geosynchronous orbit
Coverage of geosynchronous orbit in the Nexus archive.
- China’s unique high-orbit satellite is using a rare metal the US struggles to obtain
China's Ludi Tance-4 01 radar satellite, which provides continuous surveillance over a third of Earth's surface, uses gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors. The rare mineral critical to its operation is predominantly supplied by China, creating a strategic advantage over the US, which struggles to obtain it.
- Private mission launches to extend life of out-of-gas communication satellites
A private mission by Northrop Grumman, launched via SpaceX, aims to extend the life of aging communication satellites by attaching jetpacks using a robotic vehicle. The effort is part of a broader trend to prolong satellite operations, with another company also working to boost NASA’s Swift Observatory to prevent its re-entry.
- Private mission launches to extend life of out-of-gas communication satellites
A private mission led by Northrop Grumman launched a robotic spacecraft to attach life-extending jetpacks to aging communication satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Another company, Katalyst Space Technologies, is working to boost NASA’s Swift Observatory to prevent its reentry, supported by a $30 million contract.