October 16, 2018
In an important step towards growing its satellite service offering, Ovzon has entered into an agreement with SpaceX for launch of Ovzon’s first GEO satellite. The launch is expected to take place no earlier than Q4 2020. The next step for the company is to finalize the procurement of the satellites.
Per Wahlberg, CEO Ovzon said; “Contracting the launch supplier of our first Ovzon satellite is an important and exciting step for our company. SpaceX offered a very competitive solution with the Falcon Heavy launch vehicle which will gain us access to space in a timely and reliable manner. The satellite is expected to be launched no earlier than Q4 2020. The procurement of the satellites is now also in the final stage. Earlier this month we ordered and started the manufacturing of the first Ovzon On-Board-Processor (OBP), one of the most advanced of its type. We therefore continue to work towards our goal of revolutionizing mobile broadband via satellite by offering the highest data-rates through the smallest terminals”.
“We are honored that Ovzon has chosen SpaceX to launch the first of its satellites,” said SpaceX’s President and COO, Gwynne Shotwell. “We look forward to working closely on the execution of this important direct-to-GEO mission.”
The agreement is subject to certain contingencies and mutual termination clauses.
For further information, please contact:
Per Wahlberg, CEO
Tel: +46 8 508 600 60
E-mail: [email protected]
About Ovzon
Ovzon is a provider of a satellite-based mobility broadband services, targeting end-markets and users in need of high data speeds combined with mobility. Applications include real-time sensor and video upload, either from moving or highly mobile platforms, including small vehicles, small aircraft or UAVs, or transmissions directly from on-site staff holding the terminals and transmitting on-the-go. Ovzon is headquartered in Solna, Sweden and has offices in Tampa, FL and Bethesda, MD in the United States. Ovzon is listed on Nasdaq First North Premier. FNCA Sweden AB is the company’s Certified Adviser.
About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets. Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, SpaceX has more than 6,000 employees nationwide and operates launch facilities at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Arianespace will launch the Ovzon-3 satellite for Ovzon
August 26, 2019
Arianespace today announced the signature of a launch services contract with Ovzon for the company’s first geostationary-orbiting telecommunications satellite: Ovzon-3. With offices in Sweden and the United States, Ovzon is dedicated to meeting the demand for increased mobile broadband connectivity in underserved regions.
Ovzon-3 will have a mass at liftoff of approximately 1,500 kg. and will be placed in geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 launch vehicle in 2021 from the Guiana Space Center – Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana (South America).
As an innovative small geostationary satellite, Ovzon-3 will feature multiple high-performance steerable beams to meet challenging communication requirements. In addition, the proprietary on-board processor developed by Ovzon enables such new functionalities as single-hop communications between very small terminals, reduced latency and more efficient use of the bandwidth.
The next generation Ovzon service is based on complete end-to-end proprietary components and patented technology. Ovzon-3 will significantly increase service performance, lead to new types of services, enable the use of even smaller terminals, expand coverage areas and increase the amount of available bandwidth.
As a result, Ovzon is to offer a revolutionary mobile broadband service via satellite that combines high bandwidth satellite communications services with highly mobile terminals.
Ovzon selected Maxar Technologies to build the satellite, using Maxar’s mid-size SSL-500 spacecraft platform.
Following the contract signature, Magnus René, CEO of Ovzon AB said: “Arianespace has won our confidence to serve Ovzon for this first launch. Ovzon 3 is an important first step towards fulfilling our strategy to revolutionize mobile broadband by satellite, offering the highest bandwidth with the smallest terminals. Ovzon 3 is the first of a number of satellites planned for global coverage of our high-end service. We are happy to engage Arianespace and Ariane 5, both synonymous with reliability and excellence for our important first launch.”
Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace, added: “We are pleased and honored that Ovzon has entrusted Arianespace with the launch of its first satellite. The mobile broadband connectivity services to be offered with Ovzon-3 are particularly innovative. Ariane 5 will be at the ready for this mission, once again confirming its role as the champion for launches toward geostationary orbit.”
Direct to GEO. Interesting.
How many commercial commsats have used a direct to GEO launch recently?
Two FH missions won this year. That's not bad at all.
Two FH missions won this year. That's not bad at all.
Honestly 2 FH's a year seems like a great accomplishment.
However, I bet SpaceX has bigger aspirations.
Watching this animal fly once a quarter would be amazing.
Ovzon has in total six orbital locations for the global deployment of its service, and the company’s plan is to populate all six slots, said its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Per Wahlberg.
...
While mobility services often equate a Ka-band satellite, Ovzon’s fleet is Ku-band.
...
Ovzon’s upcoming fleet is not of High Throughput Satellites (HTS), where HTS is commonly understood as having a large total amount of accumulated bandwidth in the satellite, however, it still achieves a high throughput in the sense that high data rates are transmitted from very small ground terminals.
“Our satellites will be purpose built, specifically to provide the highest data rates from the smallest terminal sizes with high link availability,” said Wahlberg. “All footprints will be steerable so it can be moved into the areas of need rather than to have fixed coverage.”
Ovzon’s service enables Mobile Satellite Sized-terminals (MSS), about the size of a laptop, with high data rates at a low cost, explained Wahlberg. Once the Ovzon satellites are operational, the company expects to see significantly increased performance with greater strategic coverage achieved through the steerable beams. It will also have the addition of new features to fulfill important customer requirements as well as a single hop, small-to-small terminal including an advanced On-Board Processor (OBP) that the company is currently developing. Once integrated, the OBP will also route traffic, lower latency and reduce the need of bandwidth.
...
Customers needing mobility can easily be found spanning all segments, said Wahlberg, but the company will keep its focus heavily on government applications.
Swedish fixed/mobile satellite Ku-band broadband provider @OvzonAB contracts with @MaxarTech @sslmda to build GEO-orbit Ovzon-3, the co's 1st owned satellite, pending financing. Ovzon contracted @SpaceX Falcon Heavy earlier this year for 2020/2021 launch.
Ovzon signs manufacturing contract for the first satellite as part of its global deployment plan (https://www.ovzon.com/en/ovzon-signs-manufacturing-contract-for-the-first-satellite-as-part-of-its-global-deployment-plan/)
December 17, 2018
Ovzon has signed a contract with SSL, a Maxar Technologies company, and leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, for the manufacturing of the company´s first GEO satellite. The total investment for the satellite (Ovzon-3) including manufacturing, launch, financing and insurance is estimated to approximately SEK 1.5 billion.
The satellite features a central On-Board Processor (OBP), developed by Ovzon and already in manufacturing by a third party, tied to high performance steerable beams. With the new satellite, Ovzon will significantly increase the performance and coverage area of its existing service. The satellite is expected to be completed in 2021 and the launch period with SpaceX has been adjusted accordingly.
“We are very pleased to be able to announce the signed satellite manufacturing contract with SSL. In addition to the significantly increased performance and coverage areas, the satellite will also enable new functionality such as single hop communication between very small terminals and will be a powerful future-proof tool to meet challenging communications requirements. We now continue to strive to further revolutionize mobile broadband via satellite by offering the highest bandwidth through the smallest terminals”, comments Per Wahlberg, CEO of Ovzon.
“Our collaboration with Ovzon underscores the demand for a new class of communication satellite that is flexible, affordable and highly advanced” said Dario Zamarian, Group President of SSL. ”SSL brings the innovation and heritage required to help Ovzon deliver a new class of mobile broadband service to its customers.”
The contract is conditional on Ovzon raising financing.
QuoteOvzon signs manufacturing contract for the first satellite as part of its global deployment plan (https://www.ovzon.com/en/ovzon-signs-manufacturing-contract-for-the-first-satellite-as-part-of-its-global-deployment-plan/)
December 17, 2018
Ovzon has signed a contract with SSL, a Maxar Technologies company, and leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, for the manufacturing of the company´s first GEO satellite. The total investment for the satellite (Ovzon-3) including manufacturing, launch, financing and insurance is estimated to approximately SEK 1.5 billion.
QuoteOvzon signs manufacturing contract for the first satellite as part of its global deployment plan (https://www.ovzon.com/en/ovzon-signs-manufacturing-contract-for-the-first-satellite-as-part-of-its-global-deployment-plan/)
December 17, 2018
Ovzon has signed a contract with SSL, a Maxar Technologies company, and leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, for the manufacturing of the company´s first GEO satellite. The total investment for the satellite (Ovzon-3) including manufacturing, launch, financing and insurance is estimated to approximately SEK 1.5 billion.
For context, that SEK 1.5 billion equals $166 million. So extremely economical for a GEO sat. It seems unlikely to be the only payload on the flight.
QuoteOvzon signs manufacturing contract for the first satellite as part of its global deployment plan (https://www.ovzon.com/en/ovzon-signs-manufacturing-contract-for-the-first-satellite-as-part-of-its-global-deployment-plan/)
December 17, 2018
Ovzon has signed a contract with SSL, a Maxar Technologies company, and leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, for the manufacturing of the company´s first GEO satellite. The total investment for the satellite (Ovzon-3) including manufacturing, launch, financing and insurance is estimated to approximately SEK 1.5 billion.
For context, that SEK 1.5 billion equals $166 million. So extremely economical for a GEO sat. It seems unlikely to be the only payload on the flight.
Yet it is scheduled to launch on a Heavy
Low cost but massive argues against ride sharing. IMO
SSL-1300 Configuration per graphic posted on Ovzons Website: https://www.ovzon.com/en/QuoteOvzon signs manufacturing contract for the first satellite as part of its global deployment plan (https://www.ovzon.com/en/ovzon-signs-manufacturing-contract-for-the-first-satellite-as-part-of-its-global-deployment-plan/)
December 17, 2018
Ovzon has signed a contract with SSL, a Maxar Technologies company, and leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, for the manufacturing of the company´s first GEO satellite. The total investment for the satellite (Ovzon-3) including manufacturing, launch, financing and insurance is estimated to approximately SEK 1.5 billion.
For context, that SEK 1.5 billion equals $166 million. So extremely economical for a GEO sat. It seems unlikely to be the only payload on the flight.
Yet it is scheduled to launch on a Heavy
Low cost but massive argues against ride sharing. IMO
Who said anything about massive? It's probably a small to mid-size all electric bird, using FH to get to GEO would save months of time getting it to the final orbit.
SSL-1300 Configuration per graphic posted on Ovzons Website: https://www.ovzon.com/en/
It shows 4 standard panels and 1 half panel then the array boom. I guess they didn't want to cruciform with the use of half panels.SSL-1300 Configuration per graphic posted on Ovzons Website: https://www.ovzon.com/en/
It does not really look like a SSL-1300. It is likely a generic illustration. SSL-1300 has never used 5 panel array arranged in a row, these were always in cruciform shape.
According to this press release from @sslmda, the spacecraft @OvzonAB ordered for a @SpaceX Falcon Heavy mission is a "GEO SmallSat." Hard to imagine Ovzon won't be sharing that ride with one, if not several passengers given the size of the rocket.
December 18, 2018
SSL expands offerings with innovative geostationary satellite for Ovzon's high performance network
PALO ALTO, CA, Dec. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - SSL, a Maxar Technologies company (NYSE: MAXR) (TSX: MAXR), and a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, announced a contract award to manufacture a small geostationary (GEO) satellite for Ovzon, a company located in the U.S. and Sweden dedicated to meeting the demand for increased mobile broadband connectivity in underserved regions. Ovzon selected the mid-size SSL-500 platform for its first satellite, which brings the benefits of SSL's proven technology and performance combined with a lower-cost form factor.
The contract is conditional on Ovzon raising financing.
"Our focus on growth opportunities for medium and small-size satellites is building momentum," said Dario Zamarian, Group President of SSL. "This collaboration with Ovzon demonstrates the demand for a new class of communication satellite, and SSL is very well positioned in this market."
"Ovzon selected SSL to manufacture our first satellite because of the company's market leading position and its commitment to innovation, reliability, and agility," said Per Wahlberg, Chief Executive Officer of Ovzon. "This satellite will enable us to provide extremely versatile mobile broadband capabilities to customers on highly mobile platforms, such as small aircraft, vehicles, and UAVs."
SSL is leveraging its long history of technology innovation in both communications and Earth observation markets by providing cost-effective, high-capacity solutions. The satellite, called Ovzon-3, provides Ovzon's customers with better performance, expanded coverage and faster data rates than competitive solutions. The next-generation satellite provided by SSL will advance communications in remote areas with extremely versatile mobile broadband capabilities.
Ovzon previously announced that the satellite will launch aboard SpaceX's Falcon Heavy. To maximize its usable capacity, the satellite will include a flexible payload based on a customer furnished processor integrated into the SSL architecture.
SpaceX's manifest page (https://www.spacex.com/missions) does not show this mission. Did it show it in the past?
.@OvzonAB's rights issue closed, providing a gross SEK 750M ($82) in proceeds, to be matched with company cash flows to purchase 500kg GEO-orbit mobile broadband satellite from @MaxarTech. New shares to trade on Nasdaq First North around 1 Feb.
https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1088804378453127168Quote.@OvzonAB's rights issue closed, providing a gross SEK 750M ($82) in proceeds, to be matched with company cash flows to purchase 500kg GEO-orbit mobile broadband satellite from @MaxarTech. New shares to trade on Nasdaq First North around 1 Feb.
https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1088804378453127168Quote.@OvzonAB's rights issue closed, providing a gross SEK 750M ($82) in proceeds, to be matched with company cash flows to purchase 500kg GEO-orbit mobile broadband satellite from @MaxarTech. New shares to trade on Nasdaq First North around 1 Feb.
A Falcon Heavy to launch a tiny 500kg Sat? Something is missing...
It will be some sort of rideshare.
April 10, 2019
Ovzon and Intelsat today entered into a multi-year $56 million agreement aimed at facilitating the development of Ovzon 3, which is expected to be launched in 2021. Ovzon has developed an end-to-end satellite broadband service. With the addition of the Ovzon 3, it will enable Intelsat, as the anchor customer, to deliver an unrivaled, global high-throughput service on ultra-small terminals.
As provided by the agreement with Ovzon, Intelsat will offer a unique combination of high-speed connectivity with ultra-small terminals as a managed service to U.S. government and other customers. This unrivaled service fulfills a long-standing need for communications on-the-pause, enabling tactical users to collect and share high volumes of critical data gathered in austere and unconnected areas in near real time.
By combining Ovzon’s unique service with Intelsat EpicNG, the company’s global, high-throughput platform, the companies will offer dynamic, global coverage and enable speeds on laptop-sized terminals to reach up to 96Mbps. The advanced on-board processor developed by Ovzon will also enable new functionality such as single-hop communications between the ultra-small terminals and will be a powerful tool to meet challenging communications requirements.
July 12, 2019
WESTMINSTER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Maxar Technologies (NYSE:MAXR) (TSX:MAXR) today announced that it has begun production on a Legion-class geostationary satellite for Ovzon, a company located in the United States and Sweden dedicated to meeting the demand for increased mobile broadband connectivity in underserved regions.
Ovzon selected Maxar in December 2018 to build its first satellite, Ovzon 3, which will provide extremely versatile mobile broadband communications for small vehicles, aircraft and users on-the-move. Now that Ovzon has secured financing to build the satellite, Maxar will begin building it in its Palo Alto, California manufacturing facility. The satellite will be based on the mid-size Legion-class platform, formerly called the SSL-500, and is expected to be launched by SpaceX in 2021.
“Maxar’s Legion-class platform offers the benefits of the company’s proven technology and performance from the 1300-class satellite bus with a lower cost and smaller form factor,” said Megan Fitzgerald, Maxar’s Senior Vice President and General Manager, Space Solutions. “We’re delighted to collaborate closely with Ovzon on the development of the first satellite in their architecture, which will deliver better communications from space for a better world here on Earth.”
“We chose Maxar to build Ovzon 3 because they have a strong reputation of delivering world-class, reliable products backed by industry leading customer service and manufacturing agility. Ovzon 3 is an important first step towards fulfilling our strategy to further revolutionize mobile broadband by satellite, offering the highest bandwidth with the smallest terminals,” said Magnus René, Chief Executive Officer of Ovzon.
https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1165007573600202752QuoteStartup telecom satellite operator @OvzonAB moves launch of its 500-kg @Maxar GEO satellite, to @Arianespace @ArianeGroup Ariane 5 from @SpaceX Falcon Heavy; writes down advance payments to @northropgrumman for earlier satellite design.
https://www.ovzon.com/en/interim-report-january-june-2019/QuoteCEO statement
Important customer agreements and financing of Ovzon 3
During the second quarter, we continued to develop the company according to plan. The last bit of funding for Ovzon 3 is in place and Maxar, our satellite provider, has started the project to build the satellite. As for the launch of the satellite, we have recently contracted Arianespace to launch our satellite in 2021 and we have thus left the preliminary agreements we had.
I thought Ariane 5 could not do direct GEO insertions due to lack of restart capability. Or is this satellite going to do its own GEO insertion now?AIUI, Ariane 6 will be able to do it.
I thought Ariane 5 could not do direct GEO insertions due to lack of restart capability. Or is this satellite going to do its own GEO insertion now?AIUI, Ariane 6 will be able to do it.
I think it might be related to this: http://www.arianespace.com/press-release/arianespaces-go-1-mission-will-provide-small-satellites-with-a-direct-flight-to-geostationary-orbit/
But that is going to be on an Ariane 6.
Can't be an Ariane 5 for sure tho. That's impossible for sure. It would also make no sense for it to be a dedicated Ariane 62 launch. It still has to be a rideshare as a dedicated recoverable Falcon 9 could have done that mission as well.
In an interview Aug. 24, Ovzon CEO Magnus René told SpaceNews the company received a more appealing launch offer from Arianespace.
...
René, in the interview, said Ovzon’s agreement with SpaceX was tentative, because Ovzon had not secured financing for its first telecommunications satellite, Ovzon-3.
Ovzon used its financing to cement a manufacturing agreement with Maxar Technologies in July to build Ovzon-3 using a Legion-class satellite platform (formerly called the SSL-500), and to finalize its launch arrangements. René said Ovzon-3 will have a mass of 1,500 kilograms.
René said Ovzon-3’s Ariane 5 launch is planned for the second half of 2021, and didn’t experience a change in schedule through the switch in vehicles.
This interview hasn't aged well...
https://spacenews.com/spacex-loses-falcon-heavy-customer-to-arianespace/QuoteIn an interview Aug. 24, Ovzon CEO Magnus René told SpaceNews the company received a more appealing launch offer from Arianespace.
...
René, in the interview, said Ovzon’s agreement with SpaceX was tentative, because Ovzon had not secured financing for its first telecommunications satellite, Ovzon-3.
Ovzon used its financing to cement a manufacturing agreement with Maxar Technologies in July to build Ovzon-3 using a Legion-class satellite platform (formerly called the SSL-500), and to finalize its launch arrangements. René said Ovzon-3 will have a mass of 1,500 kilograms.
René said Ovzon-3’s Ariane 5 launch is planned for the second half of 2021, and didn’t experience a change in schedule through the switch in vehicles.
Can't be an Ariane 5 for sure tho. That's impossible for sure. It would also make no sense for it to be a dedicated Ariane 62 launch. It still has to be a rideshare as a dedicated recoverable Falcon 9 could have done that mission as well.
If it's still getting to GEO somehow then F9 couldn't do it. Options could be it raises its own orbit from GTO, or it rides something else from GTO to GEO, or it's not actually on Ariane 5 (I found the company release to be less than definitive on that point).
Startup sat operator @OvzonAB: Moving from @SpaceX to @Arianespace Ariane 5 will cost time in getting to final position, but we'll still get 20-yr service life for all-electric @Maxar-built, 1,500-kg spacecraft.
https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1166355014937382915QuoteStartup sat operator @OvzonAB: Moving from @SpaceX to @Arianespace Ariane 5 will cost time in getting to final position, but we'll still get 20-yr service life for all-electric @Maxar-built, 1,500-kg spacecraft.
We’re building Ovzon-3 using our Legion-class bus. At 1,500 kg, Ovzon’s custom built #satellite is small compared to traditional geostationary communications satellites. Launch is currently scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2021 on an Ariane 5 rocket.
Ovzon, As of October 21, 2020: https://www.ovzon.com/en/interim-report-january-september-2020/EDITQuoteOvzon 3 on schedule
Ovzon 3, which is now under production at our partner Maxar in the US, is planned to be launched during the fourth quarter of 2021. ...
Planned launches:
Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)
2021
March 4 - Star One D2, Eutelsat Quantum - Ariane 5 ECA+ (VA254) - Kourou ELA-3
Q3 - SES-17, Ovzon-3 - Ariane 5 ECA+ (VA255) - Kourou ELA-3Q4 - Ovzon-3 - Ariane 5 ECA - Kourou ELA-3
October 31 - JWST (James Webb Space Telescope) - Ariane 5 ECA+ (VA256) - Kourou ELA-3
December - MEASAT-3d, Syracuse 4A (Comsat-NG 1) - Ariane 5 ECA+ (VA257) - Kourou ELA-3 (or January 2022)Late - Syracuse 4A (Comsat-NG 1) - Ariane 5 ECA - Kourou ELA-3
Changes on January 10th
I got some information about the flights for this year:
<snips>
VA254 - Officially March 4th (most likely late May or June, due to delays related to new modifications to the launcher fairing)
VA255 - Mid-August, IF the VA254 campaign is not delayed any further
VA256 - Officially October 31st, with JWST
There may be another Ariane 5 flight this year, but it's unlikely.
Ovzon, As of October 21, 2020: https://www.ovzon.com/en/interim-report-january-september-2020/EDITQuoteOvzon 3 on schedule
Ovzon 3, which is now under production at our partner Maxar in the US, is planned to be launched during the fourth quarter of 2021. ...
Spaceflight [N]ow sees the launch of Syracuse 4A with SES-17. (https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/01/11/james-webb-oneweb-highlight-arianespaces-2021-launch-schedule/) [dated January 11]
Belated schedule confirmation:https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ [March 31 update]QuoteAugust • Ariane 5 • SES 17 & Ovzon 3
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
SFN Launch Schedule (https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/), updated June 18
SES 17 and Syracuse 4A = VA255
Launch in late September 2021
...
Ovzon 3 and future growth
Ovzon 3, which is in final production and testing with our partner Maxar was planned to be launched during Q4 2021 and operational in Q2 2022. We have worked hard to maintain our launch schedule, but as communicated in a press release on August 17, this will unfortunately not be possible. The global pandemic and industry-wide supply chain issues have forced our production partner Maxar and one of their subcontractors, Honeywell, to delay the completion of Ovzon 3. We therefore plan for a rescheduled launch at the end of the second quarter 2022, and the satellite is thus expected to be operational during the fourth quarter. We have informed our customers and they continue to be committed and motivated to take advantage of our satellite’s unique strength in their global networks. The delay will not affect Ovzon’s current business and deliveries to existing or new customers. We have previously, strategically, secured leased satellite capacity for Ovzon’s requested Satcom-as-a-Service offering. The launch of Ovzon 3 is a daily focus for myself and our team, and we confidently look forward to the launch during 2022.
...
We therefore plan for a rescheduled launch at the end of the second quarter 2022,...
We therefore plan for a rescheduled launch at the end of the second quarter 2022,...
Late second quarter would be June, probably after JUICE on 9 June.
We therefore plan for a rescheduled launch at the end of the second quarter 2022,...Plausible, less-massive payload aboard a hypothetical VA259?
https://www.ovzon.com/en/ovzon-reschedules-launch-of-the-ovzon-3-satellite-until-the-second-half-of-2022/QuoteFebruary 18, 2022
Regulatory
Ovzon reschedules launch of the Ovzon 3 satellite until the second half of 2022
Ovzon is today announcing that the Ovzon 3 satellite launch will be delayed and is planned to be launched in the second half of 2022. The rescheduling is due to continued insufficiencies and delivery of key components affecting the completion of Ovzon 3 and of a large number of other satellites in the industry.
The partnership with Maxar on the production of the Ovzonsource page 7 Ovzon Annual Report 2021 (https://www.ovzon.com/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/03/ovzon-annual-report-2021.pdf)
3 satellite continues to function well. However, the global
challenges of a component shortage and delivery problems
have unfortunately continued, affecting the completion of
Ovzon 3 as well as a large number of other satellites in the
industry. We have announced that the launch of the Ovzon 3
satellite will be delayed. It is now planned for late 2022.
https://www.satellitetoday.com/partner-content/2022/05/27/ovzon-ceo-details-how-ovzon-3-launch-will-boost-its-satcom-as-service-offering/ [May 27]Quote[Ovzon CEO Pers] Norén: 2022 will be a phenomenal year. Ovzon 3 is truly a unique capability that has never been more relevant than today. We are looking forward to welcoming what we believe is a very disruptive capability into our core service and solutions. We are working closely with our production partner, Maxar, and making progress in finalizing the satellite and getting ready to launch sometime toward the end of the year.
Ovzon-3 left behind, summarized at Spacenews:
Ovzon needs to piggyback another Ariane 5 ride for late 2022 launch (https://spacenews.com/ovzon-needs-to-piggyback-another-ariane-5-ride-for-late-2022-launch/) [June 28]
Arianespace had been preparing to launch the Swedish broadband service provider’s Ovzon-3 satellite with Eutelsat’s Konnect VHTS satellite.
However, Ovzon CEO Per Norén said Ovzon-3 is only expected to be ready for launch toward the end of this year. <snip>They would need to bump another customer. Or, another customer needs to find another launch provider = SpaceX. I can't think of any other currently available, credible provider.
Ovzon needs to piggyback another Ariane 5 ride for late 2022 launch. <snip>
This makes it possible for Ovzon-3 to join one of the last remaining Ariane 5 missions with one or even two existing passengers, according to Norén. <snip>
“We’re working very closely with Arianespace and that’s our main path forward — they’re really good to deal with, and they’re working with us to get our launch scheduled when we can guarantee the finalization of the satellite,” he said. <snip>
NextSpaceFlight (https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6978) lists a launch with a satellite for Eutelsat in November that will expend B1049
Based on the Eutelsat launch schedule this could be any of 10B, Hotbird 13F, Hotbird 13G. All of them are electric propulsion and due to enter service in either H1 2023 or Q2/Q3 2023.
Norén said Ovzon is also talking to other launch providers to ensure Ovzon-3 gets to launch in 2022. <snip>So, Ovzon may purchase a Falcon 9 ride or geostationary transfer orbit rideshare? After canceling their earlier Falcon Heavy contract in favor of Arianespace in 2019?
Ovzon-3 manufacturer Maxar Technologies is still waiting on a reaction wheel from its supplier Honeywell, Norén told SpaceNews June 28.
Although this is due to be delivered soon, he said Ovzon was unable to guarantee the satellite would be ready to launch with Eutelsat in September. Not least because Ovzon-3 also needs to travel from Maxar’s California facilities to Arianespace’s launchpad in French Guiana by boat, amid a shortage of Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft. <snip>
Norén said demand for Ovzon-3, which also has a reprogrammable onboard processor that acts as a mesh network to enable remote satellite terminals to operate independently of a teleport, has increased following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ovzon-3 left behind, summarized at Spacenews:Confirmation of the old manifest for VA258:
Ovzon needs to piggyback another Ariane 5 ride for late 2022 launch (https://spacenews.com/ovzon-needs-to-piggyback-another-ariane-5-ride-for-late-2022-launch/) [June 28]QuoteArianespace had been preparing to launch the Swedish broadband service provider’s Ovzon-3 satellite with Eutelsat’s Konnect VHTS satellite.
The present situation:QuoteHowever, Ovzon CEO Per Norén said Ovzon-3 is only expected to be ready for launch toward the end of this year. <snip>So, Ovzon may purchase a Falcon 9 ride or geostationary transfer orbit rideshare?
Ovzon needs to piggyback another Ariane 5 ride for late 2022 launch. <snip>
Ovzon-3 manufacturer Maxar Technologies is still waiting on a reaction wheel from its supplier Honeywell, Norén told SpaceNews June 28.
Although this is due to be delivered soon, he said Ovzon was unable to guarantee the satellite would be ready to launch with Eutelsat in September. Not least because Ovzon-3 also needs to travel from Maxar’s California facilities to Arianespace’s launchpad in French Guiana by boat, amid a shortage of Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft. <snip>
“We’re working very closely with Arianespace and that’s our main path forward — they’re really good to deal with, and they’re working with us to get our launch scheduled when we can guarantee the finalization of the satellite,” he said. <snip>
Norén said Ovzon is also talking to other launch providers to ensure Ovzon-3 gets to launch in 2022.
Selling point for service:QuoteNorén said demand for Ovzon-3, which also has a reprogrammable onboard processor that acts as a mesh network to enable remote satellite terminals to operate independently of a teleport, has increased following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The article lists no Ariane 5 GEO-bound payloads for 2023.
Ovzon-3 left behind, summarized at Spacenews:
Ovzon needs to piggyback another Ariane 5 ride for late 2022 launch (https://spacenews.com/ovzon-needs-to-piggyback-another-ariane-5-ride-for-late-2022-launch/) [June 28]QuoteNorén said Ovzon is also talking to other launch providers to ensure Ovzon-3 gets to launch in 2022.So, Ovzon may purchase a Falcon 9 ride or geostationary transfer orbit rideshare?
AUGUST 2, 2022 REGULATORY
Ovzon receives 1.1 MUSD order from UK MoD for renewal of SATCOM-as-a-Service
Ovzon has received an order for the renewal of Ovzon’s SATCOM-as-a-Service from the UK MoD through the company’s partner Airbus. The 18-month renewal, valued at 1.1 MUSD, will start on September 1, 2022, and represents an extension of Ovzon’s services in specific regions of the world.
Ovzon’s SATCOM-as-a-Service provides unprecedented levels of performance, mobility and reliability that are unmatched in the industry.
This renewal does not include all critical SATCOM-as-a-Service solutions provided by Ovzon to the UK Government, which are expected to be renewed later in 2022.
“As the security situation in Europe continues to evolve, secure, mobile, highspeed satellite communications will become even more critical for command-and-control centers, delivering sensor data, and most importantly senior leader assured communications. The UK MoD’s long-term renewal of Ovzon services is a testament to how important guaranteed communications are to national security in the region. With the launch of Ovzon’s first own satellite, Ovzon 3, later this year we will be able to deliver industry leading throughput, security, and resiliency to not just the UK, but to all NATO Nations who need the most reliable and secure SATCOM-as-a-Service solutions in the world”, says Per Norén, CEO of Ovzon.
...
Late November - MTG-I1, Syracuse 4B (Comsat-NG 2), Ovzon-3 - Ariane 5 ECA+ (VA259) - Kourou ELA-3
SN Maxar receives delayed Ovzon 3 satellite parts (https://spacenews.com/maxar-receives-delayed-ovzon-3-satellite-parts/), August 18
...
[zubenelgenubi: This article is copyrighted content. We can only post brief quotes--not most or all of an article. Your post has been edited. Also, I added a bold.]
Arianespace is looking to add Ovzon-3 to one of three remaining Ariane 5 flights before transitioning to the Ariane 6.
...
Increased clarity around the launch of Ovzon 3
The details and clarity around the launch of Ovzon 3 have increased significantly in recent months. The critical key components that were previously delayed are now delivered to our production partner Maxar as well as our own developed On-Board-Processor, which is now integrated, and under testing on the satellite. This industry-unique communication platform will make the satellite’s capabilities exceptional from many perspectives, but above all,around guaranteed and secure connectivity in all kinds of conditions. Ovzon 3 is now entering the final stages of integration and assembly with active final tests, including the so-called Thermal Vacuum Test. Given that all tests perform well, and that all logistics and coordination is achieved the launch of Ovzon 3 will take place sometime during the period December 2022 to February 2023. We have received this launch slot from our partner Arianespace as part of their total launch plan. The launch of Ovzon 3 will take place at Arianespace’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guinea. After launch, it will take another four months approximately before the satellite is in an operational position and can be used for customer deliveries.
...
Ovzon 3 is likely to be paired for the launch with Germany’s Heinrich Hertz civil/military telecommunications technology demonstration satellite for a launch to geostationary-transfer orbit.https://www.kratosdefense.com/constellations-podcast/articles/government-satcom-on-the-move-provider-ovzon-ovzon-3-satellite-to-launch-dec-feb-on-ariane-5 [August 18?]
Ovzon 3 in final stages of integration and test
In our previous interim report, we communicated that the details and clarity around the launch of our own satellite Ovzon 3 have increased significantly in recent months. The satellite is now in the final stages of integration with active final tests. Given that all tests perform well, and that all logistics and coordination is achieved, the launch of Ovzon 3 will take place sometime in the time period December 2022 to February 2023. In the wake of the pandemic with global component shortages and logistical problems as a result, we observe that many satellite programs have been delayed. There are therefore several organizations in the industry who, like us, are planning to launch satellites in the near future. The prioritization and the queue system for launches are totally dependent on when satellites are finally tested and transported to the spaceport. In the past, it has been the case that national and political interests also weigh heavily. Our focus is, of course, that our obtained launch plan will hold and that no other external factors will affect it. It will take approximately another four months after launch before the satellite is in an operational position and can be used for customer service.
Cyprus regulator: Ovzon 3 satellite won’t be shipped by Maxar until late March or later; asks ITU for deadline extension
written by Peter B. de Selding November 1, 2022
LA PLATA, Maryland — The Ovzon 3 mobile communications satellite owned by Sweden-based Ovzon AB will not be ready for shipment by prime contractor Maxar Technologies until late March 2023, according to the national regulatory authority responsible for the satellite.
The Republic of Cyprus’s Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy is the regulatory body for what the ministry calls the CYP-30B-59.7E-3 satellite network, which is being brought into use under the Ovzon-3 name...
become a subscriber!too expensive!
ITU denies Ovzon extension request
November 21, 2022
...
Ovzon-3 was licensed by Cyprus and, like many other satellite operators, has suffered delays in manufacturing caused by the pandemic, and had asked the ITU’s RRB for an 11-month extension to its BIU timetable. The current ITU permission expires on December 15th and Ovzon has argued ‘force majeure’ in its application for an extension.
...
However, the RRB has asked for extra information and proofs so there is hope that the initial refusal could be reversed. The ITU will meet again in March. Meanwhile, the Cyprus regulator for Ovzon has reportedly said that the satellite can be ready for launch by the end of March 2023 and a launch within 6 months.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1621620080940310529sQuoteSatellite operator Ovzon, which lost its slot on one of the last Ariane 5 launches because of satellite production delays, says its Ovzon 3 GEO satellite will now launch on a Falcon 9 in the 3rd quarter of the year.
https://news.cision.com/ovzon-ab/r/ovzon-reschedules-the-launch-of-ovzon-3-and-selects-spacex-as-the-launch-provider,c3706142QuoteOvzon reschedules the launch of Ovzon 3 and selects SpaceX as the launch provider
FRI, FEB 03, 2023 21:20 CET Report this content
Ovzon AB has been informed by the satellite manufacturer Maxar that there will be additional delays in the finalization of the satellite Ovzon 3. To accommodate an updated launch window, Ovzon has also shifted launch provider to SpaceX with liftoff on a Falcon 9 rocket targeted between July and September 2023.
Due to the delays in the production of the Ovzon 3 satellite, the company has been engaged with the current launch provider Arianespace to find a new launch opportunity, which Arianespace ultimately could not accommodate. Accordingly, Ovzon has finalized an agreement with SpaceX to ensure flexibility and the most optimal timing to launch the satellite when it is ready for liftoff. Ovzon 3 will be launched by a flight-proven Falcon 9 rocket later this year from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The delay of Ovzon 3 is expected to increase the total cost of the satellite project with approximately USD 25 million. The delay will have no effect on Ovzon's current business commitments. The company has secured access to strategic satellite capacity that ensures ongoing service delivery and future sales of Ovzon’s industry leading SATCOM-as-a-Service. In addition, as set out in a separate press release, Ovzon has secured additional financing.
“While we are clearly disappointed in the continued delays in production of the satellite, we remain perfectly confident with the market demand of Ovzon 3, evidenced by the increasing demand from current and new customers around the world. The underlying capability and technology will be the catalyst for a paradigm shift in mobility, performance, and resiliency in delivering Ovzon’s SATCOM-as-a-Service. We are working relentlessly with Maxar, SpaceX and other stakeholders to finalize the satellite and launch Ovzon 3 into orbit at first available opportunity", says Per Norén, CEO of Ovzon.
Webcast
Ovzon’s CEO Per Norén and CFO Noora Jayasekara will answer questions at a webcast on February 6, 2023, at 10.00 am CET.
The webcast will be available via the following link:
https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/QReg/ShowUUID=4FB13E88-D87F-4115-ADB0-02C89FAC4F45
To participate via conference call, please register via the following link and follow the instructions:
https://register.vevent.com/register/BI01396d5bcd6b42338d133b1197f150fb
Due to the delay of Ovzon 3, we could not accommodate a short-term launch opportunity matching the rescheduling of the project.
We sincerely thank @OvzonAB for their trust and are eager to work further with them. We wish all the possible success to Ovzon 3.
Would this satellite fly in a mission as a single passagemaster or in a mission with more satellites?
When it was flying on Falcon Heavy it was going as rideshare with Viasat-3 Americas so the total payload mass was in the order of several tonnes. Falcon 9 should be able to take it to GEO directly if it's the only ride at 1.5 tonnes.
The delay of Ovzon 3 is expected to increase the total cost of the satellite project with approximately USD 25 million.
... Falcon 9 should be able to take it to GEO directly if it's the only ride at 1.5 tonnes.
The question is how will the booster be recovered on this type of mission.
My best guess is the typical downrange drone ship landing. But if SpaceX has a really old booster they want to expend, then use it on this mission and give Stage 2 enough delta-v to make it to GEO.
... Falcon 9 should be able to take it to GEO directly if it's the only ride at 1.5 tonnes.
Is this confirmed?
maybe yes, but I think, the standard Falcon-9 second stage is not suitable for such long coast phases.
It requires a special equipment, like on the Falcon Heavy.
Also the empty second stage must be accelerated to the GEO. Much more than 1.5 t.
If the second stage's fuel is to be fully utilized, the acceleration, even with Merlin 1 vac throttled to its lowest limit, will exceed 6g. How efficient is the engine in this mode?
but I think, the standard Falcon-9 second stage is not suitable for such long coast phases.
It requires a special equipment, like on the Falcon Heavy.
... Falcon 9 should be able to take it to GEO directly if it's the only ride at 1.5 tonnes.
Is this confirmed?
maybe yes, but I think, the standard Falcon-9 second stage is not suitable for such long coast phases.
It requires a special equipment, like on the Falcon Heavy.
Also the empty second stage must be accelerated to the GEO. Much more than 1.5 t.
If the second stage's fuel is to be fully utilized, the acceleration, even with Merlin 1 vac throttled to its lowest limit, will exceed 6g. How efficient is the engine in this mode?
It's incredibly tight, but not entirely out of the question. Assuming they can usually get 5.5t to GTO-1800, there is about 1743m/s left assuming 4.5t dry mass and 348s ISP. So it's literally about 100kg more or less LEO capability whether they can get there or not. Expended should be easy as they have previously delivered 6.6t to GTO-1600. That would leave 2100m/s when 1600 are needed, more than enough for a mission extension kit.
March 28, 2023
Regulatory
International Telecommunications Union extends regulatory filings for Ovzon 3 orbital position
The Radio Regulations Board (RRB) of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has on March 27, 2023, announced their approval of an extension of the regulatory time limits to Bring Into Use (BIU) the regulatory filings for the orbital position intended for the Ovzon 3 satellite.
The RRB has extended the BIU time limit to December 31, 2023, which allows Ovzon to continue planning for the placement of the Ovzon 3 satellite in the 59.7° East orbital position. The extension is required in view of the previously announced (Feb 3, 2023) rescheduling of the Ovzon 3 launch. This supports a launch within the first part of the current launch window of July – September 2023. A launch occurring late in the announced window may require additional approvals from the RRB. Ovzon is continuously engaged with the satellite manufacturer (Maxar) and launch provider (SpaceX) to finalize and launch the satellite.
“We are pleased with the decision of the RRB, and we will continue to engage in every detail impacting the manufacturing and launch schedule of the Ovzon 3 satellite. We will make every effort to ensure our regulatory approvals are synchronized with the timing of our upcoming launch. We remain keenly focused on all actions required to bring the Ovzon 3 satellite’s unique capabilities into orbit.” says Per Norén, CEO of Ovzon.
The ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations that regulates and administers the international use of radio frequencies, coverage areas, and priorities for the global fleet of satellites. Ovzon has spectrum assignments registered with the ITU in twelve orbital locations on the geostationary arc. The approvals by the RRB were specific to the filings for the orbital position at 59.7° East.
Eventful beginning to the year
Early in the year, it became clear that our manufacturing partner Maxar was experiencing further delays in the completion of our first proprietary satellite, Ovzon 3, which in turn meant we were forced to postpone the launch date for the satellite. To ensure flexibility and an optimal launch date, we signed an agreement with a new launch provider and the decision was made to switch from Arianespace to SpaceX. The work on the satellite is now in an intensive final phase. Our assessment continues to be that the launch of Ovzon 3 will take place in the period July to September 2023, given that the final integration and tests fall out as planned. However, there is still some uncertainty around the exact time of completion, which could potentially lead to some further delay.
In March, we were notified that our regulatory deadline for the use of the spectrum for orbital position 59.7 ° East had been extended – a position that is intended for use by Ovzon 3.
The delay notwithstanding, we are seeing continued strong interest from new and existing customers relating to Ovzon 3 and the unique new communication methods that the satellite enables.
Ovzon provides update on launch and progress of the Ovzon 3 satellite (https://www.ovzon.com/en/ovzon-provides-update-on-launch-and-progress-of-the-ovzon-3-satellite/)
JUNE 22, 2023
Ovzon previously announced a change in launch providers from Arianespace to SpaceX in February of this year due to delays in manufacturing of the Ovzon 3 satellite. This led to a corresponding change in the expected launch window to no earlier than July — September 2023. The final assembly and testing of the satellite, in addition to the complex modeling associated with changing launch vehicles, is taking longer than anticipated, and Ovzon now expects the launch window to be no earlier than late 2023 or early 2024.
Ovzon has worked closely with SpaceX to ensure the analysis required to safeguard the satellite in the Falcon 9 launch environment is completed as quickly as possible, and continues to work daily with Maxar to optimize the final steps in assembly, test, and validation of Ovzon 3. The remaining major milestone for the finalization of the spacecraft involves systems level dynamics testing that will begin in early July at Maxar. The results of the tests will retire a significant portion of the schedule risk in the program and allow Ovzon to establish a more accurate launch date. Ovzon will provide an update at the conclusion of the upcoming tests.
[...]
Ovzon Interim Report January–June 2023 (https://www.ovzon.com/en/ovzon-interim-report-january-june-2023/)
AUGUST 18, 2023
[...]
Ovzon 3 in its final phase
The tests, assembly, and finalization of Ovzon 3 has progressed well during second quarter and the spacecraft completed the so important dynamics test in early August. While important work still remains, the satellite is in the final stages of development. I am pleased to confirm that our adjusted timeline, that we communicated in June 2023, currently holds which points to a launch of Ovzon 3 no earlier than late 2023 or early 2024. We will communicate a more narrow and specific time for launch sometime in the fourth quarter.
[...]
Ovzon Interim Report January–September 2023 (https://www.ovzon.com/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/02/ovzon-q3-eng.pdf)
OCTOBER 20, 2023
[...]
Ovzon 3 – launch planned before year-end
The tests, assembly, and finalization of Ovzon 3 have progressed very well during the third quarter, a great team effort that has resulted in a planned launch as soon as December 2023. This is in the early part of our previously communicated time interval. Ovzon 3 will reach the launch site in Cape Canaveral, Florida by late November.
[...]
On track for launch in December, scheduled to arrive in Cape Canaveral in Late-November:Launch campaigns occupy LC-39A through the end of the year; I expect that this launch will be from SLC-40.
Intelsat License LLC (“Intelsat”) herein requests 180 days of Special Temporary Authority
(“STA”),1 commencing December 15, 2023, to use its Castle Rock, Colorado Ku-band earth
station, KL92, to provide launch and early orbit phase (“LEOP”) services for the Ovzon 3 satellite.2
Ovzon 3 is expected to launch on December 15, 2023.3 Intelsat expects the LEOP period to last
approximately 140 days.
Ovzon 3 - preparing for launch
TOP SPEED DURING LAUNCH 36,000km/h / 22,370 mi/h
ALTITUDE ABOVE EARTH EQUATOR 35,786km / 22,236 miles
WIDTH OF DEPLOYED SATELLITE 27m / 89ft
WEIGHT OF SATELLITE 1,800kg / 3,968lb
Ready for lift-off!
We are getting closer to the historic launch of our first satellite – Ovzon 3.
Ovzon 3 is the first privately funded and developed Swedish geostationary satellite ever to be launched. It’s also the most powerful GEO satellite ever to be put into orbit covering 1/3 of the earth via its steerable spot beams. The satellite carries Ovzon’s patented solution with high power steerable beams and unique software defined capabilities.
Launched via a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Ovzon 3 will reach a geostationary transfer orbit. Once released from the rocket’s 3rd stage at an apogee of 36,000 km, Ovzon 3 will utilize its internal electric propulsion system. Over a span of 3-4 months, it will gradually transition from the transfer orbit to its designated geostationary orbit position, or ‘parking lot,’ at 59.7 degrees east.
The launch of Ovzon 3 will take place at SpaceX Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA. The exact launch date has not been finalized yet, but the time window allocated to us is during December. We will provide a more specific date as we receive additional details from SpaceX within the upcoming weeks.
Launched via a Falcon 9 rocket [...] Once released from the rocket’s 3rd stage at an apogee of 36,000 km, Ovzon 3 will utilize its internal electric propulsion system. Over a span of 3-4 months
Launched via a Falcon 9 rocket [...] Once released from the rocket’s 3rd stage at an apogee of 36,000 km, Ovzon 3 will utilize its internal electric propulsion system. Over a span of 3-4 months
Hold up... 3rd stage?
Did they just neglect to update that line when they changed launch vehicles, or is there actually a kick stage?
Because the Maxar Technologies-built satellite will rely on electric propulsion, it will take several months to climb to its slot at 59.7 degrees East after reaching geostationary transfer orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.
When Ovzon 3 was originally manifested for Ariane 5, a brochure listed the targeted GTO apogee as 70,000 kilometers (supersynchronous transfer orbit). Why was the apogee lowered to normal GTO altitude (35,786 kilometers)?
When Ovzon 3 was originally manifested for Ariane 5, a brochure listed the targeted GTO apogee as 70,000 kilometers (supersynchronous transfer orbit). Why was the apogee lowered to normal GTO altitude (35,786 kilometers)?
Probably because Falcon 9 doesn't have the extra performance available for super-GTO.
this likely will be the spicyest RTLS in all likelihood! also means that it may not be going to some crazy supersynch gto!
First RTLS for a GTO profile:
NextSpaceflight (Updated November 29th)
First stage LZ-1 Landing
https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7088
111023Z DEC 23
NAVAREA IV 1428/23(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
152046Z TO 152346Z DEC, ALTERNATE
2046Z TO 2346Z DAILY 16 THRU 21 DEC
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-34.00N 080-10.00W, 28-40.00N 080-10.00W,
28-41.00N 080-25.00W, 28-39.00N 080-37.00W,
28-26.00N 080-32.00W, 28-24.00N 080-19.00W.
B. 28-58.00N 074-34.00W, 29-09.00N 074-53.00W,
28-52.00N 076-53.00W, 28-40.00N 076-54.00W,
28-31.00N 074-54.00W, 28-39.00N 074-33.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 220046Z DEC 23.//
NGA Rocket Launching notice.
Apparently, no launch delay to December 16.
120357Z DEC 23
NAVAREA IV 1432/23(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
162046Z TO 162346Z DEC, ALTERNATE
2046Z TO 2346Z DAILY 17 THRU 21 DEC
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-34.00N 080-10.00W, 28-40.00N 080-10.00W,
28-41.00N 080-25.00W, 28-39.00N 080-37.00W,
28-26.00N 080-32.00W, 28-24.00N 080-19.00W.
B. 28-58.00N 074-34.00W, 29-09.00N 074-53.00W,
28-52.00N 076-53.00W, 28-40.00N 076-54.00W,
28-31.00N 074-54.00W, 28-39.00N 074-33.00W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1428/23.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 220046Z DEC 23.//
If it’s ultimately decided to go for the drone ship 477 km downrange, could it mean that Ovzon 3 is to be deployed in an optimized GTO?The motivation is probably just that due to LC-39A delay, OTV-7 will still occupy the ground landing zones. But they might engage in some opportunism.
As in three M-Vac burns, the third of which occurring at apogee?
122211Z DEC 23
NAVAREA IV 1434/23(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
172046Z TO 172346Z DEC, ALTERNATE
2046Z TO 2346Z DAILY 18 THRU 23 DEC
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-34.00N 080-10.00W, 28-40.00N 080-10.00W,
28-41.00N 080-25.00W, 28-39.00N 080-37.00W,
28-26.00N 080-32.00W, 28-24.00N 080-19.00W.
B. 28-58.00N 074-34.00W, 29-09.00N 074-53.00W,
28-52.00N 076-53.00W, 28-40.00N 076-54.00W,
28-31.00N 074-54.00W, 28-39.00N 074-33.00W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1432/23.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 240046Z DEC 23.
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1734799020005138588QuoteStanding down from tonight's [December 13 UTC] Falcon 9 launch of Starlink due to high ground-level winds. Vehicle and payload are healthy. Targeting no earlier than Wednesday, December 13 [Thursday, December 14 UTC] for next launch opportunity.
I expect another one-day delay minimum, to December 18, after tonight's weather-induced abort ofStarlink 6-34. Given the lousy forecast for December 14 and 15 UTC, there will likely be further delays for Ovzon-3.More likely they will just launch Ovzon-3 first. We've seen similar sequence swaps in the past.https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1734799020005138588QuoteStanding down from tonight's [December 13 UTC] Falcon 9 launch of Starlink due to high ground-level winds. Vehicle and payload are healthy. Targeting no earlier than Wednesday, December 13 [Thursday, December 14 UTC] for next launch opportunity.
I remember once saying that external customers come first before internal missions.External customer launches help pay the bills today while return on Starlink launch will take years to recover.
Starlink is not high priority.
Booster that is very likely for this mission headed to pad 40 today.
NSF Space Coast Live.
The motivation is probably just that due to LC-39A delay, OTV-7 will still occupy the ground landing zones. But they might engage in some opportunism.IIRC, LZ-1 and 2 can be cleared same day if necessary.
Booster that is very likely for this mission headed to pad 40 today.
NSF Space Coast Live.
Preparing for the launch of Ovzon 3!
Listen to Per Norén, CEO of Ovzon, presenting the company, the launch of Ovzon 3, and what it means for Ovzon's new generation of SATCOM-as-a-Service. To see the full interview here: https://ovzon.com/en/section/ovzon-3-launch/
Is the tweet photo a launch processing photos at SPOC?Quote from: Ovzon AB tweetPreparing for the launch of Ovzon 3!
Listen to Per Norén, CEO of Ovzon, presenting the company, the launch of Ovzon 3, and what it means for Ovzon's new generation of SATCOM-as-a-Service. To see the full interview here: https://ovzon.com/en/section/ovzon-3-launch/ [Dec 13]
No you are seeing a black interstage with the second stage already mated with it.Booster that is very likely for this mission headed to pad 40 today.
NSF Space Coast Live.
Looks like it's a converted Falcon Heavy Side Booster, so should be B1073-12 or B1076-10
SMAB as SPOC is for MLP storage, offline processing and integration for LVOS for ULA launchers only.Is the tweet photo a launch processing photos at SPOC?Quote from: Ovzon AB tweetPreparing for the launch of Ovzon 3!
Listen to Per Norén, CEO of Ovzon, presenting the company, the launch of Ovzon 3, and what it means for Ovzon's new generation of SATCOM-as-a-Service. To see the full interview here: https://ovzon.com/en/section/ovzon-3-launch/ [Dec 13]
Is the tweet photo a launch processing photos at SPOC?Quote from: Ovzon AB tweetPreparing for the launch of Ovzon 3!
Listen to Per Norén, CEO of Ovzon, presenting the company, the launch of Ovzon 3, and what it means for Ovzon's new generation of SATCOM-as-a-Service. To see the full interview here: https://ovzon.com/en/section/ovzon-3-launch/ [Dec 13]
Quote from: TS Kelso tweetUPDATE #7: @SpaceX advises that #Starlink Group 6-34 will not launch earlier than Sunday, December 17. CelesTrak will provide updated pre-launch SupGP data once we receive new state vectors from SpaceX. [Dec 14 UTC](not surprising given weather forecasts)
Is the tweet photo a launch processing photos at SPOC?Quote from: Ovzon AB tweetPreparing for the launch of Ovzon 3!
Listen to Per Norén, CEO of Ovzon, presenting the company, the launch of Ovzon 3, and what it means for Ovzon's new generation of SATCOM-as-a-Service. To see the full interview here: https://ovzon.com/en/section/ovzon-3-launch/ [Dec 13]
No you are seeing a black interstage with the second stage already mated with it.Booster that is very likely for this mission headed to pad 40 today.
NSF Space Coast Live.
Looks like it's a converted Falcon Heavy Side Booster, so should be B1073-12 or B1076-10
To me, it looks like the Ovzon-3 launch may still follow Starlink 6-34.Quote from: TS Kelso tweetUPDATE #7: @SpaceX advises that #Starlink Group 6-34 will not launch earlier than Sunday, December 17. CelesTrak will provide updated pre-launch SupGP data once we receive new state vectors from SpaceX. [Dec 14 UTC](not surprising given weather forecasts)
Postponed to December 17 per this cancel-and-replace NGA Rocket Launching notice.Quote from: NGA122211Z DEC 23
NAVAREA IV 1434/23(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
172046Z TO 172346Z DEC, ALTERNATE
2046Z TO 2346Z DAILY 18 THRU 23 DEC
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-34.00N 080-10.00W, 28-40.00N 080-10.00W,
28-41.00N 080-25.00W, 28-39.00N 080-37.00W,
28-26.00N 080-32.00W, 28-24.00N 080-19.00W.
B. 28-58.00N 074-34.00W, 29-09.00N 074-53.00W,
28-52.00N 076-53.00W, 28-40.00N 076-54.00W,
28-31.00N 074-54.00W, 28-39.00N 074-33.00W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1432/23.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 240046Z DEC 23.
Postponed to December 17 per this cancel-and-replace NGA Rocket Launching notice.Quote from: NGA122211Z DEC 23
NAVAREA IV 1434/23(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
172046Z TO 172346Z DEC, ALTERNATE
2046Z TO 2346Z DAILY 18 THRU 23 DEC
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-34.00N 080-10.00W, 28-40.00N 080-10.00W,
28-41.00N 080-25.00W, 28-39.00N 080-37.00W,
28-26.00N 080-32.00W, 28-24.00N 080-19.00W.
B. 28-58.00N 074-34.00W, 29-09.00N 074-53.00W,
28-52.00N 076-53.00W, 28-40.00N 076-54.00W,
28-31.00N 074-54.00W, 28-39.00N 074-33.00W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1432/23.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 240046Z DEC 23.
Is this one still around?
141427Z DEC 23
NAVAREA IV 1448/23(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
222146Z TO 222345Z DEC, ALTERNATE
2146Z TO 2345Z DAILY 23 THRU 28 DEC
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-39.17N 080-37.81W, 28-41.00N 080-25.00W,
28-40.00N 080-10.00W, 28-34.00N 080-10.00W,
28-24.00N 080-19.00W, 28-26.89N 080-32.03W.
B. 28-40.00N 076-54.00W, 28-52.00N 076-53.00W,
29-09.00N 074-53.00W, 28-58.00N 074-34.00W,
28-39.00N 074-33.00W, 28-31.00N 074-54.00W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1434/23.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 290045Z DEC 23.
Booster that is very likely for this mission headed to pad 40 today.
NSF Space Coast Live.
Due to unfavorable weather conditions, Ovzon 3 launch now targeting no earlier than December 22, 2023.
“The things we can control are well under control, a healthy spacecraft and we are working closely with SpaceX to launch Ovzon 3" explains Per Noren, CEO of Ovzon.
161711Z DEC 23
NAVAREA IV 1459/23(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1448/23 AND THIS MSG,
OPERATIONS/EXERCISES POSTPONED.
we are strategically working together [with the U.S. DOD] to support their critical missions around the world. We are also excited about the unique industry-first applications we can provide with the launching [of] Ovzon 3
Do we have enough to pinpoint it's FCC STA yet?
QuoteIntelsat License LLC (“Intelsat”) herein requests 180 days of Special Temporary Authority
(“STA”),1 commencing December 15, 2023, to use its Castle Rock, Colorado Ku-band earth
station, KL92, to provide launch and early orbit phase (“LEOP”) services for the Ovzon 3 satellite.2
Ovzon 3 is expected to launch on December 15, 2023.3 Intelsat expects the LEOP period to last
approximately 140 days.
A Falcon 9 will launch the Swedish Ovzon 3 communication satellite from pad 40 on early January, between 3:46-6:46 p.m. EST.= 20:46 to 23:46 UTC
A Falcon 9 will launch the Swedish Ovzon 3 communication satellite from pad 40 on January 3 between 3:46-6:46 p.m. EST.
300258Z DEC 23
NAVAREA IV 1511/23(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
032304Z TO 032345Z JAN 24, ALTERNATE
2147Z TO 2345Z DAILY 04 THRU 09 JAN 24
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-39.17N 080-37.81W, 28-41.00N 080-25.00W,
28-40.00N 080-10.00W, 28-34.00N 080-10.00W,
28-34.00N 080-19.00W, 28-26.90N 080-32.03W.
B. 28-40.00N 076-54.00W, 28-52.00N 076-53.00W,
29-09.00N 074-53.00W, 28-58.00N 074-34.00W,
28-39.00N 074-33.00W, 28-31.00N 074-54.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 100045Z JAN 24.
SPACE X OVZONE-3
CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY: 01/03/24 2147Z-2345Z
BACKUP: 01/04/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/05/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/06/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/07/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/08/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/09/24 2147Z-2345Z
Now listed on the FAA ATCSCC Current Operations Plan Advisory.
https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp
The times match the NGA notice except that this has the same timeframe for January 3 as the other days, whereas the NGA notice is different for January 3 (see prior post). Normally I would consider the NGA notice more likely to be correct than the FAA ATC advisory information, but in this case, maybe not.Quote from: FAASPACE X OVZONE-3
CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY: 01/03/24 2147Z-2345Z
BACKUP: 01/04/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/05/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/06/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/07/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/08/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/09/24 2147Z-2345Z
Now listed on the FAA ATCSCC Current Operations Plan Advisory.
https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp
The times match the NGA notice except that this has the same timeframe for January 3 as the other days, whereas the NGA notice is different for January 3 (see prior post). Normally I would consider the NGA notice more likely to be correct than the FAA ATC advisory information, but in this case, maybe not.Quote from: FAASPACE X OVZONE-3
CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY: 01/03/24 2147Z-2345Z
BACKUP: 01/04/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/05/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/06/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/07/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/08/24 2147Z-2345Z
01/09/24 2147Z-2345Z
Ben Cooper does list (https://www.launchphotography.com/Launch_Viewing_Guide.html) the launch time on January 3 as "around 6 p.m. EST" = ~23:00 UTC though.
SpaceX recovery ship Bob got underway from Port Canaveral last night to collect the fairing for the upcoming Ovzon-3 mission.
The booster will RTLS back to LZ-1.
The SpaceX site currently doesn’t have anything listed for Ovzon 3, let alone an X stream link.
Don’t they usually provide that info two days before launch?
The SpaceX site currently doesn’t have anything listed for Ovzon 3, let alone an X stream link.
Don’t they usually provide that info two days before launch?
Imagine if SpaceX posted information about a Starlink mission just before the poll for prop load.
Is that the official SpaceX patch?
No clover leaf
SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, January 3 for a Falcon 9 launch of the Ovzon 3 mission to geosynchronous transfer orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The 10-minute launch window opens at 6:04 p.m. ET. If needed, a backup opportunity is available Thursday, January 4 with an 87-minute launch window opening at 4:47 p.m. ET.
A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about 15 minutes prior to liftoff. Watch live.
This is the 10th flight of the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-26, OneWeb Launch 16, Intelsat IS-40e, O3b mPOWER, and five Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. (=B1076-10)
Well done.Is that the official SpaceX patch?
No clover leaf
Nope, it's mine. (I like to make mission patches as a hobby, although Ovzon did share it)
Official SpaceX patch will come out when they publish their mission page (if they add the link to it, which they sometimes don't)
022344Z JAN 24
NAVAREA IV 6/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
032304Z TO 032345Z JAN 24, ALTERNATE
2147Z TO 2345Z DAILY 04 THRU 09 JAN 24
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-39.17N 080-37.81W, 28-41.00N 080-25.00W,
28-40.00N 080-10.00W, 28-34.00N 080-10.00W,
28-24.00N 080-19.00W, 28-26.90N 080-32.03W.
B. 28-40.00N 076-54.00W, 28-52.00N 076-53.00W,
29-09.00N 074-53.00W, 28-58.00N 074-34.00W,
28-39.00N 074-33.00W, 28-31.00N 074-54.00W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1511/23.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 100045Z JAN 24.
PDF of online press kit.
PDF of online press kit.And yet no official mission patch...
I am traveling to Orlando/Port Canaveral Friday arriving early AM. Spending the day touring KSC and then hopping on a cruise Saturday. Any chance this gets a delay and possibly pushed to Friday/Saturday launches? I assume at this point either weather or vehicle issue would be the cause of such delay.
I've never seen a launch so just curious. Would love to see one during that short span of being able to while there.
EDIT: Just now saw that above seeing it's coming up very shortly...was thinking it might be an evening launch with still time for weather to come into play. Weather App is showing it is looking great right now...
The clock is counting down, and the weather is looking great! Go Ovzon 3!
T-30 minutes until Falcon 9’s launch of the @OvzonAB Ovzon 3 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 in Florida → spacex.com/launches
F9/Ovzon3: This will be the 287th Falcon 9 flight overall and the 2nd of >140 launches planned this year by SpaceX; 1st stage booster B1076 is making its 10th flight; a successful Cape Canaveral landing would be SpaceX's 42nd in Florida and its 261st overall
Landing zone.
LAUNCH! SpaceX Falcon 9 B1076-10 launches with Ovzon-3 from SLC-40.
NSF Livestream: youtube.com/watch?v=Swv0j3…
Staging 1-2.
Booster heading back for RTLS
Re-entry burn.
Falcon 9 B1076 lands for a tenth time.
youtube.com/watch?v=Swv0j3…
Falcon 9 going supersonic tonight🚀🔊
Looks like a lending leg has deployed?
Looks like a lending leg has deployed?
Launch of Falcon 9 tonight seen from Orlando. Clouds block the view some, but it was really pretty popping in an out of the clouds.
The jellyfish plume was messed up by the clouds, but the clouds lit by the plume in the sunlight above the Earth’s shadow is still really beautiful.
1st stage landing at 10x speed
Falcon 9 coming back to the Cape for landing at LZ-1 after launching Ovzon 3 to orbit at twilight. First launch of what promises to be a busy year here in Florida!
Kickin’ off 2024 in style.
Liftoff of Falcon 9 and the Ovzon-3 payload for @OvzonAB from SLC-40. Off to a geostationary transfer orbit they go!
📸 - @NASASpaceflight
📺 - youtube.com/live/Swv0j3H4e…
Lovely view tonight - only 2.2 miles from the pad. Never gets old, doing this 🤙🏻
Cape Canaveral's first launch of 2024!
Today at 6:04 p.m. ET SpaceX launched Ovzon 3, the first privately funded and developed Swedish geostationary satellite.
Falcon 9 B1076 completed its 10th mission after landing at LZ-1.
📷: Me for @SuperclusterHQ
Lots of clouds for today’s SpaceX Falcon 9 Ovzon-3 launch and return from Florida at 6:04pm.
📷 by me for @SpaceflightNow @SpaceX
2024 is off to a roaring start with the launch of @Starlink and our first Direct to Cell satellites yesterday and a Swedish GEO satellite today!
I also must congratulate the extraordinary @SpaceX team for a record breaking 2023: shattering global launch records, flying more people from more countries to orbit, completing two very exciting flight tests of Starship and growing Starlink’s impact by more than 1.3 million new customers.
These achievements would not have been possible without their dedication and determination and overall greatness 😊
Watch and listen from 2 miles away as B1076 comes in for its 10th landing, this time at LZ-1 on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Launch & landing of Ovzon-3
Falcon 9 shockwave
Mine is closer. But too big to put here
Mine is closer. But too big to put here
Taunting. 15 yards.
(Seriously...I'll bet it's great. Couldn't you find a way to trim/compress?)
I suggest talking to Chris Bergin, if you haven't yet. He could be able to swing something advantageous to all?I trimmed it already. I don't want to compress because it might affect the soundMine is closer. But too big to put hereTaunting. 15 yards.
(Seriously...I'll bet it's great. Couldn't you find a way to trim/compress?)
F9/Ovzon3: LIFTOFF! At 6:04pm EST (2304 UTC).
CelesTrak has GP data for 2 objects from the launch (2024-003) of OVZON-3 atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on Jan 3 at 2304 UTC: spaceflightnow.com/2024/01/03/liv…. Data for the launch can be found at: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/table.php?INTDES=2024-003
Merlin Vacuum engine burning to orbit during sunset
Falcon 9 launches the @OvzonAB Ovzon 3 mission to orbit, first stage booster returns to Earth
Swedish satellite slipping supersonically into silent, (not so) starry skies.
Falcon 9 and Ovzon-3 for @OvzonAB.
📸 - @NASASpaceflight
Celebrating the Ovzon 3 launch! 🚀🛰
Here is the official patch,
#Ovzon #SwedishSpace #satellite #spacetechnology #spaceinnovation #satcom #satellitecommunications #satcomasaservice #ovzon3launch
Falcon stage separation at sundown
https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1742729053239468171QuoteMerlin Vacuum engine burning to orbit during sunset
The streak pattern is caused by the vanes that center the turbine exhaust housing at the slot that injects the turbine exh into the nozzle. We tried to reduce the streaks but found they actually acted like structural ribs and improved the buckling margin on the niobium skirt.
Using the delta-v to GEO calculator at https://gtocalc.github.io/, it'll take 1,707 m/s of delta-v for Ovzon 3 to get to its destination in GEO.
267 by 47,368 kilometers, inclined 26.81 degrees = 1,707.057 m/s
If Ovzon 3 was launched on Ariane 5 as originally planned, and put into the supersynchronous transfer orbit (71,000 kilometer apogee) per the Ovzon 3 brochure from long ago, the delta-v result would've been 1,431 m/s.
250 by 71,000 kilometers, inclined 3 degrees = 1,431.094 m/s
Then again, the first stage returning to LZ-1 ate up a lot of performance, meaning Ovzon 3 needs to use about 276 m/s of extra delta-v. But it's a good thing at the same time; the more RTLS landings, the more launches SpaceX can conduct to hopefully reach the 144 mark.
Arrival! Bob has returned to Port Canaveral with both fairing halves from Ovzon-3!
nsf.live/spacecoast
Mine is closer. But too big to put here
Taunting. 15 yards.
(Seriously...I'll bet it's great. Couldn't you find a way to trim/compress?)
I trimmed it already. I don't want to compress because it might affect the sound
Mine is closer. But too big to put here
Taunting. 15 yards.
(Seriously...I'll bet it's great. Couldn't you find a way to trim/compress?)
I trimmed it already. I don't want to compress because it might affect the sound
Jim's excellent landing video, which L2 members can see at L2 Level SpaceX Discussion Section from L2 Update Thread Content THREAD 37, was taken from the old Cape Canaveral Lighthouse site, 1.76 miles south of LZ-1.
Edit: added note that the vid is L2
SN Ovzon 3 successfully deploys solar arrays in geostationary orbit (https://spacenews.com/ovzon-3-successfully-deploys-solar-arrays-in-geostationary-orbit/)
January 10, 2024
Redwire said Jan. 10 the two unfurlable solar array wings it provided for Ovzon 3, the first commercial satellite to use the space technology company’s Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) hardware, have successfully deployed in geostationary orbit.
Each 10-meter-long ROSA is operating nominally following Ovzon 3’s launch last week aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, Redwire announced, providing the 1,500-kilogram broadband satellite and its electric propulsion with a combined 10-kilowatts of power for a trip due to take several months to its final orbital position.
The successful deployment is welcome news for Swedish satcom service provider Ovzon, which ordered the satellite from prime contractor Maxar Technologies in 2018. Ovzon 3 was originally slated to launch in 2021 but was caught up in manufacturing issues unrelated to the solar arrays.
[...]
Ovzon 3 is due to enter service in the middle of 2024 if it passes in-orbit health checks after reaching its orbital slot at 59.7 degrees East, where it would provide mobile connectivity mainly to government customers, including the U.S. Department of Defense.
“Despite delays and unfortunate circumstances in the wake of the pandemic our strategy has been steadfast with the ultimate goal to launch Ovzon 3 and thus be able to support customers with critical missions,” Ovzon CEO Per Norén said via email.
He said Ovzon intends to evaluate the potential to expand the fleet with one or two more geostationary satellites later in 2024. Ovzon 3 would cover a third of the Earth, including Europe, extensive parts of Africa and Asia, and reaching as far as Japan.
QuoteSN Ovzon 3 successfully deploys solar arrays in geostationary [transfer] orbit (https://spacenews.com/ovzon-3-successfully-deploys-solar-arrays-in-geostationary-orbit/)
January 10, 2024
<snip>
Satellite on track, January update (https://www.ovzon.com/en/section/ovzon-3-launch/)
Two weeks have passed since the launch of Ovzon 3, and we can report that all is well with our satellite. Spacecraft separation from the second stage of the Falcon 9 rocket was followed by flawless deployments of both solar arrays and thrusters. The all-electric propulsion system is working as expected and Ovzon 3 is making its way towards geostationary orbit. The first week was dedicated to raising perigee above 1200 km altitude where atmospheric drag is not an issue. During the second week the Satellite reached above 1200 km, and preliminary satellite platform In-Orbit-Test successfully completed. It is now on track towards its GEO orbit position of 59.7E which it is planned to reach during the second quarter of this year.
<snip>
I don't understand why such a small satellite isn't equipped with chemical propulsion.
The innovative payload can certainly be installed there too.
The satellite will be heavier, but is ready for use much more quickly, important for newcomers, and a service life of 20 years can also be achieved with it.
<snip>
<snip>
I don't understand why such a small satellite isn't equipped with chemical propulsion.
The innovative payload can certainly be installed there too.
The satellite will be heavier, but is ready for use much more quickly, important for newcomers, and a service life of 20 years can also be achieved with it.
<snip>
AIUI adding anything to the current satellite configuration costs money that Ovzon might not have with the program running behind schedule using up the budget. Also Ovzon-3 is likely more of a short term pathfinder for follow on satcoms than a permanent long term operational satcom, IMO.
<snip>
I don't understand why such a small satellite isn't equipped with chemical propulsion.
The innovative payload can certainly be installed there too.
The satellite will be heavier, but is ready for use much more quickly, important for newcomers, and a service life of 20 years can also be achieved with it.
<snip>
AIUI adding anything to the current satellite configuration costs money that Ovzon might not have with the program running behind schedule using up the budget. Also Ovzon-3 is likely more of a short term pathfinder for follow on satcoms than a permanent long term operational satcom, IMO.
why add?
Ovzon would have a normal small GEO satellite bus from Maxar, TAS or NG, which might have been ready to launch earlier.
You think that's more expensive?
The payload is sophisticated, so it didn't have to be this unique small satellite platform, if Ovzon urgently needed its first own satellite.
Of course, a rideshare launch with Falcon H directly into the GEO (first plan) or an Ariane 5 launch with Konnect VHTS into the GTO (second plan, price rumors: < $50 million) would not have been possible.
Now they lost money to Arianespace and had to go back to SpaceX, and probably lost a lot of time.
2024-003A 58698 OVZON-3 1,040.11 min 21.84 deg. 52,189 km 3,065 km
https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/table.php?NAME=Ovzon-3
...