August 14, 2023

UK Space Agency Announces Vital US/UK Partnership between Pulsar Fusion and the University of Michigan (Source: Pulsar)
Pulsar Fusion announced a trans-Atlantic partnership concerning electric propulsion research. Electric propulsion and specifically "Hall effect thrusters" are a key technology enabler for spacecraft. This UK Space Agency collaboration will develop a relationship with the leading university research center in Hall thrusters in the USA (and arguably the world): the Plasma dynamics and Electric Propulsion Lab at the University of Michigan, along with leading Hall thruster companies Pulsar Fusion (UK) & Starlight Engines (US) and the University of Southampton (UK).

NASA has identified a strategic need over the next decade for electric propulsion, in particular in the field of high-power electric propulsion and propellants. Hall thrusters are finding application in a vast array of different spacecraft missions, including geostationary satellites and interplanetary missions. This includes robotic rendezvous missions such as those developed by Northrop Grumman and Astroscale, in particular for spacecraft de-orbiting, and interplanetary missions such as the Lunar Gateway Space Station and the NASA Psyche mission. (8/14)

In an Age of Cynicism, Artemis Astronauts Seem Extraordinary Heroes to This '70s Child (Source: Florida Today)
As a little kid growing up in the ‘70s, one who walked around with a briefcase stuffed with comic books, my knowledge of space travel was limited to the Justice League’s interstellar battles with Starro the Alien Conqueror and stories about the brooding Martian Manhunter. Sure, we learned about astronauts like Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landing on the moon, but to that 6-year-old, wrapped in a bedsheet for a cape, they weren't Batman, if you get my drift.

Five decades later, and far removed from those hot southern summers leafing through the comic books with my best friend Antoine, I found myself standing a few feet away from a new set of real-life heroes. The Artemis II’s four-member crew — decked out in their crisp, electric-blue flight suits — stepped into the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building this week at the Kennedy Space Center to look at the unfinished Orion crew module as reporters looked on. (8/14)

Europe Forced to Turn to Elon Musk’s Rockets in the Global Space Race (Source: Telegraph)
In the tropical heat on the coast of French Guiana sits a 200ft tall rocket. Ariane 6, which was designed to carry forward the space ambitions of the European Union, has been undergoing tests at the bloc’s official space port at Guiana Space Center. While thousands of miles from Brussels, French Guiana is an overseas territory of France and offers Europe a gateway to orbit.

However, the project is already three years behind schedule and not expected to yield results until next year at the earliest. The delays come at a crucial time in the new global space race: Russia is now cut off from the West’s space operations, while China is in the ascendance. (8/14)

Launches Factor Into Space Coast Tourism Marketing (Source: Florida Today)
The Space Coast Office of Tourism plans to spend a record $14.33 million in the coming year to market Brevard County to potential tourists. Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis detailed a wide-ranging promotions and advertising campaign in presentations to the Brevard County Tourist Development Council.

The Office of Tourism commissioned a survey of 500 people in three Florida markets and six out-of-state markets to find out what they are looking for in a beach vacation. Cranis noted that "our research showed that 44% of people said they would change their beach vacation if they knew they would get to see a rocket launch, so there is certainly room for messages that promote both beaches and launches.” (8/14)

Rocket Lab to Scale Up Neutron Production at Former Virgin Orbit Facility (Source: Space News)
Rocket Lab says a Virgin Orbit facility it acquired in a bankruptcy auction will help it scale up production of its Neutron rocket. Virgin Orbit bid $16.1 million for Virgin Orbit's main production facility and the equipment inside in May. Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's CEO, said in an earnings call last week that the company estimated the value of that facility at $100 million, and acquiring it will provide a cost-effective way of scaling up production of engines and other components of Neutron. Rocket Lab has tweaked the design of Neutron recently, incorporating changes like larger landing legs optimized for barge landings. Beck said the company was making good progress on Neutron and is "still working towards getting something on the pad by 2024." (8/14)

China Launches Long March 3B and Kuaizhou Missions (Source: Space News)
China conducted a pair of launches over the weekend. A Long March 3B rocket lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 1:36 p.m. Eastern Saturday, placing into orbit the Land Exploration-4 01 (Ludi Tance-4 (01)) satellite. The spacecraft is described as the first "high-orbit" synthetic aperture radar satellite, operating in GEO. A Kuaizhou-1A lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 1:32 a.m. Eastern Monday and placed five HEDE-3 satellites into orbit. Those satellites join earlier satellites designed to obtain and transmit data for shipping and other maritime industries. (8/14)

Belarus to Send Cosmonaut to ISS (Source: TASS)
Belarus has selected a cosmonaut to fly to the International Space Station next year. Alexander Lukashenko, president of Belarus, said Friday that Marina Vasilevskaya will go to the station on a Soyuz mission in March 2024. Vasilevskaya is a flight attendant for the country's airline, Belavia. She was one of several women selected as finalists for the short-duration mission to the station. (8/14)

Cosmonaut Viktorenko Dies (Source: CollectSpace)
Russian cosmonaut Alexander Viktorenko has died. Viktorenko was selected to the then-Soviet cosmonaut corps in 1978 and launched four times to the Mir space station between 1987 and 1994, accumulating 489 days in space. He conducted six spacewalks on those missions, including one where he tested a "space motorcycle" similar to NASA's Manned Maneuvering Unit. He later served as an instructor at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. Viktorenko died last week at the age of 76. (8/14)

Benchmark Raises $33 Million, Makes Milestone Move To New HQ (Source: Benchmark)
Benchmark Space Systems announced it has raised $33 million in Series B funding and moved its headquarters to facilities featuring state-of-the-art testing systems and four times the manufacturing capacity. The funding will enable the company to accelerate its transition from R&D to production for its non-toxic propulsion systems. Benchmark’s new HQ is just around the corner from its previous home in Vermont, with hot fire chambers, vibration tables, thermal vacuum chambers and lean production flow lines housed in ISO 7 clean-room environments. (8/10)

World-First Superconducting Electromagnet for Space Applications Set for Launch (Source: Zenno)
New Zealand headquartered space-flight systems company Zenno Astronautics (Zenno) has completed the integration of its world-first superconducting magnetic torquer for fuel-free spacecraft attitude control, the Z01, inside D-Orbit’s ION Satellite Carrier in preparation for its first in-orbit validation mission. The orbital transfer vehicle with Z01 integrated is slated for launch via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in Q4 2023. (8/7)

Panasonic Avionics Unveils Expansion to GEO Satellite Connectivity Network (Source: Panasonic)
Panasonic Avionics announces a major expansion of its global connectivity network, with the addition of new and expanded GEO (geostationary) Ku-band satellite capacity that delivers higher-speed in-flight internet connections for airlines and their passengers. Panasonic Avionics is also expanding its current capabilities by introducing additional HTS capacity over China and Japan, building on existing connectivity investments in this region. (8/10)

Ecliptic Receives $5M Investment From ARQUIMEA (Source: Ecliptic)
The investment will support advancements in Ecliptic’s rad hard cameras and space routers for lunar missions, multispectral high resolution optical payloads for Earth Observation and compact “smart” cameras for surveillance. ARQUIMEA recently acquired 100% of Ecliptic with California State Department endorsement. The acquisition will support Ecliptic’s growth and accelerate new products development. (8/9)

Chinese University Obtains Chang'e-5 Lunar Samples (Source: HKU)
The geologists at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have obtained lunar soil samples collected by the Chinese lunar probe Chang'e-5 in 2020. This marks the first time that a Hong Kong research team has secured such samples. These lunar samples offer valuable insights into the Moon’s geological and thermal history and its connection to the formation and evolution of planetary bodies in the Solar System. The achievement by the HKU team underscores the university's growing contributions to China's lunar and planetary exploration efforts. (8/7)

First Plane Lands at Vostochny Cosmodrome’s Airport (Source: TASS)
The airport of the Vostochny Cosmodrome, currently under construction, has received the first airplane. Roscosmos added that the crew practiced an exercise to prepare for an approach and carry out a landing in a situation where the available means facilitating approach are limited. Last November, Roscosmos told TASS that construction work on the launch complex for the Angara launch vehicle at the Vostochny Cosmodrome was 75% complete. (8/14)

Northrop Grumman Achieves Key Milestone in Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (Source: Northrop Grumman)
Northrop Grumman has delivered two major components of the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) and has started the next phase of pre-launch preparations. This two-satellite constellation will deliver protected satellite communications to the Northern polar region – one of the most difficult locations on earth to deliver communications. (8/7)

SSTL & Partners Awarded Investment from UK Space Agency (Source: SSTL)
SSTL was delighted to hear the UK Space Agency announce we - and our partners Assimilia, RAL Space, CSIRO Space & Astronomy and SmartSat CRC (Australia) - were awarded funding from the initial phase of the International Bilateral Fund investment. This is the agency's first fund dedicated to building international partnerships, and our specific activities here will focus on the creation of an integrated ground-to-space national water quality monitoring system. Effectively in line with CSIRO's activities down under with their AquaWatch program. (8/10)

SSTL and Neumann Space Partner to Test Australian Made Propulsion System on Demo Mission (Source: SSTL)
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and Neumann Space announced that they have agreed to work together to test an Australian designed and manufactured in-space propulsion system as part of the CarbSAR In Orbit Demonstration Mission. SSTL and Neumann Space will commence work this year to integrate the next generation Neumann Drive as an IOD payload on board the SSTL CarbSAR satellite. (8/8)

SmallSat Education Conference Planned at Cape Canaveral Spaceport (Source: SPACErePORT)
The SmallSat Education Conference serves as an important East Coast gathering where educators, administrators, and students will learn about CubeSats, ThinSats, and High Altitude Balloon programs. Our target audiences are faculty and students from middle school through college. Presenters will include existing university teams and industry experts. You will not find a better value as costs as kept as close to zero as possible for students and educators. Click here. (8/12)

Multiple Partners to Validate Stem Cell Production on Space Station (Source: CASIS)
BioServe Space Technologies at the University of Colorado Boulder and Sierra Space have developed a pathfinder spaceflight investigation designed to expand hematopoietic stem cells (stem cells that develop into blood cells) derived from umbilical cord blood in microgravity. The project is being done in partnership with researchers from the Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville, Florida) and ClinImmune on the University of Colorado Medical Campus. 

When grown on Earth, hematopoietic stem cells lose their multipotency (ability to become many types of blood cell types), which is not optimal for patient recovery. Previous research conducted by the Mayo Clinic indicates that mesenchymal stem cells (stem cells that develop into a variety of cell types, including bone, cartilage, and fat cells) produced in space could have greater potency than their terrestrial counterparts. (7/27)

Why Space, Why UK, Why Now? (Source: Seraphim)
With the UK attracting more investment in space projects than any other country, excluding the US and China, the UK Space industry is booming. This live webinar will host the CEO of the UK Space Agency, Paul Bate and Seraphim Space CEO, Mark Boggett. They will be discussing the current landscape of the UK space industry and what’s on the horizon.

The UK is focused on delivering a range of priorities including economic growth, levelling Up and reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The space sector provides a unique opportunity for the UK to deliver against these priorities, through both its direct economic contribution across the country, as well as its critical role in supporting other key sectors that have a large economic footprint. Space enables solutions to the globe’s biggest challenges, such as climate change, sustainability, global security and food security. (8/13)

U.S. Military and Allies Get a Feel for the Value of Commercial Satellite Imagery (Source: Space News)
U.S. Space Force imagery specialists during a recent military exercise in South America helped locate illegal fishing boats and track other activities using commercial sensor satellites. The exercise showed how unclassified data from commercial satellites can be leveraged for maritime security and other military applications. A team from Space Systems Command  participated in the 2023 Resolute Sentinel exercise in Lima, Peru. Imagery and data analytics specialists from the United States, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, and the United Kingdom worked at Peru’s satellite imagery national operations center. (8/13)

GAO Affirms NASA's Decision on Intuitive Machines' $719M Lunar Contract (Source: Space Daily)
In a recent move, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has endorsed NASA's evaluation of the OMES III proposals, which subsequently resulted in a significant award to Intuitive Machines. The nod from GAO further reinforces the confidence in the selection process. The contract, a hefty five-year deal valued at up to $719 million, was awarded to Space and Technology Solutions. This is the Doing Business As (DBA) moniker for Space Network Solutions LLC. The venture is spearheaded by Houston-based Intuitive Machines in collaboration with KBR, a global provider of differentiated professional services. (8/11)

De-Orbiting PS4 Stage in PSLV-C56 Mission (Source: Space Daily)
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) accomplished a milestone in its latest mission PSLV-C56. ISRO initiated a descent of the PS4 stage from its initial 536 km altitude to a lower 300 km circular orbit. This maneuver, an effort to adhere to India's commitment to global space debris mitigation, was achieved by recalibrating the Onboard Guidance Algorithm. To accomplish this descent, the Orbit Change Thrusters, which are low thrust engines, were activated on two separate occasions. (8/11)

RTX and Blue Canyon unveil new high-capacity XB16 CubeSat (Source: Space Daily)
In response to the ever-growing demand in the satellite industry for greater payload size, weight, and power (SWaP), RTX's satellite manufacturer arm, Blue Canyon Technologies (BCT), has recently unveiled the XB16 CubeSat. This new offering stands as the most sizable form factor within its current CubeSat product portfolio. The XB16 CubeSat is a testament to the technological strides the industry is making. It provides a substantial 14U payload volume. Furthermore, it comes with an option that is dependent on its cannister that could give an extra 12,000 cubic centimeters of volume.
(8/11)

ICEYE US Receives First NASA Commercial Smallsat Data Task Order (Source: Space Daily)
ICEYE US Inc, renowned for its persistent Earth monitoring through radar imaging satellites, has secured its inaugural Task Order as a part of a previously announced Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with NASA. This accord grants NASA the capacity to procure and assess ICEYE's synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) data. This evaluation is intended to serve the scientific and academic spheres, assisting them in determining the data's potential in advancing the Earth Science research objectives of NASA. The financial backing for the BPA is provided by the Earth Science Division within the Science Mission Directorate. (8/11)

Advances in Satellites, Networking Technology Enable Better Federal Hurricane Response Planning (Source: FNN)
American weather forecasters are pretty adept at predicting hurricanes. Meteorologists at NOAA start tracking tropical storms as soon as they begin to form. They predict windspeed and probable points of landfall well in advance. This helps the government direct evacuation orders to the right communities, saving lives, vehicles and the few personal items people can take with them.

What can’t be foreseen is the damage these storms cause to buildings, roads, utilities and other local infrastructure. Hurricanes cost billions of dollars in property damage every year, and the destruction is getting worse as climate change increases storm intensity and adds a new variable of severe coastal flooding from rising seas. Property insurance companies are raising rates, not just to cover costs, but also to dissuade homeowners from coastal and other communities in states that could be ravaged by hurricanes. (8/11)

Boeing Is Getting Absolutely Destroyed by SpaceX (Source: Futurism)
For the uninitiated, Boeing and SpaceX were simultaneously awarded flush NASA contracts to build crew capsules back in 2014, a major milestone in NASA's renewed efforts to get humans back into space. But over the years since, Boeing's quest to kick its Starliner into gear have been nothing short of cursed. Though the Boeing-built spacecraft did finally make it into orbit — and manage to succesfully dock, uncrewed, at the ISS last year — its attempts at a crewed mission have been plagued by a long series of hardware and software issues, straight-up shoddiness, and shameful company attempts to skirt basic safety precautions to boot.

As it stands, per ExtremeTech, Boeing has reported a staggering $1.1 billion in losses on Starliner. Given the vast expense of the spacecraft, each unforced error has left Boeing and NASA with a fair share of egg on their faces. SpaceX, meanwhile, has charged ahead, with the Musk-founded firm now eyeing its seventh crewed flight for NASA, slated for later this month. So, you know, probably safe to say that America's space agency has a favorite kid. (8/10)

Evidence for Modified Gravity Found in the Motions of Binary Stars (Source: Universe Today)
With our continued failure to discover dark matter particles, it’s worth considering alternatives. While dark matter is the most widely supported model, the alternatives fall into two broad paths. One is that we should look to extended models of general relativity, such as conformal gravity. The other argues we should modify the very nature of Newtonian dynamics. The first approach tends to be popular with theorists since it focuses on an abstract theory in the same vein as Einstein’s original ideas. The second, often known as Modified Newtonian Dynamics, or MoND, tends to be more popular with observational astronomers.

Taking data from the Gaia Space Telescope, the author analyzed the orbital motion of 26,500 wide-binary systems and compared the gravitational accelerations of the stars with their orbital separations. At larger accelerations, the orbits agree with both AQUAL and Newtonian gravity, but at smaller accelerations, the binary orbits deviate from Newton exactly as AQUAL predicts. In other words, for thousands of binary systems, AQUAL is a better model of their motion than Newton. This would seem to contradict dark matter models. (8/11)

Lunar Outpost Delivers First Flight Model Rover in Record Time (Source: Lunar Outpost)
Lunar Outpost, Inc. has delivered its first flight model rover, the Lunar Vertex Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP), to the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, for integration and final testing. The event marks a major milestone for the company, a proof point of their commercial viability in the emerging cislunar economy, proving they’re capable of delivering a highly capable, cost-effective lunar rover in record time. (8/7)