The US-based start-up Stara Space is reported (by Space Intel Report) to have ordered two 0.75kg PocketQube Unicorn 2-A picosat spacecraft from the Scotland-based Alba Space firm. The satellites are called Noor 1-A and Noor 1-B are to demonstrate low Earth orbit intersatellite links technology designed to carry encrypted secure data communications. The satellite design uses eight solar panels (two sets of four) to generate 20w of power. The satellite bus can also be pointed.
The financial details of the contract, believe to include delivery to orbit have not been disclosed. However, Alba Space standard prices is US$300,000 for each satellite including a US$70,000 launch cost. The launch has been set for later this year on an undisclosed launch vehicle. This is likely be aboard a Vector-R given that the prototype Unicorn 2-A spacecraft is being flown on this from Kodiak Island, Alaska, in the Spring of this year.
Meantime, Vector-R gained another launch booking. Store-forward communications satellite constellation provider HiberGlobal of the Netherlands has booked a dedicated launch on Vector’s Vector-R rocket, to operate from the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska. The flight will take place in 2019.
