Page 61 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2021

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SpaceX Launches Türksat 5B Communications Satellite

SpaceX successfully launched the Turksat next-generation electric-powered impulse to establish internet communication
5B Turkish communications satellite in system that could allow it to operate for in places not accessed by terrestrial
less than 16 hours after launching a batch 35 years, providing data transmission of infrastructure, according to Minister of
of Starlink broadband spacecraft. The more than 55 gigabits per second with Ka- Transportation and Infrastructure, Adil
company’s Falcon 9 rocket took to the band, Ku-band and X-band transponders. Karaismailoglu. Turkey’s first domestically
skies at 10:58 PM EST December 18 (03:58 All communication equipment for Turksat built communications satellite Turksat
UTC Dec. 19), 2021, from Space Launch 5B was produced in Turkey before 6A, currently in production, is expected to
Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force being transported to France for satellite launch sometime in 2023 as integration,
Station in Florida. Turksat 5B was deployed integration and then on to the United States assembly and testing of the satellite
into a geostationary transfer orbit where for launch. The telecommunication satellite at Ankara Space Space Systems and
it will use its own onboard propulsion to and high data capabilities are expected Integration Test Center are ongoing.
circularize its orbit into a geostationary
orbit positioned at 42 degrees east
longitude. Operated by the Turksat
communications company, which is owned
by the Turkish government, is expected
to provide TV broadcasting services and
telecommunications to Europe, Turkey, the
Middle East and geographical sections of
Asia and Africa. This mission is a follow up
to Turksat 5A, which was launched earlier
in 2021. The Turksat 5B satellite was
launched to geostationary transfer orbit,
where it will use onboard electric thrusters
to reach 42 degrees East to provide high
throughput Ka- and Ku-band services
over Turkey, the Middle East and parts of
Africa. The 9,900-pound (4,500-kilogram)
Turksat 5B spacecraft is Turkey’s most-
powerful satellite to date with a design
life of about 15 years. However, it has a

NGC Australia Teams with Inmarsat

Northrop Grumman Australia will partner communications provider to the ADF, we’re requirements of the Australian Defence
with Inmarsat to develop an agile, resilient proud to partner with Inmarsat and build Force,” said Rajeev Suri, chief executive
and sovereign satellite communications on our shared history of developing global officer of Inmarsat. “Together, we provide
capability to support the future joint force satellite communications networks,” said the right balance of program delivery
and protect Australia’s strategic interests Christine Zeitz, general manager, Northrop track record, access to advanced satellite
in response to the JP9102 Australian Grumman Asia Pacific. “Northrop Grumman system technology, protection against
Defence Satellite Communication is a true pioneer in space, providing world- evolving threats, and sovereign assurance
System project. Under JP9102, the leading capabilities in space mission through long-term delivery for Australia,
two companies will collaborate to and strategic deterrence solutions,” from Australia. Inmarsat brings highly
deliver an Integrated Control Segment said Frank DeMauro, vice president and complementary capabilities to Northrop
that provides the Commonwealth with general manager, tactical space systems, Grumman’s JP9102 proposal. Both
flexibility across commercial and military Northrop Grumman. “We will build on this companies have proven delivery capability
SATCOM networks. The companies have foundation and our history of collaboration as demonstrated on current ADF satellite
already collaborated to deliver satellite with Inmarsat to deliver a complex and programs.” Northrop Grumman’s end-
communications capabilities through the agile network of satellite communications to-end space expertise brings strategic
HEOsat program, a collaborative program systems, combating emerging threats capability from SATCOM, control systems,
between the Government of Norway, the and supporting the Australian Defence enterprise ground infrastructure and
United States Air Force and Inmarsat, Force (ADF) in the future battlespace.” launch systems, backed by a legacy of
which will deliver broadband services to the “Inmarsat is pleased to be partnering with expertise that began at the dawn of the
Arctic region. “As an established satellite Northrop Grumman Australia to meet the space age.
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