September 22, 2024

SpaceX Started a 'Space Race' Unlike Any Other (Source: New York Post)
In 2005, three years before its first successful orbital launch, a fledgling space startup called SpaceX petitioned the US government to let it use the storied Cape Canaveral launchpad once home to the Apollo space program. Old-school space companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin bristled at the idea and lobbied aggressively to block the deal.

Executives at those firms had a dim view of the company and resented founder Elon Musk. “He was not deferential, but brash,” writes Eric Berger in his new book,” summing up the feeling at the time, “Do you really want to let this guy onto the holy grounds of America’s largest and oldest spaceport?” Their efforts failed, and SpaceX got access to the Cape. Less than two decades later, Berger writes, “Elon Musk and his rocket company now stand alone, atop the hierarchy of spaceflight.”

SpaceX has steamrolled everyone. David has become Goliath, says Berger. Over the decades, the world has changed its mind about Elon Musk, SpaceX’s founder. He began as a strange curiosity, then a widely admired entrepreneur, and today he is now a deeply divisive figure whose political views and business ties, says Berger, might eventually put him at odds with the U.S. government, forcing a “reckoning.”(9/21)

KASA and NASA Sign Joint Statement to Enhance Space Cooperation (Source: Chosun)
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) is strengthening its “Korea-U.S. space alliance” through a new collaboration with NASA. Administrator Yoon Young-bin met with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Sep. 19. During the meeting, the two leaders signed a joint statement to boost cooperation in space and aviation activities. KASA noted that this is a follow-up to the agreement made in April of last year, when the leaders of South Korea and the U.S. agreed to elevate their military and economic alliance to include space cooperation. (9/22)

Couple Who Graduated from Ohio State, Work for NASA Honored in Special Tribute During Halftime Show (Source: WBNS)
Two Ohio State alumni and NASA scientists get the opportunity of a lifetime on Saturday at the 'Shoe during halftime of the Buckeyes' game against Marshall. Jeff and Molly Radigan graduated from Ohio State in 2005; Jeff with his master's in electrical engineering and Molly with a degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering.

Nearly two decades later, the couple posed together in the same spot in front of Ohio Stadium. The couple was recognized during the Buckeye game Saturday afternoon for their leadership contributions at NASA. (9/21)

NASA Killed Off a Maryland-Made Satellite Project. Lawmakers Want to Know Why (Source: Baltimore Banner)
Nine Maryland lawmakers wrote a letter earlier this week to NASA demanding answers regarding the agency’s termination of a multi-billion-dollar spacecraft program. The project, known as OSAM-1, was developed at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and was expected to service existing satellites and expand their lifespans in space. (9/21)

Conflicts in Space to Increase Over Time, German General Predicts (Source: TASS)
Major-General Michael Traut, the head of Germany's Military Space Command, believes that the risk of conflicts in space will increase over time. "The enemy views our space capabilities, both civilian and military, as targets," Traut noted. To avoid conflicts the focus should be on expanding the Bundeswehr's capabilities and deterring potential adversaries, he remarked. (9/21)

Robots Will Operate India's Space Station Before Astronauts Call It Their Base (Source: News18)
India is planning to launch its Bharatiya Antariksh Station to orbit by 2035. The design modules currently awaiting approval will see the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) putting up a space station through multiple launches with available launch capabilities. ISRO Chairman S Somanath said once the space station is built, the agency plans to keep the mission robotic in nature for the initial phase before Indian astronauts call it their base. (9/21)

Electron Launches Second Set of Kinéis Satellites (Source: Space News)
An Electron launched a second set of satellites for French startup Kinéis Sept. 20, putting that company on track to begin offering Internet of Things services. The Electron lifted off from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 7:01 p.m. Eastern. The five satellites on board were deployed into sun-synchronous orbits at an altitude of 643 kilometers a little more than an hour later. (9/21)

Moonquakes Could 'Pose a Possible Hazard' to Artemis Moon Missions (Source: Space.com)
New research indicates that potential landing sites at the moon's south pole for robotic landers and crewed Artemis missions are susceptible to quakes and landslides. Science results published early this year in the Planetary Science Journal point to a group of faults located in the moon's south polar region, making use of data on moonquakes recorded by seismometers set up by Apollo moonwalkers over 50 years ago. (9/21)

Is the FAA Quietly Killing the Future of Space Exploration? (Source: LaunchPad)
While safety is essential, over-regulation can stifle innovation. SpaceX argues that the FAA’s slow approvals and outdated rules are holding back the entire U.S. commercial space industry. If you’re a next-gen space entrepreneur, be ready to navigate regulatory hurdles. But also remember: pushing boundaries and advocating for smarter, faster regulations is part of building your space business.

SpaceX’s core issue with the FAA? They claim the agency is too slow to keep up with rapid innovation in the space industry.For next-gen entrepreneurs, this highlights the importance of speed and agility. Whether you’re launching satellites, developing space tourism, or working on new space tech, being able to move quickly—and work around red tape when needed—will be key to staying ahead of the competition.

SpaceX is fighting for more than just a fine—they’re advocating for a more business-friendly regulatory environment. This battle will likely set a precedent for how future space ventures are governed. For next-gen entrepreneurs, this is a chance to pay attention and even get involved in shaping the rules of the new space economy. Align your business with the idea that space should be a frontier open to innovation, not locked down by government agencies. (9/20)

NASA Invites Public to Design Artemis Moon Mission Navigation Tech (Source: Space.com)
NASA is seeking the public's help for innovative solutions to help Artemis astronauts navigate in and around the lunar south pole. The Lunar Navigation Challenge, which officially opened on Sept. 4, seeks ideas for a low-tech backup navigational device astronauts can use to find their way across the surface of the moon, traveling to and from the lunar lander, along with creative solutions for accessing and mapping the bottom of Shackleton Crater, which is about 13 miles (21 kilometers) in diameter and 2.6 miles (4.2 km) deep. (9/21)