Satellite News
Euclid Telescope Ready for Extreme Space Environment
ESA’s Euclid mission has reached a new milestone in its development with successful testing of the telescope and instruments showing that it can operate and achieve the required performance in the extreme environment of space. Euclid will study dark energy and dark matter. Whilst these cannot be seen directly by any telescope, their presence and influence can be inferred by observing the large scale distribution of galaxies in the Universe
NASA’s Lucy Mission Prepares for Launch to Trojan Asteroids
NASA has tested the functions of Lucy, the agency’s first spacecraft to study Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids, filled it with fuel, and is preparing to pack it into a capsule for launch Saturday, Oct. 16. Named after characters in Greek mythology, these asteroids circle the Sun in two swarms, with one group leading ahead of Jupiter in its path, the other trailing behind it. Lucy will be the first spacecraft to visit these asteroids.
Exploration News
Blue Origin says ‘Star Trek’ actor William Shatner will fly to space next week
Blue Origin confirmed Monday that actor William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk on “Star Trek,” will fly into space on a suborbital launch Oct. 12 from West Texas.
Airbus, Mexican Space Agency and Dereum Labs to Collaborate on Lunar Resources Extraction Technologies
Airbus has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) and the Mexican start-up Dereum Labs to collaborate on the technologies needed for lunar resources extraction. This will lead to the creation of a new Mexican In-Situ Resources Utilisation (ISRU) Programme for lunar extraction and help develop the necessary industrial ecosystem for this technology in-country. A ground demonstration concept is planned as part of this new programme.
First Russian film in space an ‘experiment’: director
Russian film director Klim Shipenko said Monday the first movie in orbit would be an “experiment,” on the eve of his journey into space hoping to beat a rival Hollywood project. The 38-year-old director and one of Russia’s most famous actresses, Yulia Peresild, 37, are due to blast off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan at 0855 GMT on Tuesday to shoot scenes for upcoming Russian movie “The Challenge”.
Launcher News
First SLS launch likely to slip to 2022
A top NASA official says the agency will soon set a target launch date for the first Space Launch System mission, but that it’s “more than likely” it will slip into early 2022.
Ariane 6 Launch Complex Inaugurated at Europe’s Spaceport
The new launch complex built for Europe’s upcoming Ariane 6 rocket is inaugurated at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. With this, ESA celebrates another important milestone in the Ariane 6 roadmap as it forges ahead with combined tests between launch vehicle and launch base and preparations towards the first launch campaign. Clearly visible from space, the facilities feature remarkable complex structures above and below ground specially designed to support Ariane 6 launches into th
NewSpace News
Starfish Space raises $7 million for constellation-managing space tugs
Starfish Space has raised $7 million to develop space tugs that aim to extend the lives of satellites, move them to different orbits and remove debris.
Satellogic Reduces Data Processing Times For 300 On-Orbit EO Spacecraft Using AWS
Satellogic is creating a live catalog of Earth and delivering daily updates to create a complete picture of the planet for decision makers in order for them to tackle some of the biggest challenges of these times. Satellogic uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) to scale their live Earth catalog, enhance customer experiences, decrease data processing.
OrbAstro’s Smallsat Platform To Host Aistech Space’s Guardian Imaging Payload
Aistech Space SL (Aistech) has signed a contract with Orbital Astronautics Ltd (OrbAstro) to fly the company’s first Guardian mission scheduled for launch in Q4 2021 onboard a SpaceX dedicated rideshare mission. The OrbAstro ORB-6 satellite platform (6U-class) will host an Aistech multi-spectral imaging payload to commence commercial services addressing markets linked to environmental sustainability.
Space Safety News
Virgin Galactic Cleared to Fly Following Conclusion of FAA Inquiry
Virgin Galactic today announced that it is cleared to fly FAA-licenced spaceflights following the conclusion of an FAA inquiry that focused on air traffic control clearance and real-time mission notification related to the Unity 22 flight in July. The FAA today advised Virgin Galactic that the corrective actions proposed by the Company have been accepted and conclude the FAA inquiry, which began August 11, 2021.
FAA reviewing Blue Origin safety allegations
The FAA says it is reviewing allegations about safety issues at Blue Origin raised in an explosive essay by a group of current and former employees.
Satellite servicing companies see different demand in LEO versus GEO
by Jeff Foust — September 30, 2021
Developers of satellite servicing technologies expect interest in refueling and life extension to come from customers in geostationary orbit and beyond, while low Earth orbit operators instead seek end-of-life disposal services.
