T-Minus Engineering’s Post

We're pleased to share with you today that Scout Space has been selected by AFWERX for an SBIR Phase I contract aimed at advancing space safety and operational effectiveness. Under this contract, our team will develop a Collision Analysis Framework designed to bolster real-time spacecraft self-protection capabilities for identifying, tracking, and avoiding space collisions with debris. Traditional collision prediction methods, reliant on brute-force computations, often falter in real-time scenarios, lacking the agility required for effective self-protection. Scout’s innovative approach to this problem could not only empower spacecraft with autonomous self-protection but also enhance operational capabilities by efficiently estimating line-of-sight visibility windows for critical and untracked space objects. Read full statement: https://lnkd.in/gEEn5ZVg #Scout #SSA #SDA #STM #SpaceDomainAwareness #SituationalAwareness #Space #Startup #SpaceSustainability #SpaceDebris #SpaceSafety #SatelliteAutonomy

Agile Space announces development on new zero slosh tank hardware. https://lnkd.in/gv-QRuD6 In recent years, the need for small satellites to execute complex maneuvers in space has grown significantly. Small spacecraft must now perform complex Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) missions and be launched on rapid timelines. Agile’s new line of storable propellant tanks addresses this with a rapidly manufactured, volumetrically efficient, zero-slosh piston tank product line.

Last week our partners at TLON Space have conducted a successful 3KN static bench-test for a duration of 35 seconds of their Aventura-I first stage launcher. This test allowed for the safe demonstration of its cardanic joint’s maneuverability, and a nozzle firing at different angles. On the long term, Aventura will need a thrust stronger than 8.5KN of force to launch its small-sat payloads to orbit and beyond. Next up, a test with increased thrust, as well as a different nozzle use and combustion chamber cooling system for greater efficiency. This is just the first of many static milestones that OLM & TLON Space will be looking to complete in tandem until orbital viability from both our launch & testing facilities in central Europe, Argentina and Uruguay. Find out more about TLON and Aventura-I/II here : https://tlon.space/ Making LEO just a little bit closer, one test at the time.

When it comes to space traffic and high-risk conjunction events 🚨communication needs to be quick, clear, and with a bit of goodwill… automated 😎 In OKAPI:Astrolabe we set up a three-layer protocol system for operators to facilitate the decision-making process. The Baseline protocol was developed stemming from international best practices, such as those suggested by the SSC. Who maneuvers 101: Spacecraft prepared to perform avoidance maneuvers should do so. 👉 Spacecraft with propulsion vs unmaneuverable: the spacecraft that are equipped with propulsion systems should take action. 🛰️🛸 automated vs non-automated #collisionavoidance: spacecraft that implement automated collision avoidance should always default to maneuver. Taking it to the highest level: 👩🚀 Crewed spacecraft, even though currently rare, should always move, when in a conjunction. 🛰️ On top of the Baseline protocols, satellite operators can freely define bilateral agreements to coordinate conjunctions. Operators of large constellations can suggest rulesets to their environment allowing other operators to subscribe to. But we'll talk more about this next time ✌️

High frequency ion thruster family 🚀 The RIT Thruster family started with the RIT-10 engine, initially designed for mercury but later adapted for xenon due to changing preferences among satellite operators. Continuous improvements have greatly enhanced its performance. The range of ion thrusters covers a wide spectrum of space missions, with thrusts ranging from 50 µN to 205 mN. This family of thrusters includes three different models: 1. RIT Micro-X: this is the smallest in our line-up and is designed to excel in precision orbital maneuvers, especially for science missions. It provides thrust levels in the range of 50 to 500 µN. 2. RIT 10 Evolution: it is ideally suited for north-south station-keeping operations on GEO, LEO and MEO platforms. It provides thrust capabilities from 5mN to 25mN. 3. RIT 2X Series: it is the largest and most robust option in our line-up, offering unparalleled mass savings for all-electric spacecraft. Thrust levels range from 80mN to 205mN, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of mission profiles. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/djVbH47u

On the last day of #AirspaceWorld, how about something out of the ordinary? #space 🚀! The increasing commercialisation of space activities will lead to significantly more launches of spacecraft 🛰️, both globally and in Europe, which will have an impact on the ATM system. This is why we are setting up a Launch Coordination Center. To demonstrate how a large number of future launches and re-entries can be safely and flexibly coordinated with air traffic and maritime navigation activities. It will assist and support missions from planning to real-time monitoring and evaluation. Visit stand D34 to see the Launch Coordination Center in action! #SpaceATM #LaunchCoordination #AirspaceInnovation #DLR #AirTrafficManagement #Echo2

A gift package on the outside, but packed with mechanisms, booms and sails on the inside. It was a great opportunity in Bremen, shortly after the SpaceTechExpo trade fair, to stop by the DLR for Space Systems, our most important development partner in the #ADEO portfolio, to see the first vibration test run in the Z-axis. After the successful deployment test of the 25 sqm ADEO-L1* (PFM) right next door, the vibration test now follows. Also next door then afterwards thermal tests follow. And finally in December the most important complete development test will be performed on DLR's Test Stand. Then we will show you how the gift is unwrapped and lying there in all its beauty. * ADEO-L1 (ESA-GSTP "ADEO-2") flies on EC's IOV/IOD mission and will be integrated onto the REDWIRE satellite in Q1/2024. Purpose of ADEO-L will be the passive deorbiting within max. 5 years after End-of-Life of SpaceCraft between 500 kg and 1.500 kg. HPS High Performance Space Structure Systems GmbH #DeployableSail #ZeroDebrisCharter #CleanGeeenSpace #SpaceDebris

For Ariane 6’s historic first flight, the company’s EXOpod Nova deployer will carry four CubeSats into space. EXOpod Nova, the size of compact carry-on luggage, will be placed on the Ariane 6 upper stage payload adapter. Crafted from durable yet lightweight aluminium, this deployer can securely house up to 16 units worth of CubeSats, while the deployer itself weighs less than 14 kg without them. In a bid to accommodate all types of CubeSats, including those surpassing standard dimensions, the EXOpod Nova is designed for versatility. Exolaunch Mission Manager, Nadine Smolka, highlights the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of satellite designs, stating, “We aim to revolutionise the industry and make it easier for our customers to explore the limits of their satellite designs.” Ariane 6 will fly with the EXOpod Nova’s 16 unit version in a three-door ‘S3’ configuration, allowing ample room for four satellites to be positioned. The deployer is intuitive and user-friendly, by design. The EXOpod Nova doors open in response to a signal sent from the Ariane 6 launcher, followed by the push mechanism that releases the satellites into their orbits. Full Article: https://lnkd.in/grZqDdww #EXOpodNova #CubeSats #Ariane6

The purpose of the second flight of the Perun rocket was primarily to test control algorithms, recovery, launch procedures and many other aspects that are necessary to prepare our rocket for future regular space missions. Controlling the thrust of the rocket and getting it on the right trajectory is a huge advantage in minimizing the risks associated with flying outside a safe area. But preparation for a space mission alone was not all that was important to us. The space industry in our country is growing and becoming more popular. However, not everyone has the opportunity to directly participate in rocket launches. Therefore, we had the incredible pleasure of enabling many people to become part of our flight in some way. Our partners were able to prepare their graphics to be placed on the rocket, or send their cargo in the payload bay. Among them are companies, artists, organizations, as well as private people - rocket flight enthusiasts. It is in acknowledgement to them that the video of the second flight of the Perun rocket was created. More information about the project: https://lnkd.in/gJCEs6wx #perunrocket #polandcanintospace

Space Systems Command's Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Tools, Applications, and Processing (TAP) Lab, in collaboration with industry partners and the Cross Mission Data Branch under BMC3 achieved mission success for Apollo Accelerator Cohort 2 on March 4, 2024. Among the achievements, True Anomaly successfully tracked payloads deployed by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, with Intrack Radar Technologies accurately predicting the rocket's trajectory. This success highlights the effectiveness of structured programs like the Apollo Accelerator in fostering collaboration and innovation within the space industry. The Apollo Accelerator Cohort 2 is kicking of another Demo Day tomorrow to showcase new capabilities. Problems are coordinated with space defense operators and then shared across many missions. Preventing operational surprise, denying the first mover advantage, and responsible counterspace campaigning is a team sport. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gHpt4EGT #SpaceSystemsCommand #PartnersInSpace #USSF