Board of Directors for Manufacturer’s Edge, boosting the Foundation in India; and support for our Teacher Liaisons in Nigeria competitiveness of engineers and business professionals, and was and Ethiopia. selected by Her Story 100 for a historic video championing women in Lastly, Lisa Callahan, a Space Foundation board member and new STEM for the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote. chair of the 2021 World Space Week and I are looking forward to next year’s event highlighting “Women in Space.” Soaring Into an Exciting Year in Space Given so many initiatives, Space Foundation is working on an The space economy will continue surging in 2021, but the global endowment to reach the next level in scaling services to inner cities, space community must contend with misperceptions that have rural communities, and underserved regions. An endowment will enable become barriers to entry at a time when the industry is striving to grow us to facilitate space innovation and educational programming free of its workforce. charge to advance equity and inclusion in the global space community. First, space is more than space exploration. Space-based The future of the space economy is partnership, working in infrastructure underpins the modern economy, and inventions derived collaboration with the community, universities, public and private from space technology touch every citizen and industry. Another organizations, and space agencies around the globe. Together, we can misperception is that space careers are only for astronauts and create greater space access and drive toward the mission of delivering scientists. In truth, the space industry needs a workforce from all the benefits of space for all. demographics with all skill sets (STEM and non-STEM) to advance space technology innovation. Join the Space Foundation and the organization’s efforts While dispelling myths, we must also highlight opportunities in the via this direct infolink... space supply chain. The space community needs to elevate awareness among entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses about the lucrative pathways to becoming a supplier to the space economy. Thousands of NASA space patents are available for commercialization, and there are near-unlimited opportunities to apply space technologies in established enterprises or bring space technologies to market for use on Earth. For its part, Space Foundation will continue championing the partnerships and opportunities that help the space community thrive. The Center for Innovation and Education will increase efforts through Tom Zelibor, Chief Shelli Brunswick, programs for entrepreneurs, small businesses, young professionals, Executive Officer, Chief Operating educators and students. The Center’s initiatives will support and elevate Space Foundation Officer, Space today’s generation of space professionals through the Space Commerce Foundation Entrepreneurship Program as well as cultivate the next generation through the Junior Space Entrepreneur Program.

SatMagazine Page 16 December 2020 Space Foundation: Running the Numbers on the Commercial Satellite Industry

The capabilities provided by satellites and their infrastructure have been crucial in a year when many worked from home due to the public health crisis. Video conferencing, internet services, communications and more became even more essential as the world cloistered to wait out pandemic waves. For Space Foundation, commercial satellites made possible the virtual programs and tools shared with space professionals, students and families as they worked and studied remotely. The way commercial space (and commercial satellites in particular) impacts every citizen has rarely been more evident than it was in 2020.

The latest data on commercial satellites tells the story of an industry whose growth and revenue are only accelerating. Drawing from data and analysis presented in The Space Report 2020 Q3, it is clear that some of the most impactful trends in commercial space stem from the commercial satellite industry.

Satellite manufacturing orders in 2019 were higher than 2017 and 2018 combined, and in 2020, orders are on pace to do as well as, if not better than, 2019. Commercial space products and services revenue was $217.72 billion in 2019, accounting for the majority of the $424 billion space economy. The largest shares of revenue in that sector came from direct-to-home TV ($91.48 billion) and position, navigation and timing services ($91.13 billion). While the U.S. satellite TV market has been declining, new growth is emerging in other parts of the world, notably Africa.

Satellite communications is a highly active and exciting sector. SpaceX’s Starlink constellation contains more than 800 satellites, and it is providing early access to consumers in some areas as it tests and develops the system. Rival company OneWeb filed for bankruptcy in March, but in July, a consortium of buyers including the UK government and Bharti Global Limited (an Indian telecom operator) committed more than $1 billion to acquire the company and restart operations.

While mega constellations capture positive headlines, there have been headwinds for the satellite communications industry overall. The financial outlook was impacted by the Federal Communications Commission’s February decision to hold a public auction to reallocate a portion of the C-band, which is needed to support 5G. A private auction where satellite operators sell their portion of the spectrum was expected to raise up to $60 billion. With a public auction, however, satellite operators anticipate taking in just $5 billion to cover the cost of replacing satellites, plus $9.7 billion in incentive payments to speed the process. Data is a valuable resource, and in Earth observation, 2019 revenues reached $3.58 billion, an 8.5% increase from a year prior. Of this, 31.6% of revenues came from the sale of raw data collected by commercial satellites. In the sector, the fastest growing area is big data services, in which companies analyze datasets to identify and track trends over time. Worth $210 million in 2019, this market is expected to reach $1.66 billion in revenue by 2028.

Anticipated revenue streams and long-term contracts inherent in the satellite industry have also helped provide stability to the labor force in the midst of the pandemic. It will take time for all the workforce numbers to be collected, but already we have a sense of how workers in space-related job sectors are being affected. From February to July this year, there was a net loss of 2.79% for U.S. employment in key space sectors, according to data The Space Report evaluated from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While some areas saw steeper-than-average declines, such as broadcast and wireless communications equipment (-4.84%), there were points of growth, notably in search, detection and navigation instruments (1.45%). While more data is forthcoming, given the enduring growth in commercial satellites, the industry is positioned to weather the pandemic better than other portions of the global economy.

With so much activity in commercial satellites and across the space economy, the only certainty is change. Space Foundation, through its quarterly installments of The Space Report, supplies the space community with definitive, timely and comprehensive information on the scope of space industry activities. As the space sectors come roaring out of a difficult year, Space Foundation will track their trajectory and deliver the insight and analysis to help fuel the global space economy.

SatMagazine Page 17 December 2020 Space Industry Investment, A Year’s End Review By Dylan Taylor, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Voyager Space Holdings

As 2020 draws to a close, it’s important to recognize how incredibly In addition to the total amount of capital the industry has attracted, notable this year has been when looking at the amount of activity several new investors have also emerged, including consolidators such in the capital markets for the space industry. Not only have there as private equity and holding companies. This is important as it should been sustained and very significant capital flows, for example, increase the stability and resiliency of capital sources for the industry. SpaceX’s $2 billion equity raise in the third quarter, but there have This diverse set of capital providers should bode well for the industry also been many acquisitions and mergers. The fact that these as we look to next year. activities have occurred with the backdrop of Covid-19’s impact is remarkable and would seem to indicate even more activity lies Acquisitions and Exits ahead as the global economy looks to recover in 2021. In addition to large capital flows, 2020 can rightly be seen as “the year of the exits” for the space industry. As has been predicted for many Capital Flows years, the industry was in need of consolidation. Typical aggregators According to reports released by leading information service providers such as large companies with significant market share, so called including SpaceFund, Bryce Technology and Quilty Analytics, 2020 “strategics” were very active in 2020. Significant transactions included has once again shown year-over-year (y-o-y) growth in capital flows into Raytheon’s acquisition of Blue Canyon and Ansys’ acquisition of the space sector. This is astounding, given that the global economy was Analytical Graphics for an eye-popping $700 million. more or less shut down for the second quarter and has had persistent Covid related headwinds for the majority of the year.

SatMagazine Page 18 December 2020 In addition to strategics, we saw significant traction with private equity go public in early 2021. Given that both of these companies are firms. Redwire, a company formed by private equity company AE essentially low revenue or pre-revenue, it is likely to portend for more Industrial Partners came out of nowhere to acquire several companies, public company activity for space in 2021, especially as consolidated including Deep Space Systems, Roccor and NewSpace darling Made companies reach scale and significant profitability. in Space. Holdings companies also emerged in 2020 as a more significant Looking Ahead theme. Previously, Noosphere Ventures had acquired Firefly All in all, the space capital markets had an extremely bullish year. Even Aerospace and Bradford Space had acquired Deep Space Industries. in a year thwarted by a global pandemic, deep global recession and an New to the scene in 2020 was the previously mentioned Voyager Space uncertain future global economy. Holdings which acquired Altius Space Machines and Pioneer While we can’t anticipate what’s to come next with Covid-19, we Astronautics. can recognize that the space industry is resilient and that, even in Voyager Space Holdings’ innovative concept focuses on dire times, we can persevere and continue the advancement of supporting the growth needs of commercial space companies by space exploration. offering an alternative solution to traditional private capital models and To further prove this point, the global space economy is expected to replacing them with a longer-term approach as a provider of grow from $350 billion currently to over $1 trillion by 2040 (Morgan permanent capital. Stanley). This growth can not only be attributed to the rise in interest Since the company’s inception, Voyager has already acquired two in public space companies but also due to the rise in demand for space companies with plans to add even more to its portfolio through the data and the proliferation of innovative satellite technologies that will end of the year and into 2021. The company’s capital support allows ultimately change how the space industry operates. these already established companies to focus their efforts on Given all of this, it is hard to argue that the industry’s best days aren’t advancing mission capabilities to continue their growth in the space ahead of it. The future of global commercial space appears to be extremely exploration industry. bright and the journey should be quite an entertaining one to follow. What can we expect for exits in 2021? Clearly, as long as capital remains available and relatively inexpensive, acquisition activity is likely voyagerspaceholdings.com to remain high. The expectation is that at least a dozen or more significant acquisitions will be cemented into place, likely with many Author Dylan Taylor is a noted investor, CEO, philanthropist announced in the early part of the year. and thought leader. He serves as Chairman & CEO of Voyager Space Holdings, a multi-national space exploration Public Companies company based in Denver. He has been cited by CNN, 2020 was also a year of additional public company activity, the ultimate Harvard University, CNBC, the BBC, and others as having destination for exits in any industry. Virgin Galactic’s stock continued played a seminal role in the formation of the NewSpace to do well despite the firm’s challenging financials and a start-up, industry. Full bio available at www.dylantaylor.org Momentus Space, was also caught up in the SPAC wave and should

SatMagazine Page 19 December 2020 The Race in Space Depends on the Ground Keeping Pace

By Stuart Daughtridge, Vice President of Advanced Technology, Kratos

The satellite industry has experienced tremendous innovation over production of LEO and MEO constellations, creating exponentially the past several years, with many hailing it as a renaissance, a more capacity and capability in orbit. However, when we look at the reboot or a Space 2.0. However, not all this innovation has occurred Ground, this has been the laggard of the three and the most in need of equally across the industry’s three sectors of Launch, Satellite, and “catching up.” If all that innovation in space is to be unlocked, it Ground. Each of these plays a distinct role, yet their fortunes are depends on innovation with newer, more adaptable and scalable tied to together. If innovation in one doesn’t keep up with the architectures on the Ground. others, it can hold back the industry’s full potential. For decades, the Ground has remained largely unchanged, making do with analog infrastructure and purpose-built hardware systems that Innovation in Launch by notable players such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, were designed for more static and limited missions, not today’s newer and Rocket Labs has reduced costs and increased access to space, generation of software-defined payloads, and larger helping to get satellites into orbit far more quickly and affordably. fleet/constellation operations. Similarly, massive innovation in the Satellite sector has resulted in high throughput satellites, software-defined payloads and high-volume The Coming Revolution However, there is a paradigm shift occurring on the Ground, with a host of innovations that are signaling the start of this long-awaited change. In fact, this transformation mirrors the revolution that occured in the wireless industry years ago when the jump was made from 2G to 3G, moving from more static networks to more dynamic and interoperable ones and making possible the seamless wireless services and instant connectivity we enjoy today. With 5G, the wireless industry has moved even further ahead, enabling not only faster speeds but networks that are even more dynamic, open and adaptable for a new breed of applications such as the connected car, smart home and the Internet of Things (IoT). For the satellite industry to play in this world, it will have to embrace similar change on the ground, replacing hardware with software, adopting standards, using Software Defined Networking (SDN) and cloud-based systems. This digital changeover can unlock the full value of the newer, more advanced satellite technologies in orbit, enabling low-cost, scalable, and highly automated and orchestrated services like we see in the terrestrial world. The satellite ground segment is still in the early phase of evolving from a 2G-like architecture with stove-piped, vendor-specific hardware and software, to a standards-based 5G-like virtualized, cloud-based one. Change is underway as these systems are starting to leverage the same digital technologies we see elsewhere in the industry.

SatMagazine Page 20 December 2020

The Early Adopters of the New Ground OpenSpace Benefits The move toward a digital ground started in the ‘New Space’ market. Enabling the Ground to Keep Pace with Space With the launch of thousands of smallsats delivering exponentially more OpenSpace from data, these operators required lower cost and more scalable ground Kratos is the systems. They turned to virtualization instead of legacy infrastructure industry’s first and and hardware, using software-based front-end processors, modems, only fully and recorders that run in the cloud supporting tens of thousands of virtualized, smallsat passes around the globe. This also led to the ground system- software-defined as-a-service business models that you see widely adopted in the LEO and orchestrated Earth Observation (EO) market. satellite ground The deployment of these virtual systems has enabled the system platform. commercial and government smallsat and EO markets to cost- The platform was effectively scale their ground system operations to meet the growing built to enable the and variable demand for TT&C and mission downlink services at a ground system to become much more dynamic to synchronize with the innovations speed, scale and price point that would not be possible if they had to and needs of the space layer. OpenSpace uses software-defined networking (SDN) rely on purpose-built hardware. to dynamically orchestrate the software based Virtualized Network Functions (NFVs) that replace hardware, thus managing complete end-to-end service chains Moving Beyond Virtualization automatically to support different payloads, satellites, and orbits on-demand. While virtualization is a crucial first step, the entire ground segment must still become more automated and dynamic. When Kratos introduced stovepipe systems of the past to 5G-like, highly automated, virtualized, OpenSpace™ this year, it was the industry’s first, fully software-defined, cloud-based platforms in order to support the requirements of the ground platform to go far beyond virtualization. Built on industry- evolving space segment. The ground segment and the space layer will standards and an open architecture, OpenSpace uses SDN to dynamically need to integrate seamlessly with each other and become part of a orchestrate software based Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) that broader software-defined network, which can be dynamically configured, replace hardware, thus managing complete end-to-end service chains to managed, and deployed in sync with mission or end-user needs. The support different payloads, satellites, and orbits on-demand. adoption of standards and orchestration frameworks will enable greater Service provisioning that typically took weeks with traditional interoperability and tighter integration with terrestrial/cloud/and 5G hardware installation, cabling, and configuration can be accelerated to networks for more seamless end-to-end services. mere minutes by deploying and orchestrating everything in VNF service The telecom industry, which has embraced software-defined, cloud- chains running on commodity x86 hardware. based architectures, is a $6 trillion global communications market. Unfortunately, the satellite industry represents less than 1 percent of Azure Orbital: An example of Dynamic Ground the telecoms market; however, as it transforms and similarly modernizes Taking advantage of these ground innovations, Microsoft entered the with these highly scalable, service-aware networks, there is huge market by introducing Azure Orbital, a groundbreaking platform for potential to grow its share and better integrate into the global offering ‘Ground Station-as-a-Service’ (GSaaS) for the satellite industry. communications grid, providing additional value, especially where Microsoft incorporated components from OpenSpace into its Azure terrestrial networks reach their limit. cloud architecture to create a more dynamic, software-based, ground As the wider satellite industry moves toward digital infrastructure and service for satellites to connect directly to the cloud. With GSaaS, more dynamic, software-defined, ground architectures, there is the promise satellite operators no longer need to build their own infrastructure. They of a revolution on the ground that will enable the monetization and can quickly downlink their satellite data and immediately process and optimization of all of the innovation that has been created with newer satellite analyze it in the cloud along with their other applications. payloads, including the LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations.

A View Into the Future of Space & Ground kratosdefense.com While these examples are major breakthroughs and mark a departure from the traditional ground, the satellite industry is only at the early Stuart Daughtridge is the Vice President of Advanced stages of this ground revolution. As satellite demand continues to grow Technology at Kratos Space, Training and Cybersecurity. With exponentially, forecasted to grow four-fold over the next ten years, more than 30 years of experience in the satellite and aerospace these innovations on the ground will need to continue to keep pace. industry, he leads Kratos initiatives including the planning for Considering the new spacecraft planned over the next five years, the next generation of ground segment technology. the ground segment as we know it will need to evolve from the 2G-like

SatMagazine Page 22 December 2020

Year in Review: Advantech Wireless Technologies

Much has been written elsewhere about the “year of the pandemic”. While COVID-19 impacted Advantech Wireless Technologies (AWT) in 2020 with near term volatility, the long-term outlook is exceptionally robust. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic The Advantech STAN series of converters. conditions in 2020, Advantech remained fully operational around the globe. As a supplier to leading global communications companies, governments and their agencies, and the militaries of many NATO countries, our highest priorities were keeping our employees safe, ensuring our ability to serve our customers during this difficult time. The AWT sales and engineering teams remained available to support customers globally. Some of our most significant product launches occurred this year, with more to follow in 2021. With so much enthusiasm generated by the promise of strengthen our LEO, we released our new line of STAN Frequency Converters collaboration within (Satellite Tracking and Navigation), designed specifically for the Canadian Space applications that require two-channel coherent signal ecosystem and the processing, such as telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C) and SSPI Chapters across Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Tracking & Navigation. STAN’s ability to the globe. Satellites provide correction offsets for LEO satellites makes them have become an particularly suitable for navigation and location services. integral part of life AWT commenced production of our new Summit II high- and, therefore, there power, soft-fail SSPA systems for deployment in early 2021. Built Advantech’s Spirit­X BUC. will always be on a new, state-of-the-art control platform, Summit II can reach commercial and extremely high levels of RF output power, while providing a level government opportunities. Customers’ increasing need for stable of system availability that rivals anything in the industry. With connectivity and throughput requires a level of ubiquity that only microwave passive components being a major staple of the satellites can deliver. AWT product portfolio, high-density, low-loss RF combining Fortunately, there are many new technologies on the structures are the basis for our new line of Ka-band SSPAs. horizon that will fulfill the needs of the consumer. As a Speaking of microwave passives, AWT worked with the Company that thrives on technological challenges, Advantech members of the C-band Alliance, including Intelsat, SES, Wireless Technologies has adapted by maintaining strong Eutelsat and Telesat to develop a line of 5G interference reject technological leadership in order to satisfy the requirements filters that allow 5G operators and satellite operators to of the entire SATCOM Industry. cohabitate the C-band portion of the RF spectrum. For companies that would rather put distance between Author Cristi Damian is the VP of their carriers and the 5G traffic, we have a complete line of Business Development for Advantech INSAT products that will take you up to the 7 GHz end of the Wireless Technologies. holds a Master’s band. AWT’s ever-popular S-band amplifier has been degree in Electrical Engineering and expanded to include L/S-band, with single boxes delivering initially held roles as a hardware power levels up to 700W — or integrated into phase- engineer at various high-tech combined systems that can deliver thousands of watts of companies. He joined Advantech Wireless in 1995 and has held redundant power. Our newly released Spirit-X BUCs produce executive positions including in Operations, Manufacturing, Sales, 25W and 50W from a small compact package. and Engineering. His expertise is centered on Solid State RF The team at Advantech is proud to be a founding member technology for Space Applications, and complex integrated of the new SSPI Canada Chapter. With Canadian expertise networks design. currently growing in the fields that cover LEO, MEO and GEO satellites, Space Robotics, Sensors, 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the launch of the new SSPI Chapter is a great opportunity to

SatMagazine Page 24 December 2020 Virtual . The Eminent ^ SmallSat Business Conference

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For Alpha Data — and the world as a whole — 2020 has been full of unexpected and unprecedented challenges. While the year has brought uncertainty and concern for the safety of our family and colleagues, it has also provided the impetus to evolve the way we work and to plan for a future where high- speed communication is essential to everyday life. Working with a flexibility imposed by the unfolding COVID-pandemic, Alpha Data started the year by launching a new radiation- tolerant space development kit in collaboration with Xilinx and Texas Instruments. With more than 20 years of experience working with Xilinx’s Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) — Space Development Kit baseboard. essentially reprogrammable integrated circuits— Alpha Data has a long experience developing to use machine learning to pre-process and filter huge quantities leading-edge products based on the latest advances in silicon of data will give space companies a competitive edge. engineering from Xilinx. Alpha Data’s Space Development Kit helps space This latest product incorporates the Xilinx™ Radiation companies gain this competitive edge by providing the support Tolerant Kintex® UltraScale™, the world's first 20nm space- needed to test the hardware and software setups incorporating grade FPGA. The new device offers a offers a tenfold the Kintex UltraScale. Following the successful launch of the improvement in digital signal processing performance product, Alpha Data are continuing to develop example compared to previous generations of devices, making it ideal applications for the Space Development Kit, enabling for payloads incorporating onboard machine learning. As customers to build on proven designs and reduce their own machine learning becomes more widespread in dealing with the development cycle. Providing ongoing technical and design torrent of data produced by satellite remote sensing, the ability support is one of Alpha Data’s key strengths, and the company’s engineering team has a proven track record of assisting customers as they develop rugged aerospace products. The launch of the space-resilient development kit is the first step in Alpha Data’s larger move into the NewSpace market, with builds on many years of providing technical products on to aerospace primes and research organisations such as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Alpha Data brings a combination of highly skilled and knowledgeable engineers as well as the ability to modify off-the-shelf components to produce rugged designs suitable for deployment in harsh environments. After the successful product launch despite the vicissitudes of 2020, Alpha Data’s plans in 2021 are to further enhance the space development board. Two upgrades currently ADM­VPX3­9V2 ­ High­speed Smart Switching

SatMagazine Page 26 December 2020 Another feature that makes the 9Z5 even more attractive for space applications is the compliance with Xilinx’s recently announced ‘LVAUX’ mode. Unveiled in 2020, this mode provides protection against a class of radiation-induced effect in electronic devices — single event latch-up. The effects of radiation on electronic devices is a critical factor affecting the processing power available on satellites — making the LVAUX mode a significant asset for high-altitude and space applications. Alpha Data’s '9Z5 has been designed to be fully compatible with the LVAUX mode. This added level of radiation tolerance, coupled with an extremely flexible interface, make the 9Z5 well suited for NewSpace applications in ADA­SDEV­KIT2 ­ Kintex UltraScale Development Kit. harsh radiation environments. Whether it’s the radiation-tolerant space under development are the integration addition of Ethernet development kit or the space-ready 9Z5, Alpha Data’s 2020 support for MicroBlaze processor and integrating integration products are perfectly suited to the growing NewSpace of Alpha Data’s CameraLink IP, which was successfully used for market. As businesses adapt to the post-COVID world, Alpha Hyperspectral imaging with the JPL FLEX compression core. Data’s engineers are ready to support customers looking to The expansion of the space development board is being quickly develop space-ready designs using very best in enabled by one of Alpha Data’s core strengths: the ability to reconfigurable computing. quickly customise designs to meet customer requirements. Despite the challenges of a turbulent year, Alpha Data is As well as working on the space development board, and well-positioned going in to 2021, having navigated the despite working largely from home during the pandemic, uncertainties of 2020 with our usual flexible and agile Alpha Data engineers also completed the design and approach to doing business. Whether in the office or at home, manufacture of our latest product, the 9Z5 Ssystem- on-M in our Edinburgh HQ or US base, Alpha Data’s team of highly module. The 9Z5 — or ADM-VPX3-9Z5 to give it its full name skilled engineers have successfully spent another year — was developed in collaboration with Xilinx and Texas providing customers with high-reliability, state-of-the-art Instruments and is also an industry first. The 9Z5 is an off-the- solutions for compute intensive applications. shelf product that has been designed to military specifications throughout and is suitable for all stages of a project, from Author David Miller is a development to deployment. The stringent requirements Chartered Engineer and driving the development of the 9Z5 mean the device is Managing Director of innately resilient and rugged — perfect for applications Alpha Data Parallel including space and high-altitude sensor processing. Systems, a leading provider of FPGA based accelerator The key feature of the 9Z5 is another cutting-edge Xilinx solutions to the Aerospace and Defence market. David product, the "XQ" Defense-Grade Zynq UltraScale+ has 30 years of experience in high-performance digital multiprocessor system on a single chip. This innovative Xilinx design. He and his team specialise in helping customers to device features four tightly integrated processors as well as define and realise their requirements - whether that be with an adaptable programmable logic and hardware specially off-the-shelf or a fully customised product. designed to accelerate digital signal processing — features all useful for remote sensing and future Earth Observation (EO) satellite applications.

SatMagazine Page 27 December 2020 Year in Review: Aurora Propulsion Technologies

The bubbling New Space ecosystem has, in recent months, gained significant momentum. This is especially true in Finland, were a number of new industry players are gaining momentum. With peers such as Iceye and RSL, Aurora Propulsion Technologies (APT) has recently also moved up the steps to establish space presence with its inaugural flight scheduled for December 2020. Aurora uses the same solar plasma wind that created the northern lights to propel spacecraft. In addition to the solar wind driven electric sail development in progress, the company boasts the Aurora resistojet thruster modules and the plasma brakes for de- orbiting. Aurora Propulsion Technologies’ micro-thrusters are hot gas thrusters using water as a propellant. The smallest thruster module in the product portfolio weighs only 34 grams, with a full tank of propellant. Larger units pack 6-12 thrusters and weigh 250 to 1200 grams to support different mission profiles and satellite sizes. Even though the devices are small, light and power shy, they pack a punch, with factory set maximum thrust between Photo of the AuroraSat­1 smallsat, which is due to launch in December 2020. 1-10mN and a throttle to tone it down in flight. This allows the Image is courtesy of the company. use of the thrusters in both cube and small satellites up to 150 kg in mass. Typical use cases include, attitude control, detumbling, collision avoidance manoeuvres and small orbital changes. With larger multi-thruster units precision navigation operations, such as docking missions are possible. For propellant-less propulsion, the company offers its Plasma Brake. The Plasma Brake is a micro-tether-based product that uses an electric field to interact with low earth orbit plasma to slow down the satellites. Its main mission is to ensure launch regulation compliancy by enabling end-of-life de-orbiting of satellites. The Plasma Brakes’ speciality is the ability to fit the system with a dead-mans’ swich to allow the de-orbiting of satellites that have lost their ability to operate otherwise. The Plasma The Aurora Resistojet Module (ARM) a six­thruster reaction control module for cubesats is Auroras’ first commercially available product. Brakes work in orbits up to 1000 kilometres high and with satellites up to 1000 kg in mass. The combo of capabilities allows for a uniquely wide APT has positioned its portfolio to support the growing mission portfolio for satellite operators. In effect, the satellite industry from early stage experimental satellites to systems allow for a large part of propulsion needs to be small satellite constellation players. The technical parameters integrated in to one module, simplifying the building of of the products put them ahead of ion propulsion in thrust and satellites and small spacecraft. speed of operation and ahead in efficiency to the standard cold In retrospect, 2020 has been super year for Aurora gas systems used traditionally in attitude control. Propulsion Technologies and its team. The firm’s technology was productized, built and tested ready for flight in just five months. Additionally, the company built an In-Orbit- Demonstration satellite with its partner SatRevolution in record time.

SatMagazine Page 28 December 2020 Auroras’ CTO Perttu Yli-opas said, "I'm very proud of the Aurora Propulsion Technologies derives its product focus from Aurora team that have completed the design, development the trends that drive the new space industry. and build of AuroraSat-1, in such a record time." The key driver is the emerging standardization of form AuroraSat-1 has a launch date set for December 30 on a and launch structures, as well as the increasing launch SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral. The satellite will capacity, modularization of design and emergence of fly the Aurora Resistojet Module (ARM) with a six-thruster industry supply chains. configuration. In addition to the thruster module, the satellite These drivers have kick-started companies to dream of will fly two Plasma Brakes to verify the tether deployment private constellations which, in turn, drives miniaturization to technologies, as well as the deorbiting simulation systems it enable multiple simultaneous launches as well as pushing has developed. down the cost of launch of single satellites. Even though only kick-starting its marketing and sales As a result, the average size of satellites has dropped activities in late 2020, Aurora managed to log its first sales by hundreds of kilograms over the last ten years to land at just midyear, taking the company from the technology development above the 100 kg mark in 2020. phase to the commercialization phase. This early start of More and more teams are able to join the game, allowing customer revue was a positive surprise amidst the Covid-19 for a plethora of new and innovative use- and business cases situation. It is also good base to continue growth in 2021. to evolve in the industry. In 2021, APT plans to complete the on-orbit test It is reasonable to say that this massive volume growth will campaigns, first for the Thruster module and later for the transform the industry dynamics, just as the car industry was Plasma Brake and the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) plasma transformed by Henry Ford a hundred years ago. measurements to verify the simulations the company uses for At the same time, the funding schema finds the space de-orbiting calculations. With the test data and experiences industry changing from being predominantly space agency- from the test manufacturing, the company will further develop driven to a majority of funding being raised from private and optimize the technologies for large volume production. capital. This industry clearly is gaining the momentum to reach Over the course of 2021, the company is also looking to the stars. complete a further demonstration flight for a larger satellite variant of its thruster products. Work will also be done to Author Roope Takala is completing design optimization if the modules to support several the Chairman and CEO of additional control bus and frame variants for its customers. Aurora Propulsion A deep space variant of the thrusters is also in the plans, Technologies and he is an experienced business and with an eye toward near future moon or planetary missions. innovation leader with a background in orporate These developments will pave the way for the companies research leadership and strategy. He possesses 25 years anticipated electric sail development. in the Telecom and high-tech industry business Together with the technological development, the development areas. With a background in Nokia, CERN, MIT as company is developing its productions capabilities during well as the founder of several start-ups, Roope has experience 2021 to provide one of the fastest delivery times in the building companies within high tech. He is also the author/editor industry. Over the year, Aurora Propulsion technologies plans of the book “Product Concept Design.” to actively grow the firm’s sales network by engaging new partners to support local markets in this exciting industry.

Shaking the Space Industry

SatMagazine Page 29 December 2020 Year in Review: AvL Technologies

Is 2020 over yet? From a business perspective, 2020 has been a reasonably good year. From a personal perspective, it’s been a year of unknowns, sweeping changes and never-ending uncertainty. Many of us were attending the Washington, DC, satellite trade show when the Covid-19 pandemic was declared and large-scale events came to a grinding halt. The show ended a day early and left exhibitors scrambling; however, we figured things out. We packed our antennas and shipped them back to North Carolina and then flew back to the comany headquarters to determine how to operate in the “new normal.” AvL Technologies has remained open during Covid — the company is a recognized member of the Defense Industrial AvL’s Model 2015 2.4m antenna. Base (DIB), which is a part of the Critical Infrastructure Sector, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. As a member of the DIB, AvL Technologies is exempted from mandatory closures brought on by the pandemic. Manufacturing production has continued throughout the crisis and AvL has maintained the firm’scommitments to our clients. Though we remained open, many things changed. First and foremost, our operations were dramatically altered to ensure the health and safety of all employees. Some personnel began working remotely and employees who work in our production facilities started observing strict safety measures that included wearing face covers, frequent handwashing, maintaining six-foot distances from each other at all times, frequent sanitizing of shared equipment and holding meetings via phone calls or outside with distancing. This was our new AvL’s 1.35m Manual FIT ARSTRAT antenna with Matt Buckner. normal — the company remained efficient and productive thanks to the collective, positive attitudes of the firm’s AvL’s continued growth employees and their commitment to keeping themselves and sparked the need for others safe. additional information AvL’s growth continued during 2020, though it slowed a technologies expertise bit. By the end of the year, the company had grown to 260 and we added David employees and this growth was reflected in new engineering Cox, a network engineer, capabilities, new prototyping capabilities, a new program and Andrew Cartwright, management team, expansion of the information technology a cyber security specialist. team, expansion of the electrical systems team, and We were excited and expansion of the customer service team, to include a depot proud to complete the for a key customer. new 2.5m Model 2510 We added two executives to the leadership team — Larry ruggedized, low-PIM AvL’s 1.2m Model 1030­T antenna. Watts, VP of Programs who’s developing and building a strong (passive intermodulation) Program Management office with a focus on customer and high-wind operations trailer-mount antenna. The antenna satisfaction, and Dr. Hamad Alsawaha, Senior Antenna supports Ku-, Ka- and X-band and is certified Low-PIM (multi- Systems Engineer, who is leading AvL’s design and carrier) for X-band at 2 x 200 Watts. development efforts on many antenna products, including electronically steerable array (ESA) antennas.

SatMagazine Page 30 December 2020 The antenna’s many certifications include MIL-STD-461 CE102 The motorized auto-acquire models operate with the AvL AAQ antenna Conducted Emissions Compliance, MIL-STD-461 RE102 Radiated controller, which has an optional module with a spectrum display. Emissions Compliance, MIL-STD-461 RS103 Radiated Susceptibility Manually operated terminals point with new manual point computer Compliance, IEC 61000-4-2, Part 4.2, Test Level 4 Electrostatic assisted user interface. Discharge compliance, MIL-STD-810G Compliance, Munson Road The new 1.2m 1030-T is a new take on an antenna AvL has been Tested, Intelsat IESS Type Approved, and ARSTRAT Compliance. producing for many years. This ruggedized terminal operates on a Under an accelerated customer schedule, AvL completed this lightweight one-piece tripod that easily unfolds and anchors for a antenna with a full spectrum of enhanced, certified military quick set-up. Once the tripod is in place the positioner attaches communications capabilities that are additionally certified to support quickly with hooks and locks, and the positioner includes and I/O mission requirements designated for the most challenging and hostile panel with connectors. environments. These capabilities can be provided ala carte, tailored to The offset 1.2m reflector flexible removes from the positioner to unique customer needs. enable a compact pack-up as the antenna packs into two IATA- We also rolled out several new products during the DC show, compliant airline checkable cases. This antenna is used by FirstNet civil including AvL’s new Model 2015, 2.4m axi-symmetric antenna that is emergency management agencies at both federal and local levels to ultra-lightweight and packs into two lightweight cases plus RF kits. The support emergency communications. 14 piece carbon fiber reflector is designed to operate in X-, Ku- and AvL’s 85cm 830-T FlyAway is a rugged, yet lightweight, antenna Ka-band, with new quick-change feeds and RF kits. The antenna is designed for rigorous use by military operators. The antenna packs into modular and flexible with numerous RF equipment options, and it two, IATA-compliant airline checkable cases and can be assembled by supports RF or modem peaking. one person in five minutes. The antenna is configurable with multiple This manual operation antenna functions on an aluminum space modem, BUC and LNB options. frame, which enables quick set-up and pack-up. Once the antenna is Considering the immense changes and challenges we’ve all faced set-up, a simple, user interface computer assisted pointing assist tool in 2020, AvL has remained as rugged and reliable as its products. We is available for satellite acquisition. were excited to continue growing during 2020 and add important team The updated 1.35m Flexible Integrated Terminal (FIT) received members and capabilities. Our engineers immersed themselves in ARSTRAT certification this year and offers a small package with big gain. product development and enabled the launch of many great new This flexible, user-defined terminal platform has a 12-petal reflector and antennas. We’re proud to be a member of the DIB — now more than an integral tripod for a small pack-up in two IATA-compliant checkable ever —– and a valued supplier to the U.S. Department of Defense. cases. This antenna can be operated manually or upgraded to Though 2020 has been a year of challenges, everyone at AvL is motorized operation with auto-acquisition. The terminals operate in looking forward to 2021 and the return to face-to-face meetings and X-, Ku- and Ka-band with new bayonet-style feeds and feed kits for events, and we’re looking forward to spending time with our valued quick RF changes. The terminals have a built-in receiver, are scalable customers. with 75cm, 98cm and 1.35m reflectors, and flexible with modem, BUC AvL’s new product and new technology roadmaps for the next few and LNB options. years include several tactical LEO/MEO tracking terminals, fully This new, ruggedized, 1.35m FIT platform was developed at the electronically steered array antennas and numerous small yet rugged request of several customers looking for high wind auto-acquisition flyaway antennas now going through ARSTRAT certifications. applications. This terminal has a rugged positioner paired with a high- We don’t expect 2021 to be without challenges, but the AvL team stiffness 6-petal reflector and reinforced tripod. This terminal can be is committed to supplying our customers with much needed and high- delivered in a compact, IATA-compliant, two case pack-up, and can be quality satellite communications products. assembled by one person in five minutes. The terminal operates manually or with auto-acquire in X, Ku or Ka-band, and is designed to Author Krystal Dredge is operate in strong winds without additional wind stiffening. It offers a the Marketing Director new bayonet-style feed mount, quick-change RF kits, an optional for AvL Technologies terminal control module with a spectrum display, BUC and LNB options, and RF or modem peaking.

SatMagazine Page 31 December 2020 Year in Review: Cobham SATCOM

The last year has been like no other in the history of our Viasat’s high-Capacity Satellite Network and components with operations and the wider maritime market. With COVID- our SAILOR terminals, enables users to use bandwidth-intensive 19 excelling the need for rapid and reliable connectivity streaming services, such as Netflix, alongside other platforms. out at sea, and highlighting the increasingly diverse Additionally, we also collaborated with Viasat to introduce application of high-speed communication, the Cobham a Military-Grade Maritime Satellite Communications Terminal SATCOM team has risen to the challenge of meeting new to market. We leveraged the capabilities of our latest Sea Tel industry requirements; accelerating innovation to create antenna platform with Viasat’s flexible, high-capacity leading connectivity solutions, collaborating with broadband satellite service to create a multi-satellite, multi- established and new partners alike, and supporting users network and multi-frequency band solution — this maximized with expert advice and significant upgrades. connectivity and resiliency in all environments.

The Rise of LEO + MEO Connectivity Paving the Way for Sustainability 2020 will be marked as the year the maritime industry began Enhancing the sustainability of practices and operations is to earnestly take interest in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and increasingly being prioritized in all areas by the maritime Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), with satellites services also being industry and beyond; therefore, one of our achievements to launched using newly commissioned satellites in garner from this year is winning the contract to connect 732 geostationary orbit (GEO). The increase in LEO and MEO fishing vessels, currently active in the Maldives Economic networks has enabled Cobham SATCOM to strengthen the Exclusion Zone, to Inmarsat’s Fleet One maritime broadband company’s Ku-band business by developing, optimizing and services with our SAILOR Fleet One terminals, as part of the tuning Ku-band antennas. Maldives’ Sustainable Fisheries Resources Development Project. The market evolution has been further demonstrated by The Fleet One solution was selected due to its reliability, the increasing number of webinars on the topic, of which our scalability, affordability and user friendliness and is set to experts have contributed, most notably to the MDC’s “Get to support electronic catch documentation and traceability (eCDT) know the mega-satellite constellations in LEO, MEO, GEO to combat Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing. and HEO Orbits” and Transport Innovation Network’s “The The contract marks a new frontier in the company’s story new mega-constellations and will they have a play in of innovation and partnership with Inmarsat as well as a Maritime‘’ sessions. The expanding constellations are monumental moment in the firm’s history, in that we are enabling an incredible potential for maritime connectivity, continuing to actively contribute to enhancing sustainability in especially in developing LEO and MEO VSAT solutions and another of the world’s most treasured marine environments. Cobham SATCOM is excited to play its part. Staying Ahead of the Curve A New Frontier for VSAT Connectivity Ensuring our users are supported wherever they are located With this in mind, our team was delighted to announce the in the world as well as receiving the highest levels of completion of connectivity trials over the Kepler connectivity in all conditions is at the heart of our operations. Communications LEO Ku-band satellite network, achieving best With this in mind, we have announced significant upgrades in class rates; a downlink speed of 150 Mbps and uplink speed to our existing software to provide users with the tools to of 130 Mbps on a 65cm SAILOR 600 VSAT antenna with a 6W always stay one step ahead. For example, we launched our BUC. The tests were the first of their kind to be carried out and software upgrade 1.05 for SAILOR 4300 L-band, at no obtained data transfer speeds 30x faster than any antenna of a additional cost, to more than 2,000 terminals to support similar size currently available for the maritime sector. Large shipping’s early adopters of the newly launched Iridium quantities of data can be transferred rapidly in remote locations Certus 700. This will enable users to upgrade to the new for research and exploration projects conducted on highly service that offers data speeds of up to 704 kbps. specialized applications in the Arctic regions. In addition to free software upgrades to users of our SAILOR 4300 L-band, we also launched the SAILOR 900 VSAT A Home Internet Experience at Sea Ku Optimized. From decades of market feedback to As demand grows within the white boat sector for a ‘home meticulous research, our team of SATCOM experts worked internet experience’, we continue to collaborate with our long- tirelessly to develop the new Ku Optimized antenna systems established partner, Viasat. Launching a new high-speed to our Ku-band VSAT customer base. connectivity service for maritime vessels, through combining

SatMagazine Page 32 December 2020 2021 and Beyond pressed ship owners and operators are under increasing To summarize, this year has been significant in relation to the pressure to significantly improve their connectivity offerings, company’s in-house research and development as well as in to not only ensure the wellbeing of their crew but their the increased value placed on maritime connectivity by the reputability as an employer. industry and the impact of COVID-19 that is compelling ship owners and operators to install high performing internet The Role of SATCOM solutions at an unprecedented rate. New circumstance and changing market demand has, in turn, Likewise, with new mega constellations due to come online triggered the satellite communications’ industry to look at in 2022 and 2023, our teams on the ground are developing, revisiting the price models it offers to ship owners and trialing and testing technologies to ensure we are best placed operators. With a new balance required between offering the to support and use the new networks for our users and the bandwidth necessary to facilitate seafarers’ communication wider maritime industry. needs, whilst also delivering a solution which is affordable in From supporting seismic exploration vessels in the Polar the current climate. We believe one of the potential Regions to futureproofing owners ahead of regulation, resolutions to today’s challenges lies in increasing the Cobham SATCOM is aiming to continue this year’s positive diversification of packages offered to service providers to trajectory and to remain central in enabling safer and more ensure affordable connectivity for all. sustainable operations for ship owners and operators through To expand on the above, service providers who offer world-class connectivity solutions. bundles containing hardware and broadband services, could look to expand the flexibility of their packages, to provide ship A Fresh Approach to Connectivity at Sea owners with access to high speed internet when required, The last year has played host to momentous change across whilst scaling back when demand is low. For example, as it the satellite communication industry and beyond. Most stands, current maritime VSAT offerings deliver an average of notably, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic led to 1-2Mbps download speed (bandwidth), which is too low to increasing demand for high performing connectivity in many facilitate quality video calling or streaming, however if ship sectors and locations, with businesses adapting to remote owners were given the ability to increase bandwidth to 6- operations and those in lockdown seeking new means of 10Mbps on request, seafarers would be enabled to connect communication. More specifically, the pandemic drew with friends and family. Subsequently, although not a long attention to the lack of high-speed internet currently available term solution, this would keep immediate costs down through on commercial vessels out at sea. The maritime crew change enabling ship owners to avoid investing in an expensive high- crisis highlighting not only the widespread lack of access to speed subscription across their fleet whilst the economic reliable and rapid connectivity, but its increased necessity in climate remains uncertain. ensuring the wellbeing and training of seafarers, and To summarize, new satellite communications finance subsequent continuation of remote operations. models could help provide the industry with a short-term The increase in perceived value in high performing solution to navigate unprecedented levels of uncertainty and connectivity out at sea has fuelled discussions around a enhance seafarer wellbeing. With the crew change crisis yet “minimum acceptability” for the provision of satellite to be resolved, and the world watching, the uptake of communications access for seafarers. Whereas previously, solutions to provide high performing internet connectivity out access to email and access to social media were viewed as at sea is crucial to not only protect the wellbeing of stranded adequate, the unrivalled circumstances of today, and evolution seafarers but to also ensure the interest and loyalty of the next. of communication platforms, have led to multimedia content and video calling being viewed as increasingly essential. For www.cobhamsatcom.com example, a recent survey by AST Group found the maritime industry's use of social media and messaging apps had Author Jens Ewerling is the Product Manager, increased, with video calls on WhatsApp increasing by 79% VSAT, Cobham SATCOM during the pandemic. Likewise, the most recent Seafarers Happiness Index survey findings showed that seafarers perceived connectivity as no longer important but vital. With many therefore relying on such apps to provide much needed contact with family, friends and loved ones, hard

SatMagazine Page 33 December 2020 Year in Review: Comtech EF Data

What a year 2020 turned out to be... 12 months ago, we carried on with our lives as usual and there were few clouds on the horizon. The economy was growing at a steady pace, business was thriving, and the world was full of optimism after years of prosperity. Come January, we started to get the first glimpse that 2020 would turn out be a very different year; one that will go down in the history books as the worst pandemic in over a century. As we all tried to adapt to a new reality, the one thing that stood out as more critical than ever before for communities in various stages of lockdown was access to the Internet. Networks are an essential tool to keep people, governments and businesses connected, informed and protected as we Remote working. navigate these new and challenging times. Comtech EF Data put the health and well being of our employees first and quickly transitioned to remote working for those who could and provided a safe and secure environment for our staff who were needed on-site to keep our factory running. We are incredibly proud of how everyone at Comtech EF Data responded and stepped up to the challenge and contributed to make the transition smooth for our customers, partners and suppliers. While some initial slowdown in the business environment was inevitable as we all focused on flattening the curve, the need for connectivity around the world didn’t skip a beat and that was also reflected in the mix of products Comtech EF Data supplied. As businesses, schools and governments Internet of Things. transitioned to the new reality built around the Internet and Zoom meetings, the traffic in our customers’ networks went As many of us in the satellite industry know, rapidly changing through the roof. traffic conditions is something we handle best and Comtech Reports from industry analysts that measure Internet traffic EF Data, through our partners, helped many customers deploy highlight huge increases, such as in Sandvine’s Internet or augment and increase capacity where it was needed to Phenomena Report that reported total Internet traffic had support health care workers, first responders and other increased 38 percent since the start of the pandemic, and the essential workers as they tended to the pandemic. Kudos to uplink traffic alone grew by 121 percent, largely as a result of Comtech EF Data, our partners and the rest of the satellite the growth in video conferencing and social networking. industry for yet again stepping up to the challenge and Similarly, Ericsson highlighted in its Mobility Report from helping people in need. June that the traffic load in mobile networks had shifted from While the full economic impact is yet to be understood and city centers to residential and rural areas as people we certainly do not want to downplay the devastating effects transitioned to working from home. As networks are designed the pandemic is having on society and human loss, the impact based on predictable usage models that factor in busy hours on the telecom and satellite industries may be less than during and application mix, many operators struggled under this the two previous recessions in 2001 and 2008. unprecedented and rapid shift in traffic and some applications First, today we are in the middle of a technology like streaming services had to be temporarily throttled in some transformation where as a society we are more dependent on, markets to avoid congestion. but also benefitting from, the Internet economy more than ever before.

SatMagazine Page 34 December 2020 This demonstrates that there are many interesting opportunities in the crossroads between the telco, satellite and adjacent industries and basically anything that can benefit from being connected Online shopping for hot commodities like toilet paper, face masks one day... will be. and hand sanitizer, banking and other digital services is second Our high-speed nature to most of us today while it wasn’t a decade or two ago. SCPC modems, along Secondly, the positive momentum around 5G as a once in a with the innovative lifetime opportunity for many industries is especially encouraging technology for TCP/GTP and fuels large and early investments in infrastructure like was optimization and load never experienced when 3G or 4G first started off. balancing across satellites Lastly, over the last two decades, smartphone and transponders penetration has proliferated and consumer behavior around developed by our willingness to pay for content and connectivity has changed subsidiary, Memotec, had and digital ecosystems are taking up an ever-larger part of several nice wins during people’s budgets and mindshare for good reason — it the year and we makes life better and more interesting. continued to extend our Governments and regulators have also come to realize that lead in most capacity CDM­570A, CDM­625A and connectivity is a basic human need and are accelerating their deployed in support of Memotec Equipment. policies and plans to close the digital divide and make access to trunking over satellite. Image is courtesy of Comtech EF Data the Internet as important as access to clean water and electricity. Finally, our RF If we look toward the future, it is likely that during 2020 we portfolio has been updated with some new amplifiers as have taken greater steps towards a fully online and digital society requirements are trending towards higher powers reflecting than ever before and made changes in behavior and culture that ever-growing throughput requirements. Customers are will last for generations to come. Things will never be quite the recognizing the benefits/drawbacks of various amplifier same again, but there are many reasons to be optimistic. technologies (GaAs/GaN/Tube based) and are asking more Access to and the use of digital services and applications of the “correct questions.” opens new economic and social opportunities for all of us and Comtech continues to offer a growing solution set for all makes societies more robust and resilient. Let us just be sure technologies and we look forward to continuing to help as we go forward that we include everyone, including people customers identify the best solution for their RF challenges. in rural communities and developing countries in this exciting and important journey of change. www.comtechefdata.com Far too many people around the world still cannot afford service or lack access to basic connectivity and satellite is an Author essential part of the solution. Richard Comtech EF Data introduced some new products and Swardh is features during 2020 that we are especially proud of to support Senior Vice President, Premium Enterprise & the need for high quality and high-speed connectivity everywhere. Mobile Operators , He leads the market Our Heights™ Networking Platform continued to make development and direction for the telecom inroads as the premier solution for high quality, low latency/jitter and enterprise markets, directing long-term mobile backhaul. In addition to supporting mobile broadband in strategic initiatives and defining solution suites and feature sets. underserved communities, the Internet of Things is a use case more MNOs and service providers are starting to address for agriculture, mining and energy markets.

SatMagazine Page 35 December 2020 Year in Review: Comtech Xicom Technology

2020 saw tremendous change worldwide in practically Xicom’s Bobcat BUC every aspect of our lives and work. Comtech Xicom’s emphasis on flexibility provided the resilience to meet the challenge. At the end of 2019, the US economy and much of the global economy, was humming along with historically, low unemployment and solid capital investment across many industries, including satellite communications (SATCOM). As the US economy continued growing over the first months of 2020, a viral disease breaking out in China became the start of a global pandemic. The impact on our industry was felt when the DC-based Satellite 2020 show was shut down one day before schedule in March — people on business travel from all over the world were sent home. Comtech Xicom Technology, was exhibiting at this event and had just announced a slate of new products that were aimed at commercial and military SATCOM terminals and the company was looking at a big year filled with new opportunities. Comtech Xicom is based in Santa Clara, California, one of the first west coast counties to be “shut down” to limit spread of the coronavirus. Xicom management had to quickly determine the appropriate response and execute a plan. As part of the critical telecommunications industry, and a key supplier of US military communications equipment, Xicom was considered “essential” and reopened after implementing Xicom’s Falcon BUCs + SSPAs appropriate hygiene/distancing measures. All employees who could work from home immediately began to do so and only the workers needed in the factory for essential production were called back into the COVID-safe environment. Management’s ongoing attention to COVID-19 has prevented any community spread from occurring in the Xicom facility. The keys to Xicom successfully responding to this unprecedented situation have been to remain flexible and focused, focused on the safety and well-being of employees, suppliers and customers, as well as on the critical needs of customers for high quality, high performance SATCOM amplifiers. — and flexible in how challenges are met as they arise.

The Market Effect of the Pandemic Xicom’s Puma SSPAs + BUCs. As the world economy was pummeled, communications became more important than ever to people living and working at home in isolation as well as for essential businesses, chains interruptions from international trade/shipping and that were suddenly operating without in-person, business-to- customer/supplier communications, infusing the supply chain business interaction. with flexibility from top to bottom and maintaining focus on Demand for teleconferencing and entertainment services priorities allowed factories to keep running and development boomed as people found new ways to meet and work projects on schedule. Key growth market segments, such as together. SATCOM has always played an important role in new LEO systems, airborne and maritime connectivity as well telecommunications services and the industry performed well as new military SATCOM networks, were impacted more than by keeping services intact and growing. Despite some supply traditional fixed services.

SatMagazine Page 36 December 2020 LEO Systems The Comtech Xicom Response The nascent market in SATCOM equipment for LEO systems Xicom is a premier supplier of TWTA and SSPA amplifiers. got a shock early in 2020 as capital markets tightened Founded in 1991, the company has shipped more than 15,000 dramatically before they grudgingly returning to a more sober TWTAs as well as 12,000 GaAs and GaN SSPAs. state. Several planned systems are gone, and others are being Xicom’s approach has long been to offer the best rethought well into their execution phase. technology for any application by leveraging the flexibility of OneWeb entered bankruptcy and had trouble finding a offering tube-based and solid-state amplifiers across buyer — until acquired by the UK Government and Bharti Global frequency bands and power levels while adding a focus on (more info at this Satnews daily news link). However, large, innovation. Addressing both commercial and military markets internally funded systems by SpaceX and Amazon proceeded, increases resiliency in times of change. This enabled Xicom to lagged by the LEO offering from Telesat. All face the challenge adapt to shifts across market segments and served it well of creating a solid business case in current conditions. during this pandemic. Throughout 2020, Xicom invested in new products and Airborne and Maritime Mobility markets by developing a suite of technology building blocks Coronavirus created a near halt in both leisure and business that can take advantage of advances in device technology and travel, causing airborne in-flight connectivity (IFC) and cruise be used to quickly release new products. Flexible baseline connectivity segments to go from being the strongest growing, products are now released, and new products with high most profitable market segments to the source of significant commonality are being added. Focus on common designs financial instability generating bankruptcies, acquisitions, and enhances flexibility in the supply chain and manufacturing reorganizations. Cruise lines are shut down for 2020 and process to improve customer response time. beyond. The airborne market saw virtual stoppage of air travel which, although gradually coming back, won’t reach pre- Ka-band SSPAs for LEO Systems pandemic levels for at least another year. SATCOM operators LEO systems require many more gateways with lower uplink depended on lucrative fixed bandwidth IFC contracts, and IFC transmit power/gateway than GEO systems, resulting in high service provider revenue streams dropped to near zero. demand for low cost, high power, Ka-band SSPAs. Xicom focused on preparing for the launch of Ka-band Military/Government Mobile and Transportable LEO systems that occurred this year. With many custom Military SATCOM networks were in the midst of transformation requirements, Xicom added to the firm’s Puma solid-state GaN to address the realization that leased bent-pipe capacity no product line in 2020 with a suite of easy-to-build, high-power longer met the demands of global military operations when Ka-band GaN modules, waveguide designs to combine the personnel designing and procuring them were suddenly varying numbers of these modules, and extremely flexible working from home. upconverters accommodating many sub-band possibilities The initial, reduced level of communication and ability to within the 27.5-31.0 GHz Ka-band. Xicom enhanced their procure, verify, certify and field new equipment put significant performance to support new and innovative architectures delays into deployment timelines. Huge capacity that was using higher-order modulations. leased globally to support US and partner forces had massive annual costs and limited efficiency; the military also needed SPA/BUCs for Airborne Mobility increased mobility while communicating, enhanced security, Xicom responded to the expanding use of Ka-band in airborne and greater network resiliency. IFC by establishing the Falcon airborne product line and adding multiple DO-160-certified Ka-band SSPA/BUC products to their established Ku-band commercial airborne products. Xicom is adding flexibility by expanding available options for power levels, frequency sub-bands, and other features. A main focus for Xicom during 2020 was to develop plans to ramp production quickly to meet customer demands has From left to right: been crucial to Xicom’s ongoing success today and tomorrow. • Rack ­mount TWTAs with integrated touch screen control • Antenna­ and feed­mount, solid­state SSPAs and BUCs for commercial xicomtech.com SATCOM and military • Full line of antenna­mount TWTAs for SATCOM • New, solid­state, certified in­cabin and out­of­cabin airborne solutions

SatMagazine Page 37 December 2020 A Time to Build

The arrival of the novel coronavirus in March of 2020 changed the world. At the same time, my world was also changing as Comtech Telecommunications promoted me to President of the Xicom Technology division. It has been an extraordinary year for me to say the least. While transitioning into a new role, all the challenges a global pandemic presented made me appreciate the talented, adaptable, and forward-thinking team at Comtech Xicom.

Having initial COVID protocols in place before the virus spread was deemed a pandemic, allowed us to quickly adjust as new safety practices were required to operate as an essential business and keep our employees safe. This kind of forward thinking has been a pillar on which Xicom continues to build.

During this year, we have seen market segments like airborne and mobility, collapse, while other areas such as GEO, HTS, LEO and MEO constellations prospered. Having a robust, adaptable, and diverse product line of TWTAs, BUCs and SSPAs is required to ensure long term success and is Xicom’s focus.

Since joining the Xicom team 5 years ago, we have taken a closer look at how we design and build our products. Creating an environment of continuous improvement has paid dividends over the past few years, particularly with a decline in warranty repair rates and an improvement in first pass yields. Neither of these successes could be accomplished without great employees and a solid business system.

Continuing to build on our solid technological foundations and infrastructure will propel us into the next generations of HPAs and BUCs. For example, we have built and continue to invest in a state-of-the art chip-and-wire assembly area to design our own chip-level circuits in order to maximize performance and adapt to new challenges. This capability not only gives us the most efficient design with the latest devices but also allows us to be the first to market with the next generation of devices. We also utilize an in-house machine shop to make high- performance and broad band combining networks in the smallest packages possible. Having these capabilities, coupled with extremely talented engineers and advanced analysis tools enables the creation of cost effective, compact, and highly manufacturable power amplifiers and BUCs.

One of the challenges in staying ahead of the competition is being able to aggressively adapt our product line as needs change and new technology becomes available. Just as we predicted the COVID shutdowns, we can predict advancements in RF components and be ready as new technology emerges. The versatility of the common building blocks used in our products Xicom’s chip and wire clean room. allows us to quickly realize and adapt to changes in technology. We are already the leading amplifier supplier at Q-band and V-band, and we are making investments to increase our capability to 50GHz and beyond.

While the novel coronavirus dealt the world economy a heavy blow, we look forward to the opportunities the recovery brings. Xicom is excited to continue to lead the industry into the next chapter in satellite communications and meet the market demands by supplying cutting edge solutions and technology.

Author Mark Schmeichel

is the President of

Comtech Xicom

Technology and has 25+ years of experience in RF amplifier,

RF systems, electronics, power electronics and mechanical

engineering, in the telecom and SATCOM industries at both

large and small companies that have included Motorola, Andrew, MCL (Miteq)

and Teledyne.

SatMagazine Page 38 December 2020 Space is Dynamic.

Now the ground system is too.

Introducing OpenSpace from Kratos, the first software-defined ground system.

With OpenSpace, ground functions that once took weeks to implement manually now take minutes, making systems more agile and able to respond to changes in demand, threat and supply instantly.

• Instantiate Services on Demand • Execute Just-in-Time Deployments • Automate Complex Network Configurations • Manage Multi-satellite, Multi-orbit Operations

OpenSpace is a giant leap forward in enterprise-grade satellite ground network technology that brings advances in software-defined networking (SDN) to support satellite operators in the evolving dynamic space.

READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT™ Learn more at www.KratosDefense.com/OpenSpace

Space is Dynamic - October 2020.indd 1 10/23/2020 8:53:06 AM Year in Review: D-Orbit

The year 2020 marked a turning point for the first orbital transportation company D-Orbit and the entire space sector. Despite the many challenges posed by the global pandemic, the company experienced another year of growth and achievements, confirming as a well- respected, dependable, and sought-after player with innovative product portfolio and a space-proven groundbreaking technology. D-Orbit is a commercial space company with a clear vision: offering in-space servicing and transportation to enable profitable business and human expansion in a sustainable Artistic rendition of the D­Orbit ION Satellite Carrier performing in space. space. The firm’s solutions cover the entire lifecycle of a space D­Orbit intergration of the mission, including manufacturing, launch and last mile delivery Planet SuperDove satellites in orbit, mission control, and end-of-life decommissioning. for the VV16 mission. Over the past three years, the company has developed in- house ION Satellite Carrier, an innovative space cargo vehicle able to host a batch of satellites and release each of them in the precise orbital slot. The satellite platform features a fully configurable and scalable dispenser of cubesats or smallsats with a total 160 kg of mass. Unlike traditional dispensers mounted on the upper stage of a launch vehicle, ION Satellite Carrier can operate as a “last mile delivery” vehicle, able to release each satellite individually following a command from the ground. Most importantly, the platform can perform orbital maneuvers between each release, enabling deployment schemes previously unavailable to smaller satellites with no internal propulsion. ION enables satellite operators to save up to 85 percent time from launch to operations — and that means revenues — and up to 40 percent on the total constellation launch costs. Furthermore, ION can transport any type of payloads: after the satellite's delivery phase, innovative technologies or special payloads can be tested in orbit during the In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation mission phase, thereby reaching the technology readiness level (TRL) 9 that is required to enter into market or to gain the proof of concept status . The D-Orbit IOD/IOV service reduces the time usually required for technology validation on-orbit by as much as 70 percent

and costs by up to 80 percent. Screen capture of D­Orbit’s AURORA’s cloud­based, mission control software

Success of the ORIGIN Mission Between September 25 and October 28, ION successfully The biggest achievement for the company in 2020 was the released the 12 Planet SuperDove satellites it hosted success of the ORIGIN mission, the maiden flight of ION onboard, following the deployment plan agreed upon with the Satellite Carrier. client. Thanks to its innovative strategy, called Fast Dispersion, After several delays, on September 3, 2020, an D-Orbit’s satellite carrier managed to distribute the spacecraft Arianespace Vega rocket lifted-off from the Vega Launch along the orbit in about four weeks, cutting the time required Complex (SLV) in Kourou, French Guiana, with ION SCV for an even distribution by 85 percent and enabling the client LUCAS aboard, on the VV16 Small Spacecraft Mission Service to start operations far sooner than could have been possible (SSMS) Flight. with a traditional approach.

SatMagazine Page 40 December 2020 The mission also allowed the company to field-test AURORA, The Eutelsat contract was the proprietary, cloud mission control software suite. Unlike followed by others during other mission control solutions, AURORA does not require the following weeks, complex, expensive or long-lasting configurations; however, it completing the booking can be automatically self-configured by the user — even on of the December 2020 different types of satellites and can safely work with several ION mission, filling 70 ground stations network. percent of the June 2021 D-Orbit mission control software platform runs also in the mission and partially cloud and can be securely operated from anywhere in the filling the September and world through a responsive web interface that is compatible December 2021 missions. with all devices. This feature, combined with a flexible pay- Finally, D-Orbit UK, per-use pricing structure, enables even smaller operators to the British branch of D- establish a powerful mission control center that suits the needs Orbit, was contracted by of their mission with no need to invest in hardware or the UK Space Agency expensive software developments. (UKSA) to develop new D­Orbit’s D­Raise compact, independent, solid propulsion system optimized for commissioning approaches to tracking maneuvers of full­electric satellite platforms. Funding and Contracts satellites and debris in Other news enriched this surely unique year for the company. orbit. The awarded project will demonstrate how standard In March, during the worst pandemic moment, NEVA equipment of ION Satellite Carrier, like the cameras of its star F.I.R.S.T., a corporate venture capital investment vehicle, led trackers devices, can be used to detect objects in space and a $10 million investment round and, in October, a 15 million offer enhanced services to tackle space debris. euros financing tranche for D-Orbit from the European Investment Bank (EIB) marked the first time that the Coming Soon organization funded a space firm. The funding will be used to 2020 has been a memorable year that has required D-Orbit to back development activities for market expansion and to face new challenges and to deal with the unpredictable, while enhance the production capability of the company in view of enjoying with even more intensity the company’s successes. the ION Satellite Carrier missions planned for 2021. D-Orbit is now looking toward the future, getting ready for During the same month, D-Orbit announced the signing PULSE, the second ION Satellite Carrier mission that will fly of a launch service agreement with Swedish-British small aboard a SpaceX rideshare mission on a Falcon 9 rocket in satellite manufacturer AAC Clyde Space that covers the December of 2020. The mission will test an upgraded version launch and deployment of two Eutelsat LEO for Objects of the satellite carrier with enhanced propulsion capabilities (ELO) 6U cubesats. The spacecraft, developed and built by that will enable the spacecraft to perform more complex AAC Clyde Space, will launch in 2021. orbital maneuvers between each release. The satellite carrier, named ION SCV LAURENTIUS, will also host third party payloads and perform on-orbit validation and demonstration activities.

www.dorbit.space

Author Luca

Rossettini is the

Founder and Chief

Executive Officer

of D-Orbit.

Artistic rendition of an Eutelsat LEO for Objects smallsat on­orbit, courtesy of AAC Clyde Space.

SatMagazine Page 41 December 2020 Year in Review: Deploy Solutions

Deploy Solutions’ vision is to build a world where every need for “space apps” — software applications that use space organization can use software apps powered by space data, such as EO imagery (often in conjunction with other data. The firm develops innovative big data and cloud sources of data). software applications for organizations worldwide. However, managing this data and building downstream Incorporated in 2016, the privately held, boot-strapping space apps is incredibly complex, time-consuming, and Canadian startup initially focused on software projects and expensive — meaning that it remains a struggle to achieve the product management. In 2018, however, Founder and CEO full potential of space data and get this data into the hands of Nick Kellett was inspired by his lifelong interest in space end users. The market lacks a way to quickly and reliably build exploration and his involvement in organizing Space Apps software which meet the business needs and provides useable Ottawa (the local version of the prestigious NASA insights from space data to end users. International Space Apps Hackathon) to pivot into the By January of 2020, Deploy Solutions had decided to space industry. address this need. In March and April, while serving as a The company began extensive market research to subcontractor, the company architected and built a prototype determine how best to do that. Supported by Satellite EO image processing pipeline in the Amazon Web Services Canada Innovation Network with government assistance, the (AWS) cloud for a Canadian government client. The prototype company explored upstream and downstream market featured push-button deployment, a precursor to the software opportunities related to Earth Observation (EO) and climate factory approach Deploy is now pioneering. change themes before identifying its market niche. At the same time, the COVID pandemic began to hit The company recognized that growing space sector Canada. Looking for a distraction as well as to expand his activity and the severity of climate change impacts as well as network into the United Kingdom, Kellett began attending the the COVID invasion means that there is an ever-increasing fun and informal virtual “space bars” hosted by UK-based

Nick Kellett’s Space Apps RAD code screenshot.

SatMagazine Page 42 December 2020 space marketing and strategic specialists AstroAgency — that As a result of the research (which is published at this direct firm assisted with the rebranding of the company to suit its link), the company has confirmed there is a critical new direction. With their help, Deploy Solutions officially communication gap between government officials, scientists relaunched as a space apps development company at the and experts (“trusted authorities”), and ordinary citizens. They GeoIgnite 2020 Online conference in July. Deploy believe a solution is needed to overcome this communication immediately set about achieving its aims, increasing its gap and spur effective action at the individual and community headcount in July from two full time employees to nine staff grassroots level. and beginning to build its unique software factory technology. Using their software factory approach and technology, the In early 2021, the minimal, viable product of the space company has now started to build a prototype that could help software app factory will be available. Deploy then intends to during a flood disaster and is currently arranging follow-up market software solutions built using the factory approach to interviews with Canadian NGO and citizens to identify the both the UK and Canadian geographies. Partnerships are a requirements needed in the prototype. key element of Deploy’s go-to-market strategy, which is Deploy Solutions is also forming partnerships in the currently exploring and forming numerous innovation Canadian and UK GIS and environmental communities to partnerships with companies in the geospatial and academic assist with the prototype, which it hopes to demonstrate at the sectors in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe. 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference Part of Deploy’s ethos is to provide strong support for in Glasgow. experiential learning, open source development, and the In a year as unsettled as 2020, Deploy Solutions has been space community. This October, the company helped to proud to grow its own business as weil as to also provide a organize the fourth annual Space Apps Ottawa event. Due to great learning experience for students, has contributed to the the COVID restrictions, this year marked the first time the tight-knit space sector and joined the crucial struggle to event was entirely virtual. This made event planning extremely mitigate the impacts of climate change. challenging but also offered the opportunity and incentive to As the world prepares for 2021, Deploy Solutions is poised work closely with the organizers in other Canadian cities, as to roll out its innovative space software factory, moving one well as the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) which provided step closer to a world where quality space software makes plentiful support. Even though everyone attended remotely, space data accessible to all. COVID ultimately created a more tight-knit Canadian space apps hackathon identity than ever before. www.deploy.solutions Deploy has also been conducting a massive, ongoing project to identify how software can help reduce or mitigate Author Nick the impacts of climate change. Over the past 18 months, the Kellett has company has enlisted the help of more than 100 students in taken 20 academic institutions across Canada, the USA and Australia advantage of his programming skills to live to perform detailed technical and market research in topics and work around the world while following ranging from the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to mine PDF developments in the space sector for nearly files for climate disaster guidance, to the use of gamification 30 years. With technical expertise, business to encourage citizens to act. As a way of thanking the students credentials, and a passion for space, Nick helps businesses do and showcasing their work, the company has launched a great things with space data. As well as his technical expertise, he “Thank You” website. has been writing online about space exploration since 2013 on This spring, as part of the climate change research — his personal blog. and undeterred by the COVID-19 outbreak— Deploy conducted Zoom interviews with 115 Canadians across all provinces and territories. The interviewees included officials from the three level of Canadian government, faith-based organizations, businesses, Non-Governmental Organizations, and ordinary citizens.

SatMagazine Page 43 December 2020 Year in Review: Exolaunch

Hitchhiking through the Galaxy used to be associated solely with the title of an ingenious literary comedy. Nowadays, it could be the founding principle for a serious space business with a bright future: rideshare. Two well-known major trends are crossbreeding and proliferating each other. First, satellites are getting ever smaller, lighter and less expensive. Components, from propulsion systems to batteries and instruments, are miniaturized, allowing spacecraft or probes of any size to be tailored to the needs of people who would have never dreamt of operating their own satellite or probe mission a couple of years ago. Artistic rendition of Exolaunch smallsats on­orbit. Image is courtesy of the company. The second trend is that rockets are becoming smaller, lighter, smarter, and less expensive — they are departing from the world’s launch pads almost weekly. They can deliver a few ton giant into geostationary orbit more cost effectively; and smaller launchers can deliver smaller payloads to orbit for less than $10 million. It’s all about scale: by reusing rockets, SpaceX soon wants to achieve an unprecedented launch cadence. It is easy to imagine that such disruptions and accelerations fundamentally change the equation for any kind of space Exolaunch’s CarboNIX next gen deployment system for smallsats. endeavor. Some call it the democratization of space; people can build payloads and launch them into orbit at a tiny fraction of the former cost. Smallsats, comprised of cubesats, microsats, nanosats, all standardized and miniaturized as well as at low cost and scalable certainly indicate space is becoming ubiquitous. Low Earth Orbit (LEO), five hundred kilometers above the Earth, is becoming a broad highway for thousands of satellites ranging in size from a refrigerator to a shoebox. The global smallsat launch revolution is underway — and it is unstoppable. However, a smallsat cannot simply use a small rocket. Payloads must be stacked and become rather crowded... this

is where a rideshare comes into the launch picture. Exolaunch integrates a smallsat into EXOpod. Exolaunch recognized this fact early-on. When Exolaunch was founded in 2013, as a spinoff from Technische Universität (TU) Berlin, SpaceX in California launched their first Falcon 9 vehicle from the Vandenberg, California, pad. The proliferation of the space launch industry was already on the horizon. For Exolaunch, the evolving business case was clear and the firm developed their rideshare business from scratch. To date, Exolaunch has delivered 110 smallsats into orbit — roughly one fifth of the entire global, commercial smallsat launch market. Exolaunch worked with launchers with pads in French Guiana, New Zealand, Kazakhstan, and Florida, partnering on Falcon 9, Soyuz, PSLV, and Electron vehicles. The company is planning to join forces with several new launchers that are coming into play soon.

Exolaunch integrates smallsats with the launch vehicle.

SatMagazine Page 44 December 2020 Exolaunch provides solutions for the new space industry’s we work with our customers to tackle ever more frequent and leaders and space agencies, including Spire Global, extreme weather events in this era of Climate Change,” stated NanoAvionics, Planet, Kepler Communications, Omnispace, a global data and analytics specialist, for whom Exolaunch Loft Orbital, DLR, the UAE Space Agency, multiple European delivered nearly one-third of its fleet into space. universities, and many others. Exolaunch “is accommodating to the rapid shifts and Even COVID-19 could not halt the company from changes that often accompany our work as a new space accelerating their business and turning the rideshare business company,” the IoT provider Kepler Communications stated. into a flywheel. In early 2020, Exolaunch announced its first “Not only do they provide deployment systems with a solid launch agreement with SpaceX to fly multiple payloads on flight heritage, but their flexibility towards offering the most Falcon 9, as part of SpaceX’s newly introduced SmallSat suitable launch solutions is extremely valuable to our company Rideshare Program. The company also announced plans to and customers, added the nanosatellite bus manufacturer and launch with Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which mission integrator, NanoAvionics. has placed nearly 300 smallsats, public and private, into LEO Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) sees the cooperation with or Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) since 2013. Exolaunch as “the beginning of a new era, where the space In June and August of 2020, Exolaunch delivered their domain is transformed into a commercial market in Europe.” newly developed CarboNIX, shock-free, separation systems And Virgin Orbit added, “(We) are naturally aligned in our to deploy six SkySat microsatellites for Planet — the first time ambitions to launch the global small satellite revolution, which that SpaceX’s Starlink satellites had co-passengers on that necessitates low-cost, high-frequency access to space. Europe firm’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle. is on the cutting edge of science and technology when it In late September, Exolaunch managed the “Wanderlust” comes to small satellites, and we’re very motivated to provide (Desire to Travel) mission on a Soyuz rocket and deployed 15 our unique launch capabilities to this rapidly growing market.” satellites. The mission became a stellar example of next generation, customized, on-orbit transportation because it What’s Next? demonstrated that Exolaunch is able to handle a large number With a recently announced multi-launch agreement with of diverse payloads on a single launch as well as to bring each SpaceX and multiple upcoming missions on SpaceX’s Falcon of them to their specific, individuals target orbit, via the 9, part of SpaceX’s SmallSat Rideshare program, Exolaunch is advanced in-space transportation system. again changing the pace, gearing up for the first dedicated To meet client needs, Exolaunch has developed an entire rideshare mission with 30 smallsats from Exolaunch customers range of precise and reliable rideshare services in the firm’s on board Falcon 9 — this launch is scheduled for January of labs, without external financing or outside investment. With a 2021. Similar missions are to follow throughout 2021. The team composed of enthusiastic experts and engineers who are company also decided to increase their footprint and are an average age of 30 years in age, the company has continued planning to deploy their first US office. to deliver innovative products, all the while delivering “Our upcoming program is another game-changer for the exceptional results for a broad client base. rideshare launch industry,” said Jeanne Medvedeva, the Vice A cornucopia of cutting-edge technologies, “Made in President of Launch Services at Exolaunch. “We are able to offer Germany,” created and tested in-house in its own, certified our customers ever more flexible and cost-effective solutions facilities, include Exolaunch’s cubesat deployment system and, with every step we make, further expand access to space.” called EXOpod and a microsatellite shock-free separation system named CarboNIX, “the lowest-shock and lowest- The rideshare revolution is definitely going full speed ahead. tumbling separation system ever used in space.” The aim is to www.exolaunch.com reduce the risk of damaging extremely sensitive optical and electronic payloads, guaranteeing safe operational conduct Author Jeanne and aspiring to the highest space sustainability levels. All of Medvedeva is the this is coordinated by EXObox, the deployment sequencer Vice President of that provides for the precise and safe separation of clusters of Launch Services at as many as 50 smallsats into their target orbits. Exolaunch. She has worked with multiple Exolaunch’s customers are outspoken about the quality, launch vehicles and rideshare missions and effectiveness, and flexibility of these fully integrated value chains. has helped to facilitate the launch of more than 170 smallsats for “Exolaunch has been instrumental in enabling Spire to set commercial companies, space agencies, government entities and the industry standard in the commercial aerospace sector as scientific institutions. a Contact: [email protected].

SatMagazine Page 45 December 2020 Year in Review: Gilat Satellite Networks There is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affected 2020, and its economic impact was felt both globally and locally. However, like others, Gilat has learned to conduct business with the pandemic and has seen some very significant accomplishments in the second half of the year. Often project execution was particularly challenging due to the pandemic, nevertheless Gilat's local teams and partners excelled in timely deployment in difficult rural terrains. Particularly commendable were Gilat's local teams and partners in Latin America supporting nationwide enterprise applications, delivering broadband connectivity to the most remote sites in Peru and Argentina. This article will focus primarily Gilat connecting remote sites in North America. on Gilat's 2020 remarkable success in the Cellular Backhaul over satellite segment and touch on progress in the ground segment for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) constellations, and In-Flight Connectivity (IFC), as well as summarize notable technical achievements reached over the past year.

Market Leadership in Cellular Backhaul over Satellite Gilat continues to lead the industry in cellular backhaul over satellite reaching 44 percent market-share in modem shipments according to a report by industry analyst NSR, 2020. In addition, Gilat continued to excel achieving above 80 percent market-share in satellite backhaul for 4G/LTE installations worldwide, with this superiority even furthered by impressive 5G technical achievements. Gilat's strategy of providing the cellular backhaul over satellite solution as a managed- service has proven successful and is beneficial to MNOs in order to expedite connectivity and get the most out of Gilat's VSAT systems. Gilat offers complete, integrated solutions that includes satellite connectivity, fully managed services, remote network operation, call center support and hub and field operations. An end-to-end managed-service solution allows the MNOs to focus on their core competency and leave the satellite transport to the satellite experts. The MNO benefits dramatically Gilat's satellite know-how and rural operational expertise from depending on one vendor for all its satellite backhauling positions Gilat as an excellent choice for turn-key projects as needs, including the satellite capacity and SLAs. There is a evidenced with significant 2020 awards: Gilat won several large substantial cost and time advantage when a single team handles managed-service deals, which included new MNOs as well as both the Radio and VSAT needs. This enables a single install visit substantial contract renewals, extensions, and expansions. per site, single maintenance visit, and single accountability. In North America, Gilat had two major achievements this The MNO's involvement is only in specifying the quarter. Gilat was awarded a large multi-year managed-service requirements, the service level agreement and key contract-renewal and expansion from a Tier-1 MNO in the performance indicators, as well as the required site locations United States. With this, Gilat became the MNO's sole vendor and the schedule. to provide end-to-end services for LTE backhauling and disaster-recovery while replacing existing satellite technologies. This significant contract was awarded to Gilat due to its proven managed service expertise and unmatched LTE over satellite technology.

SatMagazine Page 46 December 2020 Gilat has also demonstrated unparalleled capabilities in the following three dimensions: technology, delivery and operation. Gilat’s superior technology ensures the required user experience and enables a smooth transition to 5G, while the delivery and day-to-day operational needs were met consistently and professionally. In addition, Gilat was awarded a three-year managed service contract by Southern Linc, a fully owned subsidiary of Southern Company, for coverage to remote areas as well as emergency response. The agreement will enable Southern Linc to use satellite transmission for backhaul services when established networks are unavailable. Gilat satellite installations will be used to extend cellular coverage for voice and high-speed data services in remote and terrestrially challenged areas and in areas affected by severe weather. Gilat will also provide backup for terrestrial aggregation sites and an underlining level of monitoring and support for Southern Linc’s large-scale LTE network. To win this project, Gilat demonstrated an unprecedented technical achievement and was the only vendor to answer Southern Linc’s stringent reliability requirements, including MPLS support. Gilat services will provide transparent and simplified accelerated backhauling over satellite as well as enterprise and 4G cellular traffic over MPLS. These services coupled with Gilat’s patented GTP acceleration technology are delivered with Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c platform. More than 10 countries enjoy connectivity over the AMN network. In addition, Gilat continued to expand its global presence with a managed service deal with a leading MNO in Mexico. Throughout 2020, Gilat has been working closely with SES to Multiple equipment Gilatdeals connec wereti closedng remote including sites in Northwith AMN America. develop the platform for O3b mPOWER with the common goal (Africa Mobile Networks), which extended Gilat's contract for of bringing to market unparalleled customer experience in all Africa's largest cellular backhaul network over satellite. AMN’s target verticals. In the third quarter this year, the O3b mPower network enabled by Gilat’s technology serves multiple Tier-1 partnership with SES was expanded with a follow-on order for Telcos in over ten countries throughout Africa. Another high-speed modems. Gilat's modems will deliver multi-gigabit important contract was secured with Kcell, Kazakhstan's largest throughput, targeting high-end services over the constellation. Mobile Network Operator. Gilat will provide connectivity starting with hundreds of rural villages, in partnership with IFC Hit by Pandemic — Emerging Stronger Kazakhstan’s recognized service provider, TelService LTD, to Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the satisfy the “Digital Kazakhstan” government program. global aviation market, Gilat has not changed its overall mobility strategy. Gilat expects that upon industry recovery, NGSO and VHTS – Becoming a Reality IFC will be even more important as passengers who, At the end of 2019, Gilat marked an outstanding achievement throughout the pandemic, came to rely heavily on an always- reaching a major landmark in fulfillment of its strategy to be a connected experience will continue to demand reliable significant ground player in the VHTS and NGSO constellation high-speed Internet connections. market. SES selected Gilat's multi-orbit GEO/NGSO platform Furthermore, Gilat believes that the introduction of for its revolutionary mPOWER Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) widespread, free WIFI will significantly increase take-up rates constellation. Gilat was selected for its technological innovation and provide a strong tailwind to the industry, and Gilat. Gilat and proven track record worldwide. The innovative ground is working closely with its customers and partners to enable network design significantly reduces the cost per bit, provides them to meet the expected increase in bandwidth best-in-class spectral efficiency, and demonstrates a step-change requirements, and passenger connectivity demands. in modem performance, all vital for revolutionary multi-terabit In China, Gilat announced this past summer an important high-performance constellations such as mPOWER. milestone as a driver of the opening-up of the Chinese Ka-

SatMagazine Page 47 December 2020 GTP acceleration, at times showing results better than the Gilat’s CBH technology. terrestrial connection. With this successful test, Gilat has declared Gilat's cellular backhaul solution operational and ready for implementation in the 5G architecture. The third technological milestone was achieved with Gilat’s first-to-flight Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) terminal providing IFC in test flights over GEO and NGSO constellations. The demonstration showed high performance and instantaneous Ka-band switchovers between and operating on Telesat’s Phase 1 LEO satellite and its Anik-F3 GEO satellite, onboard Honeywell’s Boeing 757 commercial test aircraft, across several flight tests. These three achievements are examples that further validate Gilat’s proven technological superiority and are further testimony to Gilat's band for In-flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) industry leadership and innovation. market. The announcement was made with Gilat's partners China Satcom and FTS, a leading Chinese system integrator Concluding 2020 — Light at the End of the Tunnel who received the STC/VSTC for IFEC earlier this year. Gilat’s The COVID-19 pandemic has had severe consequences on so aero modem, Taurus, is powering IFEC service to China’s many aspects of people's lives and continues to take a toll on Qingdao Airlines. The Qingdao Airlines’ A320 aircraft has much more than their physical health. Communication therefore, started to provide SATCOM based IFEC commercial service, now is more important than ever as social distancing is required, after a very successful flight from Qingdao to Chengdu on July and travel is prohibitive. Especially these days, Gilat is proud to 7, 2020, with its IFEC system formally open to the passengers lead the industry in delivering broadband connectivity over for the first time. As of this writing, there are more than 3,500 satellite to ensure that critical communication is available to all. commercial aircraft operating in China and this aircraft is the Gilat is cautiously optimistic that 2021 will bring a global first one retrofitted with a Ka-band IFEC system. economic recovery and expect that Gilat will continue to lead in the IFC, CBH, Broadband and VHTS/NGSO market Outstanding Technological Achievements segments, powered by its outstanding technology. On the technology front, Gilat marked in 2020 three major industry milestones: First, Gilat released its flagship Capricorn www.gilat.com PLUS VSAT, achieving the remarkable performance of half a Gigabit of concurrent speeds enabling service with maximum Author Doreet Oren is efficiency for data-intensive applications such as 5G the Director of Product backhauling, maritime and enterprise. In addition, built-in Marketing and support for Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) Corporate infrastructure enables next-generation edge services, such as Communications for video caching and IoT gateways. Gilat Satellite Networks. She has been in this The second technological achievement, of carrying 5G role since 2012 and has been responsible for defining product traffic with outstanding performance, was demonstrated by positioning, messaging, go-to-market strategies, market research, Gilat during the third quarter this year. Gilat believes that and analyst relations. Doreet has more than 20 years of industry 400/100 Mbps' recorded results to/from the 5G handset are experience, and has held management positions in R&D, product unique in the industry. The live demonstrations took place with management and product marketing, for international high-tech two MNOs over Thaicom’s IPSTAR GEO satellite. Using a 5G companies. In this capacity she contributed to next generation handset, a large number of applications including: Browsing, product definition and was responsible for delivering the Speedtest, Youtube 4K, VoLTE, ViLTE, Virtual Reality, company’s vision to the media and analyst community. Oren has Augmented Reality and even communication with a drone published thought leadership articles in renowned international providing a live video stream, were tested with excellent results. journals, and has spoken at numerous industry conferences The tests were done with several 5G architecture options, worldwide. She received a BSc in Computer Science from George including Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA), using Washington University. Gilat’s Capricorn PLUS with an adaptation of Gilat's patented

SatMagazine Page 48 December 2020 SatNews CONNECTIONS ON EARTH FOR CONNECTIONS IN SPACE

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SatMagazine | MilsatMagazine | SatNews.com Year in Review: Global Surface Intelligence Global Surface Intelligence (GSI) is an Edinburgh (Scotland)-based geospatial and data services company that was founded in 2013 to provide machine learning and predictive analytics for large and complex data sets. It specialises in analysing remote sensing (satellite) data to solve real business problems in new ways within its target markets of forestry, carbon sequestration and real estate. During the last 12 months, GSI has measured over 100 million acres of commercial forestry, real estate and carbon resources across the world with a focus in the USA & Canada. It’s main customers are the market leaders in sustainable carbon finance, real estate, forest funds and government. The Company has had to carefully review its business During the second half of 2020 GSI was granted the operations and costs to protect and preserve its position registration of a US patent on the application of machine during the COVID pandemic. It explored, and took receipt, of learning to remote sensing (from satellite) data analysis various grant-funded programmes which were made available techniques; this is first of its kind in the US market. It gives the by both the Scottish and UK governments to support GSI Company both a significant technical advantage in its chosen during this very difficult period. marketplace and a strong and defensible competitive position. Despite these unprecedented circumstances, GSI has had, One explanation for this level of success lies with GSI’s use of on balance, a positive year continuing the good progress and remote assets — in this case satellites — which are well triple digit growth achieved in both 2018 and 2019; this has positioned to compete with the more traditional and more been largely based on the Company’s focus on the commercial costly methods currently deployed in the forestry industry like forestry market for both surveying and the associated carbon aerial photography, on-board drone sensors and manpower discovery opportunities. It has continued with the closure of and ground based reference data collection. Satellite data and contracts in its core North American markets of USA and GSI’s analysis ready data provide the customers with three Canada; here, it has retained and expanded revenue with its critical disruptive capabilities: firstly, an ability to survey much largest customer; captured a landmark and significant new larger areas of forestry in a more environmentally conscious customer in North East USA which was as a result of referral of way than the more traditional methods of measurement, such acknowledged forestry experts; this has helped to build our as through the use of aircraft or “boots on the ground”. emerging reputation as a leading provider of forest measurement and monitoring. Outside of North America, GSI has closed sales on ForestMind, a co-funded project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and major UK-based food retailer Sainsburys, to investigate the provenance of international food supply chains; and a UK Space Agency funded project with another Edinburgh company, Omanos Analytics, to support a Kenyan Geothermal Survey project. The core team in Edinburgh has been increased in 2020 with addition of additional environmental and data science resources and forestry expertise in Canada. This has been underpinned by the acquisition of key personnel for the further development of the cloud based (Amazon Web Services) machine learning applications knowledge on cloud/AWS.

The journey starts 40,000 miles away in space.

SatMagazine Page 50 December 2020 More than 7.08 billion people live on planet Earth with 12.2 billion hectares of biologically productive land and water.

Secondly, it provides the key information relating to tree species and breast diameter demanded by the forestry GSI’s range of products measure these natural resources. owners; and thirdly, GSI is able to deliver this data at a per cent per acre cost versus a per dollar per acre rate. levels of growth achieved in previous years as the company GSI is one of a growing number of downstream space moves into 2021. applications companies based in Scotland and in the wider vibrant and growing Scottish space sector. Scotland has a www.surfaceintelligence.com unique space ecosystem which fits within the accepted definition of “new space” and has an organic cluster that has Author Peter developed – and continues to develop — primarily along a 40 Young has mile corridor in central Scotland. more than 25 Being able to leverage and play our part in this fast growing years’ experience in the space sector as an European space hub allows GSI to take advantage of a industry leader and senior manager. As CEO business environment that is fully supported and promoted by of Telespazio VEGA, one of the UK’s largest both Scottish and UK government and in fact, rather than being space services companies, he gained a thorough understanding hindered due to the challenges of 2020, is being positioned to of the European and world space markets. He has built a play a key role in the post-pandemic ‘bounce back’. portfolio of industry positions that include Co-Founder the This combination of a strong, well-supported base Scottish Space Leadership Council (SSLC) and Executive combined with a growing, international addressable market has Chairman of Global Surface Intelligence. He is deeply engaged ensured that GSI is well-equipped to make it through such a by the challenge of how satellite data and analytics can be used difficult year and the firm is well-placed to return to the high to realistically support the increasing number of climate action and sustainability initiatives.

See the world differently.

SatMagazine Page 51 December 2020 Year in Review ICEYE 2020 has been an exciting year for ICEYE, the global leader in smallsat, synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) technology. This year was characterized by remarkable developments and innovations in technology, new SAR capabilities and products, partnerships, growth of personnel, and the closing of an extraordinary, oversubscribed funding round. ICEYE has been continuously growing and is established as a global leader in small satellite SAR technology and imaging services. ICEYE designs, manufactures and operates its SAR satellites in-house, including SAR products and services. The company’s growth in 2020 includes the nearly Artistic rendition of an ICEYE­X2 SAR smallsat on­orbit. doubling of our employee count, increasing our number of Image is courtesy of the company. satellites in orbit, new cutting-edge SAR satellite technologies, new SAR imaging products as well as new strategic partnerships. While 2020 has seen global turmoil, looking back at an entire range of new developments offers a sense of optimism for 2021.

Secured Funding This year, ICEYE raised a remarkable amount of $87 million in Series C funding from a wide base of both US and European investors. To date, ICEYE has received a total of $152 million in financing. What has continued to invite interest from the financial community is ICEYE’s strong business and operational ICEYE SAR detail. model. The company has been in the unique position that our two more are scheduled to join the company’s constellation by financing round was significantly larger than originally planned, year’s end. ICEYE is currently capable of manufacturing SAR which is a powerful sign of trust from the investors. This round satellites at a rate of one each month, with plans to expand of investment ensures the growth of ICEYE’s SAR satellite manufacturing into the US. Every newly launched satellite constellation in 2021, with the revisit rate goal of multiple consists of the latest state-of-the-art technology available. times each day for any location on Earth. This funding is especially noteworthy as it occurred during Demo of SAR Imaging Capabilities the economically turbulent year of 2020. Despite the new The ICEYE SAR satellites continue to go through an challenges facing the aerospace industry, ICEYE was able to unprecedented development cycle for achieving new imaging achieve its goals and continuously grow its satellite capabilities. Recent demonstrations include SAR video, 25 cm constellation. Launch delays have affected the company’s resolution imaging and Interferometric SAR data examples. launch plans, with the good news that this seems to be getting SAR video is an innovative imaging and processing better as months roll forward. technique that can be used for advanced analysis of movement from a single satellite pass. SAR video is based on Continued Growth a technique that uses very-high-resolution SAR satellite This year, ICEYE has further developed and established its acquisition, where a SAR satellite is set to stare at an individual satellite maneuvering with electric propulsion on-orbit. In point location for an extended time of 20 seconds or more. addition to performing routine collision avoidance during This data acquisition can be turned into moving image 2021, ICEYE’s spacecraft were maneuvered to enable single sequences. These videos allow for further analysis of day, ground tracking, repeat capabilities. These capabilities movement over ground and maritime scenes that happen will be key to 2021’s efforts to enable interferometric data during an individual satellite pass. This on-orbit demonstration stacks, and coherent change detection. opens new use cases for data users for analyzing movement Overall, ICEYE has already successfully launched seven from the company’s SAR imagery. satellite missions; the first-ever, small SAR satellite was launched During 2020, ICEYE completed the development of a very in January of 2018. This year, ICEYE launched two satellites and high resolution SAR imaging capability of 25 cm for data users,

SatMagazine Page 52 December 2020 the finest classification of resolution available in the The rapid revisit of ICEYE’s commercial SAR satellite constellation commercial SAR market. With this new technology, ICEYE’s contributes to the Charter’s objective to respond effectively to smallsat constellation meets the same resolution class major disasters. To date, ICEYE has responded to a dozen provided by larger and more costly conventional, commercial requests to the International Disaster Charter with rapid tasking. SAR satellites operating at their highest performance. This year, ICEYE was also first in the world to demonstrate ICEYE’s Goals for 2021 interferometric capabilities from small SAR satellites. The ICEYE ICEYE’s goals for 2021 are to continue growing its commercial SAR satellite constellation will see its first, single day ground SAR satellite constellation to establish a global, daily ground track repeat demonstrations during 2021. This technology track revisit, to further advance its SAR satellite technology, allows data users to go deeper into coherent change detection, develop new image products, and expand in the US with generation of elevation models and subsidence monitoring. dedicated US manufacturing capabilities. The round of investment in 2020 ensures the continuation Considerable Advancements in Customer Services of ICEYE’s growth in 2021. ICEYE plans to increase the number ICEYE has continued to improve its lead time from customer of satellites in the constellation by at least 8 in 2021. The aim request to delivery in the shortest time possible. Additionally, is to operate a satellite constellation that enables multiple the company has established a global 24/7 customer service revisits each day for each point on earth and, in addition, a for data acquisitions and deliveries around the clock. The data daily ground-track repeat for coherent change detection. delivery process includes the steps for preparation and tasking During 2021, ICEYE is looking to demonstrate daily, coherent the satellite for an acquisition, image acquisition, data revisit at selected locations, with rapid expansion to cover the downlink, data processing, and delivery of data files. entire globe with new satellites. ICEYE has continued to improve each single step to ICEYE continues to invest in technological innovations for unprecedented speeds. Currently, an average data delivery satellites, analytics, solutions development, and SAR data time is under 3.5 hours from acquisition. For processing, the processing. The manufacturing of satellites continues, with company has achieved under 5 minute timelines from start of new satellite generations continually developed and moved data downlink to processed image being on a customer to manufacturing and to orbit. ICEYE plans further data system ready for use, with dedicated ground stations. improvements in reducing noise, improving imagery resolution, delivery timelines, and more. Release of Public Imagery Catalog In 2021, ICEYE will expand in the US, with additional ICEYE offered access to its rapidly growing Public Catalog of satellite manufacturing. This will include creating jobs in the radar satellite imagery that contains nearly 18,000 images from US, expanding US satellite manufacturing and production the firm’s satellites in various imaging modes taken with facilities, and developing a US satellite operations center. ICEYE’s SAR satellite constellation between mid-2019 and late- Additionally, ICEYE is going to strengthen US businesses by 2020. The ICEYE Public Catalog consists of preview images bringing the tremendous value of ICEYE SAR technologies to from around the world, which are released under CC BY-NC US government and commercial markets. ICEYE plans to 4.0 license, allowing for non-commercial use. manufacture and launch spacecraft in the US next year. The Catalog is provided as a downloadable file through This year has been a very successful one for growth and the ICEYE website and shows the locations and time of innovation, and ICEYE is looking forward to the great imaging for each thumbnail in the Catalog. The Public Catalog opportunities ahead for the SAR satellite market in 2021. does not contain the full archive of ICEYE imagery, as customer exclusivity applies in many cases. www.iceye.com

Contribution to the International Disaster Charter Author Rafal This year, ICEYE has become a partner in the International Modrzewski, Disasters Charter to provide free SAR data access for disaster CEO and Co- response. As such, ICEYE is now providing radar imaging data Founder of ICEYE, is responsible for from its commercial SAR satellite constellation to the overseeing the organization’s growth and International Charter Space and Major Disasters for use in implementing ICEYE’s overall vision. monitoring and response activities. ICEYE provides these images Modrzewski brings with him deep domain at no cost to the Charter’s Authorized Users to enable wider and expertise in engineering through his years as a researcher. more timely information access for disaster events worldwide.

SatMagazine Page 53 December 2020 Year in Review: Mission Microwave

Despite the effects of a global pandemic, the satellite ground terminal market continues to evolve with customers of Mission Microwave leading the way in ground terminal innovation and performance. Mission Microwave finishes 2020 with another consecutive year of growth and the addition of many new customers. No longer perceived as a young company, Mission’s customers have established the company as the de-facto leader Mission Microwave’s Ka product family: Titan, Javelin and Stinger. in Ku- and Ka-band Block Upconverters (BUCs) for tactical and high-performance SATCOM terminals. Mission’s strength at During the year, Mission was also able to fulfil another meeting or exceeding customer’s expectations has continued customer’s requirement for more than 60 BUCs on Satellite throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, as we continue to fulfill Transportable Terminals (STTs) for the US Department of orders and field new opportunities with as minimal disruption Defense (DoD). This program was part of a much larger to production and service as possible given the circumstances. program that will use Mission’s 200 Watt Ka-band Titan BUCs Mission started 2020 with continued recognition as the to replace TWTA-based Block Upconverters. industry-leading innovator in solid state power amplifier design. Following on the award at the VSAT Global conference International Growth for Flat Panel Antenna Technology, the company was Through our international partner, Decibel Technologies in recognized by the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) Dubai, Mission Microwave was able to support the rapid in January as the Outstanding Satellite Company. Mission has fielding of a large number of commercial terminals for a world- been recognized by the global organizations entirely due the class telecommunications service provider in the Middle East. success of their customers. In recognition of their customers’ Decibel completed critical delivery milestones after an success, Mission presented several awards to these customers intensive testing program that confirmed the Mission in March. Mission awarded customers for Supply Chain Microwave BUCs could reliably withstand the harsh summer- Excellence, Technology Innovation, International Distribution, time environment in the region. Terminal Design, and Small Business Success. Leading Edge Constellations/Gateways Milestones Met in Terminal Certifications During 2020, Mission Microwave saw requests for their The year 2020 saw the award of several terminal certifications state-of-the-art Ka-band high power products from multiple using Mission Microwave BUCs. In addition to new terminal customers intending to support emerging LEO/MEO certifications, terminal upgrades replacing earlier generation network gateways and high throughput terminals. Mission’s SATCOM technologies were also a part of the Mission products were used in well publicized tests on LEO Microwave certification portfolio. networks and Mission is actively shipping early products for Mission customers received formal approval of our wideband gateways. products ranging from 12 to 200 watts in Ka-band and over 100 watts in X-band. These approvals/certifications allow our customers and their critical end-users to bring Mission’s award winning strengths in size, weight and power (SWaP) coupled with proven reliability, to a wide range of terminals designed for government, industrial, and commercial applications. In March, Mission Microwave customer Envistacom jointly announced that Mission is providing them with 200 Watt Ku- Band and 50 Watt Ka-band BUCS to replace legacy TWTA-based Up Converters. Envistacom cited Mission Microwave’s industry leading competency in designing compact and highly efficient amplifiers, enabling them to offer their customer an upgrade path that will extend the life and utility of their Tactical SATCOM fleet of over 600 terminals. Mission Microwave’s Titan 200w BUC.

SatMagazine Page 54 December 2020 In the Maritime Market, Mission’s customers continue to field advanced high-performance terminals. Although many deployment schedules have been delayed, Mission expects to gain market share in this segment as the industry recovers and the demand for high throughput services increases. These wins in the commercial aviation and maritime markets signal that, while the global economy has had a tumultuous year, Mission is well positioned to continue to meet customer needs and adjust to market pressures caused by the pandemic. Forecasts for 2021 remain positive amid the crisis.

Expectations for 2021 and Beyond Mission’s customers continue to involve our team in the designs of complex terminals for high performance and mobile applications. As our customers’ demands increase, The introduction of Mission’s 400 Watt Wideband Ka-Band we have had to expand our staffing and facility size. For SSPA was followed by the first commercial deliveries of that 2021, we are in the planning stages for a relocation to a even product. The 400 Watt SSPA is a drop-in replacement for a larger facility. leading 500 watt TWTA. Early customers for this product have Throughout 2021, Mission’s product lines will continue to been keen to being the roll-out of TWT replacements and support a wider range of terminal architectures and expect to build their next generation networks with SSPA’s applications. Our customers increasingly require wideband instead of TWTAs. solutions for Ka-band, and higher RF power levels and enhanced performance in all bands. Maritime and Airborne Mobility 2021will be another banner year for this innovative leader Similar to the lengthy certification cycle required by in high power SATCOM BUCs. Both Mission Microwave and Government end-users, Mission’s customers in the airborne its customers are planning on more success and bringing new terminal industry work within a highly regulated and capabilities to end users as the satellite industry evolves certification intensive environment. One of Mission’s beyond traditional architecture to mobile and non-GEO customers announced a win in the business aviation market networks in 2021 and beyond. for their tail-mount antenna technology. This early win establishes Mission’s customers in that market segment as the missionmicrowave.com leader in offering new and highly integrated solutions for the business aviation market. Erik Roberts has been Another Mission customer has now completed testing of the Product Manager at a long-awaited solution for SATCOM capability on Mission Microwave since early 2019, where he is helicopters. A complex team made up of Mission’s customer responsible for product line sustainment, documentation and their industry partners has made it possible to provide and customer-facing tasks such as requirements high bandwidth SATCOM services to in-flight helicopters. compliance and post-sales engineering support. Erik has Mission was very happy to see this new market segment over 20 years’ experience in the satellite communications enabled by a new class of compact yet high performing industry, holding senior level positions at Harris Corporation, terminals that rely on Mission’s unique combination of RF General Dynamics Mission Systems (formerly General Dynamics performance, efficiency and optimal SWaP design for SATCOM), DataPath and NASA Glenn Research Center. Erik has extremely rigorous environments. spent a significant portion of his career leading or contributing to tactical and strategic defense SATCOM systems development, obtaining ARSTRAT certification for a number of US ARMY terminal programs of record for PM-WIN-T and PM-TN. Erik obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and Georgia Institute of Technology.

SatMagazine Page 55 December 2020 Year in Review: Momentus

Momentus is the first company providing in-space infrastructure services. The company was founded in 2017 and designs and builds space vehicles that are propelled by proprietary, water plasma thrusters. These vehicles ferry satellites to custom orbits after they have been delivered by conventional rockets to a first initial orbit. Momentus’ transportation services can also perform LTAN/LTDN for Earth Observation (EO) satellites and other applications, an important value-add for satellite analytics companies. Additionally, Momentus announced this year a new service, Hosted Payloads, whereby a company or research organization that does not wish to build an entire satellite bus system can essentially “rent” space on Momentus’ vehicles to perform their experiments. In March, Momentus announced the purchase of rides on six SpaceX SmallSat Rideshare missions, including launches to Sun-Synchronous orbit (SSO) and one to mid-inclined low Earth orbit, which Momentus will provide Momentus’ customers access to their first initial orbit before a custom drop-off orbital parameter. While the concept and value proposition already noted by publications such as SatNews, our announcement with SpaceX truly catalyzed an unprecedented wave of interest from potential customers. This was a great start to 2020. Since then, Momentus has announced new customers and Momentus Vigoride deploying a customer’s spacecraft. Image is courtesy of the company. partnerships with NASA, Lockheed Martin, Sen, Alba Orbital, SatRevolution and others. The company has the novel coronavirus was spreading and that shelter in place continued to double down on testing and rapid prototyping orders would be likely for Santa Clara non-essential in the Santa Clara, California, HQ. Momentus’ lab is located businesses, Momentus paid careful attention to detail and near the historic Moffett Field NASA Ames Research Center orders in order to keep our employees safe. and is filled with state-of-the-art vacuum systems, rapid Through strict in-person lab policies that went beyond the prototyping equipment, test facilities, and a well-equipped State and local recommendations, as well as a strong company machine shop with 3D printers, fittings and other equipment culture for remote working, Momentus managed to weather that our research engineers and technicians need. the tragic pandemic and market slump and also contributed Momentus’ engineers and scientists were already set up hundreds of sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Bay for speed and efficiency thanks to our emphasis on rapid Area hospitals and other medical facilities across the nation. prototyping. By the end of March, when it became clear that The equipment became preferred stock by several health care facilities, including major hospitals in New York City. By May, Momentus had made contract announcements with NCKU Space Laboratory and ODYSSEUS Space, Alba Orbital, SatRevolution and Sen. The company then kicked off June with two more announcements: OrbAstro and EnduroSat. Shortly after that, the execution of a launch agreement with ISIS for five Vigoride shuttle services from 2021 through 2022 was announced — the largest payload Momentus prototyping. commitment in a single contract up to that date. Momentus then unveiled service agreements with Astrogate Labs and ARCA Dynamics. These were the first contracts with Indian and Italian customers, respectively, for

SatMagazine Page 56 December 2020 Momentus and underscored the huge potential and continued approach for the business of unlocking and enabling a truly global customer base. At the beginning of August, the Momentus Hosted Payloads service was announced, allowing anyone to rent a platform for in-space demonstrations at a fraction of the cost of designing, building, launching and operating a dedicated smallsat. Later the same month Momentus announced a launch service agreement for a 3U satellite in Lockheed Martin and SERC (Space Engineering Research Center) University of Southern California’s (USC) La Jument smallsat program. Then, in September, an award supporting a NASA Pathfinder mission for The Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in June of 2021. In September, Momentus welcomed Dr. Fred Kennedy (formerly the inaugural Director of the Space Development trailblazing, cryogenic fluid management demo mission — Agency) onboard as President, and Jikun Kim, formerly Chief which is a part of the prestigious NASA-backed “Tipping Financial Officer of Formlabs, as CFO. Point” program for Artemis — and that three independent Closing September, Momentus announced another directors will join the board of advisors, following the contract with India’s Pixxel, who are building a constellation pending SPAC business transaction. of cutting-edge, Earth imaging smallsats that can provide real- The three experienced directors are Chris Hadfield, David time remote sensing data across the world, and with ProXops Siminoff and Vince Deno. Hadfield is a decorated astronaut to transport multiple satellites for the Houston, Texas, who served on the International Space Station (ISS) and, in company’s VariSat constellation. previous careers, worked closely with NASA and the Canadian In early October, Momentus announced another contract Space Agency (CSA). David Siminoff has a distinguished for two satellites supporting Skykraft’s Space Based Air career as an entrepreneur, investor, and board member with Traffic Management constellation. The first smallsat is to be numerous high profile technology companies, and Vince deployed via a new separation ring named EOS and Deno is a technology entrepreneur and venture capitalist and developed by MECANO ID under a CNES contract, thanks to has extensive experience in the aerospace and defense the partial financing of the Future Investment Plan. industry, including more than a decade at Millennium Space October was also the month that Momentus took the Systems where he held various positions that included wraps off a SPAC with Stable Road Acquisition Corp. The company President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief business combination agreement, which puts Momentus on Innovation Officer. the path toward becoming a publicly traded company, is For the first time in human history, we are moving beyond similar to an Initial Public Offering (IPO), as upon the the surface of the Earth. As a biological species, we are successful close of this transaction, Momentus will offer mastering a new element — the cosmos. However, the shares of stock to the public for the first time. This decision mastering of new territories is impossible to imagine without was made so that Momentus will have access to a reliable and well-suited transport. permanent source of capital that provides significant Following Momentus’ strong performance in awarded growth opportunities for all stakeholders. contracts from space industry stalwarts and up-and-comers, as Following on the heels of the SPAC announcement, well as the market posturing afforded via the SPAC with Stable Momentus announced a launch service agreement to Road Acquisitions, it is clear that Momentus will lead in space deploy two satellites for Kepler’s GEN1 constellation in infrastructure’s next chapter. 2021. A spot on the December 2020 mission went to Gran System’s 2U cubesat NUTSAT, which will demonstrate and momentus.space enhance commercial aviation safety technology for the Taiwanese company. Author Mikhail Kokorich is the Founder and Chief Executive Closing out October, Momentus shared that the Officer of Momentus. company will directly support Lockheed Martin’s

SatMagazine Page 57 December 2020 Year in Review: QuadSAT

It is safe to say that 2020 has been a strange year for most dominated by an international pandemic changing the way we live but also the way we do business. Along with many others, we were at SATELLITE 2020 when the world suddenly changed, and lockdowns began to happen across the globe. Despite fewer attendees than last year, the show was overwhelmingly positive for us, allowing us to present our drone antenna testing technology for the first time. We were supposed to conduct several tests with different satellite operators this year, but because of travel restrictions, this was not possible. The lack of international travel, therefore, enabled us to keep the employees busy by focusing increasingly on in-house testing to get closer to our end product that will launch in March of 2021. Our team’s focus has especially been on adopting autonomy from the robotics industry, making each flight fully automated making sure that every test is repeatable and not relying on a human operator.

Virtual Demos We had to rethink the way we met our customers and started focusing increasingly on making it virtual. With a solution such as ours, it is critical to be able to demonstrate in real-time in order for satellite operators, antenna manufacturers and other stakeholders to see the technology in operation and understand its potential. Therefore, we put focus on working out how to best deliver the same demos in a virtual environment. This also saves a great deal of time, as we eliminate all travel time, which we can then spend on research and development.

A New Round of Funding We successfully conducted virtual testing and demos, in collaboration with GVF, ESA and several other leading satellite operators, to make certain industry standards are met. Last autumn, we announced an exciting collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) to further develop our UAV testing solution to comply with industry-wide antenna performance protocol, SOMAP (Satellite Operators’ Minimum Despite all the uncertainty, the industry and the world, in Antenna Performance Requirements) and test requirements general, is currently facing, we were excited to secure the for individual satellite operators. Compliance with SOMAP is largest venture investment in a Danish drone tech company in especially highly important to QuadSAT — this is the key to history. The round was led by Seraphim Capital, the world’s our goal of being able to offer operators a highly accurate and first venture fund dedicated to space technology, effective form of testing. Vaekstfonden, the Danish state’s investment fund, and Angel Investor, Helge Munk.

SatMagazine Page 58 December 2020 Adapting for the Future If there is one element the satellite industry has always been able to do, it is adapting to change. While the world is As I outlined in a recent article, investment is more important struggling to contain a pandemic, the satellite industry has now than ever before for the satellite industry. We need continued to provide key services throughout, as it has done innovative ideas that will increase efficiency, reduce costs,and for many years during global recessions, countless conflicts ultimately make satellite an attractive alternative to, or in and more. combination with, other communication technologies. Throughout the pandemic, QuadSAT has raised funding and continued hiring new employees to accelerate the Bringing the Product to Market product development which is making it possible to offer a Another factor accelerated by having the time to immerse, and new solution in the industry. By having a virtual demo setup, the investment to make it a reality, is our product launch. We we allow customers to get to know the product in detail before have been able to truly accelerate product testing, meaning making a purchase, allowing us to explain the value we we can transition our current technology — offered as a service provide with our solution. now —to be sold as a product for third-party users. We do, however, look forward to meeting industry Our product launch will achieve two main things for the professionals again once industry events are allowed to re-start industry. First, it will make the process of testing much quicker, and are excited to showcase our exciting technological simpler and more cost-effective, with the opportunity to own developments in person, whenever such become possible. private test facilities operating in the air instead of investing money in real estate and advanced test facilities. Secondly, it www.quadsat.com will free up valuable time of research institutes and universities that are currently carrying out much of this testing. In turn, this Author Joakim Espeland is the Chief Executive Officer will allow these organizations more time to work on new for QuadSAT. research to further other innovations in SATCOMs. We are excited that our product will now be ready for commercial launch in March of 2021. We would have liked to demonstrate the launch of our product at conferences in the spring; however, as many conferences are already postponing their events, we are preparing a virtual product launch available to everyone who would be interested in watching this milestone. We will continue to demo our product virtually to stakeholders and many of these demonstrations are already occurring.

SatMagazine Page 59 December 2020 Year in Review: Responsive Access

With 2020 coming to a close, the world seems more connected than it ever was previously. After a globally shared experience, and more people working from home, it has never been easier to connect with others who share your interests, even if you cannot always meet in person. Attempting to embrace this new reality is Responsive Access, a Scottish launch brokerage firm that aims to simplify access to space by connecting launch vehicle providers and satellites operators together. This year, Responsive Access has quickly grown from a formative idea to a company well on its way to developing a digital ‘one-stop-shop’ solution for launching satellites, enabling cost effective and reliable launch opportunities for all parties in the supply chain. Responsive Access is based in the UK, at the Higgs Centre for Innovation in Edinburgh, a modern development on the site of the prestigious Royal Observatory of Edinburgh. The company are participants in the European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC UK), a program funded by the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and the European Space Agency (ESA). Since the close of 2019, ESA BIC has supported and mentored Responsive Access in a variety of different ways that have helped to shape the business and enhance the company’s original proposition. Being based in Scotland’s capital city has also allowed the company to capitalize on the wealth of academic talent that can be found across Scotland’s ‘Central Belt’ region, as well as an ecosystem that is quickly growing to be known as the Space Data Capital of Europe. Responsive Access’ core expertise is around mission management planning for smallsat launches. However, as a new space broker and provider of ancillary launch services, the firm supports clients beyond simply matching them with launch opportunities that meet their exact needs. To achieve the company’s overall goal of simplifying lively SmallSat Symposium in Silicon Valley, presented by access to space, their proprietary mission management tool Satnews Publishers. This event in February allowed allows users to upload requirements, not just around the Responsive Access to meet satellite payload customers as well launch of their payload, but also around factors such as as potential future launch partners, with the team visiting the environmental testing, insurance procurement and licensing. facilities of Virgin Orbit and Relativity Space, among others. This ‘full lifecycle’ approach is part of the reason that the From the momentum of this event, Responsive Access was company selected the ESA BIC location in Edinburgh to able to grow, despite the onset of the pandemic, increasing establish itself, with a plethora of environmental testing the size of the team and starting work on their software facilities and cleanrooms available on-site at the Higgs Centre solution for mission management. for Innovation. From late March, like so many other companies, the Prior to the full impact of COVID-19 being felt in Europe, Responsive Access team took the decision to work remotely Responsive Access had enjoyed a fruitful start to the year. before the national lockdown in the UK came into full effect. Through the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) Since then, Responsive Access has been actively attending ‘Exporting is GREAT’ campaign, Heathrow Airport awarded and participating in virtual conferences, networking events and Responsive Access funding to support their attendance at the webinars to continue to build portfolio of partners and a

SatMagazine Page 60 December 2020 One of the projects, funded by Scottish Government’s Business Support for BREXIT was to establish how BREXIT could impact the Space Sector. A large number of student applicants expressed interest in this project and the successful applicant created a comprehensive 30 page document detailing everything from how it may affect supply chains and logistics, to the use of data from current EU satellite programs. With many delays and project cancelation effecting the entire industry, 2020 has been a year like no other. More than ever, new space companies had to embrace the new space ethos of flexibility and responsiveness. However, Responsive Access is confident that 2021 will bring new hope and is currently focusing on three key Higgs Center for Innovation. activities. The first is completing the development their mission pipeline of customers looking for launch opportunities across management software platform and unveiling it on the market. the next few years. Secondly, is to continue to establish and maintain Using old fashioned phone calls in combination with digital relationships with customers and suppliers as the organization video conferencing technology, the firm was able to secure moves towards gaining space heritage through guiding a first several Letters of Intent from satellite manufactures, launch client through the launch process. vehicle providers, and other firms that participate in the Finally, the company is focused on successfully graduating satellite supply chain, from almost every continent. from the ESA BIC program, an initiative that has been more In addition to connecting smallsat manufacturers with valuable than ever throughout a challenging year. launch vehicle providers, Responsive Access also has been working to enable academia to play a more active role in the www.responsiveaccess.com launch side of the global space network. With Memorandums of Understanding signed with Author Krystyna cubesat teams from the University of Edinburgh and Glasgow Lenshyna is the University, as well as with the University of Aberdeen, the Chief Operating company hopes to help the next generation of payload Officer at Responsive Access. She has several manufacturers and engineers reach orbit through their years experience in the new space sector, respective student launch groups. having worked for a leading launch vehicle Throughout the year, Responsive Access was fortunate manufacturer before moving to Responsive Access. She uses her enough to be awarded a number of small grants to help the knowledge of launch standards and processes to help smallsat organization boost the team in a way that didn’t involve too companies plan, secure and carry out orbital and sub-orbital space much risk for a start-up during a global pandemic, including missions. Along with her strong background in Business being able to bring on some exceptional interns via the Development and Client Relations, Krystyna has a passion for Satellite Application Catapult’s Space Placements in market intelligence that she rigorously applies to the upstream INdustry (SPIN) scheme and other similar initiatives through space sector. Scottish Universities. Thanks to these funding streams, the company was able to bring in five interns over the summer that worked to accelerate the development of the mission management portal and the company’s understanding of the market effects of Brexit, at a time when in-person business development was impossible. Consequently, rapid progress was made on both the software solution and around business intelligence, which will assist the company with its plans for the coming year.

SatMagazine Page 61 December 2020 Year in Review: SatADSL

SatADSL ends the year with extended global reach and an enhanced PaaS offering for 2021 and has experienced growth and growth and development during 2020, all amidst challenges that have forced the company to adapt to a rapidly evolving world. The company has remained committed to, and remains on track, to deliver its vision of offering continent-to-continent satellite connectivity services and disrupting the traditional methods of delivering satellite services in its wake. With its flagship Cloud-based Service Delivery Platform (C-SDP), that enables hubs and teleports worldwide to interconnect no matter the technology, the company has extended its reach and influence through global Points of Presence (PoPs) that make the platform accessible to wider markets and which when transmitting sensitive information, such as payment or replicate SatADSL’s European and African models. This has healthcare data across the globe. broadened the reach to the commercial market (mainly ISPs As an aggregator of high-end satellite services, SatADSL and large organizations), with a unique portfolio of connectivity can offer a competitive advantage to European teleports by services such as; contended services, the software-based giving them an unique secured and resilient PaaS service that VNOFlex, pre-paid vouchers, and congestion based services. they can use for improving their own service offering to their Funding and support provided through the European own customers while at the same time monetizing their Space Agency’s (ESA) ARTES project have been important for unused satellite capacity with new customers. the development of the technology required for the new Technical developments during the two-year project, which cloud-based service and to widen SatADSL’s offering at both was completed in July of 2020, have enabled SatADSL to offer ends of the Internet bandwidth supply chain. This opens up its services to teleports as well as satellite operators, unlocking SatADSL's unique portfolio of connectivity services and new revenue opportunities for operators without them having management tools, offered to satellite teleports worldwide in to make significant technology investments. The PaaS solution the form of Platform-as-Service (PaaS) and available across all is provided on a risk-sharing model and enables operators to satellites, technologies, frequency bands, and regions at a sell on their capacity anonymously. highly competitive price, to a wider market and positions the Through SatADSL’s platform, Service Providers can also company as the first ‘satellite service superstore.’ offer their own branded vouchers, allowing customers to buy access as and when they need and can afford it, and allocating ESA Funding + Added C-SDP Security bandwidth accordingly. SatADSL is also able to provide To address new markets in 2021 and beyond, SatADSL has brokered satellite bandwidth globally, having added additional secured funding from the ESA to support its own PoPs in multiple continents to connect its cloud C-SDP enhancement of the C-SDP. ESA’s ARTES program enables platform to — for users, this avoids any additional latency European companies to explore innovative concepts to associated with fiber on top of the unavoidable latency of produce leading-edge SATCOM products and services. geostationary satellite communications. The ‘Competitiveness & Growth’ element is dedicated to the development, qualification and demonstration of products, systems and/or applications. Initially, SatADSL focused on providing services to Africa, where much of the population lack terrestrial services and rely on satellite-based options. For four years, SatADSL has also targeted satellite and teleport operators and proposed access to its platform in the form of a PaaS in order to offer them all the embedded advantages of it. ESA’s match funding will enable SatADSL to develop, test and validate security upgrades to its flagship cloud PaaS offering. Corporate and governmental organizations around the world are increasingly requiring higher levels of security

SatMagazine Page 62 December 2020 Connecting to the Eutelsat 117W satellite, SatADSL is combining capacity from Andesat with its C-SDP to provide a full range of flexible satellite services across Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay and parts of South Bolivia via Andesat’s teleports. The alliance also represents a significant landmark in SatADSL’s efforts to eradicate digital divides around the world and reinforces the company’s commitment to stimulating social and economic growth via the provision of cost-effective internet access.

2021 and Beyond It’s important — even vital — to the existence of the SATCOM sector for disruptive technologies, such as the cloud, to be Expansion to the Americas brought together to deliver monetizable services. SatADSL’s SatADSL’s mission to evolve as a continent-to-continent vision is to become the first company to apply the concepts satellite services provider was propelled forward through the of the new digital collaborative economy to the conservative, firm’s expansion in to the Americas this year, as it established CAPEX-intensive world of satellite services, and become a a new PoP in Orlando, Florida, and partnered with teleport facilitator by providing a PaaS to other operators willing to operator Andesat in the LATAM region. SatADSL successfully offer new services and to transact business with each other. installed a PoP in Florida to deliver operators in the Americas, There are a number of challenges to overcome to make including LATAM and the Caribbean. The PoP unlocks range this happen. The most significant challenge that SATCOM of benefits, such as accelerating operators’ go-to-market time, environs need to address is breaking the silos. The satellite thanks to the complete suite of ready-to-use tools available industry is set up in individual silos, which creates an inability on the C-SDP at all levels of the value chain. to develop bridges and a structurally collaborative system. A Marlink teleport in South America was the first to be Because of this, the industry, particularly service providers and connected to the Florida PoP, using the SES 4 satellite with ST teleport operators, has become quite fragile and won't be Engineering’s Dialog® technology and integrated with able to survive major technological changes, such as the SatADSL’s C-SDP. The deployment of the new PoP, adding to introduction of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. one already in operation in Singapore, broadens the To overcome this issue, SatADSL is proposing a drastic geographical spread of SatADSL’s service and also makes it change by interconnecting all teleports around the world with easier for local service providers to sell on capacity aggregated its platform. The platform will allow each teleport to resell on the C-SDP to their end-users fleet. services to whomsoever it wishes — including other teleports It also opens access to SatADSL’s newly conceived — at a price they decide. This allows each teleport to focus VNOFlex service, which allows service providers to subscribe on offering its most efficient services and markets and avoid to a dedicated VNO and allocate it dynamically across their having to make significant and risky investments for customers customers as required. This bandwidth flexibility is also or services that they have less control over. important for many end-users whose demand is not static, SatADSL’s plan is to become a “marketplace” (not owning either across the year (such as schools) or even week-to-week. any satellite, teleport nor hub infrastructure) to make use of Another major step was SatADSL’s strategic partnership the bandwidth being delivered by several, competing sources with the teleport operator Andesat this year. The agreement and by offering a complete portfolio of satellite services to the opened up new avenues for satellite services providers to firm’s demanding customers. This approach will create a access Spanish speaking markets throughout South America. collaborative syndicate that is structurally far more robust and The exciting new alliance has created a wealth of opportunities highly efficient for all concerned. for bringing enhanced connectivity services to the region. Partnering with Andesat will bring high-performance, reliable www.satadsl.net IP access services to parts of the continent where the COVID- 19 pandemic has highlighted a real need for connectivity.

SatMagazine Page 63 December 2020 Year in Review: Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG)

2020: what can I say, it has been quite a year. It is certainly discussions form a really key part of our workshops normally, not how I pictured my first year taking the reigns of the which is why we wanted to go some way to emulating that in a Satcoms Innovation Group. virtual setting. It has been frustrating not being able to get out and about, We have also continued to add new members this year meeting members and others within the industry, and sharing despite the circumstances. At the beginning of the year, once ideas. At the same time, it has given us time to reflect on the of the first things I did was to introduce new membership tiers: group and really think about the value it brings to members startup and academic. We now have four academic members: and the industry as a whole. It is apparent that the events are South West Centre of Excellence in Satellite a great place to meet people, but SIG delivers value in other Applications, EMSTA, The University of Auckland, and ways beyond that. Goonhilly Heritage Society. We also have two startup Here are some of the trends we believe have been shaping members: Pekasat and N@tsat. This year we also added two the industry throughout the year: new members, Vialite, Integrasys and Video-Flow.

1. The world stopped…and then it carried on 2. 5G rollouts continue despite the pandemic No-one was quite ready for the impact a global pandemic It seems evident that, despite COVID- would have on absolutely everything we do. When I set out for 19, next generation services are a satellite trade event in March, things were just starting to continuing to be rolled-out across the close up and that was very apparent at the show itself. It was world. 5G is the prime example of this. dominated by lower footfall, lots of elbow bumps and hand According to a recent report from sanitizer around every corner. I was particularly impressed with Juniper Research, 5G network how well the organizers adapted to make it as safe as it could rollouts have proven resilient to the pandemic. Juniper be, including employing people to continually sanitize the expects 5G connections to reach $357 billion by 2025, up handrails on the escalators. Lower footfall did mean we were from $5 billion in 2020. able to go and listen to Elon Musk, which I was very excited 5G, in particular, poses a dilemma for the satellite about. It was also met with much excitement from home, as industry. On the one hand, 5G is seen as an increasing threat my youngest son has aspirations of being an inventor and to satellite, taking bandwidth and capacity away from the idolizes Mr. Musk. satcoms industry. On the other hand, the satellite industry has The show itself was actually extremely productive and the potential to be a part of the solution and enable 5G gave me a chance to catch-up with many of our members. technology. In order to do that, however we need to bring a However, when the last day of the show was cancelled solution to the mobile industry. This was the topic for one of following rulings in the US banning large events, the reality of the sessions that we hosted as part of the virtual the situation started to set in. That was the moment everything ConnecTechAsia event. We were very lucky to be joined by a became a little bit surreal for me, but I wasn’t really prepared representative from the GSMA, who was able to give us a for the fact it would be my last trip of the entire year. great perspective from the mobile industry viewpoint. If you Almost overnight everything stopped. There were no missed it, you can still watch it on demand. events, campaigns based on event presence had to be We have, for many years, been championing the cancelled, and the whole world had to adapt to home importance of engaging with the technical experts in the working. Adapt is what we all did, and fast. Everything did mobile industry, so we were especially pleased to have that stop initially but pretty soon the virtual events and other input. We are now working on the topics we should, as an engagements started popping up, to the extent that now we industry, be addressing together and SIG hopes to establish a arguably have too many things going on and everything series of in-depth discussions that involve technical experts seems far busier for it. The industry has found new ways to from both groups. engage that will never replace those in-person meetings but I’d like to think they will continue to supplement them when 3. Flat Panel Antennas are at a turning point normality resumes. According to Research and Markets, the maritime At SIG, we were, of course, no exception, but we SATCOM market is set to reach $3.2 billion by 2025. Despite a didn’t want to just run your average webinar. Instead, we temporary pause on worldwide travel, people still expect to focused on a series of discussions, enabling participants to be able to communicate wherever they are and that is driving tackle different topics in a discussion-led setting. These the need for SATCOM-on-the-Move (SOTM). Flat panel

SatMagazine Page 64 December 2020 antennas have the potential to make a real impact here. • With its WeTrack service now fully operational globally, Indeed, Northern Sky Research (NSR) forecasts Safran Data Systems offers quasi-real time accurate cumulative FPA equipment sales to reach approx. $11 billion orbital elements and maneuver detection of satellites, by 2028. However, despite the promises of low cost, high thanks to its network of ground-based RF sensors. This performing antennas, the industry is not there yet. updated and accurate orbital data can directly feed its One of our roundtable discussions tackled this topic newly released LYNKS Locator solution to provide earlier in the year and this led us to beginning conversations communication-of-interest geolocation, including with the SOMAP group (Satellite Operators Minimum comprehensively separated VSAT TDMA networks. Antenna Performance). We are now working together on a • ViaLite has launched a Mil-Aero 10 MHz to 6 GHz RF project to tackle this many faceted problem. A big part of this over Fiber Link Pair. It is specifically tailored for will involve engaging with the manufacturers to understand demanding air force and navy applications, army their challenges and give them the tools to provide the telemetry systems, signals intelligence (SIGINT) operators with the necessary data. As part of this project, we deployments, tethered aerostat and drone applications, are also investigating other ways to test performance. plus multi-service military electronic warfare systems; These discussions will be key for both satellite where fiber is an essential replacement to coax. operators and the manufacturers. If the industry cannot deliver • Work Microwave was selected by KSAT to provide the a flat panel antenna that performs to the operators’ modem for the first commercial optical ground station, expectations, they will instead look at other ways to solve the supporting laser links for downlinks from space to same problem. This is something that is already happening. Earth. The AR-80-OPT will provide support for both missions and leverages the company’s heritage in 4. Innovation is continuing ground station engineering and increases its footprint Innovation is another area that has continued despite COVID in ground station equipment for space missions, an and thankfully so, especially when you consider that actually area that has been a growing business in recent years. satellite communications is arguably even more important right now, keeping the world connected. According to an This year we launched the SIG awards to try and honor some of article in Spacewatch Global, September saw over $300 this innovation and we had some great contenders, making million of space financing rounds, including for one of our judging extremely difficult. The eventual winners included members, QuadSAT, who will reportedly see this funding QuadSAT and Te Pūnaha Ātea Auckland Space Institute. We accelerate their product testing, which will allow the company also recognized our outgoing Executive Director, Martin to transition its current offering to be sold as a product for Coleman, with a well-deserved lifetime achievement award. third party users. Martin has been a positive force for this industry throughout his career and I, for one, am glad he hasn’t fully retired quite yet. Other members are also innovating, including some recent announcements: What Does the Future Hold? That is perhaps a harder question to answer. Currently, it is not • Atos launched SkyMon VSAT, a comprehensive solution clear when we will see some return to normalcy. In the to combat interferences originating from VSAT meantime, it is more important than ever that we continue to networks. It lets you identify interference and manage stay connected. We will shortly be launching a new initiative carriers in one comprehensive system while aimed at increasing engagement with and between our minimizing investments. members. It will involve a whole host of activity all sitting under • ETL Systems has introduced a new design, multi-module that one umbrella and I am really excited to see it come to RF distribution system, the Genus smart chassis. It fruition. If you would like to find out more, get in touch with houses a multitude of RF modules, ranging from us to be added to the SIG mailing list for updates. amplifiers and switches through to fiber and mini- matrices and provides scalability for the modern teleport. satig.space • Kratos recently launched OpenSpace™, a software platform and family of virtual products that enable Author Helen Weedon is satellite operators, Ground-as-a-Service (GSaaS) providers the Managing Director of and others in the space services supply chain to create the Satcoms Innovation fully software-defined, dynamic ground systems. Group (SIG).

SatMagazine Page 65 December 2020 Year in Review: SpaceBridge

Other than moving to working remotely as dictated by and adopting cloud based technologies will continue. It may COVID-19, SpaceBridge has been on a growth trajectory, be reasonable to see some impacts in timelines due to we are hiring more people for key position, we are looking changed financial arena worldwide. One thing Covid-19 has to fill in the lines with several new open positions. In terms demonstrated is need for bandwidth everywhere. of technology and products we took the opportunity to On the ground, mobile operators are rushing to roll out review our portfolio, revamp our plans for new terminals greater 4G/5G (already covers +90% of NA thanks in part to and service offering and realign our strategy for new Dynamic Spectrum Sharing) and tests of 5G over LEO markets beyond our core competencies, thinking more in experimental satellites are already showing high bandwidth the direction of simplifying our customers life from with <50msec latency which is at par with terrestrial networks. financial investment perspective and also technical and This should bode well for satellites future but we are in an assisting on overall total cost of ownership of new ground eternal loop of re-building satellite value propositions in a segment technologies throughout innovative world in which competitive technologies themselves become implementation of creative business structures. more pervasive and mainstream (fiber’s ever expanding We also see increased demand to expand Internet access footprint, SDN/MEF, Cloud to the EDGE). So, NO it does not capacity and quickly deploy new sites, potentially due to mean there is less opportunity, but rather the same global COVID-19 effect on residential and business line, and opportunities are abound but require better adaption to match we’re aligning our efforts to assist our customers with these consumers ever changing demand. needs as well. As alluded to earlier, we will be launching early next year It is a bit early to predict, but from where we are now the a series of high-performance remote terminals that leverage demand will probably remain more or less the same for legacy nowadays affordable and high performance compute and wide beam capacity and current HTS, however the market mix processing power. The first phase in introducing this new is likely to change dramatically. Two prime examples which architecture is to break the barriers of contemporary were also impacted across all their related ecosystem are aero performance envelopes and leveraging the additional and cruise, typically top satellite bandwidth consumers horsepower for value-add applications such as CBH globally. The global impact of COVID-19 shifts the demand optimization and traffic steering. towards community broadband services and disaster recovery The goal is to offer a true MEC modem platform that can /homeland security based services as people have largely be easily integrated into any hybrid satellite/terrestrial moved into working remotely, and first responders are infrastructure and has the flexibility to go on and switch between deployed almost around the clock. multi-orbit platforms seamlessly. we continue to evolve our We will likely see spike in classic satellite markets in remote Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adaptive Waveform Selection and developing areas, and emergence of new projects WaveSwitch™ mechanism with wide range of triggers. involving government and private partnership but there will On the services front we are planning to launch a new very likely be opportunities in extending terrestrial and cellular service that offers seamless connectivity on a pay-by-the-byte services with additional satellite capacity. Demand for basis with no upfront CAPEX. We are actively engaged with bandwidth and connectivity is inevitable and operators know several partners for providing the capacity over several regions. that and so long terms satellite operator plans are not curtailed Spacebridge R&D grew considerably as we position or rolled back due to particular events such as COVID-19. ourselves for upcoming challenges. The approach that we take Short term delays may be expected as COVID affects work at SpaceBridge is that the technology offering is tailored environments and possibly slows down manufacturing, etc but around the customer. We are a powerhouse of core satellite the longer term planning remains unchanged and new technology in several areas, but our main strength is services, new Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS) and new leveraging the best available technologies, whether it’s ours constellations (MPower and alternate MEO constellations and or other players, and fusing them together. the slew of LEO constellations) will continue to move forward When it makes business and technological sense, we will through 2021 and beyond. leverage partnerships to bring together the best overall As seeing previously, we do not predict a significant change solution. At the end of the day a lot of it boils to time-to- in new satellite opportunities, just a change in the market mix market. We are more than capable to bring a complete of where the opportunities would come from. The same is likely platform solution on our own but in many cases, it makes more for satellite technologies. The trend towards multi-orbit based sense to leverage the experience, market reach and constellations and services, integration with terrestrial networks manufacturing capabilities of our partners that specialize in

SatMagazine Page 66 December 2020 certain areas. at the same time, we want to remind our main factor is not strictly technological — it’s basically the ability customers and potential prospects that as a SATCOM of technology providers to adopt and adhere to telco standards, powerhouse, we hold the unique end to end integration interfaces and requirements without exposing all the internal capabilities to provide our customers with a holistic end to end satellite-specific details and proprietary implementations. ground segment solution. Third, disruptive technology should be LEO (and cost Indeed, we do believe that all of the new emerging effective ground equipment) in that it threatens traditional technologies that we are just facing as part of Industry 4.0 GEO VSAT customers (ISPs, Mobile Backhaul, enterprise revolution, with massive increase in processing power, and connectivity, etc) and success of LEO can have detrimental industrialization, the satellite industry will become more and ripple effects into the current business model of GEO bound more a software-defined industry and, as such, we shall address satellite service providers. any market, any vertical, new business models are emerged In some ways they are... the ever-increasing demand for daily to facilitates more deployment over satellites and make it more ubiquitous bandwidth and services is continuing, and the more affordable to everyone, we will see more and more SDN major operators are still coping with the consolidation networks with seamless connectivity, deeper use of Artificial consequences that has been going on over the past five years Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) mechanisms that will or so. The inherent tension between converging as many make the all technology more easy to adopt and become as an services as possible on a single scalable platform, while still not integral part of any new age connectivity needs. locking themselves into single vendor, will keep pushing As far as R&D work, much of it can be done remotely technology providers to expand their offering and may also regardless, especially with the rise of cloud hosted produce unexpected vendor equipment collaborations. We have development environment. There’s anecdotical evidence that already seen this happening with a couple major vendor mergers working from home can enhance development productivity that are coping with challenges of their own. As said before, since engineer can more easily concentrate on work and have SpaceBridge is open to any collaborations of any type, if there less disruptions than in an office environment. At SpaceBridge are synergies that can be turned into new or expanded business. there are several development centers that are dispersed These are exciting times for the satellite industry. We are across the globe and are already working virtually as remote in a midst of a technological evolution that started last decade offices so there was no impact on connectivity. and will likely continue well into this one. The market drivers For our main office in Montreal, we have implemented are all more or less the same, a mix of the traditional policies to maintain both our employees well-being and our ecosystem and new vertically integrated unicorn players, with productivity and the working environment has the flexibility to the environmental and economic changes that COVID-19 provide individuals with the right mix to enable them to imposed on everyone, but did not significantly change the maintain both to the maximum. We’re proud to say that we’ve overall technology direction. witnessed the true strength and commitment of our teams The movement toward diverse and complex satellite overcoming the challenges of remote work and actually constellations and convergence with the big telco world will establishing better communications across the company continue to drive all the peripheral technology ecosystem through this period. around it. On the user terminal side, the quest for the holy grail We do not foresee any change in the volume of RFPs that ESA terminal is far from over and we’ll likely see more will be put out on the market as much as a shift towards developments there both in terms of technology and change different market mix and different regions. Saying this, many of in the players. the RFPs that we are involved in are more or less “business as SpaceBridge is excited to be on the cusp of this movement usual” for various VHTS programs with the typical market mix and see ourselves as a major player in pushing the satellite varying from consumer through enterprise to high end mobility. industry forward. There are two major drivers today which are resulted from the shift to complex, multi-beam, multi-orbit programs. One www.spacebridge.com driver is the exponential complexity involved in managing and orchestrating satellite resources on all levels, and the other is Author David Gelerman is the ability to seamlessly integrate into terrestrial networks the President and Chief leveraging cloud compute and telco standards such as MEF and Executive Officer 3GPP. AI and ML will play crucial role in enabling dynamic of SpaceBridge. service orchestration of the super complex technology and service delivery elements of the new constellations; the other

SatMagazine Page 67 December 2020 Year in Review: Space Data Association (SDA)

This time last year, I had just been appointed as the chairman of the Space Data Association (SDA) from Inmarsat’s Mark Dickinson. As I remarked at the time, I was very aware that I had some big boots to fill. Of course, I was not quite prepared for just what 2020 would bring to us all, making everything we do all the more challenging. I am thankful that the Space Data Center (SDC) was able to carry on regardless throughout all the trials and tribulations of 2020, something that is naturally critical to the safe use of space. At the end of a very surreal and challenging year, one of the most important questions for me is: how has 2020 impacted space situational awareness and safety of flight?

COVID Delays LEO Launches This year we were expecting a large number of LEO launches, following a sudden rise in both launches and planned launches last year. While they have not stopped altogether, many have been delayed. Recent statistics from NSR clearly show that launch market revenues are down this year when compared to last year. From a pure Space Situational Awareness (SSA) point of view, perhaps that has bought us some time to find better ways to fix the problem before the skies get any more congested. Despite that, I am pleased to see that the outlook looks satellite trajectory, in particular for satellites performing positive for the LEO operators making up for lost time. Already frequent low thrust maneuvers (e.g., 2 to 4 times per day). this year, SpaceX has launched payloads into orbit for the 100th time. OneWeb, now owned by a UK government Debris Continues to Accumulate consortium and Indian conglomerate Bharti Global, is planning According to NASA’s orbital debris program office, as of to restart launches in December of this year. Many more LEO January 1, 2020, the volume of debris in Earth’s orbit satellites will be launched in the coming years, with the aim of exceeded 8,000 tons. It is clear that debris remains a challenge enabling next-generation and high capacity services. However, and it is something we have not yet solved to overcome. The the challenge remains that with so many satellites due to be impending mega constellation launches has the potential to launched over the coming years, this will have a knock-on effect make the situation even worse. Add in the fact that the for SSA and risk of collision, potentially in all orbital regimes. challenges with ensuring end of life procedures are followed, SDA members today account for more than 270 GEO and we have a growing problem that needs to be resolved satellites (> 50 percent of active satellites) and more than 400 sooner, rather than later. non-GEO satellites. Although we already have members At the close of 2019, the European Space Agency operating in LEO, which are providing data into the SDC, we announced ClearSpace-1, the first space mission to remove have been actively engaging others to encourage data sharing an item of debris from orbit. This mission is planned for launch with as many satellite operators as possible, in all orbital regimes. in 2025. Initiatives such as this will be crucial to removing This year, we also worked together with Analytical debris already in space. ESA also recently posted an Graphics Inc. (AGI), our technology partner for the SDC, to interesting piece on the current state of debris, which shows present at the Ascend conference. AGI had worked with a the problem has been steadily increasing, with debris-creating number of operators and other data providers to put together events becoming more common. On the positive side, it also a representation of just how additional observation data can highlights that more space actors are trying to comply with improve the orbit prediction accuracy and compare it to end of satellite life guidelines. required accuracy to meet a probability of collision threshold. If we are going to tackle the problem of debris, it is certain It also highlighted just how critical it is to have planned we need a multi-faceted approach. Increasing awareness and maneuver information to enable us to accurately model the responsibility is an important step in the right direction, as is

SatMagazine Page 68 December 2020 ensuring good SSA, adherence to end-of-life guidelines, and new ways to remove the debris already created. Together, all of those areas can help us ensure a much cleaner, safer space environment for all.

Satellite Operators Looking to Cut Costs It is not surprising that this year many operators and other companies across the entire satellite ecosystem have been looking for ways to cut costs to get through a challenging period. Preventative measures, such as SSA, are often the first to be cut back as they do not directly impact the profit margin. responsibility to the US Department of Commerce (DoC) as a This starts a whole risk versus reward conversation. At the focal point for the US collision avoidance service presently being same time, as membership and data contribution has grown, provided by the US Department of Defense (DoD). we have found that the costs of running the SDC have been Also this year, following a number of other developments gradually increasing. We are continually assessing our within the US government, including the establishment of the finances, to ensure that we are able to keep costs to a US Space Force, we observed increasing activity to implement minimum without compromising on the quality and reliability SPD-3. Together with AGI, we have continued working closely of the service we are providing. with the US government and are fully committed to helping This was even more important this year with many of our support any activity with the DoC. members facing financial pressures caused by COVID. Fortunately, we were able to reduce our costs significantly and The Future of SSA pass that onto our members. We have removed the scaling 2020 has been a challenging year for many and has certainly per satellite fee structure, giving members just a single, flat impacted the satellite industry, along with many other Industries. fee, depending on membership category. However, satellite remains important, if not even more so in these challenging times, in order to keep the world connected. As we The SDA Flight Safety Services Notch 10 Years move into 2021, I am certain we will see more launches and It has been 10 years since the Space Data Association became more services than ever before. This is great news for the operational through the SDC and a lot has changed in that industry but we need to ensure we are ready with the right tools time. Over the past year, we have been reflecting on some of in place to keep space safe and reliable for everyone. those significant changes and overall it is reassuring to see that In the long-term, we believe that SSA and STM should be it has risen up the agenda and dramatically improved since the government run and funded, as opposed to relying on inception of the SDA. commercial operators. While there is a way to go, it has been What is next? At the SDA, we believe that national reassuring to see things beginning to move in the right governments should now be stepping up to take responsibility direction over the past year. If we do move towards a for providing timely, actionable, and accurate SSA information government option, it is vital that it will be suitable for all and related space traffic management services for safety of operators, globally, and deliver at least the same level of flight, ideally through multi-national governmental cooperation. service and accuracy that the SDC provides. I look forward to In Europe, there are already a number of government-run SDA’s role in enabling that transition. initiatives aimed at improving SSA. This includes the European Space Surveillance and Tracking (EUSST), established by the www.space-data.org/sda/ European parliament in 2014 to ensure the long-term availability of the European space environment. This is a great Author Pascal example of inter-governmental cooperation with recent Wauthier is the additions including Portugal, Romania, and Poland. It is a free Chairman of the Space Data Association and the to use service that does a good job at complementing the Space Operations Senor Vice President at SES. work we are doing within the SDA, but it is not quite there in During his 29 years career at SES, Pascal led the terms of being able to replace the SDA. Flight Dynamics section to become a center of This year, we have seen some developments in the US space excellence in safe co-location operations and management of risk policy. In 2018, the US government issued Space Policy Directive of close approach with other objects, as well as in orbital software 3 (SPD-3), a document that established a policy to transfer development and transfer orbit mission design.

SatMagazine Page 69 December 2020 Year in Review: Spaceflight Inc.

This year has been unexpected and unique for industries, flexibility with the ability to easily move the entire OTV from one companies and individuals alike. At the start of the year, launch vehicle to another or remanifest individual satellites. Spaceflight was scheduled to execute the most missions Finally, it offers the ability to execute in-space transport to the company had ever done in one year, with several deliver customer spacecraft to an exact orbital destination. To scheduled for the spring of 2020. To no one’s surprise, the meet the various needs of smallsat companies, the Sherpa-NG year didn’t exactly unfold as expected. program contains three different vehicles. However, despite the challenges and sometimes unbelievable global circumstances, this has been a significant • Sherpa-FX is capable of executing multiple year for Spaceflight. In 2020, Spaceflight achieved key deployments, providing independent and detailed business milestones, including the completion of the Mitsui deployment telemetry, and flexible interfaces to acquisition, and debuted innovative programs and services, accommodate different separation systems, minimizing such as the Sherpa-NG (next generation) program and the development timelines while maximizing flight and Book My Launch online portal, both of which will benefit schedule reliability and mission assurance. This is customers and provide unmatched launch flexibility. scheduled to debut on a SpaceX rideshare mission no earlier than December 2020. Spaceflight Inc. Acquired by Mitsui • Sherpa-LTC features a high-thrust, high specific impulse At the beginning of this year, Spaceflight Inc.’s parent (LSP) bi-propellant, green propulsion subsystem company, Spaceflight Industries, signed a definitive share integrated seamlessly within the available space of the purchase agreement with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., in partnership original free flyer. This propulsion technology from with Yamasa Co., Ltd. to sell its satellite rideshare launch Benchmark Space Systems provides a low cost, rapid business. Following regulatory clearance in June of 2020, the orbital transfer for many sizes of small spacecraft. This acquisition of Spaceflight Inc. was finalized. Sherpa is scheduled to fly the second half of 2021. This acquisition presented an important opportunity for • Sherpa-LTE will include a low thrust, long duration Spaceflight to further invest and expand our commercial and propulsion system from Apollo Fusion, improving governmental rideshare launch services. The new autonomy radiation tolerance, with the capability to deliver and support from an established, global business provides our customers to a GEO, Cislunar or Earth-escape orbits. company with the independence and resources to focus on This vehicle provides a low-cost alternative to innovating and creating new service offerings that will improve purchasing full direct-inject launch vehicles. The Sherpa- our customers’ launch experience. Spaceflight is dedicated to LTE is targeted to fly mid-2021. providing comprehensive launch services and providing smallsat companies with unmatched flexibility through its rideshare and mission management services.

The Debut of Sherpa-NG A key initiative for Spaceflight in 2020 was the debut of our Sherpa-NG program. This is one of the many flexibility initiatives we launched and were able to direct our attention The Sherpa-NG program is poised to become a key element to following the acquisition. of our launch service offering by enabling increased flexibility, In-space transportation is essential to getting spacecraft delivered to orbit exactly when and where they need to be. However, more often than not, an ideal launch might not exist for smallsat companies. We saw an opportunity to offer customers a truly unique and valuable launch service by creating an OTV program with a portfolio of vehicles. Sherpa vehicles take advantage of low cost rideshare launch options available in the market and drop the cost per port even lower by integrating multiple spacecraft onto one port. The vehicle also provides unique benefits, including high-definition telemetry data to support the identification process, increased Artistic rendition of the Sherpa­FX OTV, image is courtesy of the company.

SatMagazine Page 70 December 2020 New Customer Platforms Introduced While the majority of Spaceflight’s work is focused on the process of integration and launching satellites, we are always seeking opportunities to improve our customers’ experience throughout the launch process. As such, we created several online initiatives to provide a seamless and simple customer launch process, including a reservation portal and a mission management platform. Book My Launch allows customers to book a satellite launch completely online much like booking an airplane flight, while Mission Control provides customers with real-time status updates and milestone progress of their missions so they have easy access to information at every step of the launch campaign.

Leaning into 2021 Despite many schedule changes in 2020, Spaceflight has executed five missions already this year (with another planned) on four different launch vehicles in four different countries, taking nearly 50 smallsats to orbit. And, as the industry begins to see launch cadence pick up and a degree of normalcy return, we anticipate 2021 will be an even more active year for us, with several Sherpa launches. While the year was unconventional and challenging in many ways, the accomplishments our team at Spaceflight achieved in 2020 will provide a strong foundation for the coming year and enable us to deliver unprecedented launch flexibility to smallsat customers.

spaceflight.com low-cost launch options and a variety of capabilities to support customers’ mission needs. Author Curt Blake is the Chief Executive Established Key Partnerships Officer and President of Spaceflight. He has Driven by our commitment to offer the most launch options more than 25 years of executive experience in to smallsat customers across the industry, we signed multi- high-growth technology industries. Under launch agreements (MLA) with SpaceX and Firefly Aerospace. Curt’s leadership, Spaceflight has successfully The SpaceX agreement secures capacity for Spaceflight on negotiated the launch of more than 300 satellites across 34 missions SpaceX missions through 2021, providing launch schedule on behalf of its customers. Since the acquisition by Mitsui, and under assurance to smallsat customers needing frequent, reliable, Curt’s leadership, Spaceflight introduced a wide array of flexible and cost-effective launches to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). launch initiatives, including its Sherpa-NG (next-generation) program, Additionally, we signed a MLA with our return customer, new web portals to simplify the booking process and an Hawkeye 360. Under the agreement, we will provide capacity, identification program. Additionally in 2020, Curt led the company’s engineering, and mission management services to launch efforts to secure a Multi-Launch Agreement with SpaceX, adding HawkEye 360’s Cluster 4, 5, and 6 of its radio frequency capacity and launch options to Spaceflight’s already diverse launch mapping satellites. portfolio. In 2019, the Spaceflight team executed nine successful Spaceflight also secured key partnerships with Benchmark launches, the most rideshare launches Spaceflight had performed in Space Systems and Apollo Fusion Inc. to provide propulsion one year. Prior to moving into his role as CEO and president, Curt systems for the Sherpa-LTC and the Sherpa-LTE vehicles. These served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Spaceflight. partners provide Spaceflight with reliable, trusted propulsion systems to deliver on-orbit transportation to customers.

SatMagazine Page 71 December 2020 Year in Review: Scottish Space Leadership Council (SSLC)

The craggy Scottish landscape may not seem like an idyllic The workshops also provided a wide range of UK space sector setting for a NewSpace revolution, but Scotland’s unique stakeholders with a relevant and timely platform to voice mix of geographical advantages, mild weather and aspirations and concerns with legislators as they worked innovative inhabitants is proving to be a potent catalyst towards finalizing the draft regulations that balance safety and for the growth of a thriving NewSpace sector. environmental concerns with the competitiveness required for Along with spectacular views, Scotland’s sparsely a thriving UK space sector. The workshops also provided basis populated northern coast offers rare, unobstructed launch for five working groups which are now providing a collective corridors to valuable polar and sun-synchronous orbits. With view across a number of key topics, including Safety and a rich industrial and engineering heritage that has seen the Insurance, and which contributed to the SSLC sectoral country produce everything from ships to spaceships in recent response submitted to the UKSA, CAA and Department for decades, as well as world-leading universities, it has transpired Transport in response to the Space Industry Act consultation. that Scotland’s socio-economic landscape is also perfectly The feedback from the UK Space Sector was uniformly suited to supporting a thriving space sector. positive and the SSLC is therefore continuing to explore the Consequently, Glasgow-based firms that have been whole regulatory environment with the workstreams and a designing and manufacturing smallsats for years — with more future round of workshops to provide additional support to than 100 Scottish-built satellites launched to date — have the Government’s revisions to the regulations as they move been joined by a rich variety of small to medium-sized Scottish towards formalization and implementation. space businesses that now cover the full space value chain. Also resulting from the July workshops, the SSLC facilitated This includes everything from launch vehicle developers and the formation of and now chairs the UK Spaceports Alliance, spaceport locations to companies retrieving, analysing and an initiative started by Scotland’s spaceport sites and now interpreting space data, as well as a whole host of supply chain encompasses all of the launch sites across the wider UK. A companies in between. Despite the proactive, entrepreneurial collaboration Concordat was signed between three vertical atmosphere that prevails in the Scottish space sector, until launch sites — Shetland Space Centre, Space Hub recently these businesses lacked a unified body to voice and Sutherland and Spaceport 1 — and two horizontal launch address industry-wide concerns and share opportunities. sites, Glasgow Prestwick Spaceport and Machrihanish Recognizing the need for a structured body to connect and Airbase Community Company in Argyll. South of the border, shape collaboration within the Scottish and wider UK space two further ‘air launch’ initiatives at Spaceport Cornwall and sector, industry leaders founded the Scottish Space Llanbedr Airfield are in detailed discussions about signing Leadership Council (SSLC) in 2016. The SSLC has developed the Concordat to move on from partner status to formally join year-on-year since then, establishing itself as a collegiate the initiative. platform supporting a Scottish space sector that is projected With the Spaceports Alliance, support for domestic launch to become a £2 billion industry by the end of the decade and vehicle design and manufacture, advocacy for national engine is set to play a key role in the wider UK ambitions. test and flight test/integration facilities and championing Despite an unprecedented year filled with global Scotland’s significant strengths in data and information challenges, 2020 has proven to be the SSLC’s strongest year sciences to transform the downstream sector, SSLC is helping yet. Working within and adapting to the restrictions of COVID- to forge a complete commercial space value chain. With the 19, the SSLC has facilitated the establishment of an industry ability to provide smallsat launch to local and international consensus on launching from UK soil, creating a network of players, Scotland and the wider UK, has the potential to spaceports, and encouraging the establishment of competitive transform itself into an agile, high tempo, ‘one-stop-shop’, and equitable space legislation. providing services across all aspects of space sector giving An early success this year was a series of SSLC led Scotland and the UK ‘and edge’ in the global marketplace. workshops addressing trajectory and range analysis for UK The UK Spaceports Alliance embodies the open, launch sites, held with the aim of ensuring more detailed collaborative ethos of the SSLC, bringing together like-minded collaboration between space sector organizations including organizations to work together to deliver a successful UK developing UK launch sites, launch vehicle companies and Space Sector. The SSLC essentially offers a forum for range operators, as well as regulators such as the Civil representatives from industry, academia and government to Aviation Authority (CAA), the Ministry of Defence and the UK discuss, promote and collaborate on common interests to Space Agency. support the development of the UK’s space capabilities by providing tangible outputs and demonstratable results from

SatMagazine Page 72 December 2020

this collective activity. As the Council evolves, its reputation Working Toward a Sustainable Space Sector for being far more than a “talking shop” grows stronger. Whether it be highlighting Scotland’s space data capabilities, With the UK Space Agency’s stated aim of capturing 10 payload manufacture (more smallsats are bult in the city of percent of the global space market by 2030, the Glasgow than anywhere else globally outside of California) or operational and commercial ecosystem created by the to highlight the potential and challenge the issues around the developing launch legislation will be crucial to the UK’s ability to win the international race to enable European success or failure of the UK Space Sector’s ability to launch, the group is taking a lead industry position in raising compete within the intensely competitive International and debating key issues, concerns and opportunities with the launch marketplace. UK government on key issues such as regulation, insurance and international collaborations. The SSLC is also offering a The UK’s launch capability is, in turn, a fundamental factor broad, open, collaborative, cross-sectoral source of industry in enabling the whole UK Space Sector to achieve its and academic expertise to the government and its agencies significant potential. to help in the development of a world-leading commercial space sector here in the UK. Low cost, flexible and timely access to orbit will be an important Going forward, the SSLC is looking toward the challenges catalyst to achieving the ambitious levels of space sector growth, and opportunities of 2021. The SSLC’s New Voices initiative will as will using the opportunity afforded only through the creation of create an advisory group to promote the importance of a completely new industry to build a launch sector that develops inclusivity and diversity in the UK space sector, as well as in a manner that is consistent with a global need to minimize creating avenues for under-represented groups to join and environmental impact. enrich Scotland’s growing industry. SSLC will also strengthen its links to the Academic Space Forum to explore the future of the By working to inform and support the legislative process, the UK commercial space sector, building on the success which has SSLC aims to help position the UK as a European leader in stemmed from the commercialization of the cubesat concept. commercial spaceflight by championing an innovative approach The SSLC and the ASF will be developing concepts for new to environmentally conscious, sustainable launch activity from space technologies, capabilities and commercial opportunities. UK soil. The SSLC is already planning a major Space Sector Environmental Challenge led workshop for 2021 to both Author John Innes is the Chairman and Co-Founder of highlight and challenge the environmental credentials of the the Scottish Space Leadership Council and VP UK space Sector. This event is designed to produce Technology Innovation at Leonardo MW Ltd. comprehensive input for the COP 26 conference in Glasgow in November of 2021 where SSLC plans to have a significant Through the SSLC assessing and acting to reduce the presence representing the UK Space Industry. sector’s environmental impact, as well as raising Another high-priority project currently underway is to awareness of the key environmental benefits of the space sector in the formalize the Council as a legal entity, creating a solid foundation fields of Earth Observation (EO) and climate modelling, Scottish launch for the challenges ahead. The SSLC plans to work with strategic companies can continue their work towards a more environmentally space marketing firm AstroAgency and liaise with Council conscious offering for customers with their plans for greener propellants. members to create a more inclusive, diverse and connected — The SSLC intends to build on these initial efforts to create a sustainable both locally and internationally — Scottish space cluster. space sector. By establishing dialogue with leading environmental Despite the daily challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, groups in 2021 and beyond, the SSLC aims to both share the the SSLC has accomplished a great deal as a voluntary environmental benefits of the space sector and receive an outside member organization and discovered new ways to bring the perspective on how to better minimize its impact on the environment that UK sector together to produce outcomes of value. There is it ultimately seeks to protect. much yet to do if the UK is to achieve its ambitious plans within this decade, but the Council is setting itself up to build upon increasingly strong foundations for another year of supporting Scotland’s growing, out- of-this-world space economy.

SatMagazine Page 73 December 2020 Year in Review: ST Engineering iDirect

To say that 2020 has been unique would be a true As a leader in satellite ground infrastructure and solutions understatement. At the beginning of the year, no one for the cellular backhaul and trunking markets, it’s critical that could have predicted the impact that a global pandemic we collaborate with leading, like-minded players to continue could have on every aspect of our lives and the markets to develop solutions for that the satellite industry serves. MNOs to extend their reach However, despite the challenges that COVID-19 has and solve the growing thrown at every company this year, it’s been an extremely busy connectivity issues. Our work and rewarding one for ST Engineering iDirect during which with the Telecom Infrastructure Project, or TIP, is a great we have worked together with our partners to ensure our joint example of the amazing work that can be done when we success in these challenging times. The year began with the partner together. TIP helps accelerate the development and exciting prospect of bringing two companies together and deployment of open, disaggregated, standards-based integrating our talent and portfolios and we are emerging from solutions with the goal of delivering high quality connectivity 2020 having achieved milestones in technology innovation. on a global scale. We know more change is coming — and we are ready for it. Earlier this year our Head of Cellular Backhaul and In this article, we’d like to take you through just a few of Trunking, Semir Hassanaly, presented during their Plugfest the accomplishments of 2020 and the great things that have event on the importance of establishing the right business been achieved with our customers all over the world. Though case for satellite-based cellular backhaul. COVID-19 may have forced us physically apart this year, the ties with our partners and customers are stronger than ever. Critical Connectivity for Government Satellite technology has been a critical enabler for government agencies in the worldwide response to the pandemic. Our customers stepped up to the challenge deploying highly available, reliable connectivity solutions to enable first responders and the healthcare providers across the globe. For example, Global Radiodata Communications used the iQ 200 modem for its Satcube solution that has been deployed to provide high-bandwidth, secure voice and data to medical teams. The lightweight terminal is online in less than a minute and is as simple as using a smartphone. It’s this kind of instant access to connectivity that has been so critical at this time. Connecting Remote Places on Earth Working with our long-term partner, Peruvian service The iQ LTE is also having an impact in the first responder provider, Andesat, we enabled a regional Mobile Network sector and has been integrated by IP Access into its FUSION Operator (MNO) to extend its reach to remote and rural range to create a converged solution that automatically finds regions of the country. Known as ‘Te Connectamos Peru,’ this and connects to all available networks, including LTE, 4G/5G project is benefiting a universe of 60,000 towns and villages and multiple satellite networks, without user intervention. As and a total of more than three million people. Using a result, it delivers reliable data communication for several use Andesat’s already-installed multi-service Evolution hub, the cases where the physical path redundancy is critical. requirement for any new services or hardware was eliminated We have also supported those deployed to natural disasters and the company was able to move rapidly into a new market, providing Wi-Fi and 4G services to villages and allowing residents to access voice, data and video via computer or mobile device. The timing of the project was crucial, given that connectivity to these remote locations is particularly important to stay connected against the backdrop of COVID-19. Satellite plays an integral role in delivery of vital services such as education and healthcare to these remote villages.

SatMagazine Page 74 December 2020 Agility in Broadcasting We further strengthened our long-standing relationship with leading telecom provider VIVACOM with a new agreement to supply our MCX7000 modulators to facilitate additional ST Engineering iDirect’s iQ Lite rackmount broadcast offerings in Eastern Europe and Africa. VIVACOM, that have occurred this year such as wildfires and hurricanes the largest telecommunications provider in Bulgaria, will use in the United States. The Dialog platform played an integral the MCX7000, a dense DVB-S2X, multi-carrier, satellite role in Verizon’s response to Hurricane Laura earlier this year gateway, to launch new video services in Africa, in partnership and enabled the re-establishment of connectivity to fuel the with a global satellite operator. The modulators will also efforts of first responder and aid agencies to help rebuild and provide enhanced services for an existing Direct-to-Home restore the community. (DTH) operator across Eastern Europe.

Innovation in the Defense Sector The MDM9000 modem (pictured above) received Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) Certification earlier in the year which expands our portfolio of WGS-certified solutions, including the With the pandemic affecting live events broadcasters and SNG iDirect Evolution Defense platform, Tactical Hub, and 9-Series (Satellite News Gathering) operators were forced to learn to family of modems. Designed to support a wide range of fixed and adapt and operate in very different circumstances. We supported our customers in their creative approaches to re-purpose SNG trucks, outfitted with our solutions, to turn them into mobile communication centers. These trucks can offer full IP capabilities and travel to wherever they are required for on-the-spot connectivity providing much needed help for aid agencies, medical staff and first responders. We saw new interest in satellite’s ability to provide OTT mobile government and defense applications, the field-proven services this year. There was a dramatic increase in demand for MDM9000 modem is now one of the most powerful DVB-S2X video streaming and networks were hit with massive congestion modems operating on the WGS constellation. Its flexibility and as a result of home working and business closures, negatively efficiency open up new capabilities for high-speed data links, impacting Quality of Experience (QoE). Our solutions were complementing existing WGS-certified Evolution Defense used to facilitate offloading of traffic from the terrestrial Solutions. backbone and to feed the Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). The defense sector is a prime target for both cybersecurity threats and intentional Excelling in Maritime Capabilities and unintentional signal interference. Mobility is set to be an even bigger theme in 2021 due to an With the digitalization of the battlefield inexorable rise in demand for connectivity anywhere — and has come increased risk. Security systems we have bolstered our position on the high seas with some must therefore have the capability to significant agreements. Our leading mobility position and predict, detect, prevent and mitigate the solutions that empower our customers across all mobility mix of threats that could hamper segments was recognized through the MSUA Company to operations. Our latest Evolution 4.2.2.0 Watch award. This was also a nod to our future vision and release introduces Communication passion to facilitate seamless connectivity as new Signal Interference Removal (CSIR™) constellations, applications and markets emerge. technology to effectively remove signal Evolution 4.2.2.0 is the interference and reduce noise of satellite company’s latest defense­ signal emitters in real time. This can help grade release that enhances Defense customers predict, detect, the Evolution Defense platform with information assurance prevent and mitigate threats (IA) and cybersecurity. and vulnerabilities.

SatMagazine Page 75 December 2020 In Africa, our long-term customer, Paratus, a pan-African telecommunications group, is leveraging our Evolution platform alongside modems with marine antenna from manufacturer and Speedcast has deployed the WTA Award-winning Newtec integrator KNS, to provide reliable, high-speed connectivity to Dialog® platform to provide worldwide satellite broadband mining ships based in Guinea. With ships essentially becoming services for its customers. The deployment enables the service offices at sea, we anticipate more demand for high speed, provider to respond to the rising requirement for high-speed highly reliable marine connectivity in the future. connectivity on board cruise ships and may also be used for other vertical market segments with increasing bandwidth requirements, A Move Into IoT such as yachting, oil and gas and the enterprise market. As everyone and everything becomes more connected than Already facing a daunting task of converting more than 100 ever before our customers will gain first-mover advantage with maritime sites to this new technology, the team was our flexible IoT enablement solutions, enabling them to deliver confronted with a new challenge when COVID-19 prevented an IoT solution whilst leveraging their existing infrastructure or delayed the dispatch of field engineers to some remote investments and capacity. The offering entails a complete sites. The team came up with an innovative remote installation connectivity solution for Service Providers to procure the IoT plan to move the project forward quickly, maintain the project terminals from a single trusted source, and flexible Service plan timeline and support customer needs. enablement options easing the entry into the IoT market. Marlink is also rolling out its deployment of Dialog that will help enable the company to deliver advanced solutions to A Vision of the Future Through Innovation their customers, further strengthening its maritime and Throughout the year, our team continued to be heavily enterprise offerings. This will enhance capabilities across involved in several consortia and initiatives that promote the additional market segments including shipping and tanker companies, cruise lines, ferries, yachts and fishing boats, all of which have increasing throughput demands due to digital transformation. Our technology enables Marlink’s special purpose highly resilient satellite network solution for the Remotely Operated Service at Sea (ROSS) project developed by offshore services operator SeaOwl.

SatMagazine Page 76 December 2020 But it’s not just MEO connectivity where we have seen significant developments. We have also made groundbreaking advancements in LEO (Low Earth Orbit), as well. We completed the world’s first Over-the-Air (OTA) testing of our Multi-Frequency Time Division Multiple Access (MF- integration of satellite into 5G delivery. To play a significant TDMA) return link on the Telesat’s LEO constellation. role, satellite must fit, seamlessly, into a 5G hybrid ecosystem Telesat Phase-1 LEO satellite. and utilize the technologies that are native to the telco world This achievement demonstrated dynamic sharing of bandwidth such as virtualization, orchestration and software defined among multiple terminals within a LEO constellation, a capability networking. That will enable us to leverage advances in our that extends the capacity and flexibility of Telesat’s multi-beam industry, such as the move to multi-orbit constellations, and beam hopping architecture, and opens up a wide range of use be part of the global communications fabric. cases for Telesat’s LEO customers in the commercial, In October, together with Avanti Communications, we government, and defense markets. enabled the successful integration of a commercially available 5G core network into a live satellite network within the SaT5G The Road Ahead project. This marked a major milestone for the Sat5G initiative Though 2020 has been filled with challenges for everyone, there and the industry as a whole, as it was the first time a live satellite are many reasons to be positive and we will see recovery with network has been managed and operated using a standard markets coming back to 2019 levels in 2021 and 2022. NSR and unmodified commercially available 5G core network. already forecasts long-term potential with SATCOM revenues Several 5G use case demonstrations over live satellite links reaching $26.5 billion by 2029. were performed with satellites carrying out several different tasks. Some markets will recover rapidly but others, such as the The project undertook research and demonstrated the benefit of aviation and IFC (Inflight connectivity) will take longer to satellite technology in delivering content to the network edge. bounce back to the levels they were at before. However, when We have taken our first and very significant steps toward the they do, they will emerge as an important differentiator. multi-orbit approach that will define our future as an industry. Technologically, there is much to look forward to and some Our high-performance ground infrastructure has been disruptive technologies are emerging that will shape the future selected for O3b mPOWER, SES’s next-generation MEO of our industry. Take virtualization and the cloud. As a ground communications system. Pairing our breakthrough ground infrastructure provider, we will create the scalability and technology with spacecraft innovations, O3b mPOWER will throughput so that many different services may be used. This enable a flexible, low-latency, high-speed, fiber-like will transform the way in which satellites are viewed by the experience. Our ground technology is key to optimizing the telecommunications industry and how satellites link up to the end-to-end capabilities of the MEO constellation which global fabric of terrestrial communication. promises to transform how satellite services are delivered. In 2021, we look forward to further enabling our customers and partners in our established, core markets and also to taking our first steps into new ones, opening up a new future of connectivity that can be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.

www.idirect.net

Author Thomas Van

den Driessche is the

President and Chief Executive Officer of

ST Engineering iDirect.

SatMagazine Page 77 December 2020 Year in Review: TerraMetric

2020 looked to be the dawning of a modern day version portfolio of diverse industry partners. It also immediately of the roaring 1920s across the industry, with record- implemented effective measures, financially and operationally, setting investment. Instead, a dramatic turn of events to protect against the oncoming downturn. meant the parallels with that period also extended to These two strategic actions allowed TerraMetric to respective pandemic similarities. position itself for sustainable, profitable growth through 2020 and into 2021.

2020 Success Drivers The essence of what makes TerraMetric exceptional has remained unchanged. TerraMetric's multi-faceted approach to growth strategy, based upon diversifying across the NewSpace value chain, has powered its success and continues to be a highly effective strategy for itself and its clients. The diversification of TerraMetric's client and partner portfolio gives the company many dials to turn, driving the business forward, which has never been more critical. NewSpace, like most technology markets, moves extremely Despite the challenges, there were several drivers of fast. TerraMetric views the industry through five and ten-year success for TerraMetric: accelerating its strategy consulting lenses to establish strategic focal points and make strategic services, belief in a multi-stakeholder approach to business, annual adjustments. executing key partnerships, and embracing data, analytics, The company studies industry trends using cutting-edge and innovation. market insights to reflect the most promising growth areas During the first months of the COVID-19 outbreak, across geographies, channels, vertical markets, and shifts in TerraMetric, like many others in the NewSpace community, global economic, demographic, and social trends. The took a beat to understand the collective impact of an challenges of 2020 confirmed TerraMetric's strategies as many unprecedented global pause in business and a cultural of the trends we have tracked within NewSpace have awakening. As well as reeling from the effects of COVID-19, accelerated because of COVID-19. the world and the space industry became more aware of substantial social and racial injustice. Acceleration of Strategy Consulting Services The mission of TerraMetric did not become one of TerraMetric has long recognized the growth prospects of "battening down the hatches" until the world returned to strategy consulting, which it has identified as a pressing need normal but instead one of engaging with the evolving global for NewSpace. Strategy consulting has been a critical area of crisis with increasing intensity. TerraMetric's team delivered an focus and investment for the company, accelerating the incredibly strong performance for itself and its clientele thanks business line in 2020 and providing a foundation for increased to this time-tested strategy. capabilities and scale. Despite this year of adversity, TerraMetric will finish 2020 As industry trends in NewSpace have become more by outperforming 2019 by a factor of 3, with substantial global evident, so has TerraMetric's investment in targeted personal gains and well on the way to a third fiscal year with triple-digit services for this market, such as commercial strategy growth. As 2020 progressed, and as it became increasingly consulting, commercial due diligence, and executive training. clear that the COVID-19 pandemic wasn't going away, Targeted investments have helped TerraMetric reach a broader TerraMetric strengthened its focus to help its clients navigate range of New Space clients, who are increasingly shifting from unprecedented complexity and change. technology demonstration and raising capital to focus on In spite of extensive cancellations of worldwide industry achieving commercial success. events in the second half of the year and an inability to hold TerraMetric spent much of 2020 initiating strategic initiatives meetings in person with key clients and their stakeholders, that ensure the company is well-positioned to meet this growing TerraMetric hit the accelerator as it was already well-positioned need of the NewSpace market and unlock its potential. to quickly and effectively pivot to 100 percent remote interactions. TerraMetric took the path of dealing with the challenges throughout the fiscal year "head-on," driven by a

SatMagazine Page 78 December 2020 Multiple Stakeholder Approach The typical approach of NewSpace companies has traditionally been one of raising lots of finance and trying to conquer the market alone. From a revenue generation standpoint, as the realities of a slower global economy have become more apparent, a multi-stakeholder strategy for business growth became necessary in 2020. Clients have increasingly embraced the TerraMetric approach to team building due to its quality, innovation, and creativity. TerraMetric delivered higher-than-expected sales growth in 2020 for every business line by building coalitions of clients and industry partners with complementary capabilities from throughout the market, working together to provide joint customers' solutions.

Key Partnerships The importance of building relationships with organizations that can enhance client capabilities and reach new markets is more critical than ever. Despite the fact this has very much been a year for working in physical isolation, the TerraMetric team has established several exciting partnerships worldwide. One prime example of these new, mutually beneficial relationships is the company's Teaming Agreement with Space BD in Japan, which enables TerraMetric to send payloads to the International Space Station (ISS). Another exciting partnership is TerraMetric's collaboration with Euroconsult on the recently released EO4AG report, which has been tremendously well-received, with coverage in close to 30 agriculture and space publications worldwide. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the global trends, respectively. In these positions, the two will be fundamental vertical integration opportunities and regional demand to building TerraMetric's priorities and accelerating growth. forecasted for Earth Observation-based services and products TerraMetric introduced new services in all aspects of the addressing the precision agriculture sector. This market is organization's business this year, which have proven essential expected to reach over $815 million within the decade. for clients. The company is firmly positioned to enter into the new year with optimism earned through hard work, Data, Analytics and Innovation maximizing opportunities, and fostering the collaborative With the high demand for data, analytics, and insights, the approach at the core of the business. NewSpace market continues to accelerate in the downstream market. terrametric.global TerraMetric's ability to identify growth opportunities across vertical markets, geographic markets, and market segments Author Clint allow them to maximize value when delivering its clients' Graumann is innovative products and services. the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder As the market quickly evolves, TerraMetric helps its clients of TerraMetric and is considered to be one of harness more data than ever before and leverage analytics to the leading experts in the New Space generate actionable intelligence that delivers enterprise value, economy. He has deep experience in the now and in the future. domestic and international markets. Clint and To further strengthen these critical capabilities, Chad Baker TerraMetrics’ team work in concert with clients to provide market and Andrew Pylypchuk have taken on the Vice President roles intelligence, secure large contracts, and connect with partners for the company as of August and September of 2020, and customers,

SatMagazine Page 79 December 2020 Year in Review: Terrasat Communications

This past year, the global pandemic has surprised everyone and with it, the new challenges that many in the satellite market industry had to face. But like many leaders in the industry, Terrasat Communications quickly adapted and moved forward to continue to provide superior Intelligent Block Upconverters (IBUCs) to satellite operations around the world. While operating as an Essential Business during this pandemic, and maintaining California’s Public Health and Safety standards, Terrasat has pushed forward to deploy its Terrasat continued to scale to meet the growing customer products from orders that have been received from around the needs, and all the while, balancing processes and testing to world. Terrasat’s ability to keep the factory open and consistently deliver high quality reliable IBUCs. Terrasat productive has led to an increase in contracts to both upgrade Communications celebrated, with partners, the completed existing equipment, and feature in newly launched SATCOM installation of high-performance satellite broadcast systems systems for both commercial and government sectors. for the Africa Nations Championship in Cameroon. The order It all seems normalized now, but this was quite an included deploying seven antenna systems featuring accomplishment. Keeping a manufacturing line open in Terrasat’s 400W IBUC G redundant configuration just in time California at the onset of the pandemic meant establishing a for the kick-off. completely new operating procedure that complied with strict The 2020 successes in new contracts and orders has led safety standards such social distancing for floor personnel, Terrasat to expand its production facility. The increased constant temperature checks, cleaning, and occasional production capacity will allow Terrasat to produce greater personnel quarantines. In addition to these challenges, there quantities of existing product and also produce new products were daily obstacles with all the down the line parts such as the new generation IBUC, the IBUC 3. manufacturers that Terrasat uses in their production. The Ku-band IBUC 3 combines the intelligence and During the past year, Terrasat received multiple contracts power efficiency of the IBUC 2 within a smaller size and with well-established vertical satellite antenna manufacturers. weight profile. In addition to the IBUC 3, Terrasat is Terrasat, alongside with other strategic partners, upgraded the continuing to push forward with higher power GaN and GaAs critical VSAT systems of a domestic government organization BUCs to meet the needs of emerging hubs and uplinks for by integrating Terrasat’s new compact IBUC 3 units. Not long LEO and MEO satellites. after, another contract was awarded with a global stabilized antenna manufacturer for prioritizing Terrasat’s mid-power Ku- band IBUC units for brand new satellite antenna systems. In an uncertain world of living in a pandemic, Terrasat has consistently supplied IBUCs to meet the growing demand for reliable equipment with responsive remote site management and control capabilities for critical satellite communication. Bob Hansen, Vice President of sales and Marketing commented on the year by saying, “The unique challenge for all of us was to adapt to a new normal. It was critical that we needed to keep everyone safe during the pandemic while continuing to build the products for our expanding customer base. Our customers and our partners were very understanding while we took the time to strike the right balance between safety, new procedures, and upgrading our equipment to churn out more quickly. It has been a fortunate year for us.”

SatMagazine Page 80 December 2020 This past year, Terrasat also took the industry lead in responding to emerging market trends in cybersecurity. It is said that a communications link is only as secure as its weakest link. Many in our industry have realized that “intelligent BUCs” with IP connectivity can be easily exploited because of “low barriers” to foreign adverse actors. Terrasat is offering exciting developments in SNMP V.3 cybersecurity enhanced IBUCs for industries across the world looking to strengthen their satellite ground station terminals from being exposed to vulnerabilities and attacks. As we close out the tumultuous year of 2020, Terrasat remains poised for a successful 2021. Bob Hansen continued, “We have a lot of exciting products lined up for 2021. We’re committed to engineering the best BUCs on the market. Terrasat IBUCs are known for their reliability and performance. Our push into even higher power units and in particular, cybersecurity, will alter the course of the SATCOM industry. External and internal enhancements to an IBUC will benefit any industry concerned with outside threats.” The new additions to Terrasat’s expansive product portfolio will allow Terrasat Communications to remain committed to being an industry leader by proactively responding to customer needs and engineering the gold standard of ultimate reliability and superior performance for commercial and government satellite communication. Terrasat looks forward to 2021 as the year these new products gain the high profile they deserve.

terrasatinc.com

Author Mike Gold is

the Regional Vice Terrasat IBUC being manufactured in the company’s factory. President of the

Americas and the Israel Region for

Terrasat Communications.

Terrasat Communications designs and manufactures innovative RF

solutions for Satellite Communications systems. Our ground-

breaking IBUCs- brings advanced features and performance. All

models include a web interface for extensive management and

control and are SNMP-compliant for easy interface with any NMS.

Terrasat’s IBUCs deliver superior reliability by holding up in

extreme operating conditions made possible by extensive

individual unit testing over temperature for optimal performance.

SatMagazine Page 81 December 2020 Year in Review: Thuraya Telecommunications Company — The Importance of Satellite for Aerospace IoT — Today, there are about 35,000 planes in service worldwide, less aircraft. We have seen the initial premises with tests on including all commercial and military aircraft. This number F16 and more recently on Airbus 350. is expected to touch 60,000, registering nearly a 100 percent increase during the next 15 years. Unique Satellite Advantages for Aerospace IoT Traditionally, satellite systems have played a key role in Since terrestrial cellular networks do not provide full coverage cockpit communications and coordination between aircraft and of the Earth’s landmass, the need for satellite-based air-traffic control stations. But, with the advent of internet and all connectivity for the IoT sector to reach its full potential is applications thereafter, Thuraya has started to see an increasing undisputed. Although 5G is right around the corner, the next adoption of satellite-backed services for inflight communications generation of cellular mobile networks will definitely not fit on commercial aircraft and to enable bandwidth-hungry every need especially during the cruising phase of a flight. applications such as video surveillance on military aircraft. However, satellites hold a lot of promise and could be Beyond passenger communications, aircraft operators are game changers. They can handle a majority of IoT operations facing additional challenges related to safety and security of – across vast, diverse geographies - drastically reducing the people and assets (e.g., Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which amount of investment needed in the sector. Satellites do not disappeared in 2014 and is yet to be located) and reducing require costly ground-based infrastructure support and are maintenance downtime and costs. technologically advanced to adapt to different platforms and Unmanned aircraft, the numbers of which have increased standards, basically agnostic in terms of technology. exponentially, have accelerated the adoption of satellite connectivity and solutions. In fact, a research study has Key Benefits identified more than 150 different types of unmanned military aerial platforms with at least 20,000 drones in service. Coverage — Expected to cover billions of devices around the world, All these numbers suggest that our skies are increasingly the potential scale demands ubiquitous network coverage even in becoming crowded despite the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. remote locations, which are best served by satellite networks. Hence, satellite will be even more relevant, not only because Reliability -— Maintaining a high level of service reliability is a key of its ubiquitous nature transcending the limitations of requirement for effective IoT deployments. The high reliability of satellite terrestrial technologies, but also due to its reliability to services holds a distinct advantage in supporting applications such as augment any aircraft, regardless of its type. remote asset monitoring that requires reliable, always-on connectivity. Cost — Satellite technology has the potential to be a versatile and cost- Evolution of Aircraft Requirements effective solution when it comes to ubiquitous connectivity. One network, Aircraft are complex machines that have evolved over a long one cost regardless of where you are is a highly compelling proposition. In period of time to become increasingly automated to not only help general, satellite networks are agnostic to the technology deployed due to pilots make better decisions but also enable operators to boost their operations in a bent-pipe model. Hence, they are really versatile and productivity and efficiency. In this respect, real-time information adaptive to support different technologies as desired by customers. has been increasingly critical not only as part of corrective actions, Integration — The rising demand for connectivity is expected to but as an important tool for predictive measures, which in many expedite the integration of satellite into the overall communications mix. cases results in millions of dollars in savings per aircraft. Interoperability and convergence with terrestrial systems is an important Satellite can enable different types of sensors ranging from value add for satellite systems, which enables seamless connectivity by location tracking, to engine performance, and kerosene increasing overall service availability. consumption which are the key metrics that can be leveraged L-Band uniqueness — For wide area IoT deployments where to enhance aircraft performance, maintenance downtime and satellite is necessary, L-band is the best option because it supports cost. For this, terabytes of data are collected during each flight smaller terminals facilitating easier installation/deployment. L-band and in some cases need to be reported in real time to the networks are less prone to disruptions, providing reliable services even in ground, at least for the critical information and parameters. unstable weather conditions. They have a wider beam width, and hence Satellite-based IoT for aircraft is poised to be a standard, do not require high-quality and directive antennas that are expensive enabling problem-solving through data analytics. An example and mandatory for higher bands. would be a real-time failure of an engine component, tracking cargo in the sky or replenishing unused inventories.A major Yahsat’s and Thuraya’s Increasing Relevance change is taking place with the rising usage of unmanned Yahsat and Thuraya have been very active during the last few aircraft. Satellites will be even more indispensable for pilot- years in the aerospace market. In fact, Thuraya already has a

SatMagazine Page 82 December 2020 robust broadband aeronautical product offering within its seamless service required by aeronautical platforms — the portfolio that can be leveraged for IoT applications. Using its ultimate success of the IoT in the aerospace segment depends advanced network, the company and its partners have on the active support of satellite networks — especially over developed terminals to cater for the aero market segment. oceans and seas that are outside cellular networks coverage. They have been certified for use on aircraft and helicopters IoT makes flights safer and more economical such as the H145 by Airbus. Improved maintenance Thuraya recently showcased, during the Dubai Air Show, the Reducing grounding times, improving costs and efficiencies capabilities of its L-band-powered Aero solution to key UAE government customers. By fulfilling the growing requirements Challenges Posed by COVID-19 for secure, always-on satellite-based aeronautical The COVID-19 has had an unparalleled impact on aviation. communications and applications, Yahsat is looking to further Passenger traffic is almost negligible this year and thousands expand our strong partnership with the Government of the UAE. of aircraft are grounded. The ‘opening measures’ that are now The successful demonstrations reflect the depth and magnitude being rolled out will lead to a certain “normalcy” in aviation of Yahsat’s aero mobility services to address multiple needs. and cruises in the next 12 to 18 months, at best. When Additionally, a Thuraya technology partner has developed conditions stabilize, connectivity will be a key differentiator in an L-band-based state-of-the-art communication solution for the value proposition offered by operators. drones that is used not only for Command and Control but The interim period is enough for Thuraya Aero to evolve, also for streaming videos and images. It has been tested and hugely benefiting from Thuraya’s next generation mobility has subsequently generated great interest amongst program. By 2024, when Thuraya 4-NGS enters commercial government customers. service, Thuraya Aero Next Generation (NG) will start Apart from Thuraya, Yahsat has also executed a number of delivering high throughput L-Band services, outperforming any strategic partnerships such as its recent JV with Hughes mobile satellite service in the market. It is all set to become an Network Systems (HNS) that affords the company access to established and reliable service for the global aviation technology, experience and market reach beyond what it community. Thuraya has a clear goal of achieving further line- could do on its own. HNS is a key supplier to current inflight fit certifications with aircraft manufacturers until commercial communications service providers in the market. They not only aviation reaches pre-pandemic levels and the demand for high- provide modem technologies, but also help operate services performance cockpit services rises significantly. for key players in this space. Yahsat plans to leverage this Meanwhile, on the ground, there is a rising need for experience for its own market entry. The company’s long-term cockpit connectivity from the government and the logistics partnerships with Boeing for the Phased Array antenna on sectors that is largely L-band driven. For search and rescue, specific government programs have given it valuable insights border surveillance, ISR, telemedicine, logistics and military into the ongoing evolutions in antenna technologies. operations, aircraft need to fly on a daily basis. Thuraya has In view of changing market dynamics, Yahsat and Thuraya adequate resources to effectively fulfill those crucial needs. are in the process of partnering with key IoT players in the market to launch a range of products and services addressing thuraya.com different market segments including aerospace deployment requirements. They aim to introduce cost-effective terminals, Sulaiman Al Ali is Deputy which will be easier to deploy, integrate and manage remotely. Chief Executive Officer (D/CEO) of Thuraya, the Mobile Satellite Services Satellite Accelerates Aerospace IoT Growth subsidiary of Yahsat. He was formerly the Satellite IoT will become even more relevant in the future. The Executive Vice President (EVP) of the market for IoT in aerospace and defense is estimated to be Commercial Division within Yahsat Government approximately $200 billion by 2023. Aerospace IoT is Solutions. As Deputy CEO, Sulaiman is focused on improving expected to deliver on 3 main objectives, namely... operations and revenue growth through enhanced communication 1) Operational efficiencies services for Thuraya and Yahsat customers in the commercial and 2) New revenue streams, and government/military sectors. He is also responsible for 3) Safety and security enhancements strengthening Thuraya’s commercial strategy, while leveraging the While Wi-Fi deployments, Bluetooth and terrestrial GSM company’s breadth of services to provide customers in the networks are able to support most applications, these network government and military sectors with well-defined solutions that services simply cannot provide the ubiquitous coverage and enable them to innovate.

SatMagazine Page 83 December 2020 Year in Review: W.B. Walton Enterprises, Inc. Despite the huge challenges of the pandemic this year, at W.B. Walton Enterprises, Inc. (Walton De-Ice), we have been inspired by the humanity and resiliency of our customers, partners, colleagues and families. We are grateful for the privilege of continuing our fourth decade delivering the most innovative and effective solutions to help protect critical satellite networks from degradation and outages due to weather. consumption solution for shedding snow off antennas from 0.6 The Leader in Antenna Weather Protection Systems to 6.3 meters, can deliver up to 100X energy-savings when Our core business at Walton De-Ice has been keeping Earth compared to traditional anti-icing solutions, which is why it station antennas snow and ice-free with HOT AIR DE-ICE has been adopted in teleports, and cable and broadcast systems. We also address more than de-icing weather facilities worldwide. challenges alone. The Walton PORTABLE RADOME protects antennas and equipment from high winds, sandstorms, intense Ensuring Customer Service sun and heat. Walton RAIN DIVERTERS keep signal-busting In 2020, despite pandemic challenges, we have continued to water out of antenna apertures. RAIN QUAKE systems reduce provide field installation and support services at many water sheeting and antenna wetting attenuation, boosting Ka- customer sites. We implemented safety measures to protect Band performance. our employees and customers while maintaining production and customer support. C-Band 5G Transition with US Customers can also leverage remote control features such The FCC decisions around the C-band 5G transition this year as IP monitoring and control of their Walton systems if required have the company seeing requests for large projects and when teleworking, for example, while pandemic worker safety requirements for many de-icing systems to accompany retrofits restrictions are in effect. In 2021, we aim to get the word out of C-band ground infrastructure. C-band networks and more about our latest monitoring and control capabilities. affiliates should remember to include De-Icing in C-band antenna retrofit budgets in areas prone to snow, especially Portable Radome Traction in Defense Markets when FCC incentive funding is available. As a U.S. Veteran-owned small business (CAGE Code 5Z770) Walton’s Hot Air De-Ice, ICE QUAKE and SNOWSHIELD manufacturer, we remain committed to serving U.S. systems help maximize uptime for critical satellite signals at Government requirements, whether via any of our prime major TV broadcast centers for leading TV programmers, as contractor/systems integrators, distributors, or directly. well as DBS, cable, telco, and mobile network operator This year, Walton began shipping its re-designed PORTABLE head ends. RADOME — see the sidebar on the following page. For large uplinks, the original WALTON PLENUM HOT The new design offers expanded, full satellite-arc, line-of- AIR DE-ICE design mounts behind C-/Ku-/Ka-/X-/L-band sight protection for ground antennas, such as LEO gateways antennas in sizes from 3.7 to 32 meters. Unlike competing and MEO terminals for HTS, in addition to GEO. The anti-icing solutions, such as electric pad systems that can PORTABLE RADOME provides a uniquely deployable weather cause reflector distortion and outages, Walton Hot Air De-Ice protection solution for applications such as military vehicular systems heat the entire antenna reflector and back structure mount terminals, Coms-on-the-Pause (COTP) terminals, VSATs, uniformly, ensuring Ku-/Ka band uptime. Transportable uplinks, Enterprise terminals as well as Walton systems also uniquely offer maximum flexibility with LEO/MEO gateways. electric, natural gas and liquid propane gas heater options. In 2020, multiple major Department of Defense (DoD) For even the most demanding Ka-band tolerances, our contractors ordered these units, in sizes up to 18’ x 12’, and Infrared testing of antenna heating distribution validate our we supported installations in military facilities in CONUS for products’ optimal and superior performance. several systems. These 2020 customer wins are in addition to Walton’s energy-saving SNOWSHIELD, and ICE QUAKE PORTABLE RADOME shipments during 2019 for the U.S. Air systems for 0.6 to 6.3 meter antennas have been field-proven Force, as well as deployments with two other major U.S. to deliver the most cost-effective protection from ice and snow Federal contractors, and a European defense agency in for hundreds of major cable and broadcast affiliates’ satellite separate customer projects. antenna farms. The ICE QUAKE system, a super-low energy

SatMagazine Page 84 December 2020 In burning desert sun heat conditions, an efficient forced

The Portable Radome Solutions air/HVAC system can be added to protect RF and electronics Traditional antenna radomes are not built for transportable equipment underneath a Walton PORTABLE RADOME from operation. Yet many of today's military and first-responder damage due to overheating. applications on land require deployable systems where harsh The PORTABLE RADOME, SNOWSHIELD, and ICE QUAKE elements demand radome-like protection. The Walton all use unique PTFE architectural fabric that is permanently PORTABLE RADOME unleashes a whole new set of resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light and weather. As a result, Walton possibilities for operating transportable satellite terminals customers enjoy performance and total-cost-of-ownership (TST) and VSATs in extreme and mobile conditions to support advantages over antenna covers that use inferior materials, which civil or military requirements for high capacity data, voice and degrade quickly unless removed and cleaned seasonally.

video capabilities worldwide. Looking Ahead The Walton PORTABLE RADOME can protect In spite of the very real challenges in our customers’ markets, we transportable, trailer and flyaway antennas from extreme are hopeful that the promise of vaccines and a general economic conditions — snow, ice, intense heat, gale force winds (e.g.. 85 recovery in 2021 will restore industry demand with renewed vigor. miles per hour), hailstorms, and sandstorms — for operation in Hunger for bandwidth will continue to drive the need for satellite climates ranging from alpine to desert. The PORTABLE capacity and services from traditional GEO and Ka-band HTS RADOME can also be used for fixed site ground networks, and customers that demand our products today. We are excited about deliver gateway site cost-savings and other advantages. the prospects of LEO/MEO programs for the industry. Lightweight and airline-shippable for rapid deployment, with easy Constellations such as Starlink, Telesat LEO, and Amazon’s setup in less than an hour by one person. Project Kuiper are making technical and business progress, Walton’s PORTABLE RADOME goes where no radome has despite OneWeb’ setbacks this year. These systems will have gone before to help urgent mobile terminals and VSATs stay ground antennas that require weather protection, which in turn online. Unlike our RF-friendly radome, some proposed substitutes creates demand from our customers for new solutions, an actually have to open up a flap to allow RF signals to pass. example being our radome products. The PORTABLE RADOME uses architectural PTFE fabric At Walton De-Ice, we look forward to partnering with our material proven to deliver “no-leak” protection under heavy sand- customers to develop and build even better ways to protect blast conditions, unlike proposed substitutes such as cloth tents. antennas and signals from the elements, whether for LEO, MEO, Walton radome material withstands fine sand concentration (0.1- or GEO requirements. 20 g/m³) blown at up to 134 mile-per-hour intensity without damage. This ensures that antennas and electronics under the de-ice.com radome are protected, even in intense sand-blasting winds that can rip apart tents. Author Ray Powers is Director of Sales & Marketing for

W.B. Walton Enterprises, Inc. (“Walton De-Ice”) the

world’s leading designer and manufacturer of satellite

Earth Station Antenna (ESA) weather protection systems

deployed globally. He has been with the company since

2010. Contact Ray at: [email protected].

SatMagazine Page 85 December 2020 Reusable Launch Systems Revolutionizing the Future of Space Travel and Exploration By Nilopal Ojha, Lead Research Analyst, BIS Reseach

The dream of space tourism is advancing toward reality with advancements have led to significant changes in the global launch reusable space capsules that are being launched with the help of industry, both in terms of supply and demand along with technological reusable launch systems. Some of the companies that are actively revolution caused by existing companies and new entrants in the working toward making this dream a reality include Space X, Virgin market. Galactic, Blue Origin, and Arianespace. As per the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), the global launch Reusable launch systems are also known as reusable launch vehicles as industry was valued at $4.9 billion in 2019. With the increase in the they cater to the recovery of some of the major components of the number of launches of smallsats and mega-constellations as well as launch system. The reusability factor of these systems has generated a dedicated launches through small launch vehicles (SLVs), revenue for great deal of interest and has further fueled technological development the launch industry is expected to increase further. As per the market in this arena. These systems hold a huge potential market in the future intelligence study by BIS Research, the global SLV market alone is as they can drastically reduce the investment associated with space anticipated to reach $7.65 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 24.36 launch and exploration. percent during the forecast period of 2020 to 2030. The entry of Space X into the reusable rocket segments has ignited The study highlights that several companies operating in the market a technical innovation in the market and has pushed the competitors are working toward developing cost-effective technology for dedicated to invest in launch industry technological innovations. These launch solutions for smallsats.

SatMagazine Page 86 December 2020 Market Developments components and offer a number of improvements over traditional SpaceX, a leading company owned by Elon Musk, has successfully manufacturing methods. developed Falcon 9, a reusable two-stage rocket. The company has Additionally, the advancement in engine technology is playing a advertised that the launch cost of Falcon 9 rocket is around $62 million, crucial role in the reusable launch system. Engines manufactured with which is further expected to be reduced by 30 percent with a switch to 3D printing have reduced the number of components, production costs reusable rockets in future. The inherent technology associated with the well as unit development time. It further increases the reliability of the reusable system is the ability of the rockets to land at the precise developed engines. location. The Falcon 9 by SpaceX has been specifically and successfully The development of new rocket systems, such as New Glenn, tested for several launches and landing attempts. Through years of manufactured by Blue Origin, will be powered by seven BE-4 engines. testing, Falcon 9 was developed, ensuring proper alignment of the These engines will be using methane-based fuel, which will further Merlin 1D engines and folded landing legs. The launch system enables reduce the weight of the engine and improve the reusability factor. the recovery and relaunch of the first stage rocket boosters. In September of 2020, China National Space Administration stated Future Performance that its reusable spacecraft, which includes the lander, orbiter, along The organizations working on reusable technology are creating several with the rover, is on its way to Mars — the reusable experimental opportunities in the near future within the context of space exploration. spacecraft has successfully returned on the predetermined landing site. This technology can possibly increase the frequency of launches, Since the inception of Virgin Galactic in 2004 by Richard Branson, thereby increasing the scope of operations. the company has come a long way after several setbacks and Space tourism is one of the upcoming sectors in the space industry upheavals. In December of 2018, the company made its first suborbital — human space travel for recreational purposes and has gained some test flight. The spacecraft carries two pilots along with passengers. The traction in the past few years. Various aerospace companies, such as company aims to ensure that the passengers are trained for three days Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and SpaceX, have started developing before they travel into space via the company’s spacecraft. space tourism systems. There are different types of space tourism, The reusable launch systems can help industries reduce the cost namely, lunar, orbital, and suborbital space tourism. Companies such of launching a spacecraft and other costs associated with space as Blue Origin and SpaceX are actively working on reusable launch launch. The initial cost of reusable systems will be expensive; systems to support space tourism. however, its reusability will reduce the long-term operational cost for In 2019, Blue Origin tested its New Shepard Rocket, which traveled the various launches. to the upper-atmosphere. On commercialization, the rocket will carry a group of six passengers to the edge of space and help them experience Technological Enhancements the same gravitational pressure, weightlessness and the shakes and Several private and government space agencies are working toward sounds real astronauts encounter through a suborbital trip that will last advancements in launch systems. These agencies include JAXA, for about 10 minutes. United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Blue Origin, Ariane Group, DLR, At present, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic are working to develop ESA, and ISRO. Each of these agencies is working on different aspects technology for suborbital trips, whereas SpaceX is working in the of reusable launch vehicles. For instance, JAXA tested a reusable liquid orbital trip area. The increasing involvement by companies in the area propulsion system in 2019. The rocket carrying the propulsion system show that deployment of reusable launch system is steadily turning is expected to be 7 meters in height and 2 tons in weight and is into a reality. expected to land vertically. ISRO is also in the process of developing propellants that can be bisresearch.com used in reusable propulsion systems. The space agency is also working to use lighter weight material and a simplified design to allow the safe Nilopal is currently working in Space Tech, Unmanned and Robotics practice at landing of rockets. These advancements are triggered by the BIS Research. He is responsible for covering technological and requirement of smallsat launches for varied applications, including market developments in the space, drones, robotics and communication, navigation, and Earth Observation (EO), among others. automation domain. He has more than five years of research Time is a crucial element in the space industry and the and consulting experience and has helped multiple companies manufacturing of space components through the conventional process with actionable insights on Unmanned Systems, Network requires a long period of time. With the advancement in 3D printing Planning & Analytical Solution, Space Solutions, Unmanned ecosystem, and technologies, the time duration for the manufacturing of components Space Propulsion infrastructure. has been dramatically reduced. This technology promotes the use of lightweight material, which has a high corrosive and wear-resistance. It Opening photo by Bill Jelen on Unsplash helps in developing robust and high-performance parts and

SatMagazine Page 87 December 2020 How EUMETSAT is Collaborating with African Institutions for Meteorological Development

A conversation with Vincent Gabaglio, EUMETSAT’s International Relations Officer, by Muhammed Akinyemi, Editor, Space in Africa

The European Organization for the Exploitation Can you offer a highlight of EUMETSAT’s of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) is an operations in Africa? Just a succinct highlight of intergovernmental organization created what you have done in Africa so far. through an international convention agreed by a current total of 30 European Member States. Vincent Gabaglio (VG) EUMETSAT was founded in 1986 to supply Our main focus in Africa is to ease access and use of our satellite data weather and climate-related satellite data, by African users. We respond to an African demand for our satellite images and products to the National data, channelled through the World Meteorological Organization Meteorological Services of its Member States (WMO) and through the Joint EU-Africa strategy via the African Union Vincent Gabaglio in Europe, and other users worldwide. In this Commission, the RECs and the AMCOMET (African Ministerial interview with Mr Vincent Gabaglio, the International Relations Officer of Conference of Ministers in Charge of Meteorology). EUMETSAT, Space in Africa discusses ongoing partnerships between EUMETSAT and Africa, and the future of EUMETSAT in Africa.

SatMagazine Page 88 December 2020 CB programs are funded by the European Union, in cooperation with the African Union, African Development Bank, and implemented by African entities.

EUMETSAT recently worked on a project to Flag of the African Union Weather and climate are playing a very important role in various socio- reduce the effect of the economic sectors in Africa: agriculture, water management, transport, locust outbreak in East Africa. Can you briefly etc. There is therefore a strong demand for weather and climate talk about this? information to ensure sustainable development in these various sectors. Our satellites observe Africa very well, especially the VG geostationary one (Meteosat series), which are located above the This is something that the IGAD Climate Prediction Center for Eastern Guinean Gulf and the Eastern Coast of Africa. The data collected by Africa (ICAPC) is doing. They actually gather all data and create these the satellite complement the ground weather and climate observation locust monitoring services. The point is that in order to predict, observe that are unfortunately still too scarce in the continent. Our strategy is, and monitor the evolution of the locust, they are also using weather therefore, to make our satellite data easily accessible and exploitable and environmental parameters like wind, rain, humidity, vegetation and by African users, so that they can make their own forecast, and build our satellites, as well as those we operated for the EU Copernicus their own products and services that can respond to the various needs program, support the observation of these parameters. We recently in their countries or regions. wrote an article about this, which is accessible via this direct link...

You have this ongoing partnership with GMES&Africa. Can you expatiate on what the partnership brings for Africa in terms of meteorological data for climate and weather?

VG We indeed cooperate closely with the African Union Commission, who is in charge of implementing the GMES&Africa Program, which is part of the Joint EU-Africa strategy and aims at delivering services to decision-makers based on the monitoring of natural resource on land and at sea, mainly using Earth observation from the EU Copernicus Artistic rendition of EUMETSAT’s Meteosat satellite series. program but also from EUMETSAT satellite. Most of the services developed by African consortia in GMES&Africa needs weather and In order to achieve this, we deploy various activities and tools dedicated climate information, and our satellite data contribute to this. to Africa, in close cooperation with African institutions. We have a specific data dissemination mechanism, which is independent of the internet and can reach any users anywhere in Africa (EUMETCast). Our data are free of charge for national users. We cooperate with four training centers. We keep close links with our user community through expert group and fora to ensure a lively communication. We collaborate with all National meteorological services and many other national and regional institutions in the continent. More than 350 entities use our data daily in Africa and many other scientific users. Finally, we also contribute to several capacity-building initiatives, such as the GMES&Africa program and other programs that aim at establishing Climate services in the continent (intra-ACP Climate This Sentinel­2A Satellite image of Sierra Leone in West Africa captured by services program) or increasing disaster resilience (SAWIDRA). These the Sentinel­2A satellite.

SatMagazine Page 89 December 2020 EUMETSAT also operates satellites of the Our main partners in Africa are not the space industry, we are working Copernicus program on behalf of the European more directly with the institutions active in agriculture, in water Union and deliver data, and training related to management, in fisheries. In these areas, we have seen a lot of progress these satellite data. over the past years. the locust monitoring in Eastern Africa is a good recent example, they were able to deliver the information quite easily VG to decision-makers. So, these types of services have progressed a lot What is key for us, with a program such as GMES&Africa, is that it brings over the past years. a solid institutional layer, on top of the technical and scientific one. What I’d like to say is that despite all this progress, there are more and GMES&Africa is more than a project. It is a framework that links Earth more satellites, more and more data available and more and more services Observation (EO) specialists, scientists, professionals in various socio- that can be provided to various socio-economic sectors, whose operations economic sectors (fisheries, agriculture, water management) and are dependent upon weather, climate and environmental conditions. At policymakers. This is a unique network that can ensure that data coming the same time that capacities in Africa to create services based on satellite from a satellite can have an impact on people’s life. In doing so, all data is increasing, the potential for more services is also increasing a lot. technical, scientific and capacity building activities that are performed I’d say, the gap between what is done and what could be done still in Africa, based on EO, can be done in a framework that maximizes remains important but progress has been made for sure. impact and sustainability. One of the contributions that EUMETSAT has Do you think, over time, since you’ve been been able to make towards reducing the gap working in the African space industry, that between the potential and what can be done is analysis of satellite data towards taking through the regional climate centers. Can you proactive steps and policy formulation has talk about the regional climate centers? improved or do you think African countries are much more preventive than they are reactive? VG Indeed we work closely with them, and they can speak much better VG than me about how they use satellite data! We recently organized a I think they’ve largely improved, although there’s still some room for webinar with the Africa Development Bank where Regional Climate further progress, as always and everywhere. That’s why when we speak Centers demonstrated the products and services that they are providing about capacity building, it’s not only infrastructure and human skills, it in the region based on those EO. For us, they are quite important also has a lot to do with institutional capacities. Being able to deliver institutions as they are being set up by the countries in their region, and the right information to the right person at the right time, this needs to all countries can benefit from their capacities, know-how, and expertise. not only have good technicians but to also have a good institutional Those institutions have a strong institutional mandate in their framework in Africa so that, for example, in case of disasters when there regions. They are present and they serve the countries in their regions. are cyclones, the flow of information, early warning, alerts and alarm We are also working a lot with the countries but what we find out is that can be channelled appropriately, Looking how the cyclone evolve in sometimes, in order to reach the necessary capacities, you need to have our satellite data is the “easy part” of the equation, it is the a critical mass and you cannot necessarily reach this critical mass in each establishment of the whole value-chain that is a challenge. and every country. The regional layer, well connected to countries, is, Sometimes, I’d say, in the projects in which we are involved in Africa therefore, a very important link. the technology aspects represent less than ten percent of the effort. If there are sufficient capacities at regional levels then the regional The main part is capacity building; including the institutional one in centers could efficiently support national institutions to perform their order to make sure that the information provided via satellite and the mandate. For us, working with regional centers is important. They have services generated have a real impact. the expertise and they are very much closer to the individual countries African institutions are interpreting the data, creating services and than we are, They know better than us what is needed either is regional those services need to be delivered to the correct persons and it is or national level. This does not mean that we are not working with the building this value chain which is the biggest challenge. Having countries. Each and every country in Africa has reception stations to get satellites and getting access to the data requires some work and effort, direct access to our satellite data and generate services. We have very but the real challenge is building the service chain and that active users in each and every country in Africa. policymakers or whoever is the recipient of this information trust the service which is delivered based on EO.

SatMagazine Page 90 December 2020 For some services, such as extreme weather alert, it’s important to There is also a will in Africa to have capacities in place not only to use deliver our data directly at the national level. And expertise needs to the satellite data but also to create new products that better match exist at the national level also to deal with the data. The difficulty is African needs. They want to do this through an African Meteorological sometimes in keeping or retaining this expertise. And thus, once again, Satellite Application Facility (AMSAF) This is also an important new step the need to reach a critical mass of capacities at the regional level for that will require bringing together science, technology in a coordinated the benefit of all countries in that region. institutional framework. EUMETSAT is ready to engage in the years to come in this Are any projects EUMETSAT is currently working endeavor; to ensure the transitional from the current generation to the on or that are in development that you’d like to next generation of Meteosat and accompany the AMSAF. These will discuss with African readers. required investment, from donors and African partners. Investments that will be done in this area are long-lasting because the new- VG generation satellites will be observing Africa till beyond 2040. For For us, what is very key for the years to come is the transition to the donors and countries, it’s important to see the long term return on the next generation of meteorological satellites: the Meteosat Third investment they can do in the area of weather, climate and Generation will succeed the second one, on geostationary orbit over environmental services Africa, and will provide unprecedented quantity and quality of weather With our new generation of satellites, we contribute to this long- observation over the continent for the next two decades. It will be a term vision, which helps to build trust from decision-makers. If you start big step. And we need to make sure that in the years to come, the offering a service, which only lasts two or three years, it will not work. current users of Meteosat second-generation can increase their You need to be able to provide a long-time perspective for your service. capacities to acquire the data from the new generation, exploit them This is something we can contribute to with the new generation of and feed them into existing services and also create new services. The meteorological satellites. Our cooperation with Africa has always been need to support the transition to the new generation has been based on a long-term vision. recognized at the policy level. In Abidjan in 2018, a Declaration was signed by the African Union spaceinafrica.com Commission, the African Ministerial Conference on Meteorology and the Regional Economic Communities recognizing the need to make this Author Muhammed Akinyemi is a graduate of Law and an step. We are now working very closely with our African colleagues on experienced cross-sectoral Editor and Journalist with a roadmap for this transition to the next generation of satellites, but experiences spanning more than four years. More of also in mobilizing resources to ensure that it can happen in each and Muhammed’s articles may be read at this direct link... every country. Weather and climate services are more and more essential due to impact of climate change and need to be in place in each and every country, especially in the least developed countries who are also of the most vulnerable ones.

SatMagazine Page 91 December 2020