Satellite News
Four mission ideas to compete for Earth Explorer 11
As part of ESA’s commitment to develop and build satellite missions that push the boundaries of satellite technology and Earth science, four new mission ideas – Cairt, Nitrosat, Seastar and Wivern
Exploration News
ESA Selects Revolutionary Venus Mission EnVision
EnVision will be ESA’s next Venus orbiter, providing a holistic view of the planet from its inner core to upper atmosphere to determine how and why Venus and Earth evolved so differently. The mission was selected by ESA’s Science Programme Committee on 10 June as the fifth Medium-class mission in the Agency’s Cosmic Vision plan, targeting a launch in the early 2030s
NASA to collaborate on ESA’s new Venus mission
On June 10, 2021, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced the selection of EnVision as its newest medium-class science mission. EnVision will make detailed observations of Venus
China reveals photos taken by Mars rover
The China National Space Administration made public on Friday four pictures taken by the Tianwen 1 robotic mission, showing the Zhurong rover on Martian surface and scene
Amazon’s Jeff Bezos to go to space on Blue Origin rocket
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced plans on Monday to fly into space next month on a rocket built by his company Blue Origin, fulfilling what he said was a lifelong dream. The 57-year-old billionaire said he and his brother Mark will blast off from Earth on July 20 on the first crewed flight of the company’s New Shepard launch vehicle.
Launcher News
Relativity announces plans for fully reusable Terran R rocket
Relativity Space announced plans Tuesday for a fully reusable two-stage rocket named the Terran R, a 3D-printed vehicle
Sierra Space signs Dream Chaser agreement with British spaceport
Sierra Space, the new space subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation, announced June 9 that it signed an initial agreement with a British spaceport that could lead to landings of the company’s Dream Chaser vehicle there.
NewSpace News
KSAT to support Intuitive Machines’ missions to the Moon
Intuitive Machines (IM) has entered a long-term agreement with Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) where KSAT will support every stage of IM’s missions to the Moon, from launch and early operations,
UK Gov Will Fund the Design + Build Of Kernow Sat 1 That Will Launch From Cornwall
| Kernow Sat 1 aims to bring the value of space close to home by engaging audiences across Cornwall — from academia to local businesses to charities and school children. Cornwall’s intention is that this G7 legacy project become a historic payload – the first satellite designed, manufactured and launched in Cornwall – with the intention |
Series B For Kepler Communications Raises Millions$$$ For SATCOM Network
| Kepler Communications has raised an oversubscribed $60 million Series B to provide the firm with a capital injection for the continued scaling of their on-orbit satellite communications network. This Series B fundraising round was led by Tribe Capital and includes participation from a host of new investors that include Canaan Partners. |
ESA adds Iceye data to Third Party Mission portfolio
The European Space Agency plans to offer researchers free access to Iceye’s synthetic aperture radar imagery.
Astra to acquire spacecraft propulsion company Apollo Fusion
Launch vehicle developer Astra is acquiring Apollo Fusion, a company developing electric propulsion systems for spacecraft, as part of its effort to create vertically integrated space systems.
Phase Four raises $26 million
Phase Four has raised $26 million in a Series B round that will allow it to accelerate production of its satellite electric propulsion systems.
Virgin Galactic signs contract for suborbital research mission
Virgin Galactic has signed an agreement to fly a private researcher on a future suborbital flight, part of efforts diversify its business beyond space tourism.
Space Safety News
Science & Technology News
Effective power supply energizes China’s space station project
Highly efficient power supply has kept the combination of the Tianzhou-2 cargo craft and China’s space station core module Tianhe operating stably
