Airbus has validated and demonstrated photonic satellite payload technology to Technology Readiness Level 6, the last level before prototype in orbit, through the Optima Horizon 2020 project. This proof of concept demonstrator brings the company closer to its goal of using photonic payloads in telecommunications satellites.  The Optima project, a consortium lead by Airbus and…

Blue Origin has successfully completed its NS-12 mission, launching its ninth commercial payload and 100th customer into orbit on a New Shepard rocket. This was the sixth consecutive launch of the specific reusable New Shepard rocket used in the NS-12 mission, marking a milestone for Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos’ commercial launch service. Unfavorable…

SpaceX Founder and Chief Engineer Elon Musk will appear as a keynote speaker at the SATELLITE 2020 Conference and Exhibition on Monday, March 9 at 4:00 p.m. EST at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. In addition to SpaceX, Musk also leads electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla as its CEO and product architect.…

Blue Origin has pushed back its NS-12 mission on a New Shepard rocket to Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 11:00 a.m. EST due to unfavorable weather conditions. “We are continuing to monitor weather conditions and will post an update at T-2 hours,” the company tweeted on Tuesday. The NS-12 mission will be its ninth commercial payload…