Satellite News
First Eurostar Neo satellite launched
The first satellite to be built under ESA’s Eurostar Neo programme has launched. The satellite – called Eutelsat Hotbird 13F – was developed and built by satellite manufacturer Airbus for satellite.
Yahsat invests in direct-to-cell enabler eSAT Global
Emirati fleet operator Yahsat said Oct. 11 it has invested in Californian startup eSAT Global, which is developing a chip that would enable phones to connect to its satellites in geostationary orbit.
Jumping on the direct-to-cell bandwagon
More satellite operators are considering providing services directly to standard mobile phones following early product launches, big-name announcements, and progress startups are making for their dedicated constellations.
Launcher News
Ariane 6 upper stage testing underway
ArianeGroup has started static-fire tests of the upper stage of the Ariane 6 rocket, a key step in the development of the vehicle whose first launch remains uncertain.
Inaugural United Launch Alliance Vulcan test launch projected to occur in early 2023
Vulcan Centaur. Image is courtesy of ULA. United Launch Alliance (ULA) is nearing completion of the development of the next-generation Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle and sets path for its first launch early next year. ULA is proceeding to a first flight of Vulcan 1st quarter 2023 to align with a request from its payload customer.
Rocket Lab’s Electron arrives at Wallops for the firm’s 1st launch from Virginia
Rocket Lab USA, Inc.’s Electron rocket has arrived at Launch Complex 2 within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia to launch the company’s first mission from U.S. soil. The mission will deploy satellites for radio frequency (RF) geospatial analytics provider HawkEye 360. The launch pad was developed to support Electron missions from U.S. soil
Exploration News
UPDATE 1: NASA’s DART mission can now confirm the asteroid’s motion in space was altered
An imagery from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope from Oct. 8, 2022, shows the debris blasted from the surface of Dimorphos 285 hours after the asteroid was intentionally impacted by NASA’s DART spacecraft on Sept. 26. The shape of that tail has changed over time.
Dennis Tito and wife to be on second Starship flight around the moon
The first private astronaut to fly to the International Space Station plans to return to space on a trip around the moon on SpaceX’s Starship with his wife and up to 10 other people.
NewSpace News
French institutions award Exotrail in-orbit logistics missions worth several million euros
Exotrail’s in-orbit transport service spacedrop, has been selected via a competitive tender process to perform the first orbital logistics missions ordered by French institutions. In a contract worth several million euros, Exotrail is the in-orbit logistics operator the French institutions have selected to ensure a capacity for satellites transfer into low Earth orbit (LEO).
Commercial space station developers seek clarity on regulations
Companies working on commercial space stations intended to succeed the International Space Station say they need more clarity from the federal government on who will regulate them and how.
Space Safety News
Japan’s Epsilon fails after liftoff, destroying smallsat payload
A Japanese Epsilon small launch vehicle failed to reach orbit during an Oct. 11 launch, resulting in the loss of all eight smallsats on board.
UK, South Korea join ASAT test ban, raising like-minded countries to seven
The United Kingdom and South Korea have pledged not to conduct direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile testing, throwing their weight behind the U.S.-driven initiative launched in April to promote peaceful and safe use of outer space.
