August 6, 2024

Rocket Lab Introduces Next-Generation Satellite Dispenser (Source: Rocket Lab)
Rocket Lab USA introduced its next generation satellite separation system, the Advanced Satellite Dispenser (ASD), at the Small Satellite Conference in Logan, Utah. The ASD is a cost-effective, versatile, and reliable deployment mechanism for small satellites in the CubeSat form factor and builds upon Rocket Lab’s heritage Canisterized Satellite Dispenser (CSD) technology, which has successfully deployed more than 60 satellites to orbit across more than 11 years in use. (8/5)

GMV Advances Lunar Rover Navigation with FASTNAV Project (Source: Space Daily)
The Multi-Range Navigation for Fast Moon Rovers project, known as FASTNAV, is spearheading the development of advanced navigation solutions for the next generation of lunar exploration rovers. This initiative, led by GMV's UK branch and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the General Technology Support Program (GSTP), aims to enhance rover capabilities for longer distances and higher speeds on the lunar surface. (7/30)

NASA Trains Machine Learning Algorithm for Mars Sample Analysis (Source: Space Daily)
When a robotic rover lands on another world, scientists have a limited amount of time to collect data from the troves of explorable material, because of short mission durations and the length of time to complete complex experiments. That's why researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, are investigating the use of machine learning to assist in the rapid analysis of data from rover samples and help scientists back on Earth strategize the most efficient use of a rover's time on a planet. (8/6)

Spaceport Company Readies Floating Spaceport for Suborbital Missions (Source: TSC)
In February TSC purchased a former Navy ship and converted it into our first launch pad vessel, the Once in a Lifetime. We will use it as our range control center for our eventual orbital-launch-capable system, but in the interim we will use it to conduct suborbital launches for customers like the Air Force Research Laboratory.

The Air Force Research Laboratory and TSC are pursuing two separate categories of funding for a CY2025 suborbital launch campaign. Additionally, The Missile Defense Agency wrote a letter validating The Spaceport Company’s concept of operations and is exploring ways to fund development of our orbital launch system. Kratos/L3-Harris added TSC as a subcontractor on their upcoming proposal to DOD for high cadence hypersonic testing (i.e. “MACH-TB”). On the commercial side, Firefly Space and TSC teams continue to work closely on potential missions. (8/6)

Sidus Space Develops Advanced High-Speed Switch Card (Source: Sidus Space)
Sidus Space has designed and developed an advanced high speed switch card using the Frontgrade protocol independent Crosspoint Switch. The multi-payload switch card is integrated in LizzieSat-2 (LS-2) and is offered as a standalone product to support the Small Satellite Supply Chain. (8/6)

Making Sure Space Hardware Can Handle all the Sound of Launches (Source: FNN)
The company MSI-DFAT, has a unique specialty. It blasts very loud sound at satellites and spacecraft that mimics the incredibly loud and harsh rocket launch noise environments for launch certification. It’s an important step in making sure these multibillion dollar pieces of equipment are going to be able to make the journey to the final frontier. Click here. (8/2)

Replacing this Federal Scientist Requires a Nationwide Search (Source: FNN)
Given the pace of scientific discovery, 40 years is a long time. That’s how long the next guest has worked the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. He’s directed it for the last 15 years, and overseen research on behalf of the Defense Department, NASA and the Intelligence Community. Click here. (8/5)

Boeing's Spacecraft That's Stuck in Space Cost Twice as Much as SpaceX's Version That Does the Same Thing and Works Perfectly (Source: Futurism)
The Boeing Starliner — which has marooned two NASA astronauts in space after it ran into trouble on its first crewed voyage — has cost nearly double what SpaceX spent on its rival Crew Dragon, with Starliner plagued by far more technical problems. The Starliner's budget woes came to the fore this week when Boeing admitted in a quarterly statement that the company lost another $125 million on the Starliner, adding up to around $5.8 billion in total cost.

NASA had originally awarded $4.2 billion to Boeing to build Starliner, resulting in an almost $1.6 billion loss for the company. Meanwhile, NASA had given only around $3.1 billion to SpaceX, headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, for the Dragon capsule, which has now been successfully ferrying astronauts to space since 2020. (8/2)

Quantum Time Travel: The Experiment to 'Send a Particle Into the Past' (Source: New Scientist)
Seth Lloyd, a physicist at MIT, won’t go back in time during the course of this article. But particles? That is another matter. Theoretical routes to the past called time loops have long been hypothesized by physicists. But because they are plagued by impracticalities and paradoxes, they have been dismissed as impossible for just as long.

But now Lloyd and other physicists have begun to show that in the quantum realm, these loops to the past are not only possible, but even experimentally feasible. In other words, we will soon effectively try to send a particle back in time. If that succeeds, it raises the possibility of being able to dispatch, if not people, then at least messages in the form of quantum signals, back in time. More importantly, studying this phenomenon takes us to the heart of how cause and effect really work. (4/29)

Safran Boosts Production of Advanced Satellite Propulsion Systems in the US (Source: Safran)
Safran Electronics & Defense, a global equipment supplier for defense and space, is building its U.S. manufacturing capabilities for small satellite propulsion systems to meet the increasing demand in both the commercial and defense sectors. This strategic initiative, announced during the 2024 Small Satellite Conference in Logan, Utah, will support the projected growth of the North American small satellite market, which is expected to reach more than $5 billion by 2030. (8/6)

California Coastal Commission to Consider SpaceX Launch Project Again (Source: EdHat)
A SpaceX proposal to conduct 36 annual rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base will be back once again before the Coastal Commission next week, part of SpaceX’s expected ramp-up to 50 and eventually 100 annual launches by 2025. The Gaviota Coastal Conservancy (GCC) appreciates that a strong space program is important to our national security and economic competitiveness.

However, rocket launch activity from Vandenberg manifests a range of environmental impacts, including the exposure of sensitive wildlife species to extremely loud noise events and sonic booms, public beach closures, and marine debris.  With annual launches in the single digits until just recently, these impacts were minimal.  However, the exponential increase in launch activity that is underway could result in serious and lasting harm. (8/5)

Valley Groups Send Letter to FAA in Protest at SpaceX’s Activity at Boca Chica (Source: Rio Grande Guardian)
A number of Rio Grande Valley organizations have sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez in opposition to SpaceX’s activities at Boca Chica Beach. The organizations want the FAA’s license review process to be changed, consultation with the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe, and a meet with impacted community organizations from the Rio Grande Valley about SpaceX. (8/5)

New Commercial Space Traffic System Debuts Soon, on Heels of DoD, Commerce Data Sharing Pact (Source: Breaking Defense)
The Department of Commerce on Sept. 30 will roll out an initial version of its nascent system for warning space operators of potential collisions, following a formal accord with the Defense Department on what data will be transferred from military assets monitoring the heavens. Commerce is taking a “crawl, walk, run” approach to standing up the new Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) system, said Sandy Magnus, chief engineer at the Office of Space Commerce (OSC). (8/5)

Japan Space Agency Unveils ANA's Training of Astronaut Candidates (Source: Kyodo News)
Japan's space agency on Monday unveiled to the media part of its basic training for astronaut candidates with the help of ANA Holdings Inc. in a bid to better prepare future space travelers. At the training facility of ANA, the parent company of All Nippon Airways Co., Ayu Yoneda and Makoto Suwa were tested for their ability to cope with emergencies inside the Japanese airline's Boeing 777 flight simulator.

The two were selected last year by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency as astronaut candidates after it opened recruitment for the first time in 13 years in 2021. It is the first time a private company has taken part in the agency's training for an extensive period of time and JAXA said it is ramping up collaboration with private companies to sustainably offer training for future astronauts. (8/5)

NASA Likely to Significantly Delay the Launch of Crew 9 Due to Starliner Issues (Source: Ars Technica)
NASA is planning to significantly delay the launch of the Crew 9 mission to the International Space Station due to ongoing concerns about the Starliner spacecraft currently attached to the station. While the space agency has not said anything publicly, sources say NASA should announce the decision this week. Officials are contemplating moving the Crew-9 mission from its current date of August 18 to September 24, a significant slip.

Nominally, this Crew Dragon mission will carry NASA astronauts Zena Cardman, spacecraft commander; Nick Hague, pilot; and Stephanie Wilson, mission specialist; as well as Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, for a six-month journey to the space station. (8/5)

Nigeria’s First Space Traveler Will Be Chosen by the Public: How This Will Boost the Country’s Progress (Source: The Conversation)
A Blue Origin spacecraft is to take six individuals to space from nations historically underrepresented in space exploration. Nigeria is one of the selected countries. A date is yet to be fixed for this particular trip, during which participants are expected to undertake an experiment of their choice.

The arrangement is that the Nigerian public will choose someone in an open, democratic voting process that will be administered by the Space Exploration and Research Agency. Any Nigerian can apply as long as they are over 18 years of age, are healthy and have basic English language skills. They don’t need to be a scientist. (8/5)

AST SpaceMobile Cleared to Operate BlueBird Direct-to-Smartphone Satellites (Source: Space News)
AST SpaceMobile has received conditional approval to deploy and operate its first five operational direct-to-smartphone satellites slated to launch next month, the Texas-based venture said Aug. 5 as it waits for the nod to test and provide commercial services. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s partial license authorizes the company to use V, S and UHF frequencies in space to support gateway and control operations for the initial BlueBird spacecraft. (8/5)

SmallSat Conference Relocates to Salt Lake City in 2025 (Source: Space News)
After nearly four decades in Logan, Utah, the Small Satellite Conference is moving to Salt Lake City in August 2025. Conference Chair Pat Patterson announced. Patterson cited the need for larger, more modern facilities to accommodate the growing number of attendees and exhibitors as key factors behind the move. Hosted by the Space Dynamics Lab and Utah State University since 1987, SmallSat has outgrown Logan’s infrastructure. (8/5)

Aura Aero to Open US Facility at Embry-Riddle (Source: Aerospace Manufacturing & Design)
At Farnborough International Air Show, Aura Aero Inc. announced the opening at the end of 2024 of its first U.S. facility, in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s research park, and its decision to build a 500,000 sq. ft manufacturing and assembly plant in Florida. This decision follows the company’s move last year to create a partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Aura Aero’s deployment in Florida is to develop a 500,000 square foot factory to produce, assemble, test and deliver ERA, the 19-seat hybrid electric commuter aircraft designed to unlock regional air mobility. (7/29)

Muon Space Raises $56.7 Million for Earth Monitoring Smallsats (Source: Space News)
Muon Space has raised $56.7 million to advance development of smallsats for Earth monitoring. The company announced Monday the Series B round led by Activate Capital with participation from several existing investors. The company said it plans to use the new capital to accelerate the development of its Halo low Earth orbit satellite platform and scale operations. Muon Space also revealed a new agreement with aerospace and defense contractor Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to produce three satellites for SNC's Vindlér commercial radio-frequency remote sensing system. (8/6)

Japan's Interstellar Technologies Raises $21 Million for Launch Vehicle, Satellites (Source: Space News)
Japanese startup Interstellar Technologies has raised $21 million for launch vehicle and satellite systems. Several investors contributed to the Series E investment round announced at the Small Satellite Conference on Monday, including Japanese mobile phone network operator NTT Docomo. The company, previously known for development of the Zero rocket, is expanding into satellite communications thanks to government contracts and private investment. (8/6)

Aerospace Corp. CEO Foresees Smallsat Swarms (Source: Space News)
The CEO of The Aerospace Corporation foresees a future where smallsats operate in swarms. Speaking at the Small Satellite Conference on Monday, Steve Isakowitz said advancements in autonomy, artificial intelligence, collaboration and networking will allow small satellites to work together to accomplish new applications. He said advances in smallsats have demonstrated that they are not just toys, instead becoming a disruptive technology. Isakowitz encouraged organizations to keep embracing the "kind of entrepreneurship, innovation and risk-taking" that the smallsat sector exhibits. (8/6)

Tight NASA Budgets Could Boost Smallsats (Source: Space News)
Tight budgets at NASA could create new opportunities for smallsats. At a town hall session during the Small Satellite Conference Monday, agency officials emphasized how smallsats have become widely adopted in science missions from Earth science to astrophysics, becoming part of a "balanced portfolio" along with larger missions. NASA science programs are facing budget pressures, which those officials said could unlock new opportunities for smallsats to show how they could carry out low-cost science. (8/6)

Voyager Space to Provide Propulsion System for Lockheed Martin Missile Defense (Source: Space News)
Voyager Space will continue to be a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin on missile defense work. Voyager announced Monday it will provide a solid propulsion roll control system designed to stabilize the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) missile being developed by Lockheed. This follows a $94 million contract awarded to Valley Tech Systems in December 2021, shortly after it was acquired by Voyager. Lockheed won a Missile Defense Agency contract in April to develop NGI, which is intended to protect the United States from intercontinental ballistic missiles. (8/6)

China Launches Broadband Constellation Satellites (Source: Space News)
China launched Tuesday the first satellites for a broadband constellation called Thousand Sails. A Long March 6A rocket lifted off from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center at 2:42 a.m. Eastern and placed 18 satellites into low Earth orbit for Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology. That company is planning an initial constellation of 1,296 satellites, half of which are scheduled to be launched by the end of next year. Thousand Sails, previously known as G60 Starlink, is one of two planned Chinese systems to challenge U.S. projects like SpaceX's Starlink. (8/6)

Intuitive Machines to Offer Lunar Rideshare (Source: Space News)
Intuitive Machines and SEOPS are collaborating on lunar rideshare opportunities. The two companies announced Monday that SEOPS will resell excess capacity on future launches of Intuitive Machines lunar lander missions, offering customers the ability to send spacecraft to lunar orbit or elsewhere in cislunar space. SEOPS will offer customers the option of using an orbital transfer vehicle to get their satellites to their desired destination after deployment. Those opportunities will begin after the IM-3 mission next year. Intuitive Machines has been selling rideshare missions on its own for the IM-2 and IM-3 missions. (8/6)

Benchmark Space Systems Teams with Starlight Engines for Hybrid Propulsion (Source: Space News)
Benchmark Space Systems has entered into a strategic partnership with another propulsion company, Starlight Engines. Under an agreement announced Monday, Benchmark will offer hybrid propulsion systems that pair Starlight Crucible Hall-effect thrusters with Benchmark non-toxic chemical thrusters. The hybrid propulsion system is designed for high-endurance or high-specific-impulse missions and spacecraft with a mass of 1,000 kilograms or less. One potential application for the hybrid propulsion system is a kick stage Benchmark is designing under a NASA SBIR contract. (8/6)

Viasat's MMO to Automate Constellation Management (Source: Space News)
Viasat plans to demonstrate automated constellation management software for use by smallsat missions. The Multi-Mission Orchestrator's (MMO) algorithms would draw from publicly available orbital data and information from participating satellite operators to reduce the need for ground-based control teams. These algorithms could run terrestrially or hosted onboard small satellites, according Viasat, enabling spacecraft to cooperate and coordinate operations across the fleet and orbital domain. Viasat plans to test MMO in 2026 along with its Integrated Space Access Network service, which aims to offer near-Earth mission operators improved relay communications via Viasat's satellite and ground-based networks. (8/6)

Solestial Partners with Meyer Burger for Solar Cell Development (Source: Space News)
Solestial, a startup developing solar arrays for space applications, is partnering with Swiss solar cell manufacturer Meyer Burger. Through the partnership, Solestial and Meyer Burger plan to produce one megawatt of solar cells annually by mid-2025, 10 times Solestial's current production rate. Solestial argues this would provide a significant increase in global capacity for space-rated solar cells, which is currently about two megawatts a year. (8/6)