Satellite News
First Batch of Starlink Satellites for Direct-to-Cell Service Launched by SpaceX
In a significant leap for mobile connectivity, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket has successfully launched the first set of Starlink satellites equipped with Direct to Cell capabilities, as reported by T-Mobile.
“The launch of these first Direct to Cell satellites is an exciting milestone for SpaceX to demonstrate our technology. We look forward to rapidly scaling up Direct to Cell with our partner operators around the world and rolling out messaging service for T-Mobile customers!”
Euroconsult forecasts $75 Billion in growth for Middle East’s Space Sector by 2032
The global space economy, valued at $509 billion in 2023, is expected to expand to $759 billion by 2030. Within this context, the Middle East stands out as a region with exponential growth potential.
Europe considers launching Copernicus satellite on Falcon 9
Europe turned to SpaceX for those launches because of a confluence of factors that deprived it, temporarily, of independent access to space. That includes the Vega C problems, retirement of the Ariane 5 and delays in development of the Ariane 6, as well as the loss of the Soyuz rocket after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago.
Launcher News
ULA’s Vulcan rocket launches private US moon lander, and human remains in debut flight
ULA’s new rocket now has one flight under its belt. United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur launched on its first-ever flight, called Cert-1, early this morning (Jan. 8), from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Exploration News
Voyager Space and Airbus forge new path with Starlab Space LLC Joint Venture
The completion of this joint venture between Voyager Space and Airbus marks a notable development in the arena of commercial space exploration. As the post-International Space Station era approaches, initiatives like Starlab are set to redefine human presence in low-Earth orbit. With the combined expertise and vision of Voyager and Airbus, Starlab Space LLC is poised to be a significant player in shaping the future of space exploration and utilization.
NASA and JAXA troubleshooting glitch with new X-ray astronomy satellite
The Japanese space agency JAXA launched the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) on an H-2A Sept. 6. XRISM is a replacement for the Hitomi spacecraft, which malfunctioned shortly after its launch in 2016.
UAE to build airlock for lunar Gateway
NewSpace News
Spire Global sets to revolutionize space traffic management with Northstar’s SSA satellites
Spire Global, Inc. in collaboration with NorthStar Earth and Space, is set to launch the first commercial SSA satellite constellation, marking a significant milestone in space safety and sustainability.
D-Orbit Secures Record euro 100m in Series C Funding,
D-Orbit currently provides in-space transportation services using its ION series of orbital transfer vehicles. Those tugs have launched primarily on SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets, such as the Transporter line of rideshare missions. The most recent ION, the 13th overall, was a secondary payload on the Falcon 9 launch of a South Korean reconnaissance satellite Dec. 1.
Momentus, low on cash, delays next mission
In-space transportation company Momentus has postponed the next flight of its space tug and laid off a fifth of its staff to conserve its dwindling cash reserves. Vigoride tugs developed by Momentus change orbits using the company’s Microwave Electrothermal Thruster
Spanish startup Sateliot seeks funds for 64 more connectivity satellites
Sateliot plans to inititally connect remote Internet of Things devices but ultimately intends to also provide connectivity for off-the-grid smartphones.
Space Safety News
Ailing Peregrine moon lander on path to crash into Earth
The beleaguered private moon lander Peregrine, which suffered a fuel leak shortly after its launch last week, is now on a collision course with Earth, its builder said Saturday
Science & Technology News
Upcoming private astronaut mission to test tech for future long-duration spaceflight missions—launch upcoming
When Axiom Space’s third private astronaut mission, Ax-3, launches to the space station, it will carry an all-European crew of astronauts and dozens of investigations sponsored by the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory. Many of these investigations will test .
Revolutionizing Space Habitats: Aurelia Institute’s TESSERAE for Biotech Studies
Aurelia Institute is actively developing TESSERAE, iteratively building and testing the hardware platform towards a future crewed habitat mission. This process includes continuous design refinement and the evaluation of novel concepts in microgravity.
