Fieldfisher webinar – Space: Achieving Sustainability and Net Zero: chaired by John Worthy, head of our Satellite and Space Projects group, our latest webinar focussed on topics of vital importance to the sector as a whole, including managing the space environment sustainably, as well as the opportunities for using thermal imaging data to combat climate change and the emerging potential of space based solar power as a key renewable energy source. Huge thanks go to our high profile panel of Anthony Baker, CEO Satellite Vu, Simon Reid, COO D-Orbit UK, Nick Shave, CEO Astroscale UK and Martin Soltau, Co-Chair of the Space Energy Initiative and Head of Space at Frazer Nash Consultancy. For a recording of the discussion, please email john.worthy@fieldfisher.com.
OneWeb to resume launches: OneWeb is set to restart launches in Q4 2022 after its original launch plans were disrupted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Maurizio Vanotti, the company's vice president of space infrastructure development and partnerships has said that the company plans to launch the remaining satellites for its first-generation system by Q2 2023. To achieve its plan for global coverage, OneWeb has entered into new launch agreements with SpaceX and NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of the Indian space agency ISRO, as well as Relativity Space, using 3D printed rockets.
UK government to drive space sustainability: in June the then Science Minister George Freeman announced a new UK plan to achieve sustainability in space by developing a new Space Sustainability Standard, which will aim to incentivise companies to adopt best practices regarding sustainability. The government is also planning to review the existing regulatory framework to look at ways of lowering insurance costs for sustainable missions.
Ofcom plans more satellite spectrum: The UK regulator Ofcom is proposing to allow satellite operators to access more spectrum to enable them to provide a wider range of broadband services, including in hard-to-reach areas. The proposal involves doubling the Ku band capacity available to satellite operators to use the full 14-14.5 GHz band. Ofcom has launched a public consultation on these proposals which is open until 31st August 2022.
SpaceX and OneWeb coordinate on spectrum: SpaceX and OneWeb have reached a spectrum coordination plan that would enable their current and second-generation broadband megaconstellations to coexist. The two companies have told the FCC to disregard any spectrum coordination issues filed against each other in the past and to approve their second-generation systems. Both companies are looking to deploy additional satellites in low Earth orbit using Ku-band spectrum, with SpaceX seeking approval for an additional 30,000 satellites to improve its broadband service and OneWeb looking to grow its constellation to 7,000 satellites.
UK looks to ESA as alternative to Copernicus: With uncertainty over the UK's continued participation in the Copernicus programme, the UK is looking to maintain its involvement in Europe by playing a more active role in the European Space Agency (ESA). The then UK science minister George Freeman said that if no confirmation on the UK's involvement in Copernicus is given, the UK will start to look at alternative arrangements. Some alternatives initiatives that the UK could be involved with, as proposed by ESA, include the creation of a supercomputer model that will predict natural and human activity on Earth by using Earth observation data or involvement in the Truths satellite programme, which seeks to provide measurements of sun radiation reaching Earth.
ICEYE to offer governments and companies chance to purchase their own SAR satellites: ICEYE is now offering governments and corporations the option to purchase their own radar imaging satellites as part of its new "Missions" line of business. Through Missions, customers can purchase Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites and either operate them independently or have ICEYE operate them on their behalf. ICEYE said this offering was developed in response to market interest, and the company has already secured complete satellite missions with several international customers.
Virgin Orbit set to launch first UK mission in September: Virgin Orbit is set for a historic mission involving the first rocket to launch from British airspace and the first commercial launch from Western Europe. The joint mission between the company, the UK's Ministry of Defence and the United States’ National Reconnaissance Office will involve launching two cubesats in addition to other payloads, with Virgin Orbit looking at a September timeframe for the mission.