February 28, 2025

Shenzhou 19 Crew Advances Scientific Research and Conducts Training in Space (Source: Space Daily)
Astronauts aboard China's Tiangong space station have been actively engaged in scientific research and technical tasks, as confirmed by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). A video released by the CMSA on Sunday showcased astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze conducting operations inside the space station's core module, Tianhe. Having been in space for nearly four months, they have undertaken multiple experiments focused on human physiology and space science. (2/28)

An Interstate Compact for Space Transportation Oversight (Source: SPACErePORT)
As described in this October 2024 op-ed, an Interstate Compact is being considered among some states with an interest in freeing launch and landing operations from excessive federal oversight. Interstate Compacts are agreements between two or more states that require congressional approval if they affect federal authority. The idea may have been far-fetched in October, but the Government's present posture makes this a real alternative, so Florida and at least one other state appear to be on board. (2/28)

How a Supernova 6 Million Years Ago May Have Kicked Evolution into Overdrive (Source: Daily Galaxy)
Around 6 million years ago, a massive supernova may have sent a wave of cosmic radiation crashing into Earth. At first glance, this distant event in the cosmos might seem irrelevant to life on our planet. But a new study suggests that the explosion could have played a role in a rapid evolutionary shift—one that reshaped life in Africa’s Lake Tanganyika and possibly beyond.

Scientists have long known that cosmic radiation can alter DNA, but could it have accelerated evolution itself? This research opens a provocative new chapter in our understanding of how deep space events might have shaped Earth’s biological history. Investigating sediment samples from Lake Tanganyika, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, uncovered something unusual: iron-60 isotopes. This rare element, produced in supernovae, was found in two distinct layers—one 6.5 million years old and another 2.5 million years old. (2/27)

Musk Makes Evidence-Free Claim that Air Safety is "At Risk" (Source: CNBC)
Elon Musk said Thursday that he’s sending his Starlink satellite internet terminals to the FAA while saying, without providing evidence, that current technology poses a risk to air travel safety. The FAA is close to canceling a contract with Verizon for new communication technology for air traffic control and giving it instead to Musk’s Starlink. Musk said Thursday on X: a “Verizon communication system to air traffic control is breaking down very rapidly.”

Verizon said in a statement that “the FAA systems currently in place are run by L3Harris and not Verizon.” Musk later corrected himself and said that L3Harris is responsible for the “rapidly declining” system. Verizon said it is working on replacing older air traffic control technology.

“Our Company is working on building the next generation system for the FAA which will support the Agency’s mission for safe and secure air travel,” Verizon said in its statement. “We are at the beginning of a multi-year contract to replace antiquated, legacy systems. Our teams have been working with the FAA’s technology teams and our solution stands ready to be deployed. We continue to partner with the FAA on achieving its modernization objectives.” (2/27)

Virginia Space Director Announces New Launch Pad Construction and $1.5 Billion Economic Impact (Source: Shore Daily)
The Accomack County Board of Supervisors received an update from General Ted Mercer of Virginia Space. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) launch sites were designed to provide quick and economical  access to space for small and mid-sized rockets. Currently, three companies—Firefly, Rocket Lab, and Northrop Grumman—utilize these launch pads.

Mercer highlighted ongoing developments, including the construction of a new launch pad that will enhance the facility’s multi-user capabilities. Additionally, a new Pad 0D is being built to accommodate the upcoming Neutron and Antares rockets, which are set to launch from Wallops in the near future. He noted that 20% of interns from Virginia Space’s internship program are hired by the organization.

Discussing economic impact, Mercer cited a study projecting that over a four-year period, total payroll at the facility could range from $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion. He added that these jobs are expected to pay twice the average salary in the local area, providing a significant boost to the regional economy. Here are the presentation slides. (2/28)

Critical Weather Forecasters Fired In Latest 'Unconscionable' Wave Of DOGE Cuts (Source: AP)
Hundreds of weather forecasters and other National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees on probationary status were fired Thursday. Federal workers who were not let go said the afternoon layoffs included meteorologists who do crucial local forecasts in National Weather Service offices across the country. Cuts at NOAA appeared to be happening in two rounds, one of 500 and one of 800. (2/28)

Coastal Economies Rely on NOAA, From Maine to Florida, Texas and Alaska – Even if They Don’t Realize it (Source: The Conversation)
The government estimates that NOAA’s projects and services support more than one-third of the nation’s gross domestic product. Yet, this is one of the agencies that the Trump administration has targeted, with discussions of trying to privatize NOAA’s forecasting operations and disband its crucial climate change research.

Why tear apart an irreplaceable resource? When Republican President Richard Nixon proposed consolidating several different agencies into NOAA in 1970, he told Congress that doing so would promote “better protection of life and property from natural hazards,” “better understanding of the total environment” and “exploration and development leading to the intelligent use of our marine resources.”

The Trump administration is instead discussing tearing down NOAA. The administration has been erasing mentions of climate change from government research, websites and policies – despite the rising risks to communities across the nation. The next federal budget is likely to slash NOAA’s funding. (2/28)

Vodacom Readies to Deploy Amazon’s Project Kuiper Satellites (Source: IT Web)
While South Africans are still waiting for the deployment of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, Vodacom is readying to connect Africans using Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites. In September 2023, Vodafone and Project Kuiper, Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite communications initiative, announced a strategic collaboration through which Vodafone and Vodacom plan to use Project Kuiper’s network to extend the reach of 4G/5G services to more of their customers in Europe and Africa. (2/24)

Space Force Looks to AI for Space Domain Awareness (Source: Defense One)
The US Space Force increasingly relies on AI for domain awareness in orbit as space becomes more crowded. "Guardians are now training automated tools on their activities and processes to understand and build trust for the tools and find safe applications for AI," says Seth Whitworth, acting deputy chief of space operations for cyber and data. (2/27)

Big NASA/DoD/FAA Consulting Firms Could Take Big Hit in Trumpocalypse (Source: FNN)
“Based on available procurement data, we have identified the 10 highest paid consulting firms listed below are set to receive over $65 billion in fees in 2025 and future years. This needs to, and must, change,” wrote Stephen Ehikian, acting GSA administrator, in the letter to agency senior procurement executives, which Federal News Network obtained. “By March 7, please provide us with a list of the contracts with these firms that your agency intends to terminate and those that it intends to maintain."

Trevor Skelly, the president of Strategic Growth Partners, said agencies already are supposed to review service contracts annually and determine if they are still necessary and whether the agency should pick up the option. He and others were also surprised by the initial focus of DoD on GSA contracts. "If your true goal is a more streamlined way for the government to operate, then you need a wholistic view of the market,” the former GSA official said.

“While GSA provides multiple contracts, why not look at direct awards and other contract vehicles? If it turns out most of the awards fall into GSA vehicles, then we need to look at that. But many DoD agencies also purchase against NASA SEWP or NITAAC’s CIO-SP3 vehicles. Why not look at those sources as part of a wholistic review?” (2/27)

Globalstar Announces Two-Way Satellite IoT Solution (Source: Stock Titan)
Globalstar has launched a new two-way satellite IoT solution through its LEO constellation, marking a significant upgrade from its previous one-way tracking capabilities. The company introduced the RM200M module, the first satellite module integrating GNSS, Bluetooth, accelerometer, and application processor features.

The solution enables low-latency messaging and reliable command and control for applications including fleet tracking, asset monitoring, pipeline telemetry, vessel tracking, disaster communications, and precision farming. (2/27)

Taiwan Pioneers 5G Satellite Video Calls in Orbit (Source: Science Magazine)
Chunghwa Telecom, in collaboration with Taiwan’s research bodies, achieved end-to-end satellite video calls using 5G NR NTN technology. Integration involved a high-orbit satellite, a 5G base station, and advanced mobile interfaces to handle high-delay and signal weakening. (2/28)

Virgin Galactic Reports $347 Million Loss in 2024 (Source: Ars Technica)
Virgin Galactic is still blowing through cash. Virgin Galactic reported a net loss of $347 million in 2024, compared to a $502 million net loss in 2023, with the improvement primarily driven by lower operating expenses, the company said this week in a quarterly earnings release. These lower operating expenses are tied to Virgin Galactic's decision to suspend operations of its VSS Unity suborbital rocket plane last year. (2/28)

SpaceX Explains Anomaly That Dropped Upper Stage on Poland (Source: Ars Technica)
SpaceX blamed the upper stage anomaly on a liquid oxygen leak. "During the coast phase of this Starlink mission, a small liquid oxygen leak developed, which ultimately drove higher than expected vehicle body rates," SpaceX said. SpaceX aborted the deorbit burn and instead passivated the upper stage, a process where the rocket discharges energy from its batteries and vents leftover propellant from its tanks to minimize the risk of a break-up in orbit. This was the third incident involving a Falcon 9 upper stage in a little more than six months. (2/28)

Rocket Lab Reveals Landing Barge for Neutron (Source: Ars Technica)
Neutron's first-stage booster will land on a modified barge named 'Return On Investment', measuring around 400 feet wide, somewhat bigger than SpaceX's drone ships used for Falcon 9 landings at sea. In order to prep the barge for rocket duty, the company is adding autonomous ground support equipment to capture and secure the landed Neutron, blast shielding to protect equipment during Neutron landings, and station-keeping thrusters for precise positioning.

The vessel should be ready to enter service in 2026. Rocket Lab also has the option to return the Neutron first stage back to the launch site when mission parameters allow the rocket to reserve enough propellant to make the return journey. (2/28)

Rocket Lab Announces Flatellite (Source: Ars Technica)
Rocket Lab announced a new satellite design called "Flatellite" that looks remarkably similar to SpaceX's Starlink satellites. The satellite is flat in shape, hence its name, and stackable to fit as many spacecraft as possible into the envelope of a rocket's payload fairing. Rocket Lab said the new satellite "can be produced in high volumes and (is) tailored for large constellations, targeting high value applications and national security missions." (2/28)

Aerospace Industry Scrambles to Deal with Fallout From Huge US Factory Fire (Source: Daily Galaxy)
Boeing and other top aerospace firms are scouring their supply chains to determine their exposure to a major fire last week at a Philadelphia-area parts factory that has set off alarm bells across the industry. The days-long fire at SPS Technologies' century-old factory could put pressure on the industry's already strapped supply chain.

GE Aerospace and others are now trying to figure out who can replace the factory's lost production and also identify who has spare parts, the people said. Both Boeing and France's Safran contacted suppliers asking about the potential effects. (2/27)

ISS Lacks Microbial Diversity (Source: Science News)
The ISS may be too clean to be healthy for the astronauts living there. A study published Thursday found a lack of "microbial diversity" inside the station compared to buildings on Earth. That can affect the immune systems of people and could explain aliments like skin rashes astronauts experience on long-duration missions there. Researchers suggested NASA find ways to add more "good germs" on the ISS or future stations to increase microbial diversity. (2/28)

Harmonic Vibrations Blamed for Starship Upper Stage Breakup (Source: Ars Technica)
SpaceX believes the spectacular break-up of Starship's upper stage during its most recent test flight was caused by a harmonic response that stressed onboard hardware, leading to a fire and loss of the vehicle, Aviation Week reports. Higher-than-expected vibrations stressed hardware in the ship's propulsion system, triggering propellant leaks and sustained fires until the test flight ended prematurely. SpaceX's description of the problem as a harmonic response suggests vibrations during Starship's climb into space were in resonance with the vehicle's natural frequency. (2/28)

SES Shareholder Pushes for Independence (Source: Space News)
A major shareholder in SES is seeking changes in control of the satellite operator. Hedge fund Appaloosa, which owns more than 7% of the company, said that SES's acquisition of rival Intelsat does not go far enough to address an existential threat from growing competition in a fast-changing market. The fund is seeking reduced state control over the Luxembourg-based satellite operator, arguing that greater independence is needed to tackle mounting challenges. The Luxembourg government owns a third of the voting rights in SES despite owning only one-sixth of its shares. SES said it is evaluating the proposals and plans to make its recommendation to shareholders later but declined to comment further. (2/28)

Russia Launches Cargo Craft to ISS (Source: NASA)
A Progress cargo spacecraft launched Thursday to the International Space Station. A Soyuz-2.1a rocket lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 4:24 p.m. Eastern and placed the Progress MS-30 spacecraft into orbit. The spacecraft, designated Progress 91 by NASA, is scheduled to dock with the ISS Saturday, delivering about three tons of cargo. (2/28)

South Korea Charts Strategic Plan for Space Industry (Source: Space News)
South Korea has approved new strategic plans for parts of its space industry. The plans by the South Korean space agency KASA for the space transportation, satellites and space science exploration sectors were approved by the country's National Space Council this week. Those plans include changing the approach to its future KSLV-3 rocket to make it reusable and launching a lunar lander mission in 2032. Earlier this year, KASA announced it would spend 806 billion won ($562 million) this year on research and development, marking a more than 43 percent increase from 2024. (2/28)

Senators Seek Clarity on Suspected SpaceX Favoritism at Air Force (Source: Reuters)
Two senators are asking the Trump administration's nominee to be Secretary of the Air Force about claims he favored SpaceX. The letter Thursday by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) cited allegations that Troy Meink, in his role as principal deputy director of the NRO, altered contract requirements in a way that favored SpaceX. That prompted complaints from a losing bidder and an investigation by the NRO's inspector general. The allegations, the senators wrote, raised questions about his ability "to treat contractors fairly and prioritize the Air Force's mission over Elon Musk's business interests." (2/28)

SDA Pushes Back at GAO Concerns for Missile Tracking Constellation (Source: Space News)
The Space Development Agency (SDA) is pushing back against criticism of its approach to a low Earth orbit missile-tracking constellation. A report this week by the Government Accountability Office said SDA was developing that network without fully validating the key technology enabling it, laser communications links between satellites. SDA said Thursday that while the GAO is correct that it has not demonstrated the "full range of laser communications" that technology provides, the initial Tranche 0 satellites met their baseline objectives, allowing it to proceed to the larger numbers of Tranche 1 and 2 satellites. The agency emphasized that it is working to implement the GAO's recommendations. (2/28)

Lunar and Asteroid-Targeted Rideshare Payloads Suffer Problems (Source: Space News)
Two spacecraft launched as rideshare payloads on the IM-2 mission are suffering problems. NASA said late Thursday that it lost communications earlier in the day with Lunar Trailblazer, a smallsat intended to orbit the moon and look for water. Those communications were restored several hours later and engineers are studying power system issues with the spacecraft.

AstroForge said it has been having problems communicating with Odin, its spacecraft intended to fly by an asteroid. Ground stations have received signals but not telemetry, and the company speculates a configuration issue with its ground network, or an uncontrolled spin of Odin, may be the cause of the problem. The main payload on the Wednesday night launch, the IM-2 lunar lander, is in "excellent health," Intuitive Machines said Thursday morning. (2/28)

Swissto12 Wins SES Contract for Steerable Antennas (Source: Space News)
Swissto12 announced its first major contract for electronically steered antennas. The Swiss company said it will supply SES with ground terminals for the O3b mPower constellation. Swissto12 has primarily provided subsystems such as waveguides and filters rather than complete end-user terminals. It is also working on small GEO satellites, with orders from Intelsat and Viasat. (2/28)