Latest news with #satellites
Entrepreneur
5 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Satellite Mega Constellations Face Challenges from Solar Activity
The number of satellites orbiting Earth has reached unprecedented levels, with SpaceX's Starlink internet service leading the surge in mega constellations. Recent findings suggest that solar activity has a significant... This story originally appeared on Calendar The number of satellites orbiting Earth has reached unprecedented levels, with SpaceX's Starlink internet service leading the surge in mega constellations. Recent findings suggest that solar activity has a significant impact on these satellite networks, presenting new challenges for operators. Earth's orbit has become increasingly crowded as companies deploy large-scale satellite networks to provide global internet coverage and other services. SpaceX has launched thousands of Starlink satellites alone, contributing substantially to the growth of the orbital population. Solar Activity and Satellite Operations New research reveals that the sun's behavior directly affects satellite operations in ways that operators must now address. Solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other solar phenomena can disrupt satellite electronics, alter orbital paths, and even cause premature reentry into Earth's atmosphere. When the sun enters active phases of its 11-year cycle, it releases more radiation and particles that interact with Earth's upper atmosphere. This interaction heats and expands the atmosphere, creating increased drag on satellites in low Earth orbit, where many of these new mega constellations operate. The effects can be particularly pronounced for smaller satellites that make up mega constellations like Starlink, as they have less mass to resist atmospheric drag and may require more frequent orbital adjustments. Growing Concerns for Satellite Operators As the current solar cycle intensifies toward its predicted maximum, satellite operators face several critical challenges: Increased fuel consumption for orbit maintenance Higher risk of communication disruptions Greater potential for satellite failures More complex collision avoidance maneuvers SpaceX and other operators must now incorporate solar activity forecasts into their operational planning. This includes scheduling launches during periods of lower solar activity and designing satellites with additional shielding against radiation. Industry Response and Adaptation 'The relationship between solar cycles and satellite operations has always been known, but the scale of today's mega constellations makes this a much more significant issue,' explains Dr. Sarah Johnson, an aerospace engineer specializing in orbital dynamics. Satellite companies are responding by enhancing their monitoring systems and developing more sophisticated predictive models. Some are also modifying satellite designs to better withstand the harsh space environment during periods of high solar activity. The U.S. Space Force and NASA have intensified their space weather monitoring efforts to deliver more accurate forecasts to commercial operators. These agencies track solar events that may affect satellites and provide warnings when hazardous conditions are anticipated. International coordination has also improved, with satellite operators sharing data about orbital positions and planned maneuvers to reduce collision risks that might be heightened during solar events. The current situation represents a learning opportunity for the industry as it adapts to operating large satellite networks during varying solar conditions. The lessons learned will likely influence the design and operation of future satellite systems. The post Satellite Mega Constellations Face Challenges from Solar Activity appeared first on Calendar.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Politics
- Forbes
Public-Private Sector Partnerships For Space Systems Innovation And Security
Spacecraft Launch Into Space. Elements of this image furnished by NASA. Space is a growing commercial critical infrastructure sector dependent on both public and private resources and expertise. Public-private cooperation is essential to the successful growth and secure operations of the space sector. The components of space systems are focused on the operation of satellites (both information-gathering and backhaul data-processing) and include the systems to launch them. The space ecosystem is also made up of ground station antennas or receptors, flight operations stations, data centers for housing transmitted data, and payload data processing facilities. Satellites are becoming increasingly important to communication needs. For information sharing and monitoring, nations rely more on space as a burgeoning and mission-critical frontier. Many networks are now moving from terrestrial (land-based) communications to cloud-based communications, which use satellites to send data across large distances. International relations and human resources with a united team. Process of developing a globally ... More successful team Public Private Partnerships and The High Frontier A new paradigm for space systems that integrates public and private efforts can be made possible by the government encouraging investment through grants and public-private partnerships (PPPs). Setting space research and development as a top priority will result in a hub for sophisticated manufacturing and new capabilities. For government operations to successfully deliver necessary services and benefits, public-private partnerships are vital. These collaborations can lower expenses for agencies, streamline operations, and readily scale in response to fluctuations in demand. Companies can share their R&D expertise to assist in filling the gaps in government funding. For the next generation of scientists and engineers who will lead and succeed, combining public and private sector funding and research pipelines can also create a competitive, long-lasting bridge According to Karen L. Jones, a senior project leader with The Aerospace Corporation's Center for Space Policy and Strategy, for satellite communications, navigation, Earth monitoring, solar system exploration, and other space applications, U.S. government agencies should look to form alliances with the private sector in order to lower expenses and risks. By sharing risk with the private sector in return for performance-based earnings, these public-private partnerships (P3) can take advantage of commercial efficiencies and innovation. The private sector may significantly contribute to the delivery of satellite communications, navigation, Earth monitoring, solar-system exploration, and other space applications at lower risk and expense, as governments look to enhance their capabilities in these areas. By utilizing commercial economies and innovation, these public-private partnerships can provide government agencies with substantial benefits. The private sector shares risk with the government in exchange for performance-based earnings. (see Partnerships_Rev_5 Accelerating the innovation required to address our challenges in space will be made possible by strengthening the public-private relationship through open collaboration, best practices, and shared research and development. Space systems innovation will benefit from a collaboration between public and commercial players that involves information and risk sharing. Combining R&D financing and pipelines from the public and commercial sectors can also create a competitive, long-lasting bridge that will enable the next generation of scientists and engineers to lead and accomplish. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), NASA, the Space Force, and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) work together to produce the yearly State of the Space Industrial Base report. The four space technology drivers get together to determine the industry's level of maturity and scope in providing essential space technologies and to establish growth priorities. The report concluded that 'the greatest investors in the new space economy are not space companies,' the authors wrote. 'Rather, they are Fortune 500 companies that understand how to turn new space capabilities into products, software, and services that give them a strategic advantage in the global marketplace.' (see US Space Agencies Call for Public-Private Partnerships - Payload) It is encouraging to see the government working with the private sector to develop strategies and programs involving a variety of cutting-edge technologies in crucial fields like robotics, materials science, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, quantum computing, big data & analytics, 5G, energy, and, of course, digital security. With sustained cooperation and investment, innovation will pick up speed and our rapidly evolving technological future will be accelerated. The manner in which new applications of technology can impact the achievements of our space are still in the initial stages. There is no doubt that public-private collaborations in space systems will propel space exploration along with being the backbone of digital sensing and communications. It will be a journey of discovery and achievement. A digital map of the earth and huge network. (City Lights 2012 - Flat map ... More - - Softwar:3dsMax, Adobe After Effects, and Photoshop) The Security Mission: Because of our increasing reliance on space, and particularly satellites, for communications, security, intelligence, and commerce, as well as the exponential growth of digital transformation, satellite and space systems security is becoming increasingly important. A higher level of public-private collaboration is needed through PPPs to address the changing cyberthreat scenario for vital space systems infrastructure. The management of satellite and space security risks is a major concern for the public and corporate sectors. Both national security and the US economy are at risk from cyberattacks that try to interfere with and impair US satellite communications, remote sensing, and imaging capabilities. There have been more satellite launches in recent years. Due to their low Earth orbit, thousands of satellites are vulnerable to incursions from both above and below. Because satellites can transmit data across vast, worldwide distances, many communication networks are currently moving from terrestrial (land-based) to cloud-based communications. Over 500,000 petabytes of data will be carried by 25,000 satellites launched by 2030. As the United States expands its communications, sensing, and security mission into the high frontier of space, the systems and networks will face persistent cybersecurity threats. The safety of critical infrastructure will be aided by space cybersecurity, as many platforms are sadly inadequately protected. Cybersecurity in space systems is related to cybersecurity in all sector verticals. Adversaries can use a variety of tactics to interfere with or take down satellite and ground-based systems. There are several ways for hackers to breach Earth-bound entry points thanks to satellite operations. Long-range telemetry is required for satellite systems to communicate with ground stations, which is one of its disadvantages. Cybercriminals have access to the open protocols that deliver the uplinks and downlinks. Compromised ground stations can lead to network components that are susceptible to intrusions by threat actors, which in turn causes vulnerabilities in space vehicles. Satellites are the target of ransomware, zero-day, and man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks. The same software defects that have plagued computer systems for decades can also affect space systems; file upload issues, backdoors, spoofing, remote code execution (RCE), unsecured protocols, spoofing, hijacking, SQL injection, and insecure authentication are of special concern. These threats have recently increased in size and scope, especially with artificial intelligence-enabled attacks. To combat these threats, our space cyber toolkit must include the newest technological solutions, well-implemented policy free from unfunded mandates, a strong workforce prepared to handle space/cyber issues in the twenty-first century, suitable procurement vehicles to quickly onboard solutions, and a firm grasp of our space cyber supply chain. Addressing the threats requires incorporating a robust calculated security strategy of public and private sector partnering based on layered vigilance and protections, readiness, and resilience. To ensure safe and successful operations, cybersecurity risks involving commercial space, including those affecting commercial satellite vehicles, must be understood and managed alongside other types of risks. Preparation and commitment from both government and industry leadership are critical. Industry should collaborate with the government to best utilize risk management models. The current national security space leadership risk management framework goals of the United States aim to enhance space asset resilience against hostile offensive operations by fostering a safe environment with cybersecurity interoperability in collaboration with U.S. cybersecurity organizations and businesses. In order to encourage the creation and uptake of best practices and risk mitigations, an adaptive framework requires working in conjunction with interaction, allied, partner, and commercial space system operators. The framework posture also aims to improve the comprehension of cybersecurity and incorporate space equities and goals into U.S. postures at cybersecurity and other international forums. It also encourages proper physical security measures in addition to comprehensive, risk-based cybersecurity techniques for threats to ground- and space-based systems. The security of space systems can be improved in a number of ways. These consist of multi-check log-in procedures for Internet-of-Things devices, robust identity and access management, security by design, and the deployment of an extensive Zero Trust supply chain risk management program for all software users and vendors who interact with the satellite systems. A strong intrusion detection system (IDS) should serve as the foundation of a cyber-resilient satellite. Telemetry, command sequences, command receiver status, shared bus traffic, and flight software settings should all be continuously monitored by the IDS. An increasing awareness of space cyber and kinetic threats is shown in the establishment of the United States Space Force and United States SpaceCom in 2019. SpaceCom carries out operations while the Space Force hires, develops, and equips personnel. An intelligence-sharing initiative was recently established by the U.S. Space Force's procurement arm to alert commercial satellite operators to any dangers to their orbiting assets. Cyberattacks, electronic jamming, physical anti-satellite weapons, and ground-based directed energy weapons are examples of space-based dangers. More than 900 space enterprises registered through the Space Systems Command's "Front Door" portal will receive unclassified threat data under the new initiative, "Orbital Watch," regardless of whether they have security clearances or government contracts. During its beta stage, the program will be implemented progressively, starting with quarterly threat information dissemination. The goal of Orbital Watch, according to Front Door initiative head Victor Vigliotti, is to "increase collective situational awareness and strengthen collaboration with commercial space providers." Establishing a safe "commercial portal" that facilitates the exchange of threat intelligence between government and private entities is the ultimate goal. (see Space Force announces 'Orbital Watch' program to share intelligence with commercial sector - SpaceNews) NASA also plays a significant role in securing the High Frontier and published the first edition of its Space Security Best Practices Guide in December 2023 with the goal of bolstering mission cybersecurity efforts for space activities in the public and private sectors. The guide is in line with the Space System Protection Standard, which summarizes NASA's continuous dedication to supporting the creation of exact cybersecurity standards for its space systems. The manual was developed by the agency to support the goals of Space Policy Directive 5, Cybersecurity Principles for Space Systems. Space systems are also part of the public-private partnership homeland security mission. A couple of years back, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security formed a Space Systems Critical Infrastructure Working Group. The group, which brings together stakeholders in the key infrastructure of the space system, is composed of industry and government officials and operates under the direction of the Key Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council. It was an honor for me to be a part of that working group and recommendations and actions on cybersecurity for space systems. Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) are now facilitating a number of industry-specific public/private partnerships that assist critical infrastructure owners and operators (in collaboration with the government) in safeguarding their facilities, employees, and clients against physical and cybersecurity threats, among other dangers. This includes the space realm. In order to improve our capacity to anticipate and address vulnerabilities, incidents, and threats, the Space ISAC helps the global space industry collaborate. It also disseminates timely and actionable information among its member entities and acts as the sector's main communications channel for this information. The only source of all-threats security information for the public and private space sectors is Space ISAC. For information, facts, and analysis on space security and risks to space assets, it will be the most complete, one-stop shop. Additionally, Space ISAC will support response, mitigation, and resilience programs with resources and analysis. (see About Us - Space ISAC) It is obvious that safeguarding space-based assets from cyberattacks is a national security necessity that both business and government must address. Security must be an afterthought while we develop and continue to construct the satellite backbone that will direct our economic prosperity and safety for the ensuing decades. This will be a remarkably interesting and revolutionary decade for science and innovative technology, including for space. Strategic collaboration between government and industry stakeholders is a proven model that makes good sense. The public and private sectors must keep funding and extending collaboration in the rapidly changing landscape with research and development and exploration in order to solve the numerous issues that lie ahead and enhance our quality of life and safety. Securing space needs to be a forward-thinking priority as the industry develops further.
Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Satellite Operators Unload Ground Stations to Battle Starlink
Hello, it's Kiel Porter writing from Chicago. For all the excitement about launching sophisticated satellites into orbit, operators often depend on a humbler business, ground stations back on Earth, to connect customers to their constellations. More on this in a moment, but first ... Three things you need to know today:
Al Arabiya
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Amazon launches first Kuiper internet satellites, taking on SpaceX's Starlink
The first 27 satellites for Amazon's Kuiper broadband internet constellation were launched into space from Florida on Monday, kicking off the long-delayed deployment of an internet-from-space network that will rival SpaceX's Starlink. The satellites are the first of 3,236 that Amazon plans to send into low-Earth orbit for Project Kuiper, a $10 billion effort unveiled in 2019 to beam broadband internet globally for consumers, businesses and governments - customers that SpaceX has courted for years with its powerful Starlink business. Sitting atop an Atlas V rocket from the Boeing and Lockheed Martin joint-venture United Launch Alliance, the batch of 27 satellites was lofted into space at 7 p.m. EDT pm from the rocket company's launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Bad weather scrubbed an initial launch attempt on April 9. Kuiper is arguably Amazon's biggest bet under way, pitting it against Starlink as well as global telecommunications providers like AT&T and T-Mobile. The company has positioned the service as a boon to rural areas where connectivity is sparse or nonexistent. The mission to deploy the first operational satellites has been delayed more than a year - Amazon once hoped it could launch the inaugural batch in early 2024. The company faces a deadline set by the US Federal Communications Commission to deploy half its constellation, 1,618 satellites, by mid-2026, but its slower start means Amazon is likely to seek an extension, analysts say. Hours or possibly days after the launch, Amazon is expected to publicly confirm initial contact with all of the satellites from its mission operations center in Redmond, Washington. If all goes as planned, the company said it expects to 'begin delivering service to customers later this year.' ULA could launch up to five more Kuiper missions this year, ULA CEO Tory Bruno told Reuters in an interview this month. Amazon said in a 2020 FCC filing that it could begin service in some northern and southern regions at 578 satellites, with coverage expanding toward Earth's equator as the company launches more satellites. The Web services and e-commerce giant's Project Kuiper is an ambitious foray into space, with a late start in a market dominated by SpaceX. But Amazon executives see the company's deep consumer product experience and established cloud computing business that Kuiper will connect with as an edge over Starlink. Amazon launched two prototype satellites in 2023 in tests it said were successful, before de-orbiting them in 2024. It had been relatively quiet about the program's development until announcing its first Kuiper launch plans earlier this month. 'Room for lots of winners' Elon Musk's SpaceX, with a unique edge as both a satellite operator and launch company with its reusable Falcon 9, has put more than 8,000 Starlink satellites in orbit since 2019, marking its 250th dedicated Starlink launch on Monday. Its deployment pace has hastened to at least one Starlink mission per week, each rocket with roughly two-dozen satellites on board to expand the network's bandwidth and replace outdated satellites. That quick pace has helped Musk's company amass more than 5 million internet users across 125 countries, upend the global satellite communications market and woo military and intelligence agencies that have sought to use Starlink and its manufacturing line for sensitive national security programs. Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos has voiced confidence that Kuiper can compete with Starlink, telling Reuters in a January interview 'there's insatiable demand' for internet. 'There's room for lots of winners there. I predict Starlink will continue to be successful, and I predict Kuiper will be successful as well,' he said. 'It will be a primarily commercial system, but there will be defense uses for these LEO constellations, no doubt,' he added, referring to low-Earth orbit. Amazon in 2023 revealed its Kuiper consumer terminals, an LP vinyl record-sized antenna that communicates with Kuiper satellites overhead, as well as a smaller terminal whose size it compares to its e-book Kindle device. The company expects to make tens of millions of the devices for under $400 each. Amazon in 2022 booked 83 rocket launches from ULA, France's Arianespace and Blue Origin, Bezos' space company, snagging the industry's biggest-ever launch deal as it prepared to begin Kuiper deployment.
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Thiel Fund Leads $49 Million Investment in Bulgarian Space Firm
Peter Thiel's Founders Fund is adding to its space portfolio by leading a €43 million ($49 million) investment in EnduroSat, a Bulgarian manufacturer of satellites. The startup, based in Bulgaria's capital of Sofia, will use the money to increase next-generation satellite production and open a new manufacturing facility, according to a statement from EnduroSat.
