Turkmenistan launches first communications satellite: Fieldfisher's Satellite and Space Projects team advised the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan on a deal to build and launch the country's first communications satellite, which was successfully launched on 27 April 2015. The contract was performed by Thales Alenia Space with the support of Space Systems International, Monaco.
Bangladesh invitation to tender: The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTCR) issued an invitation for an international open tender for in-orbit delivery of a geosynchronous satellite system. The system, with 26 Ku-band and 14 C-band transponders, is intended for launch late in 2017 and will deliver communications and broadcasting services to Bangladesh and the surrounding region. The closing date for submitting tenders is 2 June 2015.
EU Galileo launch: Two more satellites have been successfully placed into orbit as part of the EU's global satellite navigation programme, bringing the number of Galileo satellites in orbit to eight. Lift off took place from the European spaceport in French Guiana. Four more satellites are in testing or final integration and scheduled for launch later this year. Initial services are expected to begin by 2016 and full services, including an encrypted commercial service, by 2020.
ESA seeks industry help in managing derelict satellites: The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to invite industry stakeholders to submit concepts for mitigating the risks posed by derelict satellites. Designs will be evaluated and 25 submissions will be shortlisted for presentation to next year's ESA Ministerial Council for approval. The ESA's aim is to develop common approaches for retrieving or neutralising derelict satellites that can be adopted by all of Europe's main satellite players.
NewSat: Australian satellite communications company, NewSat, was placed into administration on 17 April. The move follows NewSat's failure to secure a waiver from one of its major lenders, COFACE Lender Group, in respect of alleged technical breaches of NewSat's financing facilities for its Jabiru-1 project.
Laser Light and Optus venture: Laser Light Global Ltd and Optus Satellite announced on 7 April that they are to collaborate on the world's first commercial laser-based satellite network - SpaceCable. The network will be operated using optical spectrum rather than radio frequency and will combine Laser Light's Medium Earth Orbit constellation with Optus's ground infrastructure.
Firefly Space Systems: Via Satellite reported on 8 April 2015 that Firefly Space Systems Inc. is on target to develop and launch its "Firefly Alpha" rocket, the first in a scalable family of launchers specifically designed for the launch of small satellites (<1,000kg). The rocket, intended for mass production, is expected to have its first launch in Q4 2017.
SpaceX reusable launch vehicle: SpaceX came close in its third attempt to land a Falcon 9 first stage on a custom built floating platform (14 April 2015). Video of the landing shows the rocket hitting its target but then toppling over. Elon Musk tweeted "Rocket landed on droneship, but too hard for survival". Reusable rockets are seen as key to reducing the cost of space flights.
SAT>IP Alliance: A group of satellite operators and manufacturers - SES, HISPASAT, Panasonic, NAGRA, Ali Corporation and MaxLinear – have formed an alliance to promote the use of the SAT>IP protocol. As well as promoting SAT>IP, the alliance aims to facilitate certification of new devices and improve the SAT>IP standard. SAT IP Technology makes it possible to distribute satellite TV services efficiently to any device connected to a domestic IP network.
UK Space Conference: The Satellite Finance Network Annual Conference took place in London on 21 April 2015. Focused on "Achieving Growth", the conference's discussions addressed topics such as how to overcome the financial, commercial, regulatory and other challenges.
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