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: GEO Satellite operations, Part 4–Communicate

“…You gotta reach out – Reach out and touch someone…” The last lesson showed how a geosynchronous (GEO) satellite can essentially “hover” over a particular area of the Earth. Almost as if a physical rigid connection keeps them moving together. This is because the GEO satellite’s orbit matches the speed of the Earth’s rotation, giving […]

Why space matters: Imaging satellite operations, part 7 (the dishy part)

Last week, we found out that companies flying satellites, especially low earth orbiting (LEOs) need a few ground stations to send and receive data to satellite and payload in a timely manner. How can you tell there’s something space-y going on in your neighborhood? The most visible part of the ground system is the thing […]