Eutelsat resolves OneWeb LEO outage caused by a software issue, restoring services swiftly with vendor collaboration. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Eutelsat’s OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) service experienced a 48-hour outage beginning December 31, 2024, caused by a software malfunction in its ground segment

This unexpected disruption temporarily impacted connectivity for customers relying on the service.

The issue was quickly identified, and Eutelsat took immediate action to address the problem, working in close collaboration with its vendor to implement a resolution. The company also ensured ongoing communication with affected customers throughout the process, keeping them informed about progress and timelines for restoration.

Despite the temporary setback, Eutelsat demonstrated its commitment to operational excellence by swiftly mobilizing resources and maintaining a customer-focused approach. As a result, the OneWeb constellation has returned to normal functionality and continues to operate nominally.

This incident underscores the importance of robust systems and responsive support teams in delivering reliable satellite communication services, particularly in critical applications across diverse industries.

Deputy minister Gina unveils South Africa's first suborbital rocket launch facility, advancing aerospace innovation, AI, and economic growth in the region. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The deputy minister of science, technology and innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, inaugurated a suborbital sounding rocket launch facility at the Denel Overberg Test Range in the Western Cape on 3 December 2024

This groundbreaking facility, funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and executed by the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), marks a significant milestone for South Africa in the field of aerospace technology and innovation.

"The space infrastructure program funded by the DSTI and built by the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Aerospace Systems Research Institute is a demonstration of what the combined efforts, resources, and expertise of government, industry, and institutions of knowledge production can achieve, working together for one national goal. This facility here today is a beacon of this partnership," stated Gina.

Designed as a vital resource for next-generation aerospace projects, the facility will support advanced rocket system testing, critical research initiatives, and technological advancements in the aerospace sector.

"This gantry is a national asset that will be used to launch suborbital rockets built by ASRI but can also accommodate much larger solid-propellant vehicles of the type operated by space-faring nations, including other potential international clients on the continent and worldwide," noted Gina.

Unlike orbital launch vehicles, which are self-guided, suborbital rockets require precise aiming from a gantry tailored to specific flight trajectories, mission needs, and safety considerations.

The newly constructed launch gantry incorporates an advanced aiming and control system, allowing the boom to rotate a full 360 degrees horizontally and elevate to a vertical position. This ensures pinpoint accuracy in all directions and quick adjustments for conditions like wind shifts on launch days.

When vertical, the gantry stands as tall as a six-storey building but can be lowered horizontally during rocket loading and the installation of ground support systems for fueling and launching operations.

Mike Brooks, director of ASRI, stated, "The facility is designed to enable suborbital sounding rocket missions into the high atmosphere, and beyond into space. Many countries use sounding rockets to conduct research related to atmospheric physics, radiation, and magnetism in regions that are too high for balloons and too low for orbiting satellites.

"Sounding rockets help advance our understanding of the Earth and its atmosphere, but they are sizeable vehicles and need a purpose-built gantry from which to launch. The new facility makes it possible to launch ASRI's smaller Phoenix hybrid rockets that reach around 18 km and are used for training young engineers, but it can also accommodate much larger commercial sounding rockets that can achieve altitudes above 200 km, which is well into space," he explained.

ASRI envisions the facility as a driving force for South Africa's national priorities, including economic growth, job creation, and skills development. By fostering innovation in aerospace technology, the facility aims to attract investments, boost local industries, and open new markets. It also aims to create highly skilled jobs and offer training opportunities for future engineers and scientists. These initiatives aim to position South Africa as a global leader in space exploration and technological advancement.

"Having a local facility from which to launch such rockets will act as a catalyst to bring rockets to South Africa for scientific missions. Importantly, it will also catalyse the local aerospace industry to develop a South African sounding rocket, as well as the payloads, onboard sensors, and subsystems that go into these advanced machines. These activities will stimulate South Africa's aerospace industry, creating new economic opportunities for the local advanced manufacturing industry," Prof. Brooks remarked.

The facility’s capabilities were showcased with successful launches of the Phoenix-1D on 2 December 2024 and the Phoenix-1E on 4 December 2024.

Cape Verde embraces Starlink's satellite internet, enhancing connectivity in underserved areas and supporting economic growth with improved infrastructure. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Starlink, the satellite internet service from SpaceX, has officially launched in Cape Verde, making it the latest African nation to adopt this low-Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity solution

This expansion brings the total number of countries where Starlink is operational to 117

In October, Cape Verde’s regulatory authority, Agência Reguladora Multissectorial da Economia (ARME), approved Starlink’s operations in the country. The service, represented by Starlink Cape Verde, was granted authorisation to offer nationwide electronic communication services, enhancing access to high-speed satellite internet. This development complements the existing terrestrial networks, particularly benefiting remote and underserved regions with limited connectivity.

ARME noted that this approval is part of its effort to promote competition within the communications sector, ultimately improving service quality for Cape Verde's residents. Additionally, Starlink’s presence is expected to help bridge digital divides and drive economic growth by improving the country's internet infrastructure.

Intelsat confirms the total loss of its Intelsat 33e satellite after an October 19 anomaly, with service restoration plans underway for customers. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Intelsat announced today that the anomaly reported on October 19 has resulted in the complete loss of its Intelsat 33e satellite, affecting customers across Europe, Africa, and parts of the Asia-Pacific region

Intelsat is coordinating with Boeing, the satellite’s manufacturer, and government agencies to analyse data and observations. A Failure Review Board has been convened to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the incident.

Since the anomaly, Intelsat has maintained active communication with affected customers and partners. Migration and service restoration plans are already underway using the Intelsat fleet and third-party satellites to minimise disruption.

Details of the anomaly and loss

The Intelsat 33e satellite experienced a critical anomaly on October 19, resulting in a power failure and the subsequent disruption of service. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, current assessments indicate that the satellite is not recoverable. The satellite, launched in August 2016 and operational since January 2017, was positioned at 60 degrees East.

Intelsat continues to evaluate its fleet capacity and is working with third-party providers to restore services for affected customers.