Space Situational Awareness
In addition to approximately 1000 satellites orbiting the earth, around 19,000 other objects are constantly being tracked by space agencies globally. This space debris has been recognised as a potentially critical problem for earth orbiting GEO (Geostationary) and LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites, with the risk of collision between satellites and debris growing continuously.
As a result of this threat, a number of international projects are underway to catalogue, track and plan what actions could be taken, should the need arise to protect these costly space assets
One such programme is the Space Situation Awareness. An on-going programme from the European Space Agency (ESA), it includes a large component on space debris.
Using our knowledge of the domain, the companies who operate in this area, the infrastructure required and the operational issues, Telespazio VEGA is taking an active role in assisting and defining a solution for the space debris issue.
CubeSats
In 1999, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) and Stanford University developed CubeSat, a miniaturised satellite with a volume of exactly one liter (10 cm cube). Originally devised to help universities worldwide perform space science and exploration, several companies have now built CubeSats, including large satellite-maker Boeing.
Telespazio VEGA is taking a leading role in development of CubeSat ground segments.
Human Space Flight
The exploration of Space through manned and robotic programmes is both inspirational and scientifically challenging. With the advent of the International Space Station (ISS), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Aurora programme targeting Mars, Europe has, over the past 10 years, firmly illustrated its intention to participate in these missions.
Telespazio VEGA is engaged in several aspects of the ISS programme. These include astronaut and ground personnel training as well as the integration and validation of the European ground segment.
Space Telecoms
Today, telecommunication services can be delivered via the internet, cable, satellite or terrestrial radio. The interoperability of these varied means of carrier has become pivotal to providing seamless communications and entertainment. Providing broadband data and voice services in the world’s remotest locations with a reliable and easy-to-use service is the main focus of Telespazio VEGA for Space Telecoms.
Telespazio VEGA consultants and engineers are working at the leading edge of technological advancement and provide technical support and knowledge to many of the major telecommunication satellite operators, including Inmarsat, Eutelsat, Intelsat, SES Astra, and World Space.