Ben Bridge, Chairman of Airbus Defence and Space UK, stated, "This significant development in the programme will allow Airbus to complete final baseline testing at our Stevenage site, followed by environmental testing back at NSTF later this year."

Skynet 6A, a fully-hardened next-generation satellite for the UK Ministry of Defence, offers 3.5 times the capacity of the current Skynet 5 constellation and is expected to enter service in 2027. The spacecraft builds on five decades of sovereign satellite capability, incorporating innovative technologies to meet evolving military communication demands.

Barry Austin, Skynet Programme Manager at Defence Digital, highlighted the broader significance: "Congratulations to Airbus Defence and Space, RAL Space and the MOD project team on achieving this impressive milestone. This marks a significant achievement for the Skynet 6 programme and the UK space sector as a whole. Once operational, Skynet 6A will enhance and be critical to our Armed Forces' military satellite communications capability and ensure they continue to receive world-class connectivity globally."

The coupling represents the first UK-based integration of a large geostationary communications satellite. It also marks the inaugural year of the NSTF supporting spacecraft testing, with Skynet 6A's antennas already validated in the facility's electromagnetic compatibility lab.

Sean Stewart, Head of Environmental Test at RAL Space, added, "Welcoming our first customers represents a significant achievement for the NSTF, and we are proud to support Airbus with the integration and testing of Skynet 6A. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of all involved and marks an exciting step for the UK as we prepare to host many more satellites of this scale."

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:30:08 AEST London, UK (SPX) May 21, 2025 - The United Kingdom's next-generation military satellite, Skynet 6A, has reached a key development milestone with the successful integration of its communications and service modules. The spacecraft, assembled at Airbus facilities in Stevenage and Portsmouth, is designed to deliver secure communications to UK armed forces worldwide.

The integration took place at the National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) in Harwell, Oxfordshire, which is operated by RAL Space under the Science and Technology Facilities Council. This marks the first instance of a large geostationary communications satellite being coupled entirely within the UK.

Airbus Defence and Space UK Chairman Ben Bridge highlighted the significance of the achievement, stating, "This significant development in the programme will allow Airbus to complete final baseline testing at our Stevenage site, followed by environmental testing back at NSTF later this year."

Skynet 6A is engineered to be a fully-hardened military satellite for the UK Ministry of Defence, offering three-and-a-half times the capacity of the current Skynet 5 satellites. It is expected to become operational in 2027.

Building on a 50-year legacy of sovereign satellite capability, the Skynet programme continues to evolve with the 6A satellite incorporating cutting-edge technologies to adapt to future operational demands.

Barry Austin, Skynet Programme Manager at Defence Digital, praised the collaboration: "Congratulations to Airbus Defence and Space, RAL Space and the MOD project team on achieving this impressive milestone. This marks a significant achievement for the Skynet 6 programme and the UK space sector as a whole. Once operational, Skynet 6A will enhance and be critical to our Armed Forces' military satellite communications capability and ensure they continue to receive world-class connectivity globally."

Earlier this year, Skynet 6A's antennas passed trials in NSTF's electromagnetic compatibility chamber, and the spacecraft is the first to undergo integration testing at the facility since it became operational. "Welcoming our first customers represents a significant achievement for the NSTF, and we are proud to support Airbus with the integration and testing of Skynet 6A," said Sean Stewart, Head of Environmental Test at RAL Space. "This milestone is a testament to the dedication of all involved and marks an exciting step for the UK as we prepare to host many more satellites of this scale."

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:30:08 AEST Washington (AFP) May 19, 2025 - A jury on Monday convicted a retired four-star US admiral who served as the US Navy's second-highest-ranking officer on corruption charges for steering contracts to a company in exchange for a lucrative job.

Robert Burke ordered staff to award a $355,000 contract to a company, and then began working there at a $500,000-a-year job after his 2022 retirement from the Navy, the US Department of Justice said.

He also unsuccessfully attempted to convince a top officer to give the firm a separate contract.

A jury found him guilty of offenses including bribery, performing acts affecting a personal financial interest, and concealment of material facts, court records show.

Sentencing is set for August, the same month that two co-CEOs of technology services firm Next Jump are to go on trial in a related case, the Washington Post reported.

Monday's verdict makes Burke the senior-most officer to be convicted in recent times for crimes committed while serving in the US military.

In the Navy, Burke served as deputy commander of the US 6th Fleet, commander of Submarine Group 8, and chief of naval personnel -- a position he held at the same time as when he was vice chief of naval operations, the service's second-highest position.

The Navy has faced other corruption problems in recent years, with the most notorious scandal involving Leonard Francis -- known as "Fat Leonard" -- who handed out more than $500,000 in cash bribes and provided prostitutes, first-class travel, luxury hotel stays and lavish meals to naval officers.

Francis was sentenced to 15 years in prison in November 2024, after fleeing house arrest and traveling to Venezuela before being returned in a prisoner swap the previous year.

As part of a plea agreement, Francis provided government investigators with detailed information that led to the conviction of a number of high-ranking US Navy officers.

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:30:08 AEST Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 19, 2025 - Enveil, a leader in Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET), has secured a new contract from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to bolster secure data processing within the Hybrid Space Architecture (HSA). This initiative will integrate Enveil's ZeroReveal technology to enable secure data handling, analysis, and sharing, enhancing space situational awareness and mission execution speeds while safeguarding sensitive information.

Building on earlier Phase I achievements, this contract will allow Department of Defense (DoD) teams to securely collaborate on space asset analysis across multiple orbits and domains. Enveil's ZeroReveal commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software will be integrated into DIU's HSA framework, facilitating secure, cross-domain data fusion and advancing use cases like Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and integration with commercial imagery providers. This effort is being executed alongside the U.S. Space Force to enhance data utility across both government and commercial data sources.

"The ability to securely search, analyze, and share sensitive data to extract and deliver critical insights at the speed of mission is foundational to the success of hybrid data environments, including HSA. We are proud to continue working alongside DIU and other customer stakeholders to expand data utility and scalability across the wide range of both commercial and government data sources in the space domain," said Ellison Anne Williams, CEO of Enveil

Enveil's ZeroReveal software defines the PET category by enabling organizations to securely cross-match, search, analyze, and utilize artificial intelligence without exposing sensitive data. By eliminating the need for data replication into high-trust environments, Enveil reduces processing costs and streamlines data operations, unlocking value from mission-critical datasets. ZeroReveal is already deployed at scale, transforming how data is utilized across boundaries and silos.

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:30:08 AEST Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 12, 2025 - The United States Space Force's (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded contracts to CACI, General Atomics, and Viasat as part of Phase 2 of the $100 million Enterprise Space Terminal (EST) program. This phase aims to advance the development of space laser communication terminal prototypes, promoting long-range, resilient space communications. The contracts were issued through the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) Other Transaction Authority (OTA), supporting the SSC's objective to enhance the industrial base for advanced space technologies.

The selected companies were chosen from four initial competitors that completed Phase 1 of the program, which included successful Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs) from each. This progression to Phase 2 supports SSC's goal of fostering innovation while controlling costs by maintaining competitive pressure. The selection criteria included factors such as cost, schedule, and performance, ensuring the best value for the government.

The EST program focuses on establishing crosslink compatibility among future space systems through standardized enterprise waveforms. These terminals are designed to be low in size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) while supporting the broader MILNET space data network, which aims to create a resilient space mesh network capable of providing diverse communication paths. The program also leverages prior Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial investments to develop enterprise waveforms optimized for Beyond Low Earth Orbit (bLEO) communications.

"I'm pleased with the progress on the EST program so far. The EST prototypes are foundational elements to the future space data transport network that we are building," said USSF Lt. Col. Jeffrey Fry, MILNET Program Manager for SSC's Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Program Executive Office. "The ESTs will implement a common waveform so all satellites carrying these terminals can talk to each other. This is important as the network of satellites carrying EST-compatible terminals will provide diverse communication paths for data that is critical to our national security and our way of life."

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:30:08 AEST Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 30, 2025 - China has launched the Tianlian II-05 satellite into orbit, marking a new step in enhancing the country's space-based communication and tracking capabilities. The satellite lifted off at 11:54 pm Beijing Time on Sunday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province aboard a Long March 3B rocket and was successfully placed into its designated geosynchronous orbit.

As the latest addition to China's second-generation data relay satellite system, Tianlian II-05 is designed to provide robust data relay and telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) services. It will support critical national missions, including manned spaceflight operations such as crewed spacecraft and space stations, as well as medium and low-Earth-orbit resource satellites. The satellite will also play a key role in providing TT&C coverage during spacecraft launches.

This mission marked the 572nd flight in the Long March rocket series, underscoring the sustained momentum of China's launch operations and its continued investment in space infrastructure development.

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:30:08 AEST Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 28, 2025 - Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) has announced it has received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its patent application (Serial No. 17/828,233) covering the structural framework of the LizzieSat satellite platform. To date, three LizzieSat satellites have been successfully deployed and are operating in orbit. The newly allowed patent underlines Sidus Space's continuing focus on advancing satellite technology aimed at expanding mission adaptability across commercial, governmental, defense, and intelligence sectors.

The patented system introduces a modular configuration for satellite command and data handling, enabling operators to customize or reconfigure satellite components to meet specific mission profiles. This design streamlines data processing, bolsters system redundancy, and simplifies the accommodation of new payloads, offering critical advantages for missions requiring high flexibility and cost-efficiency.

"This patent represents a significant milestone in our mission to deliver innovative and adaptable solutions for the space industry," said Carol Craig, CEO of Sidus Space. "This advancement aligns with our commitment to delivering scalable and customizable solutions, from satellites to technology to data, that meet the evolving demands of the space industry and our customers."

Sidus Space, known for its space-proven technologies and fully integrated satellite services, offers comprehensive capabilities from satellite design and manufacturing to launch and orbital operations. The company maintains a growing intellectual property portfolio that includes 13 granted U.S. patents, one additional allowed U.S. patent pending issuance, six further U.S. applications under review, and five international patent filings as part of its global expansion strategy.

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:30:08 AEST Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 22, 2025 - HRL Laboratories, in collaboration with Boeing, has reached a critical achievement in the Q4S satellite mission by finalizing and validating a quantum communications payload designed for space deployment. The mission aims to perform the first-ever four-photon entanglement swapping demonstration in orbit, an essential step toward secure quantum communication and future quantum networking capabilities.

This completed milestone marks the integration of a compact, 15-kilogram space-ready subassembly. HRL successfully merged optical, electronic, and thermal management systems into a single flight-capable package. The subassembly has passed comprehensive end-to-end software checks, ensuring readiness for space-based operations.

"HRL has delivered an optical lab's worth of capability in a compact, 15kg integrated space-capable assembly," stated Jay Lowell, Chief Scientist of Boeing's Disruptive Computing, Networks and Sensors division. He confirmed the subassembly has been space-qualified through tests conducted at Boeing's El Segundo Space Simulation Laboratory. A ground-based twin will now serve as a benchmark for the in-orbit version, which is currently under production.

The payload includes two independent single-photon sources, each of which has successfully demonstrated high-quality quantum entanglement. Performance tests revealed fidelity levels between 0.8 and 0.9 and a photon pair detection rate exceeding 2,500 pairs per second. These results meet the mission's stringent requirements for quantum measurement precision.

"Demonstrating entanglement swapping between these two entangled photon pairs will enable us to entangle previously unconnected nodes," explained Jennifer Ellis, Principal Investigator at HRL. "This is a foundational capability for scalable, secure quantum computing and sensing architectures in space."

Environmental testing has also been completed to ensure system resilience under the demanding conditions of space. These validations confirm the payload's readiness for the mission's upcoming phases.

"Validation and environmental testing are critical milestones on the path to a successful space mission," commented Rob Vasquez, CEO of HRL. "We're proud to partner with Boeing on this pioneering demonstration and lay the groundwork for secure communications in space."

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:30:08 AEST Washington DC (UPI) Apr 21, 2025 - American Forces Network will reduce radio programming starting on May 1 to "better streamline operations," the Department of Defense announced Monday.

Removed will be the AFN Legacy, Freedom Rock, The Blend and Joe Radio, according to a news release. Also, commercially produced podcasts will no longer be available on the audio streaming service, AFN Go.

The radio network will continue top-rated music, entertainment and news channels on its AFN Go app. AFN's 24 Eagle radio stations around the world will continue serving U.S. overseas.

"AFN takes pride in its 83-year legacy of serving U.S. military audiences overseas," a release saId. "Along with enhancing troop morale, retention and recruiting, as well as safety and security, AFN continues to live up to its motto, 'We Bring You Home. ' "

The military streaming service has more than 100,000 subscribers worldwide.

In the past year, the AFN Go app, which includes video, has seen audience growth of more than 30% with listeners streaming nearly 480,000 hours of radio programming in January. The AFN Go radio streaming app is free.

Armed Forces Radio Services was formed on May 26, 1942, as a single channel and became Armed Forces Radio & Television Service from 1954-2009 and then AFN afterward. AFN now also has social media accounts.

A television service was introduced in 1954 from Limestone Air Force Base in Maine.

"While millions of Americans serving overseas have tuned in AFN for popular entertainment, the network has served as a crucial tool for commanders to reach the force and their families, both on and off military installations, with critical information," the Army said on the 80th year of the service in 2022. "During World War II, the network communicated messages to American forces advancing in Europe via mobile radio vans."

There are approximately 166,000 U.S. active-duty troops overseas, which is about 12.8% of the 2.1 million total force, according to USA Facts from the Defense Manpower Data Center.

U.S. military personnel worldwide were able to watch the Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 and earlier festivities live from New Orleans. Other games were available on the AFN Now app live and on demand, the second season this was offered.

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:30:08 AEST Washington (AFP) April 18, 2025 - A Chinese satellite company is supporting attacks by Yemen's Huthis on American interests, the State Department said Thursday, as the US military announced strikes on a fuel port it said was used by the rebels.

The Huthis began targeting shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in November 2023, claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, and American forces have been hammering them with strikes in a bid to stop the attacks.

"Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company... is directly supporting Iran-backed Huthi terrorist attacks on US interests," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told journalists.

"Their actions -- and Beijing's support of the company, even after our private engagements with them -- is yet another example of China's empty claims to support peace," she said.

Bruce did not initially provide details on the nature of the company's support for the rebels, but later referred to "a Chinese company providing satellite imagery to the Huthis."

A spokesman for Beijing's foreign ministry said Friday he was "not aware of the situation" when asked about the US accusations, adding that "China has been actively working to ease" tensions in the Red Sea.

"It is clear to the international community who is promoting peace and dialogue to ease tensions, and who is imposing sanctions and pressure to escalate them," spokesman Lin Jian added at the regular press conference.

Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company was sanctioned by Washington in 2023 for allegedly providing high-resolution imagery to Russian private military company Wagner, which played a major role in Moscow's war against Ukraine but has since been disbanded.

Huthi attacks have prevented ships from passing through the Suez Canal -- a vital route between Asia and Europe that normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic -- forcing many companies into a costly detour around the tip of southern Africa.

US President Donald Trump's administration launched a new round of military action against the Huthis starting on March 15, and the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Thursday that American strikes had destroyed the Ras Issa fuel port in Yemen.

"US forces took action to eliminate this source of fuel for the Iran-backed Huthi terrorists and deprive them of illegal revenue that has funded Huthi efforts to terrorize the entire region for over 10 years," CENTCOM said in a statement.

"The objective of these strikes was to degrade the economic source of power of the Huthis, who continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen," it added.

The United States first began conducting strikes against the Huthis under the Biden administration, and Trump has vowed that military action against the rebels would continue until they are no longer a threat to shipping.

Deadly US strikes hit Yemen fuel port used by Huthis
Sanaa (AFP) April 18, 2025 - The US military said it had destroyed a key Yemeni fuel port as it targets the country's Huthi rebels, who said Friday that 20 people had been killed in the strikes.

The attack on the Ras Issa fuel port aimed to cut off a source of supplies and funds for the Iran-backed Huthis, the US military said.

Washington has hammered the Huthis with near-daily air strikes since March 15 in a bid to end their attacks on civilian shipping and military vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The rebels began their attacks in late 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

"US forces took action to eliminate this source of fuel for the Iran-backed Huthi terrorists and deprive them of illegal revenue that has funded Huthi efforts to terrorise the entire region for over 10 years," the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.

"The objective of these strikes was to degrade the economic source of power of the Huthis, who continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen," CENTCOM said.

Ships "have continued to supply fuel via the port of Ras Issa" despite Washington designating the rebels a foreign terrorist organisation earlier this year, the military command added, without specifying the source of the fuel.

Huthi health ministry spokesman Anees Alasbahi said the preliminary death toll stood at 20, including five paramedics.

There were also "50 wounded workers and employees at the Ras Issa oil port, following the American aggression", he said on X.

"The death toll is likely to rise as body parts are still being identified," he added.

- Fireball -

In images broadcast early Friday by the rebels' Al-Masira channel, which it presented as the "first images of the US aggression" against the port, a fireball lit up the area around the ships, while thick columns of smoke rose above what appeared to be an ongoing blaze.

"Civil defence rescue teams and paramedics are making every effort to search for and extract victims and extinguish the fire," said Alasbahi.

The port lies along the west coast of Yemen on the Red Sea.

Huthi attacks have hampered shipping through the Suez Canal -- a vital route that normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic -- forcing many companies into a costly detour around the tip of southern Africa.

The United States first began conducting strikes against the Huthis under president Joe Biden's administration, and his successor President Donald Trump has vowed that military action against the rebels would continue until they are no longer a threat to shipping.

On Thursday evening, France's Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said a French frigate in the Red Sea destroyed a drone launched from Yemen.

"Our armed forces continue their commitment to ensuring maritime freedom of movement," he said on X.

US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told journalists Thursday that the Chinese satellite firm Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company was "directly supporting Iran-backed Huthi terrorist attacks on US interests".

"Their actions -- and Beijing's support of the company, even after our private engagements with them -- is yet another example of China's empty claims to support peace," she said.

Bruce did not initially provide details on the nature of the company's support for the rebels, but later referred to "a Chinese company providing satellite imagery to the Huthis."

UN chief 'gravely concerned' about US strikes on Yemen
United Nations, United States (AFP) April 19, 2025 - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "gravely concerned" about air strikes conducted by the United States in Yemen, a spokesman said Saturday, after rebels there said the attacks killed some 80 people and wounded 150.

Guterres "is gravely concerned about the air strikes conducted by the United States over the course of 17 and 18 April in and around Yemen's port of Ras Issa, which reportedly resulted in scores of civilian casualties, including five humanitarian workers injured," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

The strikes on Ras Issa aimed to cut off supplies and funds for the Huthi rebels that control large swathes of the Arabian Peninsula's poorest country, the US military said.

It was the deadliest attack of Washington's 15-month campaign against the Iran-backed group.

Guterres expressed fears of damage to the port and "possible oil leaks into the Red Sea," Dujarric said.

He also called on the Huthis to halt their ongoing missile and drone attacks on both Israel and shipping in the Red Sea "immediately."

The US military has hammered the Huthis with near-daily air strikes for the past month in a bid to finally stamp out their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The Huthis say their attacks are in protest at Israel's blockade of aid to Gaza, where it is waging a bloody war on Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Dujarric said Guterres remained "deeply troubled" by the threat of further escalation in the region, and that he urged all sides to "exercise utmost restraint."

]]> Fri, 23 MAY 2025 02:30:08 AEST Subscribe to our daily selection of space, military, environment and energy newsletters responseText http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=0016gbbKsaiGSpQFojVO8ZoHw%3D%3D