Lockheed Martin has shipped JCSAT-17, its third satellite based on the modernized LM 2100 bus, to French Guiana for launch. JCSAT-17, built for Sky Perfect JSAT (SJC), will provide flexible mobile communications services to users in Japan and the surrounding region. Arianespace will launch the satellite from its spaceport in Kourou aboard an Ariane 5…

Smallsat launcher Rocket Lab has started construction on a new Long Beach, California, facility which will serve as its headquarters, provide incremental production capacity, and Mission Control Center capabilities. The facility is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2020. The complex has been designed to produce more than 12 of Rocket Lab’s Electron launch…

Hispasat has contracted with Thales Alenia Space to construct the Amazonas Nexus satellite, which will replace Amazonas 2 in the 61º West orbital position, and expand its capabilities. The Spanish operator plans to put the Amazon Nexus will be put into orbit in the second half of 2022. Thales Alenia Space will be responsible for the…

Frequency Electronics (FEI) says its next generation Rubidium atomic clock has completed a Critical Design Review (CDR) by prime contractor Lockheed Martin Space for potential use on the U.S. Air Force’s GPS III Follow On (GPS IIIF) satellite program. The Digital Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (DRAFS) clock is designed for space applications. The DRAFS clock…