March 17, 2024

Arabsat and Aldoria Collaborate on Enhancing Space Safety and Security (Source: Arabsat)
Arabsat, the leading satellite operator in the Arab world, and Aldoria, a pioneering space situational awareness company, announced at LEAP 2024, the world's most attended tech event (Saudi Arabia), the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on enhancing space safety and security. This MoU is one of the fruitful outcomes of the 1st Space Debris Conference in Saudi Arabia held in Riyadh on February 11-12 and organized by the Saudi Space Agency. (3/12)

Redwire Partners with Eli Lilly on Second Mission for Chronic Diseases Research (Source: Redwire)
Jacksonville-based Redwire is partnering with Eli Lilly on a second spaceflight mission using its in-space pharmaceutical manufacturing platform, PIL-BOX. On this second mission (PIL-02)Lilly researchers will be conducting an experiment aimed at accelerating the discovery of novel medicines against chronic diseases. Following the successful results of the PIL-01 experiment, which demonstrated that microgravity benefited insulin crystal growth, Lilly researchers will use the PIL-02 mission to expand their understanding of crystal formulations and how they impact overall drug discovery and development. (3/12)

New Step Toward Ecosystem for Laser Satellite Communication in The Netherlands (Source: TNO)
TNO and FSO Instruments today announced that they have entered into license and cooperation agreements. Under the agreements FSO Instruments will obtain worldwide rights to industrialize and commercialize TNO’s laser satellite communication technology. This optical technology enables much faster and more secure broadband connectivity than the radio frequencies that are currently used. The agreement marks both parties’ commitment to build up a long-term partnership to establish an European ecosystem for laser satellite communication, based in the Netherlands. (3/13)

Yahsat to Bring Satellite Connectivity to Standard Smartphones (Source: Yahsat)
Yahsat and e& UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding under its Direct-to-Device (D2D) strategy. The collaboration includes exploring various initiatives and projects concerning Yahsat’s planned D2D ecosystem to enable voice, texting, and data satellite connectivity for standard smartphones. (3/14)

Winners of Small Space Debris Global Challenge Announced (Source: Freelancer)
Innovative solutions aimed at tracking and remediating debris in low-Earth orbit were awarded a share of $120,000. Global freelancing marketplace Freelancer.com and Ensemble Consultancy are thrilled to announce the winners of the Detect, Track, and Remediate: The Challenge of Small Space Debris competition. Click here. (3/14)

Thales Alenia Space Will Develop the Radar Instrument for ESA’s 10th Earth Explorer Harmony Mission (Source: Thales Alenia)
Thales Alenia Space, a Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a first 7M€ contract with ESA to develop the Earth Observation Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) instrument to be embarked on the two Harmony satellites, ESA’s 10th Earth Explorer mission.

This bridging phase contract is the first step towards the final contract for the overall SAR implementation phase. Under this contract, Thales Alenia Space will lead a diversified European industrial consortium to design, develop and validate the C-Band SAR instruments and will also be responsible of the C-Band digital electronic and antenna tiles to be embarked on both Harmony satellites, expected to be launched aboard a Vega-C launch vehicle by 2029. (3/14)

GomSpace North America Announces Next Phase of Satellite Partnership with SAIC (Source: GomSpace)
GomSpace North America has announced the next milestone of a long-term partnership with SAIC, the $7 billion Federal contractor headquartered in Reston, Virginia. The companies announced a strategic partnership in 2023, and now SAIC has purchased a satellite kit from GomSpace which SAIC will integrate into a specialized satellite at their space development center. GomSpace engineers and scientists will work with SAIC personnel. GomSpace has produced robust and reliable satellites and components for over 15 years. (3/12)

FCC Advances Supplemental Coverage from Space Framework (Source: FCC)
The FCC today adopted final rules to establish a new regulatory framework to revolutionize connectivity across the United States.  The world’s first supplemental coverage from space (SCS) framework leverages cutting-edge satellite technology to extend the reach of wireless networks to remote areas.  This will enable collaborations between wireless carriers and satellite operators to make sure smartphone users stay connected even in areas where there is no terrestrial mobile service.

Through today’s action, the FCC takes the first step in establishing clear and transparent processes to support these services.  Connecting consumers to essential wireless services where traditional mobile services are not available can be lifesaving in remote locations and can open up innovative opportunities for consumers and businesses.  This action also builds on the Commission’s efforts to promote innovative and collaborative use of radio spectrum resources, particularly as communications systems converge towards a single network future. (3/14)

Examining Florida's Toxic Triangle and Its Impact on the Space Coast (Source: Advocates Voice)
The space industry's legacy of environmental degradation continues to haunt the region, as accidental spills and outdated sewage facilities contributed to the Indian River Lagoon's pollution. Heavy metals, mercury, chlorinated solvents, and other industry pollutants have impacted local waterways. A remedial investigation found concentrations of TCE as high as 300,000 parts per billion in groundwater at the Kennedy Space Center. The EPA considers less than 5ppb safe. The environmental consequences associated with space shuttle flights included the fallout of acidic mist and dust, contaminated holding ponds, groundwater, soil pollution, and plumes that required monitoring wells installed throughout Canaveral National Seashore.

As a result, local residents remain concerned about the impact of space launches on the surrounding ecosystem. It is important to note that rocket engines using hydrocarbon fuels produce soot, which absorbs ultraviolet light and can potentially heat the stratosphere, affecting the conditions on the ground. Industry leaders often claim that research is still playing catch-up and that the full extent of the potential damage is not yet fully understood, leaving many questions unanswered. Looking ahead, the number of space tourism flights is expected to soar in the next decade, with multiple flights occurring daily.

Over the years, several investigations have been conducted into disease clusters in Brevard County. These include a high incidence of leukemia cases in children near a Superfund site in Palm Bay, a high rate of Hodgkin's Lymphoma in teens near Patrick military base in South Patrick Shores, ALS among workers at Kennedy Space Center, and a concerning situation of blood cancer and asthma in Port St. John situated between two power plants. These investigations shed light on the health challenges faced by different communities in Brevard County. (3/11)