Profits in Space

Do you know there are not many markets in the space business that are profitable? At least that’s the spin of this Space Daily article. It gives a few examples of areas in space business and operations that can continue to grow and/or have potential to grow. The area of space business which is growing like gangbusters, at […]

Jam On It!–Arabsat’s Ethiopian Space Jam Problem

What does a satellite operator do if someone jams its broadcast signal? Specifically, what does Arabsat do when someone jams its TV signals in Africa and the Middle East? According to this Satellite Today post, the company first finds out where this “intentional uplink interference” is coming from. Then it takes its case to the International […]

Why Space Matters: HEO Satellite Operations, Part 2–Those Pesky Overcharges

Satellite highly elliptical orbits (HEOs) are interesting orbits for space operators in any kind of mission, especially considering the challenges inherent in using such orbits. OK–so that statement’s a little nerdy, but if you’re reading this blog, there’s an inner nerd in you just waiting to be outed. In the last lesson, you were, perhaps […]

Why space matters: HEO Satellite Operations, Part 1–You’ve Never Kepled?

In previous lessons you’ve learned about the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO). There are pros and cons in using each orbit. Generally for satellites in LEO orbit, particularly imagery satellites like those owned by DigitalGlobe and SkyBox, the closer the satellites are to the Earth, the more detail of the objects […]

Gravity Check: Thousands of Satellites Orbit Earth

Quick–just how many satellites, operational or not, are orbiting Earth? Pretend you’re trying to impress your fellow engineers. Even better, pretend you’re trying to impress people in a bar (although that strategy might backfire). Have you guessed? Do you really want to know if you’re correct or are you satisfied with impressing the folks in the […]