March 22, 2023

China Launches Weather Satellites (Source: Xinhua)
China launched a set of weather satellites early Wednesday. A Kuaizhou-1A rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 5:09 a.m. Eastern and placed the four Tianmu-1 spacecraft into orbit. The satellites, Chinese media said, will be used for commercial meteorological data services. (3/22)

Russia and China Remain Cooperative on Space Exploration (Source: TASS)
Roscosmos says that China still plans to cooperate with Russia on human space exploration. Yuri Borisov, head of Roscosmos said Tuesday that cooperation in human spaceflight between the countries is "already underway and will continue." The two countries announced in 2021 their intent to cooperate on lunar exploration through the International Lunar Research Station, although China has not emphasized that planned cooperation in more recent statements about its lunar exploration plans. (3/22)

Chemical Components for Life Found in Asteroid Sample (Source: New Scientist)
Scientists have detected one of the key chemicals needed for RNA in material returned from an asteroid. Analysis of samples from the asteroid Ryugu, brought back by Japan's Hayabusa2 mission, detected traces of uracil, one of the chemical building blocks of RNA. The analysis also turned up other organic compounds like niacin. The funding adds weight to theories that asteroids seeded the early Earth with organic compounds needed for life to form. (3/22)

Satellites Pose 'Unprecedented Global Threat', Scientists Warn (Source: Science Alert)
Astronomers on Monday warned that the light pollution created by the soaring number of satellites orbiting Earth poses an "unprecedented global threat to nature." Astronomers warned that this increasing light pollution threatens the future of their profession. ​Modelling suggested that for the Vera Rubin Observatory, a giant telescope currently under construction in Chile, the darkest part of the night sky will become 7.5 percent brighter over the next decade.

​That would reduce the number of stars the observatory is able to see by around 7.5 percent. ​That would add nearly a year to the observatory's survey, costing around $21.8 million, said Barentine of Dark Sky Consulting, a firm based in the US state of Arizona. There is another cost of a brighter sky that impossible to calculate: the celestial events that humanity will never get to observe. (3/21)

NASA Warns a Mass-Extinction Causing Asteroid More Likely to Hit Our Planet Than Previously Thought (Source: Daily Mail)
NASA scientists reveal Earth could be at a higher risk of asteroid impact than previously believed. The stark warning comes from James Garvin, the Goddard Space Flight Center Chief Scientist, who determined four asteroids strong enough to blow off part of the atmosphere hit over one million years. Such sizable space rocks are predicted to strike only once every 600,000 to 7000,000 years.

Garvin and his team analyzed data from several Earth-observing satellites to examine four impact craters and identified larger rings around the sites, determining previous work had misread their findings. If the new data is correct, the impacts would equate to an explosion 10 times more powerful than the largest nuclear bomb in history, resulting in a mass extinction. (3/21)

Mars Exploration and the Debate About Planetary Protection (Source: Space News)
Planetary protection may sound like something from the realm of science fiction or like the precautions taken to avert an alien invasion of Earth. In fact, from a certain perspective, the latter is the better analogy. According to NASA, planetary protection is “the practice of protecting solar system bodies from contamination by Earth life and protecting Earth from possible life forms that may be returned from other solar system bodies.”

However, the “possible life forms” referred to are almost certainly microbial, not intelligent life. NASA even employs an individual with the impressive title of Planetary Protection Officer, responsible for assuring that precautions are taken not only to prevent Earth from being contaminated by alien microbes (known as “backward contamination”) but also to manage the exposure to other planetary bodies from Earth microbes (“forward contamination”).

While it is not a well-known topic outside space exploration circles, planetary protection is not a new area of study and concern. For many decades, it has been a topic for space conferences, workshops, academic papers, etc., but until recently, it was rarely considered an urgent matter. After all, humanity was far from returning to the Moon, going on to Mars, or even developing a viable plan to achieve such a goal. (3/20)

Space Force Wants $243M in FY24 to Kickstart ‘Long Range Kill Chain’ to Track Targets From Space (Source: Breaking Defense)
The Space Force’s FY24 budget requests for the first time funding for research and development of satellite payloads designed to detect and track moving targets on the ground — with the service asking for $243 million, and slightly more than $1.2 billion through FY28. The new program, called Long Range Kill Chains, will take over at least part of the mission performed in the past by the Air Force’s E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft, set to be retired this year. (3/21)

Kazakhstan’s Seizure of Russian Space Assets Threatens the Soyuz-5 Rocket (Source: Ars Technica)
Earlier this month, a Kazakh news site, KZ24, reported that the Republic of Kazakhstan had seized the property of TsENKI, the Center for Utilization of Ground-based Space Infrastructure, in Kazakhstan. This firm, which is a subsidiary of Roscosmos, is responsible for launch pads and ground support equipment for the Russian space corporation. According to the report, which was translated for Ars by Rob Mitchell, TsENKI is barred from removing any assets or materials from Kazakhstan.

"A ban on utilizing resources and conducting financial operations, as well as instability in negotiating positions as a whole are slowing down the priority direction of work at Baikonur, namely the construction of a new launch pad for the Soyuz-5 Booster," the report states. Russia has already spent nearly $1 billion on the development of the new Soyuz-5 rocket and plans for its launch site and ground services. It was slated to debut in 2021. Now it is unlikely to debut before at least 2024—and given the current dispute with Kazakhstan, it likely will be delayed much longer into the future. (3/21)

Ultra-Lightweight Multifunctional Space Skin Created to Withstand Extreme Conditions in Space (Source: University of Surrey)
A new nano-barrier coating could help protect ultra-lightweight carbon composite materials from extreme conditions in space, according to a study from the University of Surrey and Airbus DefenSe and Space. The new functionality added to previously developed ‘space skin’ structures adds a layer of protection to help maintain space payloads while travelling in space, similar to having its very own robust ultralight protective jacket. The research team has shown that their innovative nano-barrier would help drastically increase the stability of carbon fibre materials, while reducing radiation damage. (3/21)

Australian Rover Challenge Helps Local Space Engineers Lead the World (Source: Cosmos)
The Australian Rover challenge starts with mechanical arms swaying, plastic wheels turning and students with stern faces staring at mobile phones. The students are watching live telemetry reports on their robotic inventions performing on a simulated lunar surface. Sometimes with excitement. Sometimes with disappointment. The Challenge involves university teams from across Australia – and one from Poland – unleashing their designs in front of a live audience. (3/22)

OneWeb Poised To Complete First LEO Broadband Constellation (Sources: Aviation Week, OneWeb)
Despite bankruptcy, canceled launch contracts and a bevy of new competitors, OneWeb is one flight away from completing the world’s first global broadband megaconstellation in low Earth orbit. With 584 satellites in orbit—all but two of which are reportedly operational. The launch of 36 satellites with ISRO is planned for no earlier than 26 March 2023. This launch, taking place from Sriharikota, India, will be OneWeb’s eighteenth launch to-date and its third this year, completing its first generation LEO constellation, and enabling the company to initiate global coverage in 2023. (3/22)

China's Long March 11 Rocket Conducts 16 Consecutive Successful Launches (Source: Space Daily)
China's Long March 11 carrier rocket has successfully carried out 16 consecutive launches as of Wednesday, according to its developer. A Long March 11 rocket on Wednesday evening sent the Shiyan 19 satellite into space, marking the rocket's 16th successful launch since it was put into service in 2015, according to the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

A four-stage solid launch vehicle, the Long March 11 carrier rocket is about 21 meters in length and 57.7 tonnes in weight, with its maximum diameter reaching two meters. It has been developed to launch small spacecraft into solar synchronous orbit and low Earth orbit, with a carrying capacity to solar synchronous orbit of 500 kg. Featuring quick response, the Long March 11 carrier rocket has a short launch cycle and low support requirements for launch site facilities, and can be launched from both the ground and sea, said the developer. (3/21)

Boeing's James Chilton to Receives National Space Club's Kurt H. Debus Award (Source: NSCFL)
The National Space Club Florida Committee honored James Chilton with the organization’s 2023 Kurt H. Debus award. Mr. Chilton is a Senior Advisor for Boeing’s Defense, Space, & Security division on future space ventures. Named for Kennedy Space Center’s first director, the Debus award is bestowed annually to an individual who has made significant contributions in Florida to American aerospace efforts.

From 2018 through 2023, Mr. Chilton was the Senior Vice President of Boeing’s Space and Launch division, providing leadership for the company’s support to the International Space Station, NASA’s Space Launch System, the CST-100 Starliner commercial crew vehicle, and Boeing’s participation in United Launch Alliance (ULA). His portfolio also included Boeing’s government and commercial satellite systems, Millennium Space Systems and Spectrolab. (3/21)

NASA Connects all Major Structures of Artemis II Moon Rocket Core Stage (Source: Space Daily)
Teams at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans have fully integrated all five major structures of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's core stage for Artemis II, the first crewed Artemis mission that will send four astronauts around the Moon and return them home. Technicians joined the engine section to the rest of the rocket stage March 17. Next, teams will integrate the four RS-25 engines to the engine section to complete the stage. (3/21)

Scientist Reveals Goals for China's Future Lunar Research Station (Source: Space Daily)
Scientists have proposed several objectives for a future international lunar research station, including moon-based Earth observation and lunar resource utilization, the China Science Daily reported on Friday. Zou Yongliao, head of the lunar and deep space exploration division of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, revealed the goals at a recent national space conference.

China plans to establish a basic model for a lunar research station based on two planned exploration missions by 2028, and subsequently expand it into an international one. According to Zou, as scientists continue to develop the blueprint for the research station, they have already made progress by coming up with specific objectives for science and application.

These objectives mainly involve studying the moon's evolution, exploring star formation and activities, and observing the sun and Earth from the moon. Zou also mentioned the performance of scientific experiments, like growing plants on the lunar surface, and the utilization of lunar resources, such as moon minerals and solar energy. (3/21)

Lunar Outpost and EPE will Co-Lead Consortium in Supporting Australia's Mission to the Moon (Source: Space Daily)
Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic MP, along with dignitaries from the Australian Space Agency and NASA announced the EPE and Lunar Outpost Oceania Consortium as one of two successful groups to receive Stage 1 grant funding from the Australian Government's Moon to Mars Trailblazer Initiative. The project received grant funding from the Australian Government through the Australian Space Agency.

The Consortium will design critical autonomous lunar mobility and excavation solutions for the Trailblazer Initiative. Co-led by EPE and Lunar Outpost Oceania, the Consortium brings U.S.-based Lunar Outpost, a global leader in commercial planetary mobility, with significant experience leading multiple successful cislunar space missions and collaboration with NASA Artemis program, together with Australia's EPE, a Queensland-based SME specialising in robotics, autonomous systems, system integration and translation of technology in collaboration with Research and Defence organisations. (3/20)

Scientists and Students to Develop the First Estonian Lunar Rover (Source: Space Daily)
Researchers and students of the Tartu Observatory at the University of Tartu started the development of Estonia's first lunar rover, designed to take Estonian technology to the Moon at the end of this decade or the beginning of the next. The first step is a feasibility study to determine which lunar rover can be built in Estonia and realistically delivered to the surface of the Moon. It will also gauge the interests of Estonian industry and scientists to test their technology on the Moon.

Dr. Mihkel Pajusalu, Associate Professor of Space Technology and Head of the Space Technology Department at the Tartu Observatory stated, "In the near future, many rovers will be arriving on the Moon for scientific research, and NASA's Artemis space program has boosted the development of space technology in both the private and public sectors. Over the long term, the Moon is a good intermediate step in preparing for space missions to Mars. (3/21)

DOD CIO: GPS a Target for US Adversaries (Source: Defense Scoop)
The Pentagon is reviewing its dependence on GPS and the need for an alternative space-based positioning system to address the threat from adversaries. "The adversary is going to try to come at it on day one of any potential conflict, whether it's kinetically, whether it's in the [radio frequency] spectrum, whether it's using other mechanisms... they're going to try to use GPS to frustrate our ability to get long-range fires or other types of fires on the target and to get our forces to where they need to be," said Defense Department CIO John Sherman. (3/21)

Space Force Sees Potential to Build Satellites in Space (Source: Air & Space Forces)
The US Space Force is pursuing a demonstration of on-orbit satellite construction and modification with multiple companies. "This award opens up a unique methodology to support on-orbit flexibility, mission change in flight, high fidelity manipulation, and assembly of complex objects," said Dave Barnhart, CEO and cofounder of Arkisys Inc. (3/20)

Some Virgin Orbit Personnel Return to Work (Sources: Space News, Reuters)
Virgin Orbit is bringing some of its employees back to work as it attempts to raise more money. The launch vehicle company said in an SEC filing this morning it would start an "incremental resumption" of operations Thursday, bringing back to work a small number of employees to continue preparations for its next LauncherOne launch.

The company paused operations last week and furloughed nearly its entire staff because of financial problems exacerbated by a launch failure in January. According to one report, Virgin Orbit is in talks with Matthew Brown Companies, a venture fund that has previously invested in Astra and SpaceX, to raise up to $200 million in a private share placement that could close as soon as Friday. (3/22)

Space propulsion company Frontier Aerospace has raised $10 million. The company said AEI HorizonX, the venture capital fund formed by AE Industrial Parters and Boeing, provided the Series A funding. Frontier plans to use the funding to accelerate engine development work and an expansion if development and test facilities. The company is providing thrusters for Astrobotic's lunar landers and is working on other thrusters for government and commercial customers. (3/22)

Terran Orbital to Expand Satellite Manufacturing in Sourthern California (Source: Space News)
Terran Orbital will further expand its satellite manufacturing facilities in Southern California. The company announced on an earnings call Tuesday an 8,700-square-meter facility it will use for satellite integration and testing, scheduled to be complete next year. The announcement comes as the company prepares to open a new facility it announced last year that it says will allow it to produce up to 250 satellites a year.

Terran Orbital says the capacity is needed to serve government and commercial customers, such as a $2.4 billion contract with Rivada Space Networks for 300 satellites announced in February. However, Terran Orbital said it would not provide guidance for 2023 until work started on that contract, and it was not formally adding it to its backlog yet. The company reported revenues of $94.2 million in 2022 but a net loss of $164 million. (3/22)

SpaceX Steamroller Has Shifted Into a Higher Gear This Year (Source: Ars Technica)
Is it possible that SpaceX has succeeded in making orbital launches boring? Increasingly, the answer to this question appears to be yes. On Friday the California-based company launched two Falcon 9 rockets within the span of just a little more than four hours. At 12:26 pm local time, a Falcon 9 rocket carried 52 of SpaceX's Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from a launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. A mere 4 hours and 12 minutes later, another Falcon 9 rocket delivered two large communications satellites into geostationary transfer orbit for the Luxembourg-based satellite company SES from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The company is launching a Falcon rocket every 4.1 days and remains on pace to launch approximately 90 rockets before the end of 2023. To put this into perspective, a decade ago, the United States launched an average of 15 to 20 orbital rockets a year. In 2022, the United States recorded its most launches in any calendar year, ever, with 78 orbital flights. This year, barring a catastrophic accident with the Falcon 9 booster, that number will easily get into triple digits. The all-time record for orbital launches in a single year is held by the Soviet Union, with 101, in 1982. (3/21)

The Ethics of Space Exploration (Source: The 1A)
Students of history know that us Earthlings don’t have the best track record when it comes to colonizing and settling new territories. With humans looking to establish colonies on the moon and other planets, how do we not repeat the past? How do we leave our earthly problems behind and create space settlements more in line with the utopian vision of “Star Trek” … rather than the despotic take in “Star Wars?” Click here. (3/20)

Boeing Ramps Up SLS Production (Source: Aviation Week)
With an eye toward building two SLS rockets per year, NASA prime contractor Boeing is shifting engine integration work to Forida and setting up a new production area at the Michoud Assemply Facility to manufacture the vehicle's upgraded upper-stage engine. NASA plans to upgrade the SLS with an Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) beginning with Artemis IV. Boeing's goal is to produce two EUS spacecraft and two SLS core stages per year, with an eye toward providing launch services to other customers besides Artemis. (3/13)

£81M Commitment to Access ‘The World’s Thermometer’ (Source: Satellite Vu)
Satellite Vu, the UK space and climate tech company on a mission to deliver practical access to sustainable solutions, has secured £81 million worth of purchase options from thirty companies for their Early Access Program (EAP). Satellite Vu is due to launch their first spacecraft in June 2023, and ahead of this opened their Early Access Programme to provide customers and partners with preferred access to their imagery products; as well as the opportunity to secure valuable capacity on the inaugural satellite. 

The EAP has now onboarded thirty businesses with purchase options from customers from a diverse range of industries and geographical regions including Kayrros, Ordnance Survey and Japan Space Imaging Corporation that was announced last year. This commitment from a global range of players highlights the need for Satellite Vu’s efficient and scalable means of providing infrared data which lifts the lid on thermal activity around the world. (2/9)

Kazakhstan is Complicating Russian Launch Operations (Source: Business Insider)
Authorities in Kazakhstan impounded Russian assets at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, escalating a post-Soviet feud over the legendary base from which mankind first touched the stars. Baikonur is pivotal to the Russian space program. Even though it isn't physically in Russia, it has been leased by the Kremlin since Kazakhstan became independent when the Soviet Union collapsed. The result has been an uneasy relationship between Kazakhstan and its former masters in Moscow.

RFERL reported that Kazakh authorities banned Russia's Space Infrastructure Center, the agency responsible for space launch sites, from moving assets out of the country, and said its agency head cannot leave Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is one of several notional allies of Russia which have been disquieted by its invasion of Ukraine, another former Soviet possession. Russia is building an alternative spaceport in the Amur region in the far east of Russia, in a project that was delayed amid accusations officials embezzled millions. (3/21)