B-SAT Selects Arianespace to Launch its Next Satellite

Arianespace has announced that it will launch BSAT-4b as part of a turnkey contract between Japanese satellite operator B-SAT and Maxar’s California-based satellite manufacturer SSL. Since the creation of B-SAT, Arianespace has launched all nine of its satellites. BSAT-4b not only marks the 10th launch but also the 32nd commercial geostationary satellite launch contract awarded to Arianespace in Japan.

Built by SSL using a 1300 platform, BSAT-4b will feature 24 Ku-band transponders. It will weigh about 3,520 kg at launch and is designed to have a nominal service life of at least 15 years. It will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 110 degrees East. BSAT-4b will serve as a back-up of BSAT-4a, which Arianespace launched in September 2017. It will have the same Japanese archipelago footprint as BSAT-4a, providing Direct-to-Home television to ensure 4K/8K ultra-high definition video distribution for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

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SpaceX Launches Planet-Hunting Satellite for NASA

German launcher in development Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has made another change to its CEO leadership, after naming a new CEO last year.

RFA has appointed Alexander Dahm, COO of European military sensor company Hensoldt, as CEO. Dahm succeeds Dr. Indulis Kalnins, who became CEO last year. Kalnins will still work with the company and be responsible for development and the path toward the RFA One launch vehicle’s first flight. The company announced the appointment on Monday.

Dahm has experience in building and scaling industrial and defense programs and developing industrial production, which the company said will strengthen its operational expertise as the company looks to grow.

“We gain a leader who successfully brings complex programs to execution and can guide organizations through decisive growth phases. His experience from the Ariane 5 program, from senior roles at Airbus, and most recently at Hensoldt will be of great value for the further development of RFA,” commented Jean-Jacques Dordain, chairman of the supervisory board of RFA.

RFA is preparing for the first flight of the RFA One vehicle. Launch was previously expected to take place from the SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland this past summer, but did not take place.

RFA recently received funding from the European Launch Challenge worth 186.9 million euro ($218 million), mainly funded by Germany with a contribution from the U.K.