NASA instruments set to fly on Peregrine commercial lunar lander
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-05 03:42
NASA is preparing for the first launch of a commercial lunar lander carrying agency-sponsored payloads. Peregrine is carrying 20 payloads, including five instruments from NASA. Three of the instruments will work together to study volatiles like water on the surface. The landing location, near the Gruithuisen Domes, is outside of the polar regions.
GAO denies L3Harris protest over Ball Aerospace weather satellite instrument contract
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-04 23:12
GAO rejects protest filed by L3Harris over NASA's award of contract to Ball Aerospace. Ball Aerospace to develop instrument for weather satellite program. L3Harris argued NASA's evaluation was "unreasonable, irrational, and inadequately documented" GAO: NASA acted properly when adding hours and cost to Ball’s bid.
Space Force wargames potential satellite refueling plans
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-04 20:25
U.S. Space Force exploring how to integrate new capabilities into its operations. Tabletop exercise shed light on strategic and logistical considerations. Exercise tackled potential impact of in-orbit refueling on critical assets. Space Force is currently conducting a “space mobility and logistics architecture assessment’
Space Force seeking a digital overhaul of its aging launch infrastructure
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-04 18:37
The project is being run by the Space Force’s technology arm SpaceWERX. SpaceWERX has not yet released specifics on the projected value of contract awards. “The United States’ current space launch infrastructure was designed in the 1970s and 1980s.”
National Labor Relations Board issues complaint over SpaceX employee firings
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-04 13:00
The National Labor Relations Board is proceeding with a complaint against SpaceX. Eight former employees allege they were illegally fired for circulating an open letter. The letter called on SpaceX to distance itself from the social media activities of its chief executive. SpaceX has not commented on the complaint but has until Jan. 17 to file a formal answer.
Maxar wins contract to provide 3D imagery of Indo-Pacific region
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-04 13:00
Maxar Intelligence will provide a 3D data bundle covering 160,000 square kilometers. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command oversees all U.S. Military operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Geospatial intelligence uses maps, overhead imagery and other data to help understand the physical world.
Aerojet Rocketdyne’s propulsion to debut with launch of Vulcan rocket – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-04 00:00
Aerojet Rocketdyne’s RL10 upper-stage engine has been reliably propelling payloads into space for 60 years. Vulcan’s debut mission will send Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander to the Moon using the Centaur V powered by twin RL10C-1-1A engines. The first Vulcan flight will also rely on three Aerojet Rocketdyne composite overwrapped pressure vessels.
Senate confirms Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh to lead CYBERCOM and NSA
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-04 00:00
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy D. Haugh will assume the duties as the Commander, U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) Gen. Paul M. Nakasone will retire after 37 years of dedicated service to the nation. Lt. Gen. Haugh currently serves as CYBERCOM’s deputy commander.
Sidus Space receives NOAA’s OK to provide imaging services to government + commercial customers plus AI update for satellite tech – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-04 00:00
Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) has reported that the NOAA has granted the company a Tier 1 remote sensing license to include Panchromatic (PAN) and Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) imaging capabilities. This approval includes Sidus’ upcoming LizzieSat™ that is scheduled for launch in March of 2024 aboard the SpaceX Transporter-10 mission from Vandenberg SFB.
NASA’s 2023 Space Station Achievements
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-04 09:00
The International Space Station is a hub for scientific research and technology demonstration. In 2023, the first human knee meniscus was successfully bioprinted in orbit using the space station’s BioFabrication Facility. The space station is helping monitor climate change by collecting data using multiple Earth-observing instruments mounted on its exterior.
ULA Ready for Inaugural Vulcan Flight
Original Publication Date: 2024-01-03 17:39
Vulcan is United Launch Alliance’s first new launch vehicle since the company was formed in 2006. Onboard this first flight will be Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander. This is ULA’s first methalox vehicle – or vehicle that uses liquid oxygen as an oxidizer and a form of methane, in this case natural gas, as fuel.