May 29, 2025

Italy Set to Lead in Europe’s Space Century, Says EU Commissioner (Source: Decode 39)
During a parliamentary hearing in Rome, EU Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius praised Italy’s leadership in space policy and its efficient use of EU funds. With a focus on strategic autonomy, the visit highlighted Italy’s ambition to be at the core of Europe’s space future. The former Lithuanian prime minister hailed Italy as an effective example of how to use EU funding in the aerospace sector. (5/26)

Musk's Mars Timeline Slips (Source: Investor's Business Daily)
Elon Musk plans to send the first Starships to Mars by 2026, according to a September 2024 social media post. At the time, he planned to send the first crewed flights to Mars by 2028, with the goal of establishing a self-sustaining city by 2044. However, that timeline has been delayed. Musk in 2016 aimed to send humans to Mars by 2024. SpaceX's launch cadence for the next three flights will be faster, according to Musk: one every three to four weeks. (5/28)

SpaceX May Have Solved One Problem Only to Find More on Latest Starship Flight (Source: Ars Technica)
During the rocket's two previous test flights—each using an upgraded "Block 2" Starship design—problems in the ship's propulsion system led to leaks during launch, eventually triggering an early shutdown of the rocket's main engines. On both flights, the vehicle spun out of control and broke apart. The good news is that that didn't happen on Tuesday. The ship's main engines fired for their full duration, putting the vehicle on its expected trajectory toward a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

The bad news is that Tuesday's test flight revealed more problems, preventing SpaceX from achieving the most important goals Musk outlined going into the launch. Musk noted that leaks caused the a loss of main tank pressure during the coast and reentry phase of the flight and that there is a lot of "good data" to review.

Most notable among the flight's unmet objectives was SpaceX's desire to study the performance of the ship's heat shield, which includes improved heat-absorbing tiles to better withstand the scorching temperatures of reentry. SpaceX officials hope the new tiles will be more robust than the ones flown on the first-generation, or Block 1, version of Starship, allowing future ships to land and quickly launch again, without the need for time-consuming inspections, refurbishment, and in some cases, tile replacements. (5/28)

Super Heavy Booster Lost Before Soft Landing in Gulf (Source: Ars Technica)
SpaceX decided against a launchpad return for a few reasons. First, engineers programmed the booster to fly at a higher angle of attack during its descent, increasing the amount of atmospheric drag on the vehicle compared to past flights. This change should reduce propellant usage on the booster's landing burn, which occurs just before the rocket is caught by the launch pad's mechanical arms, or "chopsticks," on a recovery flight.

During the landing burn itself, engineers wanted to demonstrate the booster's ability to respond to an engine failure on descent by using just two of the rocket's 33 engines for the end of the burn, rather than the usual three. Instead, the rocket appeared to explode around the beginning of the landing burn before it could complete the final landing maneuver.

Editor's Note: I've heard that the intense vibration during these launches is the primary culprit leading to a cascade of related failure scenarios for both the booster stage and the Starship stage, especially with their engine plumbing. (5/28)

After 9 Starship Launches, Some Have Been More Successful Than Others (Source: Fox Business)
SpaceX’s Starship Flight 9 ended in failure — and it is not the company’s only one. Since its first launch in April 2023, SpaceX has seen a mix of failed and successful launches. While not every launch is a success, the company often says that "success comes from what we learn." Click here. (5/28)

Embry-Riddle Welcomes Five New Ventures to Research Park (Source: ERAU)
Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University is pleased to announce five new innovative partners at its state-of-the-art Research Park facility, located adjacent to the university’s Daytona Beach Campus in Volusia County, Florida, a short distance from the Cape Canaveral Spaceport. The companies focus on a range of aerospace and space business opportunities. Click here. (5/27) https://news.erau.edu/headlines/intersection-innovation-economic-development-embry-riddle-new-partners-expanding-research-park

Gravitational Lasers: The Secret Experiment That Could Launch the Future (Source: Dimitrios Karras)
In a quiet laboratory north of Moscow, a physicist named Dr. Eugene Podkletnov may have done the unthinkable: aimed gravity like a beam—and fired it. Using a spinning superconducting disc inside a high-voltage discharge chamber, Podkletnov claims to have created a "gravitational impulse"—a directed burst of force that penetrates walls, floors, and barriers with no detectable loss of energy.

According to his reports, this impulse was strong enough to knock over objects nearly a kilometer away. Thirty years ago, Dr. Podkletnov developed a gravitational shield using high-speed rotating superconductors. Now he’s testing a new device that he claims will generate better results. (5/28)

FSU InSPIRE Working to Grow the Aerospace Industry in Northwest Florida (Source: WJHG)
The aerospace industry is booming in Bay County as several industry leaders continue to bring their technology to the Panhandle. Grey Dodge was the featured speaker at the Bay Economic Development Alliance meeting on Wednesday. He represented FSU’s InSPIRE Initiative.

FSU InSPIRE is aimed at fostering innovation and economic growth in Northwest Florida. It focuses on high-speed aerodynamics, advanced manufacturing, and STEM education. The initiative includes development and strategic partnerships with industry and workforce development programs to keep local talent working in Bay County. (5/7)

Spaceport America Welcomes Sirius Technologies as Tenant (Source: Spaceport America)
Innovative Space Carrier Inc. (ISC), a space startup based in Tokyo, Japan, and its United States subsidiary, Sirius Technologies, Inc., announced the signing of an operational lease at Spaceport America. The two-year lease allows ISC and its Colorado-based subsidiary and technology and development arm, Sirius, to test and develop its launch vehicles and rocket motor operations. ISC/Sirius plans to produce a reusable launch vehicle suitable for testing various launch and landing techniques before shifting focus to the creation of its single-stage-to-orbit (SSO) launch vehicle. (5/27)

Space Force Orders Two New GPS Satellites From Lockheed Martin (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Space Force has ordered two more GPS 3 satellites from Lockheed Martin. The $509.7 million award announced Wednesday covers GPS 3F satellites 21 and 22, scheduled for delivery in 2031. The order was placed under an existing 2018 contract that allows for up to 22 spacecraft. With this procurement, the Space Force has now exercised options for 12 satellites with a total contract value of $4.1 billion. The GPS 3F satellites offer enhanced anti-jamming capabilities, improved accuracy and additional features such as an upgraded nuclear detonation detection payload and a next-generation search-and-rescue package. (5/29)

SpaceX Set for Rapid-Callup GPS Launch (Source: Space News)
Another GPS satellite is scheduled to launch this week on a rapid-callup mission. The GPS 3 SV08 spacecraft is set to launch Friday on a Falcon 9 after the Space Force announced in April it reassigned the launch to SpaceX from United Launch Alliance. Space Force officials said Wednesday the mission was executed on an unusually accelerated timeline, with launch planning starting in February, far shorter than the typical timeline of 18 to 24 months for a national security mission. Those officials said they accelerated the launch of this satellite to get the more advanced GPS satellites into orbit as electronic interference with navigation signals becomes a growing concern. (5/29)

F-4 Phantoms Sought By Private Space Launch Company Starfighters International (Source: TWZ)
The Kennedy Space Center-based research, test, and now space launch company Starfighters International, which has been flying F-104 Starfighters privately for decades is now, is in the process of acquiring a dozen F-4 Phantoms. The deal would see the iconic third-generation Cold War fighters fly primarily in service of the firm’s space launch operations, which aim to provide rapid and flexible access to low Earth orbit (LEO) for small satellites, as well as suborbital offerings. (5/28)

China Launches Asteroid Sample Mission (Source: Space News)
China launched its first asteroid sample return mission Wednesday. Tianwen-2 lifted off on a Long March 3B rocket at 1:31 p.m. Eastern from Xichang Satellite Launch Center. Tianwen-2 is headed for the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa, arriving in July 2026. The spacecraft spent seven months studying the asteroid, 40 to 100 meters across, collecting samples that it will return to Earth in late 2027. Tianwen-2 will then spend the next six years going to the comet 311P/PANSTARRS. (5/29)

NASA Solves Psyche Asteroid Probe's Thruster Glitch (Source: Space News)
NASA's Psyche asteroid mission is back on track after switching propellant lines. The spacecraft's electric thrusters stopped in early April after pressure dropped in a line feeding them with xenon propellant. NASA said Wednesday that engineers concluded a component in a valve in that line was not working properly, blocking the flow of propellant. NASA is switching to a backup line that will allow the electric thrusters to resume operation by mid-June. Psyche is headed to the asteroid of the same name, arriving in 2029. (5/29)

China Launches Earth Observation Satellite (Source: China Daily)
China launched an Earth observation satellite early Thursday. A Long March 4B lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 12:12 a.m. Eastern and put the Shijian-26 satellite into orbit. Chinese media said the satellite, jointly developed by several organizations, will perform land survey and environmental protection services. Shijian satellites are typically experimental satellites, often with military applications. (5/29)

SpaceX Launches Wednesday Starlink Mission at Cape Canaveral Spaceport (Source: Florida Today)
SpaceX launched more Starlink satellites from Florida Wednesday. A Falcon 9 launched from the Kennedy Space Center at 9:30 a.m. Eastern, putting 27 Starlink satellites into orbit. The booster for this launch completed its 19th flight. (5/28)

South Korea's Unastella Launches Suborbital Rocket (Source: Maeil Business)
A South Korean startup with human spaceflight ambitions has performed the first private launch from the country. Unastella launched its Una Express 1 suborbital rocket Wednesday, reaching an altitude of 10 kilometers. The launch was a test of engine technologies planned for a larger vehicle, including one that would carry people on suborbital flights to 100 kilometers altitude. (5/29)

Japan's Space One and Space BD to Launch Optical Imaging Satellite for Military (Source: Space News)
Two Japanese companies won a contract to launch a satellite for Japan's military. Space One and Space BD said Wednesday they received a contract from the Japan Ministry of Defense for the launch of an optical imaging satellite built by Canon Electronics. The companies did not disclose the planned launch date or value of the award. Space BD will be responsible for the overall launch services, with Space One conducting the launch using its Kairos rocket. That rocket failed in its first two launch attempts last year, but company officials say they will attempt another launch in the near future. (5/29)

China's Space Epoch Launches Reusable Rocket (Source: Space News)
A Chinese launch startup performed a vertical takeoff and splashdown test of a reusable rocket. Sepoch, also known as Space Epoch, launched its Yuanxingzhe-1 (YXZ-1) verification rocket from the Haiyang spaceport in China's Shandong province at 4:40 p.m. Eastern Wednesday. The rocket flew to an altitude of 2.5 kilometers before performing a controlled descent and soft splashdown in waters just off the coast from the spaceport. Sepoch called the flight a "complete success" and sets the company up to attempt a first full flight of YXZ-1, also known as Hiker-1, later this year. Hiker-1 is designed to be reusable and carry up to 10,000 kilograms of payload to low Earth orbit. (5/29)

Sierra Space Awarded Lunar Logistics Contract by NASA (Source: Sierra Space)
Sierra Space has won a significant contract from NASA to study the use of Sierra Space’s expandable space station technology on the moon. The purpose of this contract will be to ultimately develop innovative solutions for lunar surface logistics and mobility supporting NASA’s Moon-to-Mars Architecture.

The contract, under the NextSTEP-2 Appendix R for Lunar Logistics and Mobility Studies, positions Sierra Space at the forefront of verticals including logistical carriers; logistics transfer; staging, storage, and tracking; trash management; and integrated strategies. This includes everything from the potential use of Sierra Space’s inflatable LIFE habitat technology for tunnels around a moon base to tracking and storage of goods on the moon, as well as integration of the entire framework for habitation on the lunar surface. (5/28)

A Passing Star Could Fling Earth Out of Orbit (Source: Science News)
Bad news, earthlings. Computer simulations of the solar system’s future reveal a new risk facing us all: The gravitational tug of a passing star could either cause another planet to smack into Earth or else fling our planet into the sun or far away from it, where any inhabitants would freeze. Blame Mercury. Astronomers have long known that the innermost planet’s orbit, which is fairly oval-shaped, can become even more elliptical due to gravitational jiggles from Jupiter. Passing stars exacerbate this danger. (5/28)

China Builds Satellite Constellations to Enable Smart Connectivity From Space (Source: Xinhua)
With four new satellites launched this month to expand the Tianqi constellation, China is accelerating a presence in low-Earth orbit to support its surging demand for smart device connectivity. Following SpaceX's lead, an increasing number of Chinese aerospace firms have begun constructing Starlink-style satellite networks over the past years. Some of these commercial space firms are specifically targeting the development of critical digital infrastructure for IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity. (5/28)

Chinese Lunar Probe Shifts to Complex Orbit in World First (Source: Xinhua)
China's Tiandu-1 satellite has become the first probe to enter a special Earth-moon resonant orbit, scientists announced on Tuesday. The spacecraft successfully completed an orbital maneuver on May 22, entering what scientists call a "3:1 Earth-moon resonant orbit" after a week of testing.

The petal-like intricate orbit allows Tiandu-1 to complete three circuits around Earth for every one orbit by the moon, creating a regular pattern of movement between the two celestial bodies. This orbit has special mechanical properties that require relatively low energy to maintain, according to the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory. (5/28)

China is Quietly Preparing to Build a Gigantic Telescope (Source: Science)
High on the Tibetan Plateau, China appears to be laying the groundwork for what will be the largest optical telescope in the Northern Hemisphere—and perhaps briefly, in the world. But to the puzzlement of some astronomers, China has been keeping a tight lid on plans for its 14.5-meter Large Optical Telescope (LOT), with only glancing references in a handful of abstracts and Chinese media reports.

“As far as I can tell, it’s real. And it will certainly put China in the big leagues,” says Robert Kirshner, a cosmologist at Harvard University and executive director of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), one of two massive U.S.-led optical telescopes undergoing design review and at least a decade away from first light. (5/28)

Vulnerabilities Found in NASA’s Open Source Software (Source: HelpNet)
Juranić, whose AppSec credentials include founding and leading DefenseCode, is no stranger NASA: in 2009, he discovered and reported a number of serious vulnerabilities in NASA’s Common Data Format (CDF) software library, which ended up getting fixed by the developers.

His latest probing of NASA-developed open source software was limited to 4 hours of manual code analysis, but nevertheless unveiled a slew of vulnerabilities. He discovered a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities in NASA’s Portable Environment for Quick Image Processing (QuIP), then decided to look for more of them in similar tools used by the agency. (5/27)

The Secrets of Replica NASA Spacesuit Hardware (Source: Adam Savage)
Adam heads to Chris Gilman's workbench in his shop to learn how Chris machines and builds replica Apollo spacesuit hardware that can even work with real NASA parts! From neckrings to connector fittings, Adam gets his hands on both real and replica parts that go above and beyond the demands of specialty costuming. Click here. (5/27)

Signs of Water on Mars’ Surface Might Not Be What We Thought (Source: BGR)
For years, scientists have been intrigued by mysterious dark streaks running down the slopes of Martian cliffs and craters. These marks, called slope streaks and recurring slope lineae (RSLs), have often been considered possible signs of water on Mars. That raised hopes that the Red Planet could support life or may have supported life in the past.

But new research is challenging that idea. A team used artificial intelligence to analyze over 86,000 high-resolution satellite images of the Martian surface. Their findings suggest that wind and dust, not water, are likely responsible for the streaks. The researchers trained an algorithm to identify slope streaks, then compared their locations with environmental data such as wind speed, temperature, and dust patterns. They found no link between the streaks and moisture, frost, or any other clear signs of water on Mars. (5/27)

Overcoming Conservatism in the Autonomous Space Revolution (Source: Space News)
The space industry has reached an inflection point where operational demands are beginning to outpace traditional control methods. As satellite constellations grow larger and missions become more complex, autonomy shifts from luxury to necessity.

Breaking this cycle requires a dual approach: rigorous ground testing followed by incremental in-space validation. Advanced test facilities — where zero gravity motion and the harsh conditions of space can be replicated in controlled on-ground test environments – provide crucial stepping stones between simulation and actual deployment. (5/28)

A New Nuclear Rocket Technology Takes Another Step Forward (Source: Universe Today)
NASA's DRACO Program, the standard-bearer for NTP systems, provides a specific impulse of around 900 seconds, about double a traditional chemical rocket, but half that of most ion thrusters. To increase that number even further, researchers at the University of Alabama at Huntsville and The Ohio State University have been working on a novel configuration of NTP called the Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (CNTR) that promises almost to double the specific impulse of traditional NTP systems while maintaining similar thrust levels. (5/27)

Enpulsion Unveils Nexus, Its Most Powerful Electric Propulsion System to Date (Source: Space News)
Enpulsion, a global leader in electric propulsion systems for small satellites, announces the launch of Nexus, its most advanced propulsion system to date. Designed for spacecraft up to 500 kilograms, Nexus delivers significantly increased thrust and enhanced orbit-raising capabilities, addressing the growing demand for responsive, high-performance electric propulsion in smallsat missions. (5/27)

Prostheses Fit to Fly! (Source: ESA)
The performance of a lower limb prosthesis has been evaluated in microgravity conditions for the first time during the latest ESA parabolic flight campaign on the ‘Zero G’ aircraft. European Space Agency astronaut reserve John McFall tested his prosthetic hardware in microgravity by squatting, walking and running on a treadmill. The team assessed the performance of the prosthetic hardware in repeated periods of microgravity during over 90 parabolas across 3 flights. (5/27)

The Real Golden Dome Opportunity – Defense Acquisition Reform (Source: Space News)
The Golden Dome is ambitious, alluring and amorphous. Many defense pundits have asked “What exactly is Golden Dome?” They are right to ask. The system of systems that will bring additional layered capability and capacity into the missile defense architecture under the Golden Dome is still undefined in any traditional military requirement process. Skeptics cite this as a reason for suspicion and scorn.

Nonetheless, the Golden Dome represents an opportunity to tangibly improve homeland missile defense, while also driving changes in how the Department of Defense should acquire new capabilities and integrate commercial solutions. It is not a coincidence that the Trump administration is concurrently pushing defense acquisition reform and the Golden Dome along similar paths with his Executive Orders, the program’s robust Congressional support, the support of individuals within the Department of Defense empowered to implement change. (5/27)

Hughes Expands Florida Ties to NASA HQ (Source: Florida Politics)
Brian Hughes isn’t the only high-profile hire at NASA to claim strong ties to Florida. The administration just tapped University of Central Florida space czar Greg Autry to serve as NASA’s Chief Financial Officer. As it happens, the administration takes over a Florida heavy leadership team for NASA under former President Joe Biden. Isaacman will succeed former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, a former U.S. Senator for Florida.

After Nelson stepped down following Trump’s election, Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro took over as Acting NASA Administrator. Hughes will succeed Suzie Perez Quinn as NASA Chief of Staff.  Quinn, a University of South Florida alumnus, previously served as Nelson’s Chief of Staff in the Senate. (5/27)

No Injuries Reported After Storm Damages NASA Facility in Huntsville (Source: WAFF)
Redstone Arsenal officials confirmed that Tuesday night’s storms heavily damaged NASA’s Building 4604. Officials say initial assessments indicate severe damage to the exterior of the building. Fortunately, the facility was unoccupied during the storm, and no injuries were reported.

Officials said everything in the building was old property being processed for disposal, including old furniture, dated equipment, etc. We are grateful that no one was injured during this severe weather event. Our team is working diligently to assess the damage and ensure the safety of all personnel on Redstone Arsenal. We are coordinating closely with our NASA partners to address this situation. (5/27)

South Africa Not Giving ‘Special Dispensation’ to Musk’s Starlink, Minister Says (Source: CNBC)
South Africa’s Communications Minister Solly Malatsi said on Tuesday that his proposed draft policy that recognizes alternatives to Black ownership requirements was not only meant for Elon Musk’s Starlink. Last Friday, Malatsi’s department proposed the recognition of so-called “equity equivalent” investment programs in the information and communication technology sector, which could encourage SpaceX’s Starlink and other communications companies to operate in the country. (5/27)

Battle Over Space Command HQ Location Heats Up as Lawmakers Press New Air Force Secretary (Source: Fox News)
Years after the first Trump administration moved to designate Alabama as the home of a permanent Space Command headquarters (HQ), the political tug-of-war for the base continues. Colorado Republicans are urging the president to rethink the decision while Alabama lawmakers insist it will and should move forward. After his May 13 confirmation, new Air Force Secretary Troy Meink can now expect a lot of calls from Capitol Hill pulling him in different directions over the HQ. (5/27)

Korea’s Samsung Wants to Become Part of the Space Industry (Source: Space & Defense)
Korean consumer electronics and appliance company Samsung wants to become part of the space industry. The Korea Economic Daily newspaper reports Samsung plans to start manufacturing space infrastructure and components. Subsidiary Samsung Construction and Trading Corporation has begun an early start research and development project. Among other things, it is examining building a rocket launch pad. The company is in joint venture talks Seoul National University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering about the project.

South Korea is one of the few countries capable of transferring its manufacturing strengths from semiconductors and nuclear power to offshore plants into the space industry,” said Seoul National University Professor of Aerospace Park Hyeong-jun.

Other Samsung companies have begun hiring space scientists. Earlier this month, Samsung signed a space agreement with the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. They will join forces to develop secondary payloads for a domestic CubeSat. The CubeSat, K-Rad Cube, is scheduled to be aboard NASA’s Artemis II test flight. Samsung Electronics will use it to see how its next-generation semiconductors fare against radiation in high-Earth airport. (5/27)

Oklahoma Sets Course for Aerospace Leadership with Spaceport Expansion and New Legislation (Source: KECO)
Oklahoma is positioning itself as a leader in the space industry with the recent signing of Senate Bill 912. This legislation integrates the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) into the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), aiming to streamline efforts in aerospace and aviation.

The state has invested in advanced air mobility infrastructure at the spaceport. ODAA has contracted with Vigilant Aerospace to deploy the FlightHorizon system, enhancing the facility’s capabilities in monitoring and managing uncrewed aircraft systems. A key component of this initiative is the Oklahoma Air & Space Port located in Burns Flat. This facility, managed by OSIDA, is one of only 14 FAA-licensed spaceports in the United States. It features a 13,503-foot runway, making it suitable for various aerospace operations.

The spaceport has attracted international attention, notably from Netherlands-based Dawn Aerospace, which plans to use Burns Flat as its U.S. base for testing the Mk-II Aurora spaceplane. This vehicle is designed for suborbital flights and can operate from conventional runways. (5/27)

Novaspace Publishes White Paper On Scaling Up the Canadian Space Sector (Source: SpaceQ)
Canada is taking steps to support its growing space sector, including Canadian Space Agency programs like the space technology development program (STDP) and the Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP), as well as space-focused accelerator programs like the Creative Destruction Lab's Space Stream. This has led to a number of promising Canadian space startups across a variety of sectors.

A new white paper by space sector consultancy Novaspace, however, suggests that there are still quite a few more “novel approaches" to be done for Canada to develop a robust space-focused economy, and in particularly on setting the Canadian government up as an “anchor customer” that allows for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to scale up into full space enterprises. (5/27)

Musk: There is an 80 Percent Chance Starship’s Engine Bay Issues are Solved (Source: Ars Technica)
Elon Musk: These launches are all about data. The most important thing is data on how to improve the tile design, so it's basically data during the high heating, re-entry phase in order to improve the tiles for the next iteration. So we've got like a dozen or more tile experiments. We're trying different coatings on tiles. We're trying different fabrication techniques, different attachment techniques. We're varying the gap filler for the tiles. And also, we want to make sure that we've solved the issues that caused the explosions in the last two flights in the upper stage engine bay.

"We've got about an 80 percent chance of having solved those issues. ... We had to discover that we needed to tighten the bolts that attached the thrust chamber to the injector head after firing. So after the first firing, it turns out that's what caused some of the bolts to loosen a little bit; like some of them, some of the time, would loosen and that would allow basically fuel and gas to combine. Because the seal that normally blocks the passage of the fuel and oxidizer would gap a little bit, and it only takes a tiny amount of fuel and oxygen combining in a bad spot to explode the engine. (5/27)