Space blog

Galileo satellite progress from Paris

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:47:23 +0100

Gaileo is turning out to be a hot topic at this year's Paris Air Show. On the 15th June ESA and Arianespace signed a contract for the launch of the first four operational Galileo satellites on two Soyuz launch vehicles from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Also this week, ESA and the OHB/SSTL consortium signed a contract for sourcing long-lead items for Galileo satellites.

The Galileo In-Orbit Validation (IOV) Launch Services Contract covers the launch of the first four operational Galileo satellites using two Soyuz launch vehicles that will lift off from the Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais – CSG), Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

Galileo IOV launch signing
ESA - S. Corvaja, 2009

This new development follows the successful launch of the GIOVE-A satellite which was built by SSTL and the GIOVE-B satellite which was to be built by the European Satellite Navigation Industries satellite consortium and ultimately completed by Astrium. Both satellites have provided a great deal of data, for example helping with with clock characterisation, Galileo signal testing and in understanding the radiation that future Galileo satellites such as the new IOV satellites can expect in Medium Earth orbit (MEO).

The signature of the IOV Launch Services Contract in Paris marks an important milestone for the Galileo programme as it progresses towards the operational deployment of the satellites of the Galileo satellite navigation system. The four IOV satellites will be placed in a circular orbit at an altitude of MEO of 23 600 km by the end of 2010. Development of the Galileo system is being carried out under a joint ESA/European Union programme.

The launch vehicle chosen to carry the four Galileo IOV satellites into orbit is the Soyuz ST-B with a Fregat MT upper stage, which has been adapted for the deployment needs of the Galileo programme. The Soyuz at CSG Programme is an ESA Programme with co-funding of Arianespace and the European Union.

Galileo operational constellation
Meanwhile, ESA and the bidder consortium led by OHB-System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) have signed a contract for sourcing long-lead items for satellites for the future European Galileo navigation system in Paris the same week. The EUR 10 million contract is carried out under a program initiated and funded by the European Union.

Through this contract, OHB and SSTL are able to place orders for satellite technologies which require considerable lead times for development and sourcing ahead of the award of the actual contract for the construction of the satellites. The Galileo System customers, the European Union and the ESA, are thus ensuring that the schedule for implementation of Galileo can be maintained.

OHB and SSTL are one of two consortia bidding for the development and con-struction of 28 satellites for Galileo. By allowing two consortia to build spacecraft for this significant undertaking, ESA is ensuring that the full operational capa-bility can be put in place as soon as possible and at best value to the EU. The system is to be fully operational by 2013 following full contract signature later in 2009.

10 years since SSTL pioneered first Dnepr launch

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:36:35 +0100

SSTL and ISC Kosmotras are celebrating 10 years of successful cooperation, since the SSTL minisatellite UoSAT-12 made history as the first successful orbital injection by the Dnepr launch vehicle in April 1999.

Vladamir Andreev, the Director General of ISC Kosmotras explained the importance of the launch to Kosmotras and SSTL

This occasion is a remarkable event in the activity of our two companies. For SSTL, this was an important step in the progress of space technologies, and for ISC Kosmotras the first orbital launch of the Dnepr launch vehicle.

Dnepr is based upon the SS-18 strategic missile, one of the world’s most powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles. Only minor modifications were required to adapt the rocket that was originally built to fire carry nuclear payloads into the highly reliable satellite launch vehicle that it is today.

Sir Martin Sweeting, Executive Chairman of SSTL, added

The introduction of Dnepr as a cost-effective launch solution suited to small satellites was clearly a new and important development and one which has since been proved through a series of successful small satellite launches. As SSTL’s first minisatellite, UoSAT-12 represented a correspondingly important technological development for the Company, paving the way for the GIOVE-A mission seven years later.

UoSAT-12 in orbit

UoSAT-12 was a demonstration mission, designed and built in Guildford, UK by SSTL as a £5.5 million research and development project. The 350kg satellite demonstrated advanced high resolution multispectral and panchromatic Earth observation payloads, low Earth orbit microwave digital communications and a number of novel propulsion and attitude control technologies.

For SSTL, UoSAT-12 was the first in a series of successful Dnepr launches, including Malaysia’s first microsatellite, TiungSat, in September 2000. ISC Kosmotras was also selected for the complex launch of the 5-satellite RapidEye constellation in August 2008. During the summer of 2009, Dnepr will also launch two new DMC satellites built by SSTL: UK-DMC2 and Deimos-1.

You can see the Dnepr in action launching the RapidEye constellation that SSTL built for MDA below.

Cooperation with the Russian launch providers is seen by SSTL as a key ingredient in its small satellite programme, which has never failed to satisfy a customer’s launch requirements. By working closely with partners such as Commercial Space Technologies (CST), SSTL’s experienced team has become adept at filtering through the launch markets to find suitable, and sometimes innovative, solutions for the launch of customer satellites.

Through its newly formed subsidiary, Surrey Satellite Services Limited, SSTL has the long term vision of creating a northern latitude launch capability to satisfy the growing demand for the efficient delivery of sun synchronous, polar low Earth orbit and highly inclined satellite systems, as well as responding to the needs of operational responsive space.

Nature's race for the Moon

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:40:27 +0100

If you're reading Space Blog then there's a good chance you're going to be interested in joining some lively debate about the new race for the Moon. Nick Campbell, Managing Editor of Nature magazine will host Nature's evening debate "Racing to the Moon" in King's Place, London on the 11th May.

The discussion will be chaired by BBC News Science Correspondent Christine McGourty.

Four decades after the first Moon landings, the original space-racers have been joined by China, India, South Korea, even Nigeria. Why do we still need manned missions? Does space exploration need countries to cooperate, or does it benefit from the oxygen of international conflict and mistrust?

Sir Martin Sweeting will speak as the Director of the Surrey Space Centre and chairman of Surrey Satellite Technology Limited. SSTL was founded at a time when the satellite business was a duopoly between NASA and the Soviet Union and experienced - and influenced - the seismic changes within the industry. During this time his original staff of four has since grown to 300. He says that the new space-rush can be compared to the gold rush in 1880s America.

Chandrayaan-1 Mini SAR image of the Moon

Only last year SSTL's onboard computer (OBC) was spurred into action to control the Mini-SAR onboard the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter in the search for water-ice on the Moon.

The MoonLITE and MoonRAKER concepts are also under development in a British consortium that includes SSTL and other UK space companies and research facilities.

What has focussed the "gold rush" in space more than the race to the Moon? If this sounds like old news to you, then Space Blog would like to point you towards London for this event to find out about the new race for the Moon that is fast building speed. This is the first of two King's Place summer events organized by the weekly science journal Nature - you can find out more from this link.

Wanted - space engineering research Chair

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:57:19 +0000

SSTL and its new owner EADS-Astrium have announced the creation of a new ”Space Engineering Innovation Hub” in conjunction with the University of Surrey in Guildford, UK. The new venture that was highlighted by Sir Martin Sweeting when the sale of SSTL was announced in January, and now work is storming ahead to put the necessary funding and structures in place.

The new hub will combine academic research and commercial exploitation to develop technologies that “change the economics of space” by providing rapid-response, low-cost, highly capable space missions. This has been reflected the creation of in a a prestigious new Research Chair in Space Engineering at the Surrey Space Centre. The new Chair will be jointly sponsored by the Royal Academy of Engineering and SSTL. Applications are already flooding in - so if you fancy the challenging the current economics of space with innnovative new technologies, and helping the UK stay at the forefront of International space research then now's the time to start!

UK Space Minister Lord Drayson commented

Surrey is a shining example of innovation in the UK space sector, leading the world in pioneering new and more affordable approaches to space and its applications. I applaud the imagination and commitment of the Academy and SSTL in their investment in the future of Britain in space.

Robert Barrett of the Royal Academy of Engineering added:

The Academy strongly supports the effective combination of academia and industry through our prestigious Research Chairs Scheme – this new professorship at the Surrey Space Centre is an example of the Academy’s commitment to linking industry with academia.

SSTL has built and launched 32 small satellites and has eight more under construction carrying Earth observation, navigation, communications and space science payloads. The Surrey Space Centre and SSTL are currently working on an exciting UK-led small satellite mission to the Moon in 2012.

RIN GNSS conference in September

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:41:32 +0000

Many thanks to Dr. Renato Filjar for drawing our attention to the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Institute of Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy, University of Nottingham 2nd GNSS Vulnerabilities and Solutions 2009 Conference to be held on 2 - 5 September 2009 in Baska, Krk Island, Croatia.

This four-day event aims to gather GNSS experts and focuses on GNSS problems and vulnerabilities, as well as to developments aiming to improve the accuracy and reliability of GNSS. Unique environment of Baska and its natural resources and rich history, combined with friendly hospitality will again create an inspiring atmosphere for ideas and knowledge exchange, well known to those who attended the last year's conference.

Two special sessions will be organised in order to address particular causes of GNSS vulnerabilities: Space Weather and Ionospheric Effects on GNSS, and Safety Critical Applications (including emergency situations management, homeland security and Intelligent Transport Systems). The rest of the conference will address other causes of GNSS vulnerabilities and means of their over-comings, such as GNSS system and augnetation vulnerabilities, GNSS interference and management, tropospheric impact on GNSS, navigation algorithms. The design of user equipment will also be considered, with an insight into user experience and applications.

Two special sessions will be organised to address particular causes of GNSS vulnerabilities: Space Weather and Ionospheric Effects on GNSS, and
Safety Critical Applications (concerning primarily ITS).

Extended abstracts should be submitted to Dr Renato Filjar, FRIN by e-mail no later than 1 May, 2009. His email address is rfiljar@vtsbj.hr

Dr. Renato Filjar invites you to join the leading GNSS experts and discuss the most important issues related to further exploitations of satellite navigation systems in the wonderful Mediterranean environment of Northern Adriatic. In addition, the organising committee kindly appreciate your efforts in informing your colleagues about the event.

For more details visit the RIN conference page

SSTL earn Sunday Times Award

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:36:43 +0000

Leading small satellite mission provider SSTL, has been recognised as one of the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For, and the only space industry company to make the listing.

SSTL ranked 89 out of the 997 companies that took part, with staff giving a top 20 score to finding their work stimulating, saying that they feel proud to be working for the world’s leading provider of small satellite missions.

Susan Jason, who's been with SSTL for 10 years explained the appeal of the British space innovators

There are lots of techie, geeky, space enthusiasts here. We have healthy, fiery debates. It’s amazing being able to contribute to such an important area.”

The survey showed that people go out of their way to help each other, with colleagues fun to work with and supportive - another top 20 score. SSTL was also recognised as a 1* (First Class) Best Companies To Work for the third year running.

Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, Group Chairman and founder of SSTL has been instrumental in fostering this unique working environment

Since SSTL’s formation in 1985, highly motivated people have been the company’s most important asset. The innovation and total commitment that our staff bring to each and every project, enables us to satisfy our customers in a technically demanding field. We reflect this view in striving to make SSTL the very best place to work

Jackie Orme, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development,, said:

Being a Best Company to Work For is not just about prestigious listings and names up in lights. Engaged staff understand when times are tough and will respond by going the extra mile. Their companies will be the ones best placed to emerge strongly in a recovery.

Visit SSTL at IDEX Abu Dhabi

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:39:25 +0000

SSTL will present new small satellite “eye in the sky” solutions for civilian and security applications at the IDEX International Defence Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi 22-26th February 2009.

Palm Jumeirah and The World islands (SSTL/ESA)

“Eye in the sky” capability provides valuable security and environmental benefits to national and regional authorities, but this often comes at a high cost that restricts access to a privileged few. SSTL’s next generation satellite system is able to respond rapidly to tasks, imaging objects of less than 1m in size and provide frequently updated images for applications in surveillance, agriculture, or land use change mapping.

Head of International Business, Steve Young commented,

“SSTL can now provide a satellite system that can image the entire land area of the Earth within 30 months, at a resolution better than 1m, for less than $50M. This makes space much more accessible to regional and government programs seeking more independent native capabilities.”

Such new systems form part of SSTL’s space-based security solutions for national and regional security. The integrated solutions offered at IDEX 2009 enable real-time early warning and a reduction in time scales from threat-detection to termination in the field.

Young added,

“As the world’s most experienced team of small satellite engineers we address the top level requirements for space-based solutions. We design, build and launch cost effective satellite missions - and then we take it a step further by training local engineers and technical staff so that our customers can develop their own independent space capability.”

SSTL has more than 20 year’s experience designing and operating civilian and commercial earth observation missions. One such example is the CHRIS satellite imager which is flown onboard ESA’s PROBA mission. The imager has been providing hyperspectral data to the scientific community for the last 7 years, supporting resource management, deforestation and forest husbandry, precision farming, aerosol monitoring and water quality assessment.

Following the success of CHRIS, SSTL has developed the new CHRIS-2 imager which will provide vital data for mineralogists and ecologists alike, defining spectra for mineral exploration, information currently provided by aircraft reconnaissance and on-the-ground surveys.

The Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) and the recently launched RapidEye constellation demonstrate SSTL’s ability to provide systems equivalent to LandSat and other wide area imaging systems at a fraction of the cost of conventional large satellites.
SSTL-built satellite, TopSat, is providing 2.5m imagery of the Earth, having successfully achieved its original mission objective as a technology demonstrator for the UK Ministry of Defence.

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd is exhibiting at IDEX 2009 Hall 06 stand A25, so why not drop by?

Podcast with Lord Drayson

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:22:08 +0000

Take a look at Rob Coppinger's excellent Hyperbola blog and find out more about what UK minister for science Lord Drayson said about robotic exploration, the UK space strategy and the possibility of a UK space agency and participation in the ESA astronaut corps during his visit to SSTL on Friday 6 February.

To find out more, tune in to Hyperbola's podcast.

Lord Drayson visits SSTL

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:35:28 +0000

Lord Drayson, Minister of State for Science and Innovation visited SSTL on Friday 6th February. He met Sir Martin Sweeting (SSTL founder and board chairman), Matt Perkins (CEO), Paul Brooks (Business Development Director) and Phil Davies (ESA business development manager).

Lord Drayson with Sir Martin Sweeting

Lord Drayson is responsible for developing and delivering policy that will contribute to world-class research in the UK and the conversion of science into wealth through innovation.

The UK space industry is thriving, with innovative companies like SSTL and the businesses that it cooperates with making a valuable contribution to the national economy and developing expertise and knowledge within the UK technology sector. This year promises to be a busy year in space, as developing nations step up their plans, the market of commercially operated small satellites increases develops and Europe expects a busy year in space. As a pioneer and market leader in small satellites, SSTL has seen the Smallsat market begin to mature as the benefits and capabilities become apparent, stimulating increased competition from both national and internationally active manufacturers throughout the world.

Lord Drayson visits mission control

The SSTL team briefed Lord Drayson on several topics including SSTL's business plans, its involvement with Europe's Galileo and GMES programmes and the UK's national space activities including the MoonLITE lunar exploration mission.

Following the briefings, Lord Drayson was given a tour of the facilities which included a visit to the constellation control centre, the DMCii disaster monitoring imaging processing centre and the satellite integration facilities. At the latter of these LD was shown 2 satellites which a ready for launch - the next 2 DMC satellites - UK-DMC2 and Deimos-1 (for Spain).

Sir Martin discusses SSTL sale

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:45:49 +0000

For anyone who has not had the chance to listen to Sir Martin Sweeting's podcast about the sale of SSTL to EADS Astrium N.V, why not take a moment at home with a hot cup of Cocoa sit back and tune in here whilst the freezing British snow clears.

In this podcast Sir Martin discusses the sale, its growth plans, synergies with Astrium, Galileo and SSTL's geostationary mission plans.

British space rocket's return?

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:37:01 +0000

It is 38 years since the UK government abandoned its successful satellite launcher programme, Black Arrow. It could be argued that the cancellation of Black Arrow marked the end of the UK's chances of becoming a major space power. The UK had been at the forefront of rocketry since World War II but swiftly fell behind during the 60s and 70s (watch a video below).

All future British satellite launches had to rely on foreign rockets. Had the Black Arrow not been abandoned, British (and European) spacecraft manufacturers may now be launching their spacecraft with an evolution of this rocket.

The cost of launches is one of the remaining constraints on lowering the cost of space missions. Small satellite pioneer SSTL has made good use of the highly reliable Soyuz launch vehicles, or Dnepr rockets launched from Kazakstan or Russia for its missions. However, there is a reason why there launch vehicles are tried and tested - the Soyuz has been in use for over 40 years! Whilst the Soyuz offers a highly competitive launch compared to its larger European couterpart, SSTL has always belived that there is space in the industry for a more modern and cost effective technology more in keeping with its spacecraft and completing and offering that can change the economics of space.

The activities of its former shareholder US-based SpaceX in developing low cost launch vehicles have always been of great interest, for example the succesful launch of the Falcon 1. SSTL is now talking to compatriot Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic about developing a British space rocket to rekindle native space capability in the UK and lower the cost of future small satellite missions by at least $5m.

SSTL's Dr Adam Baker is convinced all the expertise in composite structures, guidance and avionics, propulsion and engineering exists in the UK to make it happen. The benefits to the UK's engineering and technology sector in developing and manufacturing these technologies are clear and SSTL are hoping to get the backing of Minister of State for Science and Innovation, Lord Drayson for a government-backed study that would consider the feasibility and business case of a low cost commercial British launch vehicle.

Virgin Galactic wants to pursue other uses for the White Knight (see White Knight two video below) craft beyond space tourism, and it says the idea of using it as a platform to release a British satellite launcher is an appealing one.

SSTL acquired by EADS Astrium

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:41:57 +0000

Hot from the wire.

EADS Astrium, Europe’s leading space company, has acquired Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), the innovative University of Surrey spin-out company which specialises in the design and manufacture of small satellites and subsystems. This acquisition follows the approval of the European Commission in December 2008 and was announced by EADS CEO Louis Gallois at 10:30 this morning at his January briefing for the media in Newport (this will be made available on demand on the EADS Video Centre this afternoon to see this again on demand).

This is great news that we have acquired SSTL. The UK space industry is in a strong position at present – at Astrium we have a healthy order book and we are recruiting engineers, scientists and technicians to build telecommunication and scientific satellites. Acquiring SSTL means we will have a substantial complement to what we can offer customers around the world – SSTL has expertise in small satellites and an innovative approach to developing new markets for space.

said Colin Paynter, CEO of Astrium in the UK.

Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, Executive Chairman of SSTL, said:

This acquisition is essential for SSTL, both in enabling our future plans and maintaining and expanding our R&D investment in competitive new technologies. Being part of Europe’s leading space company will considerably strengthen SSTL’s market position.

SSTL joins EADS Astrium following a decision by the University of Surrey to sell its majority stake of 85% in the small satellite manufacturer. SSTL will remain an independent UK company with its individual brand and unique approach to space whilst benefiting from access to significant financial resources to support the Company's growth. Astrium will benefit from enhanced links with the University of Surrey to support staff training and development, also leading to greater cooperation and increased research on space technology and systems.

SSTL has built its worldwide reputation in small satellites through the development of innovative technologies which have lowered the cost of operational space missions with real world applications, such as GIOVE-A, providing in-orbit validation for the Galileo programme, and the RapidEye and DMC constellations providing commercial Earth observation services. The Company have recently added a small geostationary platform to their product range as well as very high resolution imaging systems for small satellite applications.

EADS Astrium is one of the world’s leaders for its expertise in space transportation, spacecraft and satellite services including prime contractor for Ariane 5, the Columbus space laboratory and the Automated Transfer Vehicle for the International Space Station, and its leading-edge large and complex geostationary telecommunications satellites, and the Skynet 5 secure communications system for the UK Ministry of Defence. SSTL will complement Astrium UK’s existing space capabilities that include space transportation, satellites and services.

Under the share purchase agreement, SSTL will be owned by EADS Astrium NV in the Netherlands.

The acquisition will enhance long-term research collaboration between the University of Surrey and Astrium and will further advance the University’s cutting edge space research capacity. The sale will support the already-strong presence that Guildford and the south-east have in the aeronautical and space industries, creating a centre of expertise for space technology. This will allow for the region to benefit from the Government’s commitment to invest in the UK space industry.

Galileo Open Service discussion at RIN

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:04:15 +0000

A one-day seminar discussing the Galileo Open Service is being organised by the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) Space Special Interest Group on the 12th February at the Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore in London. Speakers from European organisations, Government, Industry and Users will make this an important event for anyone with an interest in Galileo, the European Global Navigation Satellite System.

If you want to find out more about the Galileo Open Service, whether "one size fits all" and discuss the market for the other Galileo services it's worth booking in.

SSTL's Phil Davies has been involved in Galileo since 2003, following the European global satellite navigation system's development from the outset of GIOVE and the launch to its first SSTL-built satellite GIOVE-A. His presentation is entitled "The cost benefit of simplifying Galileo".

Phil will be joined by fellow expert speakers representing satellite navigation equipment manufacturers and end users who will discuss the interoperability between Police, Fire and Ambulance and the impact of Galileo on Road Safety and separate talks on the closely related road pricing enforcement and inner city congestion charging.

The Galileo Open Service (OS) caters for mass-market applications. Similar to the free service currently provided to civilian GPS users, it provides signals for timing and positioning, without user authentication direct to any user with suitable equipment free of charge. For most purposes, cheap single-frequency receivers will be used, but increased accuracy is possible by utilising up to 3 signals. Galileo's Open Service applications will use a combination of Galileo and GPS signals to significantly improve performance in severe environments such as urban areas and offshore areas.

The Open Service does not offer integrity information, and the determination of the quality of the signals will be left entirely to the users. There will be no service guarantee or liability from the Galileo Operating Company on the Open Service.

For up to date infomrmation, speakers and to register please visit the RIN website.

Space technologists support local charity

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:15:13 +0000

Anne Milton MP, Mohammad Zubair and Matt Perkins

In the first quarter of the New Year, a SSTL satellite will be launched. This time around it carries more than just a payload, it will contribute to charity.

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited showed that their satellite technology is not only beneficial for longer-term natural disaster monitoring; it also benefits the local community. When the new Surrey built UKDMC-2 satellite joins a group of six SSTL satellites in March in order to monitor and record natural disasters such as tsunamis, earth quakes, volcanic activity and flooding, it will also be carrying a message of benevolence.

Whilst building the spacecraft that is worth more than £5million, Dr Matt Perkins, Chief Executive of SSTL, came up with the idea of running a competition which would benefit a local charity. The winner of the competition would have the once in a lifetime opportunity to have their name or company logo printed alongside the satellite.

Galaxy Cars, a mini-cab company from Woking, won the competition by donating £8000 to Phyllis Tuckwell, a dedicated Hospice in Farnham that provides care to more than 100 people every day. Phyllis Tuckwell will also have their name printed on the space capsule.

Dr Perkins explained that he wanted to help the local community as SSTL’s work has a certain reach, which could be capitalised to promote charitable projects:

I was touched by what I heard about Phyllis Tuckwell and so we took the opportunity to raise funds for them and put their name into space

Sarah Brocklebank, Chief Executive of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, said:

I was delighted with the contribution and the opportunity of having the charity name floating in orbit.

Mohammad Zubair, owner of Galaxy Cars, stated:

We think this is a great opportunity to put something back into the community.

The new satellite is the latest edition to SSTL’s space portfolio and will join a team of six devices that are already in orbit, one of which has been going more than five years (Alsat-1).

Obama and the International Space Station (ISS)

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:26:52 +0000

In the spirit of Obama’s new reign, international partners will be enlisted to provide International Space Station (ISS) cargo re-supply, and eventually alternate means for sending crews to the ISS.

International Space Station

The International Space Station is also held up as an outstanding example of what can be accomplished through international cooperation. Though the US has spent billions of dollars to build the station, the microgravity research it was intended to facilitate has fallen victim to funding cuts. Barack Obama says he will ensure that NASA and other federal agencies fully utilize the ISS to conduct research that can help address global challenges such as public health and energy independence and can develop technologies that can provide economic benefits to Earth. Obama says he will also enable research on the ISS to support long-term human exploration and planetary research needs.

Partners and cooperation
Barack Obama will enlist other Federal agencies, industry and academia to develop innovative scientific and technological research projects on the ISS.

The ISS has been a model for international cooperation to achieve peaceful objectives in space, helping develop positive relations with Russia during the 1990s. America must take the next step and use the ISS as a strategic tool in diplomatic relations with non traditional partners.

Human exploration
Obama will use the ISS for fundamental biological and physical research to understand the effects of long-term space travel on human health and to test emerging technologies to enable such travel.

Retaining options for extended operations
Barack Obama will consider options to extend ISS operations beyond 2016. After investing so much in developing the ISS, it would be a shame not to utilize it to the fullest possible extent.