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WG3K > ANS 17.03.24 07:01l 57 Lines 3779 Bytes #113 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : $ANS077.10
Read: GUEST
Subj: Satellite Shorts From All Over
Path: IW8PGT<IZ3LSV<DB0ERF<DK0WUE<PD0LPM<PE1RRR<KA1VSC<WG3K
Sent: 240317/0314Z 2111@WG3K.#SMD.MD.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
NASA has terminated its OSAM-1 mission, a multibillion-dollar endeavor
aimed at showcasing robotic satellite servicing technology in space, due to
ongoing technical, cost, and schedule challenges. Originally intended to
demonstrate satellite refueling, the mission expanded to include in-orbit
assembly, incorporating a 16-foot robotic arm named SPIDER. Despite
significant congressional funding, the project faced continual delays and
ballooning costs, reaching $1.5 billion with an estimated additional cost
of nearly $1 billion for launch. Changes in the satellite servicing market,
with a shift towards alternative technologies like Northrop Grumman's
Mission Extension Vehicle, contributed to the cancellation. Maxar, the
prime contractor for OSAM-1, faced criticism for poor performance, leading
to delays and cost overruns, although the company cited other factors like
the COVID-19 pandemic. The cancellation impacts approximately 450 workers
at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, prompting NASA to review strategies
to mitigate workforce impacts and consider alternative uses for developed
technologies. (ANS thanks Ars Technica, for the above information.)
China's human spaceflight agency, CMSA, is progressing towards its goal
of landing astronauts on the moon before 2030. The spacecraft developed for
this purpose has been named Mengzhou, translating to "Dream Vessel," for
lunar missions, and Lanyue, meaning "Embracing the Moon," for orbital
travel. These names were selected through a public contest, with Mengzhou
having a variant for low Earth orbit (LEO) carrying seven astronauts and a
moon version transporting three astronauts into lunar orbit. The China
Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is designing and
building the spacecraft and lander, along with a new rocket, the Long March
10. The moon landing plan involves two Long March 10 rockets launching
Mengzhou and Lanyue, rendezvousing in lunar orbit, with astronauts
descending to the lunar surface. A 440-pound crew rover will accompany the
lunar lander. Progress on various mission hardware is reportedly on track,
including completed development of the primary spacecraft and technical
proposals for launch and landing sites. Recently, models of the rocket,
spacecraft, and lander were showcased at an exhibition in Shanghai. (ANS
thanks Space.com, for the above information.)
U.S. regulators have approved ground rules for allowing SpaceX and other
satellite operators to use radio waves from terrestrial mobile partners to
keep smartphone users connected outside cell tower coverage. The Federal
Communications Commission voted March 14 unanimously in favor of its
Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) regulatory framework. SCS providers
would operate as a secondary service to companies providing Mobile
Satellite Services (MSS) with conventional frequencies already approved for
use from space. This means an SCS operator would have to immediately cease
operations if they interfere with an MSS provider or terrestrial telco with
primary rights. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information.)
A rocket made by a Japanese company exploded seconds after launch on
Wednesday, in a spectacular failure for the start-up's bid to put a
satellite into orbit. Tokyo-based Space One's 18-metre (60-foot) Kairos
rocket blasted off in the coastal Wakayama region of western Japan,
carrying a small government test satellite. But around five seconds later,
the solid-fuel rocket erupted in fire, sending white smoke billowing around
the remote mountainous area as orange flames raged on the ground, live
footage showed. Space One said it had taken the decision to "abort the
flight" and details were being investigated. (ANS thanks Space Daily for
the above information.)
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