Latest news with #CubeSats
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cold War-era fighter jets F-4 Phantoms could launch satellites for US firm
The skies above the Kennedy Space Center have long echoed with the roar of privately flown F-104 Starfighters. Now, a new chapter is unfolding, one that promises to reshape access to space. Starfighters International, a company with a long history in research and test flights, is working on the acquisition of retired F-4 Phantoms from South Korea. The War Zone reported that these iconic Cold War fighters could play a crucial role in ambitious space launch operations. The company aims to give small satellite operators quick access to low Earth orbit (LEO) and also provide suborbital opportunities. Due to persistent tensions with North Korea, South Korea's Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) began operating F-4 Phantoms in the late 1960s. After 55 years of distinguished service, the ROKAF formally retired its last operational F-4s on June 7, 2024. Reportedly, the sleek F-104 Starfighter excels at high-speed stratospheric climbs, but it has limitations. For larger payloads requiring significant thrust to reach Low Earth Orbit, the F-4 Phantom may present an effective answer. The market for getting to space is booming, with small satellites leading the charge. Take CubeSats, for example – these shoebox-sized satellites are simpler and cheaper to create and get into space. CubeSats are designed for a wide array of users, enabling them to pursue scientific research, test novel technologies, and build commercial services. Currently, these smaller payloads are often beholden to the schedules of larger launches, tying customers to timelines that can span years. Simply put, these smaller satellites usually catch a ride on rockets already carrying larger payloads. This new approach offers a revolutionary alternative. The use of F-4 Phantoms could potentially offer smaller customers quick, on-demand launches from optimal locations. This capability aligns perfectly with two major strategic goals: NASA's ongoing efforts to commercialize Low Earth Orbit (shifting towards purchasing services from private companies rather than solely operating its own infrastructure). A second factor is the escalating U.S. military requirement for agile and responsive space access. Currently, satellite technology is becoming smaller and evolving at a faster pace. This trend is also making space a more contested domain. While many launched space concepts have failed, Starfighters International stands out due to its long history. The company's extensive operational experience with high-performance military fighter aircraft and 'deep roots in the spaceflight community' give them a unique and credible position. Starfighters International currently employs its F-104 Starfighters for suborbital payload launches. These missions are specifically designed for customers requiring access to a microgravity environment for experimentation, providing valuable minutes of weightlessness. The F-104s serve as the first stage for their Starlaunch 1 rocket, carrying it to altitude before release. Looking ahead, the company plans to utilize the acquired F-4 Phantoms to carry the Starlaunch 2 rocket. This larger rocket is intended to provide access to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and specifically to handle heavier payloads than what the F-104-based system can currently manage. 'A single rocket can carry one payload or over a dozen smaller ones,' the report stated. Of course, acquiring capable military hardware is no simple feat. But Starfighters International has a plan. Should sourcing become an issue, other nations like Greece and Turkey, which are winding down their Phantom operations, could provide avenues for acquisition.
Boston Globe
14-05-2025
- Science
- Boston Globe
UMass Lowell takes space weather research to new heights with camera on NASA balloon
The mission, led by UMass Lowell's The research center, directed by physics Professor Chakrabarti, covers a wide range of space science topics from observing exoplanets to designing and building space-flight missions. Advertisement This month's mission involved a partnership with NASA's Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility to attach a camera on a long-duration balloon flight, up to 100,000 feet above Earth's surface. The UMass Lowell team has previously worked with NASA to launch cameras on several short-duration balloon flights from Fort Sumner, N.M., but this month's launch was the team's first long-duration balloon mission, and only 'Balloon experiments are a vital part of our work,' Chakrabarti said. 'They let us collect data without interference from clouds or pollution.' Advertisement The camera is designed to study airglow which occurs when solar radiation interacts with Earth's ionosphere. By placing instruments high up in Earth's atmosphere researchers aim to gather clearer, more accurate data. 'With better models and more data, we can prepare for the kinds of technological disruptions we've seen in the past,' Chakrabarti said. The balloon launched from New Zealand, called a super-pressure balloon, offers better research capabilities than those launched from New Mexico, called zero-pressure balloons. 'Our current mission, SN12, is part of a broader campaign. It's NASA's second test flight from New Zealand in this series,' Chakrabarti said. 'They control the balloon's descent remotely, which ensures safety and helps us collect as much data as possible.' Zero-pressure balloons are designed to keep internal pressure equal to ambient pressure to prevent bursting, meaning they change altitude with temperature. As the air temperature cools at night, the balloon descends, typically ending the flight in less than 24-hours. Super-pressure balloons are designed to maintain a constant volume and pressure, allowing them to stay at a steady altitude regardless of temperature changes, meaning flights can last for over a month at nearly the same altitude. The camera used in this month's mission is part of a broader technology development effort, much of it spearheaded by LoCSST researcher Sunip Mukherjee. Mukherjee designed the team's first camera in 2017. In the near future, the team hopes to broaden their research by launching cameras on small satellites known as CubeSats. 'We designed a camera that is about four inches by four inches by three inches roughly,' Mukherjee said. 'This flight's version is larger, … about the size of a Dunkin' Donuts cardboard coffee dispenser, … but the technology can be scaled down.' Advertisement Since Mukherjee began at the research center in the summer of 2017, the team has expanded from four color filters to eight. These filters are carefully selected to isolate specific wavelengths of light, helping the researchers analyze emissions from gases ionized by solar radiation. Unlike other experiments that use narrow-band filters, UMass Lowell has opted for commercial wide-band filters to capture a broader range of data and minimize the effects of background light. 'Our balloon-based observation offers a completely passive technique for monitoring the ionosphere,' Chakrabarti said. The technique differs from other methods, which often rely on active tools like radio waves or GPS signals. 'We want to understand what's happening in the upper atmosphere between 80 to 300 kilometers above Earth. Satellites can't fly that low, and balloons can't go that high — it's a tough region to study,' Chakrabarti said. 'But we're bridging that gap.' In addition to providing data to improve models for space weather prediction, Chakrabarti's personal mission also includes inspiring and training future space scientists. With funding from Massachusetts Technology Collaborative — a $5.5 million 'Our goal is to develop the next generation of space explorers,' Chakrabarti said. 'They're helping answer fundamental questions about our planet's atmosphere and beyond.' Advertisement This month's mission, the second test flight of NASA's 2025 New Zealand Super Pressure Balloon Campaign, was Image shows the path of NASA's second super pressure balloon test flight, which ended at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 13 (U.S. Eastern Time) over Argentina. NASA Sarah Mesdjian can be reached at
Business Wire
28-04-2025
- Science
- Business Wire
Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) Announces Key Milestone in Development of Aspera Space Astronomy Microsatellite Mission
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) has completed assembly of the Aspera space astrophysics microsatellite bus. The spacecraft is ready for integration with the far-UV Aspera telescope being built by the University of Arizona. SFL will perform instrument-spacecraft integration and testing at its Toronto facility later this year with launch slated for early 2026. Aspera is a bold NASA astrophysics mission that seeks to understand the formation and evolution of galaxies through far-UV observations of the matter surrounding those galaxies, known as the 'circumgalactic medium'. The mission is managed by the University of Arizona's Department of Astronomy & Steward Observatory with funding from the NASA Astrophysics Pioneers Program. 'SFL is proud to play a role in such a challenging space astrophysics mission that will enhance our understanding of how the universe formed,' said SFL Director Dr. Robert E. Zee. 'We have developed Aspera on our 60-kg DEFIANT microsatellite platform.' The Aspera mission derives its name from the Latin word for 'difficulty' or 'hardship' because astronomers have never been able to successfully observe the hot gasses that compose the circumgalactic medium. Aspera could be the first to do so. 'We know there must be some amount of matter in the universe…we've looked for it and still can't find most of it. It's likely in this circumgalactic medium,' said Prof. Carlos J. Vargas, University of Arizona Astronomer and Aspera Principal Investigator. 'Why do we care about that? Because every star that has formed, every planet that's formed, and all life on those planets must come from matter somewhere.' A key aspect to the technical success of Aspera – and the reason SFL was selected for spacecraft development – is the importance of very precise pointing of the onboard telescope. SFL is the acknowledged leader in the development of extremely stable small satellite platforms due to the advanced attitude control systems it has developed and refined for pointing of sensors on low-mass spacecraft. SFL has successfully leveraged this technology in missions for space astrophysics, Earth observation, RF signal detection, and atmospheric monitoring. Vargas credits the small satellite revolution for making the Aspera mission possible. Just 10 years ago, he said, such a space astrophysics mission would not have been financially viable with traditional satellites. 'Big science can now be done on small platforms, and the University of Arizona and Steward Observatory are big players in the SmallSat revolution,' said Vargas. 'Our partnership with SFL makes that possible.' Established in 1998, SFL has developed 86 operationally successful smaller satellite missions totaling more than 370 cumulative years in orbit. Another 21 spacecraft are now under development by SFL, which offers a complete suite of nano-, micro- and small satellites – including high-performance, low-cost CubeSats – that satisfy the needs of a broad range of mission types from 3 to 500 kilograms. For a comprehensive list of SFL high-performance satellite platforms, please visit About Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) ( SFL generates bigger returns from smaller, lower cost satellites. Small satellites built by SFL consistently push the performance envelope and disrupt the traditional cost paradigm. We build quality small satellites at low cost that work the first time and enable NewSpace companies to mass produce through our Flex Production program. Satellites are built with advanced power systems, stringent attitude control and high-volume data capacity that are striking relative to the budget. SFL arranges launches globally and maintains a mission control center accessing ground stations worldwide. The pioneering and barrier-breaking work of SFL is a key enabler to tomorrow's cost-aggressive satellites and constellations. (
Int'l Business Times
28-04-2025
- Science
- Int'l Business Times
Wolfgang Lück on How AI Will Accelerate Saving CubeSat Data from the Digital Graveyard
Before After As the space industry accelerates its shift toward small, affordable satellites known as CubeSats, it's running into a major snag: data quality. These pint-sized spacecraft, often deployed by startups, universities, or developing nations, promise to democratize access to Earth Observation (EO). But more often than not, their promise is grounded in technical setbacks, most notably, corrupted or blurry imagery that makes the data unusable. "Imagine spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to launch a satellite, only to receive imagery where you can't even recognize a plane sitting on a runway," says Wolfgang Lück, Managing Director of EOIntelligence. "That's what's happening. And in most cases, the data gets written off, which means the satellite is written off." Lück, who has five decades of expertise in the space sector, wants to change that. That is why he has built a solution that's gaining traction across the global EO ecosystem: the Image Resource Management Intelligence (IRMI) system. More than just a tool for fixing out-of-focus satellite images, IRMI is a sophisticated data processing platform designed to transform flawed, fragmented, and inconsistent satellite imagery into what's known as 'analysis-ready data' (ARD). This makes it usable not just by humans but also by machines and AI systems that are capable of extracting insights at scale. At a time when AI is poised to transform everything from agriculture to public health, making satellite data clean, standardized, and machine-readable has become imperative. CubeSats are revolutionizing Earth observation. They're smaller, more economical, and faster to deploy than traditional satellites. However, their cost-effectiveness often comes at the expense of image quality. Problems with packaging, calibration, and geometric or radiometric accuracy are common. Under the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) standards, high-quality data must meet ARD criteria and be corrected for atmosphere, topographic, and sensor-specific errors. Most CubeSats fall short of this benchmark, meaning their data is inconsistent or even unusable. "Right now, if a CubeSat returns low-quality imagery, the mission is often deemed a failure," says Lück. But, where others see scrap, IRMI sees signals. The software identifies errors, corrects atmospheric and topographic distortions, and aligns the data for compatibility with AI systems automatically and at scale. IRMI automates the complex process of transforming satellite raw data into clean, calibrated, CEOS-ARD-compliant imagery. It's built to handle the quirks of small satellite sensors and bring their data up to professional standards. Lück's obsession with data usability dates back to 1998 when he was a forestry student helping build a university satellite. "I was interested in optimizing spatial problems: how to design roads through a forest based on soil moisture, fire risk, and even bird nesting patterns," he recalls. "The idea was to combine satellite data with ground sensors, weather models, and even market prices to make smart, ecological decisions." That dream has evolved into IRMI: a sophisticated sensor web that ingests Earth observation measurements from satellites, ground-based monitors, and even unconventional sources like social media or stock exchanges. The system processes this data into a multidimensional 'data cube' with built-in uncertainty metrics, offering analysts the confidence to act on AI-generated insights. From this architecture springs a cascade of real-world applications. Imagine, in agriculture, IRMI can detect early crop stress, recommend drought-resistant varieties, and advise on irrigation schedules. In disaster management, this software can cue satellites and sensors to zero in on areas showing signs of seismic activity, flooding, or wildfires, often before first responders are even dispatched. In public health, this software can correlate air and water quality with hospital data to predict disease outbreaks. "It's all about fusion," Lück explains. "Combining high-res optical imagery, coarse but frequent climate data, hyperspectral signals, and more, each with different resolutions and refresh rates, and making that mess usable. Once the data is normalized and fed into our cube, AI takes it from there." While many tools in the Earth observation sector offer piecemeal solutions, IRMI's strength lies in its unification. It can align 400-band hyperspectral data with three-band RGB imagery or blend satellite-based methane detection with IoT sensor data monitoring pipeline pressure. With CEOS-ARD compliance at its core, the system ensures all this data is not just accurate but analysis-ready. For small satellite companies struggling with data quality, IRMI offers a lifeline. For governments and NGOs tackling climate change, it's a new frontier of actionable intelligence. And for Lück, it's a way to prove that innovation in space doesn't have to come at the cost of reliability. "We're at the beginning of something big," he says. "CubeSats have tremendous potential to address the Sustainable Development Goals—from hunger to disaster resilience to climate monitoring. But only if we can trust their data." That trust, Lück argues, starts with validation. And with IRMI, he's building the bridge that connects a fragmented, noisy space ecosystem to the grounded clarity of AI-driven solutions on Earth. Looking forward, EOIntelligence aims to expand IRMI's capabilities by incorporating new sensor types, such as quantum sensors and next-gen hyperspectral imagers, and exploring partnerships with drone fleets for rapid data collection. Still, challenges remain. Integrating non-traditional data sources into CEOS-ARD frameworks requires constant innovation, and the computational horsepower needed to process real-time data cubes at a global scale is non-trivial. But if Lück's journey has proven anything, it's that solving hard problems starts with seeing potential in what others dismiss, even if it's just a blurry pixel on a screen. Originally published on Science Times
Zawya
12-04-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Geospatial Week 2025 concludes in Dubai after five days of global scientific collaboration and innovation
Dubai, UAE: Geospatial Week 2025 (GSW 2025), hosted by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in collaboration with the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), concluded today with a closing ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking the end of five days of in-depth sessions, pioneering discussions, and international partnerships. Held under the theme 'Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing for a Better Tomorrow', the event attracted over 1,400 attendees from around the world, including leading researchers, industry experts, and policy-makers. This year's edition featured a robust academic and technical programme, comprising 65 sessions, 450 scientific papers, and an expansive 2,318 square metre exhibition showcasing the latest geospatial technologies. H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC, said, 'Geospatial Week 2025 has reaffirmed the UAE's role as a catalyst for global cooperation in geospatial science and innovation. Hosting this event in Dubai in partnership with ISPRS, reflects our ambition to influence not just today's conversations, but tomorrow's solutions driven by data, technology, and cross-sector collaboration. From smart cities to environmental resilience, we believe that geospatial intelligence holds the key to solving many of the world's most complex challenges. I extend my sincere thanks to ISPRS, sponsors, international partners, participants, and the organising teams whose collective effort made this week a success. Together, we have laid the groundwork for ideas and partnerships that will shape the future of applied space science.' Dr. Lena Halounova, President of ISPRS, said, 'Geospatial Week 2025 held in Dubai has been an outstanding example of global cooperation, and we are grateful to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre for hosting such an exceptional edition. Events like these are crucial in strengthening the foundations of geospatial research and innovation, helping us address the pressing challenges of today and shape a more sustainable tomorrow. I would like to also extend my thanks to all the sponsors, partners and attendees whose contributions made this event a resounding success.' Keynote Insights Spotlight Global Innovation in Geospatial Science The week featured keynote presentations by leading global experts, who offered fresh perspectives on the future of geospatial science. Topics ranged from the use of radar satellites for flood monitoring in arid regions and the rise of autonomous mobile mapping systems, to the reform of geospatial education and the democratisation of Earth observation through CubeSats. Speakers also explored the power of spatio-temporal intelligence in driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. The opening day also saw the announcement of the best paper awards across ISPRS journals, along with the presentation of TIF Travel Grant certificates to young scientists, celebrating emerging talent in the field. Plenary Sessions Drive Dialogue on Sustainability, Space and Smart Cities GSW 2025 also saw a series of plenary sessions led by global experts. A key highlight was the 'From Earth to Mars and Beyond: Showcasing MBRSC's Cutting-Edge Space Projects and Use Cases' session, where MBRSC experts discussed how space missions and Earth observation are deeply interconnected. Another major session, 'Mapping the Future: How Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Drive Climate Solutions and Disaster Management', examined how photogrammetry and remote sensing support climate solutions and disaster response, while the session on 'Urban Evolution: Harnessing Digital Twins and Remote Sensing for Tomorrow's Smart Cities', focused on how digital twins are revolutionising smart city planning through real-time analytics and integration. On the final day, the session on 'AI Horizons: How Will Machine Learning Redefine the Boundaries of Earth Observation?' delved into the transformative potential of Maching Learning technologies in enhancing our understanding and management of Earth's complex systems. Innovations on Showcase During the 5-day event, the GSW 2025 exhibition floor hosted local, regional and international entities showcasing the latest in satellite technology, data analytics, and autonomous mapping systems. The floor served as a dynamic space for networking and forging new partnerships across public and private sectors. MoUs Cement Global and Regional Partnerships Strategic collaborations took centre stage at Geospatial Week 2025, with two landmark memoranda of understanding signed during the event. MBRSC signed an MoU with the Federal Geographic Information Centre (FGIC), represented by H.E. Hamed Khamis Al Kaabi, to deepen cooperation in geospatial governance, training, and national data infrastructure. Another key partnership was signed with SI Analytics, a subsidiary of South Korea's Satrec Initiative, to co-develop an advanced satellite data analytics platform. This platform will integrate artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities to generate insights across government, commercial, and research domains. Both agreements highlight the UAE's growing role in enabling impactful geospatial innovation, both regionally and globally. Students & Young Professionals Event Spotlight Innovation and Talent The Students & Young Professionals Event brought fresh energy to the week, with activities split between Dubai World Trade Centre and the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences & Technology. Organised in collaboration with the ISPRS Student Consortium, the event featured workshops in CubeSat development, machine learning applications, and geospatial case studies by UAE universities. University students also had the opportunity to present their research projects, culminating in a gala dinner and stargazing experience that fostered dialogue, mentorship, and community-building among young geospatial professionals. Research and Presentations Explore Frontiers of Geospatial Science Across the five days, the event hosted 450 oral and poster presentations spanning emerging topics such as semantic scene analysis, intelligent uncrewed vehicle systems, 3D reconstruction, smart agriculture, and AI-based disaster risk management. The sessions facilitated academic discourse and knowledge sharing at the highest level, underscoring the role of photogrammetry and remote sensing in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.
