Military Space News
ROCKET SCIENCE
Rocket Lab and KSAT Enhance Global Satellite Communication Services
illustration only
Rocket Lab and KSAT Enhance Global Satellite Communication Services
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 08, 2024
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has joined forces with Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) to develop an advanced global ground station service. This collaboration aims to provide efficient and reliable communications for future Neutron launches, enhanced Electron missions, and various on-orbit operations, spacecraft deorbit, and return-to-Earth missions using Rocket Lab's spacecraft.

The Electron launch vehicle, one of the most frequently launched rockets globally, has successfully delivered 191 satellites into space for government and commercial customers. These missions span science and exploration, Earth observation, weather monitoring, and national security.

Rocket Lab is also progressing with the development of its medium-lift reusable rocket, Neutron. Scheduled for mid-2025, Neutron will launch satellite constellations, support national security and defense missions, and facilitate interplanetary missions. Additionally, Rocket Lab designs, builds, launches, and operates spacecraft for various clients, including NASA missions to the Moon and commercial re-entry operations for companies like Varda Space Industries.

In preparation for Neutron's debut launch, Varda's upcoming return-to-Earth missions, and a backlog of over 40 satellites, Rocket Lab and KSAT have co-engineered a new satellite communications service. This service is tailored to meet the demands of these upcoming missions. KSAT, the exclusive ground station service provider for Rocket Lab, has expanded its network to support Rocket Lab's launch and spacecraft operations. The network ensures optimal performance, minimal latency, and robust support throughout the mission lifecycle.

The enhanced satellite communications service now available to KSAT and Rocket Lab customers features unique antenna tracking for complex missions across a global network of more than 200 antennas. It offers real-time telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C), extended monitoring, control, and data acquisition capabilities in S-band, X-band, and Ka-band, supporting key IRIG-106 modulation codes. Additionally, it includes automated ground station scheduling for satellite passes and other upgraded features.

Rocket Lab's Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, Space Systems, Richard French, commented, "This upgraded satellite communications service for Electron and Neutron launches and across our various spacecraft streamlines our customers' missions and simplifies their access to space. Satellite operators can outsource their satellite operations and communications to us, allowing them to focus on their mission at hand rather than having to build and operate their own ground station infrastructure. We're delighted to be able to ensure our customers benefit from a reliable, scalable service through our ongoing partnership with KSAT."

KSAT's Director of Ground Network Products, Arthur Merlin, added, "Partnering with Rocket Lab exemplifies our commitment to advancing ground network technology through strategic collaborations. This partnership leverages the strengths of both organizations, ensuring seamless and reliable communications for our customers worldwide. We are excited to work closely with Rocket Lab, a leader in innovative launch solutions, to enhance our service offerings and drive forward the development of space communication."

Furthermore, Rocket Lab provides technical and regulatory services as part of its end-to-end mission solutions. These services include support with radio licensing, frequency coordination to manage interference, navigation through complex regulatory environments, and a range of technical support services.

Related Links
Rocket Lab Partners
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
ROCKET SCIENCE
Rocket Lab launches fifth StriX satellite for Synspective
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Aug 03, 2024
Rocket Lab has launched its 51st Electron rocket, deploying a single satellite into low Earth orbit for Synspective, a Japanese Earth-imaging company. The mission, named "Owl For One, One For Owl" in reference to Synspective's StriX satellites, which are named after the genus of owls, lifted off at 04:39 a.m., August 3rd NZT (16:39 UTC, August 2nd) from Launch Complex 1, Rocket Lab's private orbital launch site on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula. This launch deployed the fifth StriX SAR-imaging sate ... read more

ROCKET SCIENCE
Poland inks deal for 48 Patriot air-defence launchers

NSPA Grants Raytheon $478 Million Contract to Supply Patriot GEM-T Missiles

Turkey plans to build its own anti-missile defence system

Ukraine deploys air defence as Russia targets Kyiv

ROCKET SCIENCE
Poland buys hundreds of US air-to-air missiles

Iran says Guards navy gets 'large number' of new missiles, drones

Two killed in Russian missile attack on Kyiv

Netherlands to stock up on JASSM-ER missiles

ROCKET SCIENCE
Tengden Completes Test Flight of China's Largest Cargo Drone

ELTA North America Excels in Pentagon Drone Defense Swarm Test

Russia says drones, missiles shot down over Kursk region

Russia says destroyed 76 Ukrainian drones

ROCKET SCIENCE
GMV Secures GBP 2 Million Contract for Quantum-Enabled White Rabbit Switch to Safeguard UK Infrastructure

Reticulate Micro delivers advanced video tech VAST to US Army

Northrop Grumman completes PDR for SDA Data Transport Satellites

SES Space and Defense secures US Air Force Air Combat Command contract

ROCKET SCIENCE
Czech army to receive German tanks in Ukraine aid compensation

What we know about Hezbollah's weapons arsenal

US announces $1.7 bn in new security assistance for Ukraine

GAO finds another $2B in military aid for Ukraine

ROCKET SCIENCE
Algeria arrests 21 for alleged arms trafficking

US approves $20 billion weapons package for Israel

US lifts restrictions on Saudi weapons, with eye on resolving Gaza

U.S. tightens sanctions on Belarus, Lukashenko regime

ROCKET SCIENCE
China FM to meet Myanmar junta chief on SE Asia trip: military official

Indian FM on first visit to Maldives since troops sent packing

Philippines' Marcos condemns China's 'illegal and reckless' actions over disputed reef

India and Maldives look to reset ties after troops expelled

ROCKET SCIENCE
Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2026 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.