October 23, 2024

Sidus Developing Satellite for Netherlands (Source: Sidus Space)
Sidus Space announced the successful completion of the critical design review for LizzieSat NL, a laser communication satellite contracted by The Netherlands Organization (TNO). This milestone not only validates the technical baseline for the satellite design but also triggers a milestone payment as part of the multimillion-dollar agreement. The satellite will demonstrate TNO’s HemiCAT, a high-efficiency miniature communications laser terminal, integrated into Sidus’ hybrid 3D printed satellite platform, LizzieSat. As part of the agreement with TNO, Sidus will manage all aspects of integration, deployment and on-orbit operation for HemiCAT. (10/23)

Space Force Reviewing Concepts for Commercial Reserve (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Space Force is moving closer to establishing a commercial reserve program aimed at leveraging private sector resources for national security. The initiative, called the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR), would allow the military to tap into commercial space assets, such as satellites and communication systems, during crises or emergencies. Col. Richard Kniseley, who leads the Space Systems Command's Commercial Space Office, said the office is reviewing more than 80 responses to a request for information about CASR, which he said showed growing industry interest but also concerns about how CASR would be structured. One such concern is over potential "denial of service" clauses in CASR contracts that would prevent companies from working with other customers if CASR is activated. (10/23)

Aptos Orbital Offers AI Device for In-Space Processing (Source: Space News)
Silicon Valley startup Aptos Orbital unveiled an AI device for space-based processing, communications and cloud services. The device, which comes in two sizes for use on cubesats or larger spacecraft, is designed to give spacecraft the ability to do onboard processing and analysis of data. The company says the system has already been flight-tested with more than five cumulative years of on-orbit operations. (10/23)

AI Employed for Satellite Design (Source: Space News)
Satellite manufacturers are taking a cautious approach to incorporating AI into their processes. Companies said at the Satellite Innovation conference this week that they see potential benefits for AI in helping design satellites, but are concerned about cybersecurity and the source of data for AI models. One startup, Machina Labs, said it working around those concerns by using its own data for AI models. (10/23)

ULA Readies Next Vulcan as Space Force Reviews Prior Launch Data (Source: Ars Technica)
United Launch Alliance is moving ahead with preparing its next Vulcan vehicle for launch while the Space Force assesses data needed to certify the vehicle. ULA is stacking the Vulcan rocket for its third launch, and the first for the U.S. Space Force, at its Cape Canaveral launch site. The Space Force must certify the Vulcan before that launch takes place, and a Space Force official said the service is "knee-deep" in reviewing the data from the Cert-2 launch earlier this month. On that launch, the nozzle for one of two solid rocket boosters came off, but did not affect the accuracy of orbital insertion. The Space Force said they are still "assessing schedule impacts" caused by that anomaly. (10/23)

Japanese Astronauts Complete Training (Source: Asahi Shimbun)
Two Japanese astronauts are now certified for missions. The Japanese space agency said this week that Ayu Yoneda and Makoto Suwa have completed training and are officially part of its astronaut corps. At age 29, Yoneda is the youngest Japanese astronaut while 47-year-old Suwa is the oldest to complete astronaut training. JAXA selected the two last year from a pool of more than 4,000 applicants. The agency now has seven active astronauts. (10/23)

Umbra Wins $2 Million SDA Contract for Radar Imaging Networking (Source: Space News)
The Space Development Agency awarded a $2 million contract to Umbra to see how its radar imaging satellites could be integrated in a future military network. Under the Small Business Innovation Research contract, SDA will evaluate the compatibility of Umbra's radar satellites with the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a LEO constellation being deployed by the agency to enhance battlefield intelligence and threat detection. If the study proves successful, Umbra's satellites could transmit data directly to military ground stations, where it would be processed and analyzed alongside other sources of intelligence. (10/23)

A Volatile Market for Space Investing (Source: Space News)
Space companies will continue to struggle to raise money even as the overall investment environment improves. A panel at the Satellite Innovation conference this week said while a decline in interest rates will help support more deals, the market remains volatile for space companies, particularly those looking to raise larger, later rounds. One challenge is that many companies that raised earlier funding at high valuations now find those valuations "so far out of whack" of what the market will support today. (10/23)

4,300 Tons of Space Junk and Rising: Another Satellite Breakup Adds to Orbital Debris Woes (Source: Phys.org)
A large communications satellite has broken up in orbit, affecting users in Europe, Central Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, and adding to the growing swarm of space junk clouding our planet's neighborhood. The Boeing-built Intelsat 33e satellite provided broadband communication from a point some 35,000km above the Indian Ocean, in a geostationary orbit around the equator.

In the past we've seen deliberate satellite destructions, accidental collisions, and loss of satellites due to increased solar activity. What we do know is that Intelsat 33e has a history of issues while in orbit. Designed and manufactured by Boeing, the satellite was launched in August 2016. In 2017, the satellite reached its desired orbit three months later than anticipated, due to a reported issue with its primary thruster, which controls its altitude and acceleration.

More propulsion troubles emerged when the satellite performed something called a station keeping activity, which keeps it at the right altitude. It was burning more fuel than expected, which meant its mission would end around 3.5 years early, in 2027. Intelsat lodged a US$78 million insurance claim as a result of these problems. (10/22)

Diversification is Key for Launchers to Survive (Source: Space News)
Diversification into other markets is key for the survival of launch companies. During another panel at Satellite Innovation, launch company executives said that investors are unlikely to back companies today focused solely on launch, citing the risks and volatility of that sector. Those executives said they are moving into other space systems, or adjacent markets like defense, to make their businesses more robust. They cited SpaceX, whose valuation has grown dramatically in recent years largely because of Starlink rather than its launch business. Reusability is also essential to the future of launch companies to enable higher launch rates and lower costs. (10/23)

Redwire and Bristol Myers Squibb to Study Small Molecule Drug Compounds, Biopharma Investigations for Bone Disease Treatments (Source: Redwire)
Jacksonville-based Redwire is launching an investigation to the ISS in partnership with global leading biopharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to model small molecule compounds using Redwire’s pharmaceutical drug development platform (PIL-BOX). The research being conducted with BMS has the potential to enhance drug stability, streamline manufacturing processes, and improve efficiencies across various therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, and cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, Redwire will be launching a PIL-BOX investigation in partnership with pharmaceutical startup company ExesaLibero Pharma to study the novel drug ELP-004, which prevents excess bone removal associated with numerous diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma, and breast and prostate cancers. These newest spaceflight investigations further establish PIL-BOX as the premier space pharmaceutical research platform with 16 PIL-BOXes flown to date and 12 more set to launch on the next commercial resupply mission to the ISS. (10/23)

Increased Demand for Space Force Presence in Indo-Pacific (Source: Space News)
The Space Force is being increasingly called upon to bolster its presence in the Indo-Pacific to counter Chinese activities. Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, commander of U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific, said at a Mitchell Institute webinar Tuesday that there is a rising need for space expertise and technology in the face of China's rapid advancements. A Space Force presence in the Indo-Pacific is becoming more relevant given the geopolitical landscape in the region, said Mastalir, pointing to an increased "demand signal" for space defense tactics, satellite services and operational expertise. That demand is sparking debate over whether the Space Force is adequately equipped to address evolving threats in the region. (10/23)

China Plans Venus Atmosphere Sample Return Mission (Source: Space News)
China's long-term space science roadmap includes a proposal for a Venus atmosphere sample return mission.  The National Space Science Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan, released last week by Chinese agencies, outlines proposals for space science missions to 2050. That plan included many missions previously discussed, but a new concept calls for a mission to collect samples of Venus's atmosphere to return to Earth. That mission is projected in phase two of the plan, from 2028 to 2035, replacing an earlier concept for a Venus orbiter. (10/23)

China Launches Imaging Satellites (Source: Xinhua)
China launched a set of imaging satellites Monday night. A Long March 2C placed the Yaogan-43 03 group of satellites into orbit. Those satellites are believed to have military or dual-use applications, although the Chinese government has not disclosed details about their capabilities or uses. (10/23)

China's Deep Blue Plans Sale of Tickets for Suborbital Spaceflight (Source: Weixin)
Huo Liang, chairman of Deep Blue Aerospace, will introduce the progress and plans of the company's commercial spacecraft work during a live broadcast, and launch the pre-sale of tickets for the first suborbital manned spacecraft travel in 2027. "We will only sell the first two manned spacecraft tickets in this pre-sale." During the suborbital flight of Deep Blue Spacecraft, passengers will experience much more than a brief weightlessness experience. They will experience the vastness and mystery of the universe and witness the magnificent landscape beyond the earth. (10/23)

Musk Wants to Send 30,000 More Starlink Satellites Into Space - Astronomers are Worried (Source: Independent)
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is once again asking for approval to send up nearly 30,000 more Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit- and astronomers are sounding the alarm over the request. SpaceX officials claim it is necessary to bring blazing gigabit speeds and “ubiquitous mobile connectivity to all Americans” for its high-speed internet service, as well as for billions of Starlink users around the world. 

The company requested that the agency grant it lower orbits for the second-generation system and more radio frequencies. SpaceX says additional frequencies will not cause significant interference problems to other spectrum users. It is now asking for the OK from the Federal Communications Commission to deploy up to 29,988 Starlink satellites, likely using the company’s Starship megarocket. (10/21)

Purdue to Host Inaugural Space Policy Symposium (Source: Purdue University)
Purdue University will convene top leaders in government, industry and academia for its inaugural Space Policy Symposium @ Purdue on Oct. 30-31 on the West Lafayette campus. Organized by the Purdue Policy Research Institute (PPRI), one of the Institutes and Centers at Discovery Park District, the symposium will include workshops and discussions aimed at supporting policy development around norms of behavior in space. (10/21)

What a Trump or Harris Election Win Means for the Space and Satellite Industry (Source: Via Satellite)
This week’s On Orbit podcast is a topical look at space policy in the U.S. election. Host Rachel Jewett is joined by fellow editor Jeff Hill for a conversation with Svetla Ben-Itzhak, assistant professor of Space and International Relations and deputy director with the West Space Scholars Program at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Click here. (10/21)

It's Time to Lay Down the Law on Space Exploration (Source: The National)
As human beings inch closer to longer, perhaps permanent stays in space – the US-led Artemis program has the establishment of a lunar space station and a Moon base as its two primary objectives – I would argue that the time has come to think harder about agreed rules. The UAE – a committed and ambitious newcomer to the space race – is dealing with this very topic. This month, the Emirates set up a new organization, the Supreme Space Council, to oversee the development of its booming space sector. The new council will look at approving regulations and set priorities in investment, acquisitions and infrastructure.

Interestingly, it will also have the power to approve plans aimed at achieving space security in co-operation with international partners. Such plans cannot come too soon. If used in a spirit of co-operation – buttressed by effective rules and laws – space-based resources could revolutionize life on Earth and establish a toehold for humanity in space. If fought over, they could end up merely adding to humanity’s long and ignoble history of conflict. This is what makes realistic and far-sighted preparation for space exploration so important. Thankfully, the UAE is not alone in working to make space a safe, rules-based place. (10/22)

Preparations Underway at Alaska's Kodiak Island Spaceport for a Future Launch but Timing Unknown (Source: KMXT)
Kodiak residents may have noticed a large crane lifting what appeared to be a section of a rocket into the launch tower at the Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska on Kodiak Island near Narrow Cape. Officials didn’t say much, but shared that this is part of a practice and not a launch. “Right now, for this calendar year, you may see some activity which looks like a launch but is not. It’s one of those exercises to make sure that all the pieces are in place for a launch that will happen in the future," said John Oberst.

Oberst could not disclose what company or entity was leading the launch prep exercise. But in general, Oberst said that when the facility is working with a government entity for a launch, there’s typically less transparency than with a commercial company. (10/21)

The CSA Awards Four Companies Contracts in 2nd Round for the Connected Care Medical Module (Source: SpaceQ)
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has awarded four companies $150,000 each in the second round for the Connected Care Medical Module (C2M2) initiative of the Health Beyond program. As with other health initiatives undertaken by the CSA, the Connected Care Medical Module is meant to help astronauts in space while at the same is applicable to serve the population here on Earth, particularly in remote communities.

In the first round, the CSA told SpaceQ by email that “the aim was to learn from and understand the capabilities in the Canadian industry. The scope was broad and resulted in C2M2‘s that focuses on interoperability and autonomy. This first series of prototypes were built in shipping containers to facilitate eventual deployment across Canada (using the freight transportation network).” Five companies were award $2M each in the first round. The companies selected included Baüne, Canadian Space Mining Corporation, CGI, Lunar Medical, and Phyxable. (10/21)

Luxembourg Joins OQ Technology’s 30 Million Euro Investment Plan (Source: Space News)
Luxembourg’s government has backed a major chunk of OQ Technology’s ongoing 30 million euro ($32 million) Series B funding round, according to the Luxembourg-based operator of small narrowband satellites. OQ Technology announced an investment Oct. 21 from the Luxembourg Space Sector Development (LSSD), which the government co-runs with SES, a multi-orbit satellite fleet operator also based in the country. (10/21)

Japan Prepares for Next H3 Rocket Launch (Source: NSF)
A Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H3 launcher, in its 22S configuration, is set to launch a geostationary communications satellite on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 06:46 UTC at the start of a launch window lasting nearly two hours. Operated by the DSN Corporation, DSN-3, also known as Kirameki 3, will operate in the X-band for the Japanese military.

H3 is expected to fly from pad LA-Y2 at the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. This will be the third flight of this rocket this year, with all three flying in the 22S configuration. “22S” denotes two LE-9 engines on the main stage burning liquid hydrogen and oxygen, two SRB-3 side boosters, and a short-length payload fairing. (10/22)