Latest news with #Low-EarthOrbit
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Musk's Starlink finally gets government licence to launch satcom services
NEW DELH: A local factory for Tesla's electric cars may be some time away, but 's satellite communications venture Starlink has finally received a go-ahead from govt to launch services in the country. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Starlink got approval for three licences - Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS), Commercial Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), and Internet Service Provider (ISP) - which will enable the company launch a slew of satellite-based communication services in India, ranging from consumer to enterprise internet solutions. TOI was the first to report in its June 4 editions that the govt has decided to approve Starlink's licence applications, which had been pending for the past three-four years, after the company agreed to abide by security and other requisite conditions. Starlink, which becomes the third telecom company to receive the GMPCS licence after Bharti group-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio SES, is expected to get trial spectrum over the coming weeks. However, the company is not likely to launch consumer and enterprise services any time soon, since none of the satcom licence holders have been allotted spectrum yet. Recommendations regarding the method of administrative allocation of satcom spectrum, as well as the charges, have been submitted by regulator Trai to govt, but no final decision has been taken on the matter. Starlink will also have to put the ground infrastructure within India to correspond with its satellites and enable communication services. "This will take months to build, and will require approvals from security agencies," sources said. Starlink operates a constellation of Low-Earth Orbit satellites that are positioned around 550 km above the earth and closer than traditional geostationary satellites.
India.com
02-05-2025
- India.com
BIG trouble for Pakistan, China as US approves sale of Hawkeye 360 system to India, the surveillance system is capable of...
File/Representational India-Pakistan war: In a major boost for India's naval capabilities amid the looming threat of a full-scale India-Pakistan war, the United States has approved the sale of HawkEye 360 maritime surveillance system to New Delhi, including radio frequency (RF) sensors, analytics software, system integration support and training modules, at a total of $131 million. What is the HawkEye 360 and how it works? The HawkEye 360 is a swarm of small satellites in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) that can track radio frequency (RF) signals emanating from ships, aircraft, vehicles, and naval systems. The HawkEye 360 system can also capture radio frequency emissions from ships that have turned off their transponders, making it an invaluable tool in maritime surveillance. The state-of-the-art satellite system works as the RF layer in a larger ISR system, and has additional layers such as electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), each working in unison or independently to detect, confirm and classify threats. The capabilities of HawkEye 360 can be enhanced using multi-layered surveillance such as ground-based and sea-based surveillance system, providing a virtual 360 surveillance capability to the operator. HawkEye's EO imaging provides RF-based location of ships by capturing high-resolution images of vessels during daytime, which are then analysed by human analysts for RF detections. It's IR sensor detect ship using their heat signature from engines and exhaust, which is helpful in tracking stealthy ships at night. The system's SAR imaging captures radar-based images, regardless of weather conditions, essentially nullifying the effect of clouds, and other adverse weather conditions. The SAR layer is fast, accurate, and helps to confirm the size, speed, and location of sea vessels. How HawkEye 360 benefits India? Amid the ongoing threat of an India-Pakistan war, India could face a multi-sided challenge in the seas from Pakistan and its ally China. The HawkEye 360 system will significantly boost India's real-time surveillance capabilities in large maritime areas, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, and make it easier to detect and track enemy vessels. As mentioned earlier, the HawkEye 360 system can also detect ships that have turned off their AIS. This will enable the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard to identify and curb activities like illegal fishing and smuggling. The HawkEye 360 will help the Indian Navy to get better information in its Exclusive Economic Zone, and will also help India in disaster relief and rescue operations as the system can detect distress signals enabling rescue teams to respond faster.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SATS' Arm Partners Airbus HBCplus Ecosystem as Managed Service Provider
EchoStar Corporation's SATS subsidiary, Hughes Network Systems, recently collaborated with Airbus EADSY as a Managed Service Provider (MSP) within the HBCplus in-flight connectivity (IFC) ecosystem. With Hughes solutions now included in the Airbus catalog, airlines will gain access to advanced connectivity options that are flexible and aligned with evolving passenger needs. The initiative combines two aerospace and satellite communication giants, aiming to transform how airlines deliver onboard digital HBCplus ecosystem, spearheaded by Airbus, is an innovative end-to-end solution that provides Ka-band managed connectivity services. By teaming up with Hughes, EADSY is likely to expand the ecosystem's technological capabilities and business model flexibility, which ensures reliable service across all flight routes, including the challenging polar is actively developing Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite integration into its service offering, which enables lower latency and improved performance, especially over remote locations. As more passengers expect to remain connected, and as airlines seek seamless, high-performance solutions to meet those demands, the inclusion of Hughes in the Airbus HBCplus ecosystem gives SATS a competitive edge over other players in the satellite industry. Hughes continues to drive innovation in the satellite industry, creating new avenues of growth for EchoStar. According to management, Hughes has stood out among top-tier competitors, riding on its advanced service capabilities and robust customer support. In particular, the company's managed LEO business achieved a milestone in 2024 by delivering more than 15,000 Hughes-designed user terminals. Customer feedback on these deployments has been overwhelmingly March 2025, Hughes unveiled the Hughes Fusion Simultaneous Multi-Orbit IFC Solution set to transform the in-flight experience on Delta Air Lines' new A350 and A321neo aircraft, along with an expanded rollout on more than 400 Delta ERJ, CRJ and Boeing 717 aircraft. In September 2024, Hughes took digital signage to the next level with the launch of the HS600 Media Player. The initiative is aimed at helping businesses streamline their content delivery to any HDMI-enabled screen. In July 2024, it introduced a small business package from Hughes Managed Cybersecurity that safeguards the interests of its employees and customers. The acclaimed solution can provide cyber protection, content filtering, higher network availability, flexible Wi-Fi connectivity and real-time threat Hughes' strengths, potential subscriber losses are putting pressure on EchoStar's top-line performance. In the last reported quarter, the company reported a 5% year-over-year decline to $4 billion. At present, EchoStar has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). In the past year, shares have soared 55.3% compared with the Zacks Satellite and Communication industry's growth of 18.7%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Some better-ranked stocks from the broader technology space are InterDigital, Inc. IDCC and CommScope Holding COMM. IDCC & COMM presently sport a Zacks Rank #1(Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks is a pioneer in advanced mobile technologies that enable wireless communications and capabilities. The company engages in designing and developing a wide range of advanced technology solutions, which are used in digital cellular as well as wireless 3G, 4G and IEEE 802-related products and networks. It has a long-term growth expectation of 15%.Headquartered in Hickory, NC, CommScope is a premier provider of infrastructure solutions, including wireless and fiber optic solutions, for the core, access and edge layers of communication networks. The company currently operates in three segments — Connectivity and Cable Solutions, Networking, Intelligent Cellular and Security Solutions and Access Network Solutions. It has a long-term growth expectation of 19.37%. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report EchoStar Corporation (SATS) : Free Stock Analysis Report InterDigital, Inc. (IDCC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Airbus Group (EADSY) : Free Stock Analysis Report CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (COMM) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Asia Times
19-03-2025
- Science
- Asia Times
US arming up to zap China, Russia in space
The race for space dominance is intensifying as the US Space Force embraces directed-energy weapons, jammers and kinetic systems to counter China and Russia's escalating orbital warfare capabilities. The space war plan, designed to achieve 'space superiority', was outlined by General Chance Saltzman at the recent Air & Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium, Task & Purpose reported. While traditional military branches have historically explored space weaponry, the US Space Force's contemporary approach includes offensive and defensive tools for terrestrial and orbital operations. This approach marks a shift from the branch's initial focus on satellite network development for communication and missile detection. Directed energy weapons like lasers and jammers are favored for neutralizing enemy satellites without generating harmful debris in space. Saltzman also revealed plans for a foundational doctrine, 'Space Force Doctrine Document One,' which will define the agency's vision for space operations. Initiatives such as the secretive X-37B space plane underscore the broader strategic vision for orbital control. The US Space Force's intent to diversify its arsenal reflects its evolving role in maintaining strategic dominance in space, leveraging advanced technologies to counteract adversarial capabilities while minimizing collateral risks. Illustrating the growing capabilities of near-peer adversarial threats, CNN reported this month that China and Russia are aggressively testing offensive space capabilities, highlighting their increasing space militarization. According to the report, Russia has recently conducted satellite training missions, practicing 'attack and defend tactics' in the Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), while China demonstrated advanced co-orbital satellite maneuvers in December 2024. The CNN report says both nations are developing technologies such as anti-satellite missiles and directed-energy weapons to disrupt or destroy enemy satellites. Directed energy weapons encompass lasers and microwaves. Lasers could overheat or melt sensitive components or blind sensors on satellites. Microwaves can induce electric currents that could 'fry' satellite electronics, destroying the satellite without breaking it apart. While not considered a directed energy weapon, jamming works by flooding satellites with false signals or noise, drowning out their control signals and temporarily making them inoperable. An August 2021 US Congressional Research Service (CRS) report describes space as the 'ultimate high ground,' critical to communications, intelligence and missile warning surveillance operations. The report notes that near-peer adversaries like China and Russia have studied warfighting concepts and focused on space systems as a particular US vulnerability. Such developments give rise to a new form of space warfare. In a February 2025 Modern Warfare Institute (MWI) article, Alan Dugger explains the concept of orbital warfare. Unlike terrestrial battles, Dugger says orbital warfare is defined by subtle maneuvers, strategic positioning and kinetic and non-kinetic methods to disrupt or disable adversary assets. He mentions that the concept revolves around controlling orbital slots and leveraging technologies like cyberattacks, electronic jamming and directed energy to achieve dominance without creating debris. Further, Jessica Getrost writes in a June 2024 podcast for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies that orbital warfare involves more than two vehicles maneuvering around each other. Getrost says orbital warfare involves executing offensive and defensive fires to preserve freedom of action in space. In the same podcast, Charles Galbreath emphasizes the foundational role of space domain awareness (SDA) in orbital warfare, emphasizing reaction time to prepare for attacks against space-based assets to ensure continuous space-based support for warfighters. Further on orbital warfare, US Space Doctrine Publication 3-0 defines space superiority as 'a relative degree of control in space of one force over another that would permit the conduct of its operations without prohibitive interference from the adversary while simultaneously denying their opponent freedom of action in the domain at a given time.' However, these conceptual developments may have to be implemented amid an architectural shift in space-based military capabilities, which are now moving from a few expensive satellites to proliferated satellite constellations. Illustrating that shift, Breaking Defense reported this month that the US Space Force is reevaluating its reliance on costly, singular satellite systems in favor of a proliferated satellite architecture, as confirmed by Major General Stephen Purdy. Breaking Defense says this shift aims to enhance resilience and cost-efficiency by leveraging commercial alternatives for space situational awareness and other critical capabilities. The report mentions that the US Space Systems Command is analyzing legacy programs, including Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability, to identify opportunities for commercial integration. It points out this approach may require scaling back stringent requirements to achieve faster deployment and reduced expenses. Douglas Youvan highlights the advantages of satellite constellations, mentioning that they offer redundancy, resilience and versatility, making them formidable assets in potential conflict scenarios. Youvan says they can provide continuous coverage, adapt to evolving mission needs and mitigate the risk of losing a single satellite. However, Youvan points out that their very nature – being small, numerous and relatively cheap – means they could be used in more aggressive postures, adding to space congestion and amplifying the risk of unintentional escalations. Aside from the tactical and operational advantages afforded by proliferated microsatellite constellations, Dugan says hiding military goals within civilian activities introduces strategic uncertainty, enabling state actors to operate covertly on the global stage without detection or opposition. This intermingling of civilian and military capabilities and operations in space enables the conduct of gray zone operations in the domain. In a July 2024 article for the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, Mike Carey and Charlie McGillis mention that intermingling civilian and military activities in space allows states to exert influence below the threshold of armed conflict. Carey and McGillis point out that the US and its adversaries, including China and Russia, leverage commercial space assets for strategic objectives, complicating attribution and response. They say non-kinetic tactics—such as jamming, spoofing and cyberattacks—degrade satellite capabilities while maintaining plausible deniability. They also mention that space technology's dual-use nature blurs the lines between civilian and military operations, making deterrence challenging. As the militarization of space accelerates, the fusion of advanced technology, strategic deception and great-power competition is transforming Earth's orbit into the next battlefield.
