Thailand joins China-led ILRS moon base initiative
Original Publication Date: 2024-04-05 09:35
Thailand and China have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on the China-led International Lunar Research Station. The China-led ILRS envisions constructing a permanent lunar base in the 2030s. The initiative is seen as a China-led, parallel project and potential competitor to the NASA-led Artemis Program.
Hydrosat wins NOAA contract
Original Publication Date: 2024-04-04 12:00
Geospatial analytics company Hydrosat announced its first contract with NOAA. Under the $175,000 Small Business Innovation Research contract, Hydrosat will provide high-resolution measurement of Earth-surface temperatures. Hydrosat gathers thermal infrared imagery globally and analyzes the data to produce crop-yield forecasts.
NASA selects three companies to advance Artemis lunar rover designs
Original Publication Date: 2024-04-04 01:52
NASA picks teams led by Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost and Venturi Astrolab. The contract covers work to design and develop rovers that would be used by astronauts. The rovers would be provided by the companies to NASA as a service. The overall LTV Services contract has a maximum value of $4.6 billion.
AI at the crossroads of cybersecurity, space and national security in the digital age
Original Publication Date: 2024-04-03 14:30
Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in democratizing access to space exploration and research, says Chris Linn. Linn: For each benefit AI enables in spaceflight and satellite design and communications, there is a converse risk of attack, infiltration and compromise. Linn: We are wielding a dual-edged sword: the opportunities these AI advancements offer and the new vulnerabilities they introduce.
Orbital Sidekick shares first-light imagery
Original Publication Date: 2024-04-03 12:00
Orbital Sidekick releases first-light imagery from two hyperspectral satellites. The satellites, the fourth and fifth in OSK’s constellation, gather data in 468 spectral bands. OSK alerts oil companies to activity near pipelines that could cause leaks.
SpaceX plans three launches over weekend including Starlink and a first with ‘Bandwagon-1’ – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-04-04 00:00
SpaceX is on schedule to launch a batch of Starlink v2 Mini satellites from CCSFS SLC-40. This could be the start of a weekend that could see three missions for the company. Passengers include Capella Space’s Acadia-4 satellite and HawkEye 360’s clusters 8 and 9 (six satellites total)
Kratos demos fully virtualized SATCOM over LEO for U.S. Army – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-04-04 00:00
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. Has successfully demonstrated a fully virtualized SATCOM ground system. The demonstration was for the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical. Kratos’ OpenSpace Platform is the industry’s only commercially available, fully software-defined satellite ground system.
All eyes on the ESA Arctic Weather Satellite – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-04-05 00:00
ESA’s new Arctic Weather Satellite has taken center stage at OHB ’s facilities in Stockholm, Sweden. The spacecraft is packed up and shipped to California for a launch currently scheduled for June. The Arctic Weather Satellite weighs just 120 kg and carries a 19-channel cross-track scanning microwave radiometer.
SwRI to build spacecraft bus for in-space refueler servicer program – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-04-04 00:00
Astroscale Prototype Servicer for Refueling (APS-R) will refuel other compatible vehicles while in geostationary orbit. The spacecraft will carry hydrazine propellant from a depot, also in geostationsary orbit, to the spacecraft in need of fuel. The APS-R can service any spacecraft fitted with a compatible refueling port.
SpaceX’s historic Polaris Dawn mission this summer first-ever commercial extravehicular activity – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-04-04 00:00
Polaris Dawn will launch in summer 2024 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Crew will spend up to five days in orbit, during which they will work towards the following objectives: This Dragon mission will take advantage of Falcon 9 and Dragon’s maximum performance, flying higher than any Dragon mission to date. Orbiting through portions of the Van Allen radiation belt, Polaris Dawn will conduct research.
Mitsubishi Corporation joins Starlab Space as strategic partner, equity owner in JV – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-04-04 00:00
Mitsubishi Corporation is a strategic partner and equity owner in Starlab Space. This partnership expands Starlab Space’s reach beyond a transatlantic partnership and transforms the joint venture into a global organization. Mitsubishi Corporation is expected to leverage its capabilities to significantly increase the value of Starlab.
Port Charlotte Man Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud Related To NASA’s Space Launch System – NASA OIG
Steven Lukens faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Lukens has agreed to forfeit $271,024.35, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 22, 2024. The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years.
Audit of NASA’s High-End Computing Capabilities – NASA OIG
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Audit of the Mars Sample Return Program – NASA OIG
February 28, 2024 The Mars Sample Return Program is one of the most complex, demanding, and ambitious robotic science missions ever undertaken. Before authorizing whether to advance the program to its next phase, we recommend that NASA stabilize design for key program elements, ensure cost and schedule estimates fully account for the program’s complexity, and consider all launch scenarios.