Shanghai firm behind G60 megaconstellation raises $943 million
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-02 10:15
Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology has raised 6.7 billion yuan ($943 million) for the construction of its G60 low Earth orbit megaconstellation. The development comes as SSST prepares to begin construction of its 12,000-satellite strong “G60” constellation. The Shanghai government plans announced in October to foster a commercial space ecosystem by 2025.
Startups call for streamlined US regulations for emerging space capabilities
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-02 04:52
U.S. Risks taking a backseat in emerging space capabilities, executives say. Federal agencies are taking great strides to modernize and streamline satellite licensing rules. But more needs to be done to support nascent space businesses, executives say. A speedy and modernized licensing regime is also critical for U.S. Capabilities.
Congressional letter asks White House to reverse MSR spending cuts
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-01 20:58
More than 40 members of Congress ask White House to reverse cuts NASA has imposed on Mars Sample Return. NASA officials said in November that it would “start ramping back on activities’ related to MSR. Congress has yet to finalize a full-year 2024 spending package.
Air Force rocket cargo initiative marches forward despite questions about feasibility
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-01 18:19
Air Force and SpaceX have been "digging through different scenarios" For use of Starship. SpaceX's launch rates and ability to reuse rockets "dramatically changes the business case" If Starship is ready, a demonstration could be performed as early as 2026. Each launch could deploy over 100 tons to orbit — enough to rival C-17 cargo jets.
Rocket Lab successfully launches 1st Electron mission of busy 2024 launch – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-01 00:00
Rocket Lab launched the company’s first Electron mission for 2024, a space-junk focused mission for Spire Global, Inc. (“Spire”) and NorthStar Earth & Space (“NorthStar”) The ‘Four Of A Kind’ mission for Spire’s customer NorthStar successfully launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 19:34 NZDT / 06:34 UTC. Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket deployed four Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellites to a 530km circular Earth orbit.
Reticulate Micro intros Reticulate Space – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-02 00:00
Reticulate Micro, Inc. Has announced the formation of Reticulate Space. Reticulate Space will initially focus on defense and selective commercial opportunities. The company also announced the senior leadership team of Reticulates Space. David Horton, who joined Reticulate Micro in October of 2023 as Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of President.
Northrop Grumman completes first production delivery for the US Army’s Integrated Battle Command System – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-01 00:00
Northrop Grumman delivered the first production Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) major end item, an Integrated Collaborative Environment (ICE), to the U.S. Army on December 19, 2023. The ICE is a modular, electromagnetic interference-protected shelter hosting battle management workstations. IBCS is the cornerstone of the Army’s air and missile defense modernization strategy, allowing forces to maintain overmatch while reducing mission risk.
Orbital Lasers company formed by SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation to tackle space debris – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-01 00:00
Orbital Lasers will engage in space debris removal as well as further use and develop its laser technologies. The new company aspires to become the world’s first commercial provider of high-precision ground surface information through the use of satellite LiDAR. The issue of space debris is now regarded as an environmental problem as significant as global warming and marine plastic pollution.
AST will provide end-to-end remote connectivity by joining Viasat’s ELEVATE Program – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-01 00:00
Applied Satellite Technology joins Viasat's ELEVATE program. As part of the program, AST will benefit from Viasat’s global L-band network. ELEVATE is a growth program, ecosystem and marketplace for ambitious IoT solution providers, connectivity wholesalers, enablers and OEMs.
Station Science 101: Studying DNA in Space
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-01 09:32
Research on the International Space Station studies DNA damage and repair using tools and techniques to sequence, analyze, and even edit DNA. Tools and techniques have been developed especially for use in space, which has unique safety considerations and limits on the size and weight of equipment. This specialization has made this type of research possible and resulted in significant milestones in DNA research.
ISS Roundup: new Axiom crewmates, robotic hops, and long-duration mission research
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-31 23:22
The Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) crew joined the seven existing astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) from the Expedition 70 mission. This brings a total of 11 astronauts aboard the ISS and a total of 14 people in orbit, including three taikonauts from the Shenzhou 17 mission currently aboard the Chinese Tiangong space station. The Ax-3 crew is the third entirely private astronaut mission to visit the orbiting laboratory and is led by Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria. The planned undocking date is currently Feb. 3, weather permitting, and will splash down off the coast of Florida.