Spacecraft, Launch Vehicles & Satellites

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon has canceled its contract with RTX for the Next-Generation GPS Operational Control Segment (GPS OCX) due to persistent software issues and escalating costs. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey terminated the program on April 17, ending a 15-year effort that was running 10 years behind schedule. Over the course of its development, the system's estimated completion cost had nearly doubled, growing from $3.7 billion to a projected $6.3 billion.

Designed to control the military's advanced GPS III satellite constellation, the cancellation currently leaves the Space Force unable to fully utilize the enhanced, jam-resistant capabilities of its nine orbiting GPS III satellites. To bridge the gap, the military is relying on Lockheed Martin, which recently secured a $105 million contract to upgrade the existing Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP) ground system to support GPS III. Lockheed is also scheduled to deliver the first of 22 follow-on GPS IIIF satellites next year. RTX remains under contract for the system's next iteration, OCX 3F, though the Pentagon’s top weapons tester noted concerns that previous delays may impact this follow-on program.

Source: Air and Space Forces Magazine
Associated URL: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/pentagon-cancels-6b-gps-ground-system-contract

ANTWERP, Belgium - Antwerp Space has officially started development of the communication subsystem for Vigil, a flagship space safety mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) designed to strengthen Europe’s ability to monitor and respond to space weather. Solar activity, including flares and coronal mass ejections, can have significant impacts on Earth, disrupting satellite operations, communication and navigation systems, power grids, and aviation. As modern society becomes increasingly dependent on space-based infrastructure, improving early warning capabilities is critical to ensuring security and operational continuity.

Vigil will operate from the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L5, a stable position approximately 150 million kilometers from Earth. From this vantage point, the spacecraft will observe the Sun from the side and enable the monitoring of active solar regions before they are visible from Earth. This early warning capability will allow operators to take preventative measures, reducing the impact of space weather on critical infrastructure. As Europe’s first continuous, 24/7 operational space-weather monitoring mission, Vigil will provide earlier and more accurate forecasts of hazardous solar activity.

The spacecraft will be built by Airbus Defence and Space, the mission’s prime contractor. Antwerp Space is responsible for the communication module, which ensures uninterrupted connectivity between the spacecraft and Earth throughout the mission lifetime.

The communication subsystem includes deep-space transponders to manage radio-frequency links and high-power amplifiers to transmit signals across vast distances. A network of waveguides and switches routes and controls these signals within the spacecraft. Together, these technologies enable reliable communication across deep space, bridging the approximately 150 million kilometers between Earth and the spacecraft.

The development is being carried out in collaboration with key European partners, including Thales Alenia Space and Exens Solutions, highlighting Antwerp Space’s integral role in the European space industry.

This project builds on Antwerp Space’s strong heritage in space communications, contributing to missions such as Juice, Ariel and the ISS modem Argo, as well as ongoing developments for future ESA science missions. The Vigil mission’s launch is targeted for 2031.

Source: OHB
Associated URL: https://www.ohb.de/en/news/sonne-im-fokus-antwerp-space-beginnt-mit-der-entwicklung-des-kommunikationssubsystems-fuer-die-esa-mission-vigil

MAHIA, New Zealand - Rocket Lab Corporation successfully launched its second dedicated mission for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), further strengthening the partnership between Rocket Lab and Japan’s national space agency.

The 'Kakushin Rising' mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 3:09 p.m. NZT to successfully deploy eight spacecraft for JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program that included educational small sats, an ocean-monitoring satellite, a demonstration satellite for ultra-small multispectral cameras, and a deployable antenna packed tightly using origami folding techniques that can unfurl up to 25 times its size.

'Kakushin Rising' builds on the success of Rocket Lab’s first dedicated launch for JAXA that took place in December 2025, which saw Electron deploy the RAISE-4 spacecraft that demonstrated new aerospace technologies developed by several companies, universities, and research institutions throughout Japan. As with that first mission, Rocket Lab worked closely with JAXA on 'Kakushin Rising' to ensure the mission requirements for each satellite were met with precision and efficiency, reaffirming Electron's reputation for reliability and mission success.

'Kakushin Rising' was Rocket Lab’s 8th launch of the year and 87th launch overall. Upcoming launches in 2026 include missions for commercial Earth observation, new space technology demonstrations on orbit, and national security and defense.

Source: Rocket Lab
Associated URL: https://rocketlabcorp.com/updates/rocket-lab-completes-second-dedicated-launch-for-japan-aerospace-exploration-agency-jaxa/