Catégorie : New York

Today’s Satellite News

Atlas V Launches Second Batch of Amazon Project Kuiper Satellites

United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket successfully deployed 27 new Amazon Project Kuiper satellites into low Earth orbit, advancing Amazon's plan to compete with SpaceX Starlink in global broadband services. Project Kuiper aims to deploy over 3,200 satellites through about 80 launches, involving ULA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Arianespace. Amazon expects to begin offering broadband services by the end of the year. This launch marks a significant step in the global expansion of satellite internet networks, with China also developing large-scale constellations. The mission highlights the growing competition and investment in satellite-based connectivity.

NASA Relay 2 Dead Satellite Emits Unexpected Radio Signal

A team led by Clancy James from Curtin University detected a powerful radio signal from NASA's long-defunct Relay 2 satellite using the ASKAP radio telescopes. This unexpected burst lasted only a nanosecond but was so intense it overshadowed other signals. The source was traced to Relay 2, inactive for nearly 60 years. Scientists suggest the cause could be a collision with space debris or an electrostatic discharge from accumulated charge. This event highlights the unpredictable behavior of space debris and offers new ways to study electrostatic phenomena in orbit, especially as the number of small, unprotected satellites increases.

Spanish Students Win Award for Innovative Satellite Design

A team of 15-year-old students from IES El Tablero Aguañac in San Bartolomé de Tirajana won the regional Cansat competition for their satellite design. The project, part of a European Space Agency educational initiative, challenged students to build a satellite the size of a soda can, equipped with sensors for atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, CO2, and GPS. Their satellite, launched by drone and later by rocket, successfully collected and transmitted data. The experience fostered interest in space technology and engineering careers among the students, who also managed project funding and visited the Canary Islands Space Center.