Satellite News
Airbus and Thales eye satellite merger
SKYNET 6A Airbus Airbus and Thales are reportedly exploring a merger of their satellite operations, according to the Financial Times and Reuters. This potential deal is seen as a pivotal moment for Europe’s space industry, as it grapples with intensified competition from global rivals such as SpaceX.
Launcher News
Ariane 6 reaches orbit with long-awaited first flight
Three further separations were due to follow at time of first reporting.
The European Space Agency official stream later reported an issue with the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) which allows the upper stage Vinci engine to reignite. The final release was intended to see capsules reenter the atmosphere and fall into the Pacific Ocean as part of the deorbit maneuver.
Exploration News
NASA continues to delay return of Boeing Starliner, astronauts from ISS
There still is no return date set for the Starliner astronauts aboard the International Space Station, officials with NASA and Boeing said Thursday.
NASA Achieves Milestone in 4K Video Streaming from Aircraft to ISS and Back
Traditionally, NASA has used radio waves to transmit data to and from space. Laser communications, using infrared light, can transmit data 10 to 100 times faster than traditional radio frequency systems. In collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research program, Glenn engineers installed a portable laser terminal on a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. The aircraft flew over Lake Erie, transmitting data to an optical ground station in Cleveland. The data was then relayed through an Earth-based network to NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, where scientists used infrared light signals to send it further.
NewSpace News
UK Space Agency launches million£ grant to Orbit Fab
The UK Space Agency has awarded Orbit Fab a £1.3 million Major Project grant under their National Space Innovation Program — this grant will fund the design of a high-pressure variant of the RAFTI (Rapidly Attachable Fuel Transfer Interface) refueling port, set to be available in 2025.
Star Catcher Secures $12.25M Seed Funding to Revolutionize Space Energy
The Star Catcher Network is poised to be a pioneering energy grid capable of transmitting substantial levels of broad-spectrum energy to spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond. This system will provide energy on demand, at higher concentrations than the Sun, to existing solar arrays of spacecraft, potentially increasing their power generation capacity by five to ten times without requiring modifications.
Epson Makes Strategic Investment in Microsatellite Innovator Axelspace
Epson, alongside its subsidiary Epson X Investment Corporation (EXI), has invested in Axelspace Holdings, the parent company of Axelspace Corporation, a pioneering startup in microsatellite development and manufacturing
AAC Clyde Space to acquire Spacemetric AB
AAC Clyde Space (“AAC Clyde Space”) has entered into a share sale and purchase agreement, whereby AAC Clyde Space acquires 100 percent of the outstanding shares in Spacemetric AB (“Spacemetric”) for a consideration amounting to approximately 16 million Swedish Krona (MSEK 16)
Intelsat + Starfish Space reach a deal for satellite servicing mission
Intelsat has signed a contract for a Starfish Otter servicing vehicle to provide life extension services to an Intelsat GEO satellite, starting in 2026 — this agreement reinforces Intelsat’s commitment to using satellite servicing technologies to maximize the value the company’s satellites can provide to customers and will mark Starfish’s first mission
Space Safety News
ESA Reports on Growing Space Debris and Mitigation Efforts
Our planet is surrounded by spacecraft conducting crucial activities, from climate research to providing global communication and navigation services, and facilitating significant scientific inquiries. However, these orbits are becoming increasingly congested with defunct satellites and rocket remnants, posing a severe threat to future space operations.
NASA funds research on orbital debris and Lunar sustainability
To support responsible space exploration, NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS) is sponsoring research from five university teams
Science & Technology News
NASA ranks top civil space technology challenges for 2024
Today, NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) released the 2024 Civil Space Shortfall Ranking document. This document integrates inputs from NASA mission directorates and centers, industry organizations of various sizes, government agencies, academia, and other stakeholders. STMD will use this inaugural list and its annual updates to inform its technology development projects and investments.
Real-life Spacesuit Innovation Recycles Urine into Drinking Water
Unlike wastewater on the International Space Station (ISS), urine produced during spacewalks isn’t processed for reuse. Inspired by the ‘stillsuits’ from the Dune series, researchers at Cornell University have developed a prototype urine collection and filtration system for spacesuits.
