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Benchmark Space Systems Thruster Now Integrated into the BSS1 Demo Smallsat


Benchmark’s DFAST warm-gas thruster.

Benchmark Space Systems DFAST warm-gas thruster (scalable for 1U-12U spacecraft) has completed the subsystem qualification test campaign and has been integrated into the company’s on-orbit demonstration smallsat, BSS1.

Range safety was smooth sailing for our ‘unpressurized, inert’ launch mode. In the same week the FCC regulatory policy vote took place, the Benchmark Space Systems team was notified that an experimental license was granted and the company is ready for launch.

Benchmark’s latest update from Firefly following their test anomaly and accelerated re-group is that the inaugural Alpha launch is scheduled to deliver BSS1 to orbit in the summer of 2020. With the launch quickly approaching, and regulatory activity increasing, the firm wants to make certain all prospective customers receive one last prompt to take advantage of the Launch Countdown Promotion. This promotion is running until the launch of the BSS1 satellite and includes special DFAST pricing, as well as a free (flatsat) integration evaluation kit on all pre-orders that are received prior to launch.

In the past few months, the company has crossed crucial checkpoints for the B125 Green Bi-Propellant system (scalable for 6U through ESPA satellites). Benchmark successfully tested the firm’s signature On Demand Pressurization System (ODPS), the key differentiator in offering safe and unpressurized launches as well as the remainder of subsystem tests.

System integration of the firm’s 4-thruster B125 was another major milestone hit, as part of Benchmark’s AFWERX Phase II contract and demonstrates the team’s ability to collaborate and execute development tasks despite a broadly challenging distributed work environment during our current global pandemic. The 4-thruster system is currently being prepared for qualification testing at Edwards AFB (now planned for Q3), being administered by the USAF Small Sat Portfolio organization. Benchmark Space plans to send the company’s first liquid propellant system into space in Q4 2020.

The Benchmark team is excited to be earning heritage after only three years after being founded and delivering propulsion and mobility solutions to customers that improve ease of integration,  mission capability and revenue models.


Benchmark’s B125 Green Bi-Propellant system.

 

Benchmark Space Systems Thruster Now Integrated into the BSS1 Demo Smallsat


Benchmark's DFAST warm-gas thruster.

Benchmark Space Systems DFAST warm-gas thruster (scalable for 1U-12U spacecraft) has completed the subsystem qualification test campaign and has been integrated into the company's on-orbit demonstration smallsat, BSS1.

Range safety was smooth sailing for our ‘unpressurized, inert’ launch mode. In the same week the FCC regulatory policy vote took place, the Benchmark Space Systems team was notified that an experimental license was granted and the company is ready for launch.

Benchmark's latest update from Firefly following their test anomaly and accelerated re-group is that the inaugural Alpha launch is scheduled to deliver BSS1 to orbit in the summer of 2020. With the launch quickly approaching, and regulatory activity increasing, the firm wants to make certain all prospective customers receive one last prompt to take advantage of the Launch Countdown Promotion. This promotion is running until the launch of the BSS1 satellite and includes special DFAST pricing, as well as a free (flatsat) integration evaluation kit on all pre-orders that are received prior to launch.

In the past few months, the company has crossed crucial checkpoints for the B125 Green Bi-Propellant system (scalable for 6U through ESPA satellites). Benchmark successfully tested the firm's signature On Demand Pressurization System (ODPS), the key differentiator in offering safe and unpressurized launches as well as the remainder of subsystem tests.

System integration of the firm's 4-thruster B125 was another major milestone hit, as part of Benchmark’s AFWERX Phase II contract and demonstrates the team’s ability to collaborate and execute development tasks despite a broadly challenging distributed work environment during our current global pandemic. The 4-thruster system is currently being prepared for qualification testing at Edwards AFB (now planned for Q3), being administered by the USAF Small Sat Portfolio organization. Benchmark Space plans to send the company's first liquid propellant system into space in Q4 2020.

The Benchmark team is excited to be earning heritage after only three years after being founded and delivering propulsion and mobility solutions to customers that improve ease of integration,  mission capability and revenue models.


Benchmark's B125 Green Bi-Propellant system.

 

Manifest Agreement with Firefly Aerospace Signed by Benchmark Space Systems

Benchmark Space Systems has signed a manifest agreement with Firefly Aerospace (Austin, TX) to secure a ‘ride’ to space in Q1 2020.

Firefly and Benchmark Space have each completed extensive development and testing of their respective technologies and are primed for space. For Firefly’s inaugural Alpha Rocket launch, the target altitude of 300 km. provides an ideal environment for Benchmark Space to demonstrate the launch preparation and safety features of the DFAST propulsion system and run through a suite of maneuvers on-orbit. NearSpace Launch (Upland, IN) will provide their 3U FastBus satellite and mission support.

This announcement comes just a few days following the FCC’s timely revision of Part 25 satellite regulations that allow streamlined satellite licensing for spacecraft equipped with propulsion on board.

Benchmark Space’s DFAST product line was developed to provide the benefits of reliable, high-precision positioning and control capability with unprecedented safety and affordability.  This innovative system uses inert, non-toxic powdered fuel that is filled before shipping and remains inert until a pressurization command is triggered on-orbit.

Benchmark’s CEO, Ryan McDevitt, stated that collision avoidance and controlled end of life de-orbit capabilities are a popular discussion topic within the space industry as we expect tens of thousands of new satellites to be orbiting our planet over the next decade. The ability to ship, store, and inhibit an assembled and fueled DFAST is a game changer for lowering launch manifest and operational costs. He added that the team is planning to debut their liquid-fueled system later in 2020, following the completion of a development program with the U.S. Air Force.

For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company's or organization's growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as 'New Space' entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

World Teleport Association’s Operator Benchmarks 2019 Report

The World Teleport Association (WTA) has published their Operator Benchmarks 2019, the ninth in its report series, which tracks, rates and compares the operational and commercial performance of satellite operators, as experienced by teleport operators, in order to strengthen the industry by driving self-improvement across all companies.

WTA members can access the report by signing in to their accounts and downloading the information at the WTA website and non-members can purchase the report — additional information is available at this direct link…

The Benchmarks study got its start from concerns among teleport operators about direct competition from their satellite vendors for managed service business. In 2019, the majority trend for satellite operators was toward increased direct competition with teleport operators, according to respondents. Five of nine were cited for competing directly more often in 2019 than in 2015.

The 2019 survey reports on nine global and regional satellite operators: ABS Global, Arabsat, AsiaSat, Eutelsat, Gazprom, Hispasat, Intelsat, SES and Telesat. ABS Global and Gazprom are new to the analysis this year.

Among key findings was the average price paid for satellite capacity rose 60%. The reason seems to be that teleport operators are buying in lower volume, with the strongest growth in annual commitments of less than 100 MHz. Overall, teleport operators rated the commercial performance of satellite operators 8% lower than the previous year.

Research for the report was conducted by Futuresource, which provides market research, analytics, forecasts to industry.

WTA Executive Director and report author Robert Bell said that satellite operators have seen the future, and it is in managed services. This makes commercial sense for them, because the value of networks lies not in connectivity but in the ability of that connectivity to solve problems or create opportunities for customers. Most teleport operators made this transition long ago, as the margins available from basic uplinking shrank to the vanishing point. With their satellite vendors now making the same move and ratcheting up the competitive pressure, teleports are in search for new efficiencies in their businesses and new roles in the market.

Satellite Operator Benchmarks 2018 Report Upcoming from World Teleport Association (WTA)

Teleport operators worldwide report on their satisfaction with the commercial and operational practices of the world’s major satellite operators in the eighth annual WTA global study, Satellite Operator Benchmarks 2018.

The study tracks, rates, and compares the operational and commercial performance of satellite operators, as experienced by teleport operators, with the objective of strengthening the industry by driving self-improvement across all companies. WTA conducted the report with Futuresource.

Satellite Operator Benchmarks 2018 will be released the week of May 6. The report will be free for WTA Members and available for purchase by non-Members. More info may be acquired at this direct infopage link…

Now Published — World Teleport Association’s Satellite Operator Benchmarks 2017…

The World Teleport Association (WTA) has published their Satellite Operator Benchmarks 2017, a new research report.

This is the seventh report in WTA's annual Satellite Operator Benchmarks series, for which FutureSource provides the field research. Key findings from the report include:

  • Overall, teleport operators rated the commercial performance of satellite operators 9% better than the previous year — part of a multi-year trend promoted by the Benchmark surveys.
  • Teleport operators rated the operational performance of satellite operators 11 percent better in 2017 compared with the previous year — also a multi-year trend. Operators received a “strong” rating on 85 percent of factors.
  • Satellite operators vary in how much they compete directly with teleport operators for managed services business. Seventy percent of respondents reported direct competition from Intelsat and 65% from SES, while only 25 percent reported competition from Gazprom and 14 percent from Arabsat.
  • Overall, teleport operators perceived less competitive threat from satellite operators in 2017 than in 2016. The perceived fairness of that competition, however, was considered worse (less fair) for most operators in 2017 than in 2016.

With the Satellite Operator Benchmarks series, WTA examines the crucial relationship between teleport operators and satellite operators. WTA seeks to keep that relationship healthy and strong by informing teleport operators about how their peers view the principal satellite operators while at the same time providing objective feedback to those operators from an important customer group. By objectively tracking, rating and comparing the operational and commercial performance of satellite operators, as experienced by teleport operators, WTA seeks to strengthen the industry by driving self-improvement across all companies.

For more information or to purchase the report, visit the report page at this direct link…

“All markets contain tensions,” said WTA executive director and report author Robert Bell, “between companies that sometimes collaborate, sometimes buy from each other or sell to each other, and sometimes compete.  On average, teleport operators are spending 41% of their revenues on satellite capacity that they integrate into managed services, but the reality is that their satellite vendors also offer managed services.  We believe that our annual report has made a substantial contribution to keeping competition healthy for the industry as a whole.”

worldteleport.site-ym.com/

 

Satellite Operator Benchmarks 2016 Report Released By The World Teleport Association

[Satnews] The World Teleport Association (WTA) has released Satellite Operator Benchmarks 2016, a new research report.

This is the sixth report in WTA's annual Satellite Operator Benchmarks series. WTA conducted the report with Futuresource. Key findings from the report include:

  • Teleport operators perceive the commercial performance of satellite operators improving
  • The operational performance of satellite operators continues to strengthen, according to teleport operators
  • Commercial flexibility and portability are improving
  • Direct competition between teleport and satellite operators is declining and becoming somewhat more fair, as perceived by teleport executives

 

With the Satellite Operator Benchmarks series, WTA examines the crucial relationship between teleport operators and satellite operators. WTA seeks to keep that relationship healthy and strong by informing teleport operators about how their peers view the principal satellite operators while at the same time providing objective feedback to those operators from an important customer group. By objectively tracking, rating and comparing the operational and commercial performance of satellite operators, as experienced by teleport operators, WTA seeks to strengthen the industry by driving self-improvement across all companies.

For the full list and explanations of key findings and to see excerpts from the report, visit the report page on the WTA website.

“When we began the Benchmarks reports six years ago,” said WTA executive director Robert Bell, “we wanted to influence how satellite operators sell, service and partner with their teleport customers for the better.  The latest results suggest that the unified voice of the teleport sector has been clearly heard.”

 

World Teleport Association (WTA)—New Benchmarks To Be Developed (Analysis | Reports)

[SatNews] The World Teleport Association (WTA) has announced a new research initiative, Teleport Business Benchmarks.

This new study seeks to develop a set of industry-wide financial and operating ratios for independent commercial teleport operations.

According to WTA Executive Director Robert A. Bell, the benchmarks will give teleport operators a way to gauge the revenue and profitability performance of their companies as well as their financial efficiency, compared with an average ratio of peers around the world. The benchmarks, according to Bell, will offer “essential help with investment, acquisition and divestiture decisions.”

“Most companies in the teleport sector are privately held. This creates a challenge for owners and executives who want to compare their financial and operating ratios to the rest of the industry,” said Robert Bell. “We know how our members will value having access to industry-wide comparables. We also know that the only way for us to produce this is from proprietary financial data that our members agree to share with us in confidence. Like so much that we do, this is made successful by our members. Their willingness to participate helps them and the entire industry.”

WTA will be soon begin contacting members to request data for use in this study. All information will be kept proprietary. As with other industry studies the association has produced, only averages and aggregates will be published.

GVF Benchmarks At Convergence India (Event)

[SatNews] The benchmarking service will cover a number of areas, including personnel skill level and product quality.

GVF announced that it will be launching a new benchmarking initiative at Convergence India from 16th to 18th January, aimed at helping satellite providers across India become more efficient and reduce instances of satellite interference.

The initiative will see GVF providing an audit service to companies, enabling them to better understand their roles and responsibilities relating to provision of satellite services. The benchmarking service will cover a number of areas, including personnel skill level and product quality. Following any necessary training or other services, GVF will then issue a seal of good housekeeping to companies undergoing the benchmarking initiative, as well as promoting those companies through its channels.

“More and more new satellite services are being rolled out across India and globally,” commented Riaz Lamak, GVF. “It is difficult for distributors and service providers to keep up-to-date with developments and we hope this benchmarking initiative will enable them to further their knowledge as well as helping them to become more efficient.”

“Companies undergoing this benchmarking initiative will not only improve their level of service, but also gain standing and recognition in a competitive marketplace,” commented David Hartshorn, Secretary General, GVF. “It will also help them reduce the costly problem of satellite interference, something we are working hard to mitigate across the globe.”

Riaz Lamak from GVF shall be at the Convergence, where we will be working to heighten awareness for recent innovations in the satellite industry. Programs for Capacity Building like Satcom Training; Enhancing performance quality and stability thru Network Validation;  Product Quality Assurance; Programs including Societal initiatives like Disaster Mitigation, Tele-Health; Distance Education, as well as other programs for Military communication, eGovernance; etc…, can be discussed.

 

World Teleport Association + Telesat… Benchmarks Brought Forth… (Award)


WTA home
[SatNews] This week the World Teleport Association (WTA), the leading organization representing…

…teleports around the world, issued their 2nd Annual Satellite Operators Benchmark Report. The report’s conclusions were based on interviews with more than 80 teleport executives who rated the commercial and operational practices of major satellite companies. Telesat was again rated as the best performing commercial operator of the Big 4 FSS companies—Intelsat, SES, Eutelsat and Telesat. This was the same recognition accorded Telesat in last year’s WTA report, Satellite Operator Benchmarks 2011.


Telesat homepage link

“Telesat is honored and grateful to receive this important recognition by the World Teleport Association and its members,” said Dan Goldberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Telesat. “Providing the highest level of customer service and working in a constructive manner with the customer community are overriding priorities for all of us at Telesat and it is deeply rewarding to be recognized by the WTA two years in a row as a leader in this regard. Telesat operates in a highly competitive market and we understand the customer community has a wide choice of service providers. Telesat will continue to do all we can to support our customers and strive to make continuous improvements in our service delivery and customer support.”