May 11, 2023

China's TSS Gets More Cargo (Source: Space News)
A Chinese cargo spacecraft arrived at the country's space station several hours after launch on Wednesday. A Long March 7 lifted off at 9:22 a.m. Eastern from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center and placed the Tianzhou-6 spacecraft into orbit. The spacecraft docked with the Tiangong space station nearly eight hours later. Tianzhou-6 features improvements over its predecessors, with 20% more pressurized volume and half a ton of additional cargo capacity. Tianzhou-6 carries supplies to last a crew of three for 280 days and more than 700 kilograms of experiments. A new crew is scheduled to launch to the station in the coming weeks. (5/11)

EchoStar Hopes for June Falcon Heavy Launch at Florida Spaceport (Source: Space News)
EchoStar is hoping to launch its long-delayed Jupiter 3 broadband satellite in August, unless it gets bumped by another SpaceX customer. The company said it expects Maxar to ship the satellite to Florida in June for a launch on a Falcon Heavy in August, but warned that the launch was "subject to preemption by certain higher-priority government launches." Another Falcon Heavy is scheduled to launch a Space Force mission in July. EchoStar needs the satellite, originally scheduled to launch in 2021, to relieve broadband capacity constraints that have led to subscriber losses for the operator. (5/11)

EnduroSat Raises $10 Million (Source: Space News)
EnduroSat, a European satellite-as-a-service startup, has raised $10 million. The company raised the Series A round from Luxembourg-based Ceecat Capital and Freigeist Capital of Germany. EnduroSat, headquartered in Bulgaria, will use the funding to scale up its operations. The 130-person company builds and operates smallsats for companies and organizations. (5/11)

Space Force STARCOM Plans Satellite Operator Training (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Space Force plans to release more details next month on development of a digital environment for training satellite operators. The Space Training and Readiness Command, or STARCOM, will host an Industry Day June 22-23 to brief companies on its plans to build a digital training infrastructure under a program called the National Space Test and Training Complex. The Space Force wants testbeds or virtualized environments that mimic the operation of satellites in orbit for training personnel. The Space Force requested $340 million in its 2024 budget proposal for what it calls an "operational testing and training infrastructure." (5/11)

SpaceX Launches Starlink Satellites From California, Recovers Booster (Source: SpaceFlight Now)
SpaceX launched more Starlink satellites Wednesday. A Falcon 9 lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 4:09 p.m. Eastern carrying 51 Starlink satellites. The company reported successful deployment of the satellites about a half-hour later. The launch ws the 31st of the year for SpaceX, a total that includes Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy orbital launches and its Starship test flight. (5/11)

Redwire Heads Toward Profitability (Source: Space News)
Jacksonville-based Redwire reported record revenue as it heads towards profitability. The space technology company said this week it had $57.6 million in revenue in the first quarter, 75.3% higher than the same quarter of 2022. Part of that increase comes from the acquisition of Space NV from Qinetiq last fall. The company had a net loss of $7.3 million in the quarter but reported positive adjusted EBITDA for the time since going public in 2021, at $4.3 million. The company said the increased revenues came from all its major business areas and from both commercial and government customers. (5/11)

Debt Limit Debate Pauses Work on Defense Authorization (Source: Politico)
The House is putting work on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on hold because the ongoing debt limit debate. The House Armed Services Committee said this week it was postponing markups of the NDAA, an essential defense policy bill, that were scheduled to begin today, with House leaders later saying that the delay was linked to negotiations between Congress and the White House on raising the debt limit and how that might affect spending. The Senate has also delayed work on its version of the NDAA to June. (5/11)

America's SPAC-Funded NewSpace Industry is Crashing (Source: Space News)
An array of NewSpace companies were funded through billions raised through SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies) and venture financing and are at the cutting edge of providing new and cheaper space products. In the launch industry, these include ABL, Astra, Firefly, Relativity Space, Rocket Lab, and Virgin Orbit are producing low-cost rockets. In the earth observation industry, Planet Labs competes with satellites from big defense contractors in photo-reconnaissance and Capella Space with a constellation that provides low-cost radar imaging. Axiom is building commercial space stations.

Many of these companies are struggling for two key reasons. First, because of the high cost of capital due to rising interest rates, the decline of SPACs and the drying up of venture capital. Venture and other early-stage financing in the space industry dropped by 50% in 2022, according to venture firm Space Capital. The stock prices of many of the publicly traded NewSpace companies, a good measure of the health of the industry, have dropped from 75-95% by one index.

The second reason our startup space industry is threatened is government policies that raise costs for the industry and slow innovation. The space industry faces a myriad of federal agencies as well as state rules. To launch Starship, SpaceX needed permission from the FAA, FCC, EPA, the Fish and Wildlife Service and many others. Each of these agencies imposes burdensome and time-consuming regulations. Regulation to protect public safety, the environment, wildlife, and the use of spectrum, among other goals, is important, but the U.S. currently does this in an unnecessarily burdensome, slow, and uncoordinated manner. The result may be companies running out of cash as instead of engineers, they have to hire compliance teams and law firms. (5/10)

Cosmonaut Tossed a Bag of Parts Into Space But NASA Said the Space Litter is Harmless (Source: Business Insider)
Last week, cosmonauts  Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin donned their spacesuits and ventured outside the International Space Station for a spacewalk that would last 7 hours and 11 minutes. The spacewalk went smoothly and was a success, but that's not the reason these cosmonauts are gaining attention. About 6.5 hours into the spacewalk, Prokopyev tossed an 11-pound bag of leftover equipment into space. "It flies beautifully," the cosmonaut said as it sped into the dark void. (5/10)

Several Prospective Bidders for Virgin Orbit Aim to Maintain Company’s Operations (Source: Flight Global)
Over 30 expressions have interest have been submitted for troubled air-launch specialist Virgin Orbit, with several looking to continue the company’s operations. Virgin Orbit filed for US Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection about a month ago, weeks after suffering a satellite launch failure during its inaugural sortie from the UK’s Spaceport Cornwall in January.

The bankruptcy court is overseeing the sale process, the final bid deadline for which expires later this month. Court filings also show that Virgin Orbit has been sent a notice to lien – a notification of consequences of non-payment – over outstanding invoices, by the maintenance and modification firm BAR Aviation which support the company’s Boeing 747-400 air-launch platform. The notice of lien has also been sent to JACM Holdings, which owns the 747 having acquired it in October 2015. According to the 4 May filing, the invoices amount to around $439,000. (5/10)

Starlink Unveils Suite of Top of the Line Internet Plans (Source: Teslarati)
SpaceX’s Starlink internet unit has unveiled a suite of new internet plans for customers who need the best of the best. The incredible engineering and growth success of SpaceX’s Starlink program cannot be understated. Just last week, the company revealed that it has been growing at a record pace and now has over 1.5 million subscribers, driven by growth in new sectors like aviation and maritime. Building on that success, Starlink has unveiled a suite of new commercial-grade “Priority” internet plans for customers who need the fastest internet possible.

Starlink’s newest Priority Internet plans are the fastest and most expensive plans the company has ever introduced. They are designed for customers with high internet speed requirements or consistently have a large number of people on their network. Starting at $250 per month, Priority Internet customers gain access to 1TB of “priority” data, which will come at faster download and upload speeds and be capable of carrying a large number of users at once. For those who need the top-of-the-line offering, customers can opt to spend more to unlock more priority data. For $500 per month, customers gain access to 2TB of priority data, and for a staggering $1,500 per month, customers can unlock 6TB of super-high-speed data. (5/10)

Southeast Asia's Space Race Chases Wins in Tourism, Communications (Source: Nikkei)
A new space race is heating up in Southeast Asia, with Thailand and Vietnam pursuing business opportunities in communications satellites and space tourism. Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) plans to launch an industrial satellite from India in August that it jointly developed with the U.K. The project marks the first time Thailand has played a central role in the development of a satellite. (5/11)

Japan Plans Expansion of Homegrown GPS Network to 11 Satellites (Source: Nikkei)
Japan intends to increase the number of satellites in its GPS-style system to 11 from four, letting users determine their precise location virtually anywhere in the country without relying on the American network. Tokyo's space policy committee has set a goal to expand the Michibiki Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, a network of satellites in geosynchronous orbit above Japan and Australia. (5/8)

Ohio Space Forum Returns to Cleveland (Source: JobsOhio)
The Dayton Development Coalition and JobsOhio, in partnership with NASA Glenn Research Center and the Northeastern Ohio Community, will present the Ohio Space Forum May 23 at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown in Cleveland, Ohio. The day-long conference will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and feature federal, military, industry, and academic leaders in the dynamic fields of space research, operations, intelligence, exploration, and defense. Speakers will address Ohio’s space history, and how the state continues to play a leading role. All are invited to learn more about growth opportunities for businesses in Ohio as we continue to support our nation’s vital space missions. (5/10)

ISRO Successfully Tests Semicryogenic Engine at New Facility (Source: The Hindu)
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) carried out the first integrated test on an intermediate configuration of its 2000 kN semicryogenic engine at the newly commissioned Semicryogenic Integrated Engine & Stage Test facility at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri. The test was carried out on May 10.

According to the space agency, the intermediate configuration, designated as Power Head Test Article (PHTA), comprises all the engine systems, except the thrust chamber. The test is the first in a series of tests planned to validate the design of the propellant feed system, including the low-pressure and high-pressure turbo-pumps, the gas generator, and control components. (5/11)

Possible Meteorite Crashes Into Family's Home (Source: WKMG)
An object believed to be 4-5 billion years old crashed into a house in New Jersey. The possible meteorite fell from the sky and through the roof of the home before landing on the floor of a bedroom. No one was home at the time. (5/10)

Michelin-Star Meals on the Edge of Space Offered for $130,000 (Source: CNN)
Eating a Michelin-star-level meal on the “edge of space” could be a reality next year, if French company Zephalto has its way. The space tourism venture, founded by former air traffic controller Vincent Farret d’Astiès, is currently selling “pre-reservation tickets” for upcoming trips in a pressurized capsule, dubbed Celeste, attached to a stratospheric balloon. This capsule will ascend to an altitude of 25 kilometers (about 15.5 miles), allowing guests to marvel at the curvature of the Earth. In between gawping at views, travelers will be wined and dined in style. (5/11)

Sidus Space Selected by Airbus OneWeb Satellites to Manufacture Satellite Hardware (Source: Sidus Space)
Sidus Space has been selected by Airbus OneWeb Satellites to design and build machined parts. The machined parts will be integrated into the portfolio of Arrow commercial small satellites manufactured by AOS. Airbus OneWeb Satellites LLC is a joint venture between Airbus and OneWeb. AOS manufactures satellites for the OneWeb commercial constellation and Airbus customers in Merritt Island, Florida. AOS is producing satellites for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, in support of U.S. government programs. (5/11)

Spire and OroraTech to Demo Wildfire Detection From Space for Canadian Space Agency (Source: Space Daily)
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has awarded a contract to Spire Global's newly acquired subsidiary, ExactEarth Ltd., for preparatory work on its WildFireSat mission. The mission aims to monitor all active wildfires in Canada from space on a daily basis to support wildfire management, provide Canadians with more precise information on smoke and air quality conditions, and more accurately measure the carbon emitted by wildfires. The initial contract will deliver preparatory work for implementation phases of the mission.

To make this project a reality, Spire will partner with OroraTech, the global industry leader in space-based thermal intelligence. The two companies have previously worked together on the successful launch of OroraTech's wildfire detection and monitoring mission on a Spire satellite in 2022. The economic impact of wildfires in Canada is significant, with global wildfire losses from 2018-2022 totaling $69 billion, according to Munich Re. Canada spends around $1 billion every year fighting wildfires, with indirect costs estimated to be several times higher. (5/10)

Vast Plans for Falcon 9 Launch Mean Smaller Station, but Faster Delivery (Source: Quartz)
The effort to fly the first privately built space habitat hinges on a partnership with SpaceX, says Vast president Max Haot. “If you want to build a space station, you need a crew vehicle to visit it,” he told Quartz. “The only crew vehicle you can buy in the Western world is the Dragon.” With Starship’s timing uncertain, Vast has prioritized being the first in orbit instead of the largest. “Doing it is more important than having a 7-meter station, Starship class, in a warehouse,” Haot says.

The final vehicle is planned to weigh 14 tons, standing 3.8 m in diameter and 10.1 m long, with an internal pressurized volume of some 70 m³, compared to the 9 m³ available inside the Dragon itself or the roughly 915 m³ of space inside ISS. Haven will be launched with all its consumables, like oxygen and water, onboard. There’s no plan to resupply the vehicle, and Vast expects to fly at least four crewed missions to the habitat before those supplies run out. (5/11)

Advancing 5G in Space Through 3GPP NTN (Source: FNN)
Imagine a world where you can connect to the internet in the middle of a desert, or where emergency responders can access data in the most challenging environments on earth. It may not be that far off, and the federal government is extremely interested. Satellite communications is important to the Department of Defense and other U.S. federal agencies as Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) are helping to enable satcom for 3GPP devices. 3GPP is helping connect, collect and communication in remote areas that otherwise would not be possible with more traditional forms of communications.

3GPP NTN doesn’t rely on land-based cellular towers to give devices service. Instead, 3GPP NTN operates from the stratosphere or in low-earth orbit. That service will be complementary to the service we already use for our devices today. But DoD and other agencies can leverage far more than just smartphones. Intelligence sensors, cameras and other payloads will be able to operate in environments that were only a fantasy just a few years ago. (5/2)

Satellites Need Cybersecurity Measures Too (Source: FNN)
You’ve heard a lot about cybersecurity within government networks. Well now there could be a similar ongoing battle in space, particularly with the nation’s and international satellites that we all rely on for our daily lives now. Some experts are ringing the alarm bell saying nation states are already crafting cyber-attacks against space-based assets, and the government is taking notice. Click here. (5/9) https://federalnewsnetwork.com/space-hour/2023/05/satellites-need-cybersecurity-measures-too/

A DIY-Rocket Club’s Risky Dream of Launching a Human to the Edge of Space (Source: PopSci)
While the world figures out what to do about private astronauts, and which risks and regulations should be accepted, CopSub is creeping forward. The group is currently working on and testing the design of a homemade rocket that might take a human more than 62 miles above Earth’s surface in another decade. Whether that cosmic cowpoke will come home or take a one-way trip, though, is an open question—one to which few rules apply. Click here. (3/28)

Sidus Space Expands Global Ground Site Network With New ATLAS Space Operations Contract (Source: Sidus Space)
Sidus Space has selected ATLAS Space Operations (ATLAS) to expand ground station services. The agreement is set to significantly increase the global network of ground stations for the LizzieSat™ constellation and further solidify Sidus Space's position as a leader in Space and Defense-as-a-Service solutions. (5/10)

Rocket Lab to Launch Small Satellite Swarm for NASA (Source: Rocket Lab)
Rocket Lab has signed a deal to launch NASA’s Starling mission, a multi-CubeSat mission to test and demonstrate autonomous swarm technologies, as well as automated space traffic management for groups of spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. The four Starling small satellites have been manifested on an Electron commercial rideshare mission scheduled for lift-off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand in Q3 this year. Rocket Lab will deliver the satellites to space within three months of the contract signing. (5/9)

Rocket Lab Completes Custom-Built Photon Spacecraft for Varda Space Industries (Source: Rocket Lab)
Rocket Lab has completed and shipped a custom Photon spacecraft developed for Varda Space Industries (“Varda”), a leading in-space manufacturing and hypersonic re-entry logistics company. The Rocket Lab-designed and built Photon spacecraft will provide power, communications, propulsion, and attitude control to Varda’s 120kg capsule that will produce pharmaceutical products in microgravity and return them to Earth. (5/9)

Virgin Orbit Fields Dozens Of Buyout Schemes (Source: Aviation Week)
Bankrupt Virgin Orbit has fielded more than 30 “indications of interest,” including “multiple” parties that proposed to continue to operate the stalled 747-based space launch startup and maintain a skeleton workforce, company representatives said late May 8. (5/9)

Virgin Galactic Loss Widens (Source: Orange County Business Journal)
Space tourism company Virgin Galactic Holdings (NYSE: SPCE) in Tustin said the net loss widened in the first quarter while reiterating its plans to start commercial service by the end of next month. The company’s shares were down in after-hours trading. The company reported a net loss of $159 million in the three months ended March 31, compared with a net loss $93 million in the same period a year ago. Revenue in the quarter was $392,000, a figure expected to rise once commercial service starts. The shares fell $2.8% to $3.97 apiece for a market cap of $1.2 billion as of 6.42 p.m. in New York. (5/9)

Azerbaijani PM Meets with President of SpaceX (Source: Trend)
Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov met with President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX Gwynne Shotwell on May 9, the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan told Trend. The importance of the preliminary agreement to be signed with SpaceX in connection with the provision of Starlink internet services in Azerbaijan was emphasized at the meeting. (5/9)

A Tour Inside the Thailand’s First Space Themed Hotel (Source: Manila Bulletin)
Some hotels and accommodations are bringing the space travel experience closer to its customers through space themed hotels and parks. One of those establishments is the Grande Centre Point Space. Located at Pattaya, in Thailand, this hotel is named as Thailand's first-ever space themed hotel. A product of innovative cutting edge design and technology, this hotel has 490 space rooms and suites inspired from actual space capsules, 12,000 square meter space water park, game zones, and a lot more. Click here. (5/10) https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/10/a-tour-inside-the-thailand-s-first-space-themed-hotel

Angara A5 Prototype Sent To Vostochny Spaceport (Source: Aviation Week)
Russia is close to completing the construction of a new launchpad for Angara rockets in Vostochny spaceport in the country’s Far East. The full-size engineering prototype of the heavy Angara A5 modification was sent to Vostochny from the Polyot assembly facility in Omsk, West Siberia, on May 5. (5/9)

SpaceX Bets Steel Plates Will Keep Launchpad From Blowing Up (Sources: Bloomberg, LabPadre)
Before SpaceX can try again to send its massive Starship rocket into orbit, the company needs to repair and renovate its badly damaged launch site in southern Texas. It’s unclear if the design changes SpaceX is planning will be sufficient. The launch attempt on April 20 destroyed the structure below the launchpad, sending chunks of sand, concrete and steel thousands of feet into the sky and setting fire to a nearby park. SpaceX now plans to install a water-cooled steel plate at the floor of the launch pad. Experts question whether this fix will be enough. Click here. (5/9)