March 19, 2024

SpaceX Planning Rapid Turnaround for Next Starship Flight (Source: Space News)
SpaceX hopes to conduct the next launch of its Starship vehicle as soon as early May, a schedule that will depend on how quickly it can get an amended launch license. Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX, said the company was still reviewing the data from the vehicle’s third integrated launch March 14 but expected to be ready to fly again soon. (3/19)

The US Government Seems Serious About Developing a Lunar Economy (Source: Ars Technica)
For the first time ever, the United States is getting serious about fostering an economy on the Moon. NASA, of course, is in the midst of developing the Artemis program to return humans to the Moon. As part of this initiative, NASA seeks to foster a lunar economy in which the space agency is not the sole customer. Last year, DARPA initated a study, LunA-10, to understand how best to facilitate a thriving lunar economy by 2035.

In December, DARPA announced that it was working with 14 different companies under LunA-10. These companies are assessing how services such as power and communications could be established on the Moon, and they're due to provide a final report by June. Last Thursday, DARPA issued a "Request for Information" for technological capabilities that could scale up lunar exploration and commerce.

A whole host of conditions must be met for a lunar economy to thrive. There must be something there that can be sold, be it resources, a unique environment for scientific research, low-gravity manufacturing, tourism, or another source of value. Reliable transportation to the Moon must be available. And there needs to be a host of services, such as power and communications for machines and people on the lunar surface. (

NRO Expects Even Lower National Security Space Launch Costs Starting in FY25 (Source: Breaking Defense)
The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) expects that the next round of launches to be procured through the Space Force’s National Security Space Launch (NSSL) will be even cheaper than current rates, which already represent a major drop from prices only a decade ago, according to the spy satellite agency’s deputy director.

Under NSSL Phase 3, the Space Force will begin in fiscal 2025 to contract with commercial launch providers for missions that will fly starting in FY27. For the first time, the Space Force intends to select three vendors of heavy-lift rockets, rather than only two as in previous phases, to compete on a case-by-case basis for launch contracts though FY29.

“As everybody knows, the cost of launch has come down dramatically. Where it used to be many hundreds of millions of dollars to get something into space, we’re now seeing for larger rockets well under $100 million, and $10 million dollars or less for some of the smaller rockets,” Troy Meink said. (3/18)

MDA Space Unveils AURORA (Source: Space Daily)
MDA introduced its innovative software-defined satellite series named AURORA at the Satellite 2024 Conference in Washington, D.C. The AURORA line signifies a leap forward in satellite technology, offering a mix of flexibility and advanced functionality to enhance satellite constellation performance, while minimizing both costs and time to deployment. (3/19)

Leonid Capital Partners Invests $6.25 Million in Space Propulsion Innovator Phase Four (Source: Space Daily)
Leonid Capital Partners, an investment firm specializing in high-growth tech ventures in the National Security sector, unveiled a $6.25 million investment in Phase Four, a pioneering company at the forefront of developing propulsion technologies for future space vehicles. Phase Four is positioned at the vanguard of aerospace technology, driving innovations in propulsion that promise to redefine speed and efficiency in space missions. These advancements are set to unlock new possibilities for orbital exploration and extend humanity's reach and impact in space. (3/19)

Orbit Fab Prices Refueling Ports at $30K Each (Source: Space News)
Orbit Fab has set the pricing for a spacecraft refueling port. The company said Tuesday it will offer its Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface, or RAFTI, fueling port for spacecraft for $30,000 each. RAFTI is designed to make it easier to refuel spacecraft on orbit by providing a standardized interface. Orbit Fab recently completed qualification testing of RAFTI, allowing it to deliver the first 100 RAFTI units to U.S. government and commercial customers over the next year. (3/19)

Benchmark Launches Propulsion Module on Orion Cubesat (Source: Space News)
Benchmark Space Systems has launched its first electric propulsion system. The company says its Xantus metal plasma thruster is on a 12U weather observation cubesat launched earlier this month by Orion Space Solutions. The millinewton-class Xantus thruster, which uses molybdenum as propellant, will soon start operations, the company said. Benchmark is preparing to deliver more than 50 of those thrusters to various customers this year, with strong interest from developers of microsatellites who want to use it for "precision maneuver" applications. (3/19)

Revolutionary Laser Technology Shapes the Future of Space Exploration (Source: Space Daily)
A groundbreaking laser beam, reminiscent of a light sabre, is making waves in technological advancements through its innovative guidance via a hair-thin water jet, mirroring the function of traditional fibre optics. The water jet's significant 'processing depth' facilitates the parallel slicing of larger specimens, simultaneously providing continuous cooling to the cut zone and the efficient removal of severed materials. (3/19)

MatSing Elevates Satellite Communications with Advanced Lens Antenna Technology (Source: Space Daily)
MatSing unveiled its latest innovation aimed at transforming satellite communications. The company has expanded its range of multibeam lens solutions, historically renowned in the telecom sector, to accommodate a wide array of satellite applications. This strategic advancement leverages the unique multibeam and high-performance capabilities of its Luneburg Lens technology, along with proprietary materials, to offer unparalleled efficiency in satellite communication systems. (3/19)

Rivada Space Networks Unveils OuterNET (Source: Space Daily)
Rivada Space Networks has announced the launch of the OuterNET, its groundbreaking low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellation designed to deliver the first-ever single, global, and omnipresent communications network. "With OuterNET, we're making true global wireless connectivity a reality for the first time," proclaimed Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada. This innovation not only symbolizes a leap into a new era of connectivity but also embodies Rivada's refreshed brand identity, inspired by the network's potential to transform global communications. (3/19)

SDA to Exclude Raytheon Satellites From Tranche 1 Tracking Layer (Source: Space News)
The Space Development Agency (SDA) will not include seven satellites from Raytheon in a missile-tracking constellation. The agency said it is "reevaluating and considering re-scoping" the contract with the company to provide satellites for the Tranche 1 Tracking Layer. SDA did not explain why Raytheon will not be delivering seven satellites the company was expected to build under a $250 million contract SDA awarded in March 2023.

Industry sources said the company was at risk of having to absorb higher-than-expected overruns due to increased costs on the fixed-price contract. SDA ordered the satellites after previously selecting L3Harris and Northrop Grumman to each provide 14 satellites for the constellation. The loss of the Raytheon satellites should not significantly impact the performance of the missile-tracking network, SDA stated. (3/19)

GEO Operators Partner with Terrestrial Providers to Challenge Starlink (Source: Space News)
Operators of GEO communications satellites are turning to partnerships with local service providers to better compete with SpaceX's Starlink. Operators said on a panel at the Satellite 2024 conference Monday that working with local providers allows them to better serve customers, particularly in rural communities, where the providers can install and replace hardware faster than the weeks it can take to ship and receive a new Starlink terminal. The relatively high cost of Starlink terminals is also an obstacle in markets where consumers have little disposable income. (3/19)

NRO Plans Mix of Large and Small Satellites in Future Architecture (Source: Space News)
The National Reconnaissance Office is pursuing a mix of large and small spacecraft for its future architecture of spy satellites. Troy Meink said the NRO sees value in leveraging new commercial capabilities for certain missions where small satellites can meet requirements at lower cost. However, the NRO will continue to invest in larger, more capable satellites for critical needs. As an example, the NRO plans to launch a small satellite on a Rocket Lab Electron later this week, followed next week by a launch of one of its largest satellites on the final Delta 4 Heavy. (3/19)

Belgium's Aerospacelab to Build NavSat for Xona Constellation (Source: Space News)
Belgian satellite manufacturer Aerospacelab will build the first satellite for Xona Space Systems. The companies announced Tuesday that Aerospacelab will build the satellite, part of Xona's planned constellation to provide navigation services, at a facility Aerospacelab is establishing in the U.S. The companies did not disclose when the satellite would launch. The satellite is based on an Aerospacelab bus called Versatile Satellite Platform, or VSP, with six such spacecraft currently in orbit. (3/19)

Spain's Startical Plans Air Traffic Management Constellation (Source: Space News)
A joint venture of two Spanish companies has ordered the first satellites for a planned constellation for air traffic management services. Startical, a joint venture of Spanish defense contractor Indra and air navigation services provider Enaire, said Monday it ordered a 20-kilogram satellite from GomSpace and a 110-kilogram satellite from Kongsberg NanoAvionics. Both satellites are scheduled to launch next year to demonstrate how they can be used to track aircraft and provide VHF radio communications for them. Startical has proposed deploying a constellation of more than 270 satellites to provide those services. (3/19)

Argentina's Orbith Orders GEO Broadband Satellite From Astranis (Source: Space News)
Astranis has won another order for its small GEO broadband satellites. Astranis announced Monday that Orbith, a remote connectivity provider based in Argentina, had ordered a satellite for launch in 2025 as part of the Block 3 series of five satellites by Astranis. Other customers for Block 3 satellites include Thaicom, Orbits Corp. of the Philippines and Mexican telco Apco Networks. (3/19)

GEO Demand Falls But Remains Relevant (Source: Space News)
Manufacturers of GEO communications satellites argue that such satellites are not going away despite reduced demand. During a Satellite 2024 panel, executives acknowledged that orders had dropped significantly in recent years, down to an average of about 10 satellites a year. Despite that decline, they said GEO satellites still offer good economics compared to LEO constellations and can also support multi-orbit solutions. (3/19)

Kayhan Offers Space Traffic Software to Universities (Source: Space News)
Kayhan Space is offering a version of its space traffic coordination software platform for universities. The company announced Tuesday its Pathfinder Classroom platform, intended for use by universities operating their own cubesats or for simulating spacecraft operations. The company says that this version of its existing Pathfinder system will help educate students on the importance of spaceflight safety before they enter the workforce. (3/19)

SpaceX Launches Starlink Satellites From California (Source: LA Times)
A Starlink launch Monday evening put on a show for many in the southwestern United States. A Falcon 9 lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 10:28 p.m. Eastern, deploying 22 Starlink satellites. The launch took place around dusk, creating a brilliant backlit plume as the rocket ascended. That plume was seen throughout southern California and as far away as Las Vegas and Phoenix. (3/19)

Maxar Readies First WorldView Legion Launch From California (Source: Space News)
Maxar is finally ready to launch its first WorldView Legion satellites. The company said Monday it shipped the first two Legion satellites to Vandenberg for a launch as soon as next month on a Falcon 9. This marks a crucial milestone for the WorldView Legion program, which has suffered repeated setbacks since Maxar started developing the spacecraft in 2017. Maxar is planning to launch six WorldView Legion satellites, tripling its capacity to provide high-resolution imagery. (3/19)

Space Workforce Effort Expands (Source: Space News)
The Aerospace Corp. and the Space Foundation are joining forces to expand the Space Workforce 2030 program. Aerospace started the Space Workforce 2030 initiative in 2022, forming a coalition of about 30 member companies with the goal of promoting a more diverse and inclusive workforce within the space industry. The expansion includes several new initiatives such as increasing outreach to underrepresented groups, providing educational opportunities like internships and working with companies to promote inclusive hiring practices. Melanie Stricklan, co-founder and former CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, will be the first executive director of Space Workforce 2030. (3/19)

Tom Stafford Passes at 93 (Source: CollectSpace)
Apollo and Gemini astronaut Tom Stafford has died. Stafford passed away Monday at the age of 93 after an extended illness. Stafford was selected in NASA's second class of astronauts in 1962 and he flew on the Gemini 6A and Gemini 9A missions, followed by Apollo 10, a dress rehearsal for the Apollo 11 landing. He was the U.S. commander of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975, the first joint crewed mission between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. A retired Air Force lieutenant general, Stafford served on various committees and study groups up until his death. (3/19)

China's Lunar Presence Could Threaten US Satellites (Source: Defense One)
The US Space Force is wary of China's lunar ambitions, fearing that operations on and around the Moon could introduce novel methods of attacking US satellites, with both nations aiming to send astronauts there by the decade's end. Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir expressed concern over unexplored potential attack vectors from lunar or cislunar positions. (3/18)

Accelerating Starship (Source: Space Review)
SpaceX conducted the third integrated test flight of its Starship/Super Heavy vehicle last week, going further and faster than before. Jeff Foust reports on the company’s progress on the vehicle but also its need to move even faster in its development. Click here. (3/18)
 
Texas Space Commissions, From Conestoga to Starship (Source: Space Review)
The Texas state government has reestablished a space commission more than two decades after the previous one was shut down. Thomas Matula argues that a priority for the new commission should be to establish a launch site for the state’s growing space industry. Click here. (3/18)
 
Proposing a National Naming Competition for Our Lunar Exploration Program (Source: Space Review)
Names carry with them meanings, be they for people or spaceflight programs. In the first of two-part essay, Cody Knipfer looks at the history of how NASA has named its various programs and missions. Click here. (3/18)

Biden’s Tax Proposals Would Hurt Commercial Space (Source: The Hill)
The idea of a wealth tax as proposed by Biden is that the government would tax a proportion of unrealized capital gains enjoyed by the wealthy. If the targeted assets rise in value, the government would take 25 percent of that increase. The owner would not have to actually sell the assets for the tax to be levied. The proposal would work at cross purposes against another Biden administration policy, encouraging the growth of the commercial space sector to further American space exploration goals.

If Congress were to pass Biden’s tax increases, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and a host of other commercial space companies would not have as much money available to build rocket ships and lunar landers as they otherwise would. NASA’s space effort, including maintaining the International Space Station, depends on the commercial space sector, run primarily by billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, to operate cost-effectively. The Biden administration is faced with a choice. It can either institute draconian tax increases against the private sector and wealthy Americans or have a vigorous, well-funded space effort powered by commercial space companies. It cannot have both. (3/17)

For Space Force to Succeed, It Needs Starships from SpaceX (Source: National Interest)
An operational and robust Starship program denies both China and Russia some of their targeted goals in space. A safe and consistent Starship program for the military would also grant newfound capabilities to the US military: a rapidly deployable, reusable heavy-lift system for the rapid transportation of troops and equipment—at hypersonic speeds—from one location to another. Such a capability could help win future wars, where degraded environments would likely prevent the US military from employing traditional power projection methods.

All this is made possible by one, relatively small American firm, SpaceX. If Space Force means to be a serious player within the military bureaucracy it needs to do more than just defend satellites. It needs to develop a manned spaceflight and rapid spaceborne transportation capability. Only by purchasing a block of militarized Starships from SpaceX can this happen. Whether Washington wants to admit it or not, the era of space warfare is here. And Starship will play a vital role in winning that space war. (3/17)