Planetary Resources, Inc., the asteroid mining company, announced today that it has secured US$21.1 million in Series A funding. The capital will be used to deploy and operate Ceres, an advanced Earth observation business that features the first commercial infrared and hyperspectral sensor platform to better understand and manage humanity’s natural resources. The funding was led by Bryan Johnson and the OS FUND; and joined by Idea Bulb Ventures; Tencant; Vast Ventures; Grishin Robotics; Conversion Capital; The Seraph Group; Space Angels Network, a syndication of investors from Angel.co; and Larry Page. Earth observation will be another aspect of Planetary Resources’ operations in addition to prospecting and mining asteroids.
Conceived from the company’s vision for the exploration and utilization of asteroid resources, Ceres will leverage Planetary Resources’ Arkyd spacecraft to deliver affordable, on-demand Earth intelligence of our natural resources on any spot on the planet. While typical satellite imagery provides only a picture, Ceres will provide actionable data with higher spectral resolutions – going beyond what the human eye can see – by measuring thermographic properties and detecting the composition of materials on Earth’s surface. The midwave-infrared sensor is the first ever commercial capability from space to offer thermographic mapping and night-imaging, and the hyperspectral sensor includes an unprecedented 40 color bands in the visible to near-infrared spectrum.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7847251-planetary-resources-ceres/
El satélite DEIMOS-2, el primero español de muy alta resolución puesto en órbita el pasado 19 de junio, ha comenzado a captar sus primeras imágenes tan solo 12 horas de entrar en operación.
DEIMOS-2, lanzado desde la base de lanzamiento de Yasny (Rusia), ha sido desarrollado en un tiempo récord de tres años por Elecnor Deimos. Para la integración y posterior control de la misión DEIMOS-2, la compañía ha creado un innovador Centro de Integración y Operaciones de Satélites en Puertollano (España), completando así su presencia en toda la cadena de valor de las misiones espaciales.
Para ver el Multimedia News Release, vaya a http://www.multivu.com/mnr/71400573-elecnor-deimos-2-satellite-images
DEIMOS-2, Spain's first ultra-high resolution satellite launched into orbit on 19 June, has started capturing its first images just 12 hours after it was brought on line.
DEIMOS-2, which was launched from the launch site at Yasny (Russia), was developed by Elecnor Deimos in a record time of just three years. The company built an innovative Satellite Integration and Operations Centre in Puertollano (Spain) to assemble and subsequently control DEIMOS-2. As a result, this project completes Elecnor Deimos' presence in the entire value chain for space missions. Elecnor Deimos has the capability to manage entire space programs: design, integrate, validate, launch and operate Earth observation satellites; use them for commercial purposes and develop them for third parties.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/71400573-elecnor-deimos-2-satellite-images
It’s your world, your phone, your call
Leading Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) operator Thuraya Telecommunications today unveiled a new generation of SatSleeve models, offering greater choice, improved quality and a new hotspot option.
When SatSleeve was launched in 2013 it pioneered the “bring your own device” (BYOD) concept in the satellite industry. Now Thuraya goes further with two new models, and has identified a clear consumer target market for the range, running alongside core government, media, energy, and NGO sectors.
SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot will appeal to travellers, adventurers and outdoor sportspeople, or simply to consumers who want the assurance that their smartphone will connect even when terrestrial networks are unavailable or damaged.
Thuraya will market SatSleeve+ and SatSleeve Hotspot through existing distribution partners; innovative agreements it has developed with mobile network operators (MNOs) in key markets; and new channels generated through online retailer Expansys.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7620051-thuraya-choice-satsleeve-hotspot/
Ball Aerospace successfully delivered the Joint Polar Satellite System-1 (JPSS-1), NOAA’s next-generation polar orbiting weather satellite, to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Aug. 31, where it is scheduled to launch Nov. 10, 2017. This follows a successful pre-ship review with NASA at Ball’s Boulder, Colorado, manufacturing complex.
“The arrival of the spacecraft at Vandenberg is a tremendous milestone for the program and the culmination of excellent collaboration and hard work by the JPSS-1 team – NOAA, NASA, Ball, Harris, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman,” said Rob Strain, president, Ball Aerospace. “This advanced weather satellite will play a significant role in providing actionable environmental intelligence to decision makers in government and business, and to the general public.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7703951-ball-aerospace-noaa-jpss-1-weather-satellite/
With signs of fall creeping up across the country, families may be feeling as if the hurricane season is over. The experts say no. In fact, September is not only the peak of hurricane season, September 30 is National PrepareAthon! Day the perfect time to take stock of disaster plans.
Today, National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Rick Knabb joined forces with Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson during a national satellite media tour to raise awareness about flood and hurricane safety, prevention and financial protection options.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7905551-flash-be-smart-take-part-hurricane-preparedness/
Leading Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) operator Thuraya Telecommunications today made further advances in satellite phone capability with the launch of the world’s first dual mode, dual SIM phone.
The Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL bridges the gap between satellite and terrestrial communications, allowing users to move seamlessly in and out of terrestrial coverage to enjoy connectivity in any location. With a dedicated SIM slot for satellite communications and a second one for GSM communications, Thuraya’s latest groundbreaking handset transforms usability and choice. Users can opt for a Thuraya SIM card and their GSM card, or select any combination of SIM cards that meets their requirements.
Versatility has been taken to unprecedented levels, too. The new handset’s ‘Always On’ capability lets users alternate between calls effortlessly, ensuring they are always reachable on both the satellite and the terrestrial networks. Callers can be contacted on their GSM number even while on an active satellite call – and vice versa.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7976651-thuraya-xt-pro-launch-dual-mode-sim-phone/
