November 21, 2021

Sweden's Esrange Spaceport Moves Closer to Satellite Launch Capability (Source: Parabolic Arc)
The construction of the new spaceport at Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden is reaching new milestones – heading towards satellite launch capability by 2022. The orbital launch complex is currently being finalized with integration halls for rockets and satellites, expansion of planned fuel plants, launch pads and surrounding technical ground systems, and more.

“With more than 50 years of experience from launching rockets and balloons, Esrange Space Center is already one of the most active and versatile launch sites in the world. And with the new spaceport capability the base will be able provide a platform for space companies to develop their next generation rocket technologies and launch their satellites”, says Philip Påhlsson, Project Manager of New Esrange. (11/21)

Mojave Air, Space Port Gets Good News With Audit (Source: Antelope Valley Press)
The Mojave Air and Space Port received a clean audit report for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, as reported to its Board of Directors, on Tuesday. The firm of Brown Armstrong provided the report, with an “unmodified” opinion on the state of the airport’s books, finding no material errors in financial statements. The audit showed the airport’s total net position increased by $8.48 million, or 24%, to $43.37 million, during the fiscal year which ended June 30.

This reflects an increase in revenues of $8.39 million, or 79%, to $19.01 million. Most of that increase came in the form of higher grant proceeds of more than $6 million for the Taxiway C rehabilitation project. However, operating revenues were also up, by $1.58 million. This was due to higher rent proceeds of $670,000 and an increase in fuel sales and related services of $800,000. (11/21)

Allies Eyeing ‘Niche’ Space Capabilities for Warfighting with US (Source: Breaking Defense)
The US Space Force and its like-minded counterparts are increasingly eyeing ways to avoid duplicating capabilities, with the American service setting up a series of agreements in hopes of  each country bringing its best hand to the fight.

“There may be future architectures for some mission area [where] we get together as allies and say, you know, we’ll concentrate on this piece here in the United States, and maybe the UK agrees to concentrate on this piece, and Australia concentrates on this piece. And together we bring an integrated by design architecture forward,” Lt. Gen. John Shaw, Space Command deputy, said. (11/20)

Space Force General: 'We're Not as Advanced as the Chinese or the Russians' with Hypersonic Missiles (Source: The Hill)
American hypersonic missile capabilities are "not as advanced" as those of China or Russia, Space Force General David Thompson said Saturday at the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada, signaling that the U.S. is behind in developing the newest and most cutting-edge weaponry. Thompson admitted during an interview that the U.S. lagging behind the other two countries is potentially dangerous for national security.

"We have catching up to do very quickly, the Chinese have an incredible hypersonic program," he said. "It's a very concerning development ... it greatly complicates the strategic warning problem." (11/20)

Rogozin: Russia Doesn’t Lag Behind in Military Space Field (Source: TASS)
Russia does not lag behind in terms of military space, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin said. "We are definitely not lagging behind anyone in terms of military space," Rogozin said. The Roscosmos chief pointed out that apart from civilian products, the Russian space corporation develops the material basis for the Strategic Missile Forces and the nuclear submarine fleet. (11/20)

Inside Firefly as They Prepare for Their Next Launch Attempt (Source: CNBC)
Firefly is preparing for the second orbital launch attempt of its Alpha rocket, as the venture looks to build out the foundation of its business. “Firefly is aiming to be the next SpaceX, a very transformative space transportation company,” Firefly CEO Tom Markusic told CNBC. The company recently gave CNBC an inside look at its manufacturing and testing facilities near Austin, Texas, as well as during its first Alpha rocket launch in September.

“The rocket gives you the keys to space. It’s critically important, but the big revenue is doing things in space,” Markusic said. Markusic – whose experience includes leadership roles at Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX – compared the lunar lander that Firefly is building, called Blue Ghost, to SpaceX’s series of Dragon capsules, which delivers cargo and people to low Earth orbit. While Firefly’s Alpha rocket is price at $15 million a launch, Markusic says the lunar lander is much more lucrative per mission. Click here. (11/20)