Falcon 9 suffers upper stage engine failure
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-12 05:41
The Falcon 9 lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 10:35 p.m. Eastern. The rocket was carrying 20 Starlink satellites, 13 of which with direct-to-cell payloads. The rocket’s ascent to orbit appeared to go as planned.
Lunar spacecraft receive dozens of collision warnings
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-11 21:58
KARI has received 40 “red alarms” of potential collisions in the last 18 months. Some are “naturally resolved,” as improved orbital data shows no risk. Others can be handed by having one of the spacecraft perform a routine maneuver. There is no formal mechanism for determining which spacecraft performs a collision avoidance maneuver.
Microsoft leads $40 million funding for Starlink networking startup
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-11 20:57
Microsoft-led funding round helps startup develop data centers for SpaceX's Starlink network. Armada aims to offer ruggedized data centers the size of shipping containers for its cloud computing ecosystem. Armada's technology has been deployed in 43 countries by customers, including global oil and gas conglomerates.
Starliner return eyed for end of July as tests continue
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-10 21:19
NASA and Boeing say it may be the end of July before they’re ready to return the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. Ground tests of the spacecraft’s reaction control system (RCS) thrusters have failed. Engineers are studying whether additional tests may be needed before turning their attention to modeling the thruster performance.
AEI hunting for more space investments after closing $1.28 billion fund
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-10 18:56
AE Industrial Partners closed its third flagship fund July 9. AEI sees soaring demand for new space technologies to meet national security needs. More than a quarter of the fund has already been deployed into companies. AEI has around $6.2 billion of assets under management.
X-Bow raises $70 million to boost solid rocket motor production
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-10 14:22
X-Bow Systems has secured $70 million in Series B funding. The Albuquerque, New Mexico-based company announced the investment round July 10. X-Bow has positioned itself as an emerging player in the solid rocket motor market. There has been a surge in demand for solid rocket motors, crucial components in hypersonic weapons.
The end of Chevron deference and what Loper Bright means for the space industry
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-10 13:00
Supreme Court overturned 40-year-old precedent of Chevron deference. With the Loper Bright decision, the Supreme Court stripped many federal agencies of their power to interpret the laws. With the death of Chevron, we are seeing the birth of a new administrative czar.
General Atomics awarded SSC follow-on contract for 2nd EO/IR EWS support satellite + services – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-11 00:00
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has been awarded a contract modification by the United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command. The contract also calls for three years of operations service for each of the two satellites to support the Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) Weather System.
Alpine Space Ventures closes EUR 170 Million startup investment fund to support primarily European portfolio of space sectors – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-12 00:00
Alpine Space Ventures, an industry-insider led venture capital firm, announced the final closing of its first fund with a total volume of EUR 170 million. The fund primarily targets Series A rounds to build an initial position, investing in startups that serve or utilize the global space industry. Alpine Space Ventures has a major focus on investments into the European ecosystem, but has some geographic flexibility to invest in the United States and beyond.
SpaceX finally launches 20 Starlink smallsats including 13 Direct to Cell on Thursday – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-11 00:00
SpaceX experienced a foggy launch of 20 Starlink smallsats including 13 Direct to Cell satellites, on Thursday, July 11, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Station in California. This is the 19th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, DART, Transporter-7, Iridium OneWeb, SDA-0B, and 13 Starlink missions.
NSA publishes guidance for strengthening AI system security – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-11 00:00
NSA releases Cybersecurity Information Sheet (CSI) on AI systems. CSI is intended to support National Security System owners and Defense Industrial Base companies. While intended for national security purposes, the guidance has application for anyone bringing AI capabilities into a managed environment. “AI brings unprecedented opportunity, but also can present opportunities for malicious activity,” said NSA Cybersecurity Director Dave Luber.
GE Aerospace develops + tests new hypersonic dual-mode ramjet – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-11 00:00
The dual-mode ramjet began testing in March of this year in the clean air, continuous flow, high-speed propulsion testing facility in Evendale, Ohio. “The rapid progression from design to testing underscores our commitment to driving innovation in hypersonic technologies,” said Amy Gowder, president and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace.
45 Years Ago: Skylab Reenters Earth’s Atmosphere
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-11 15:47
Skylab reentered the Earth’s atmosphere on July 11, 1979, with debris landing over the Indian Ocean and Australia. In 1978, controllers reactivated the station and changed its attitude, hoping to keep it in orbit as long as possible by reducing atmospheric drag. But delays in the space shuttle’s development eventually made it impossible for a shuttle to revisit Skylab before it reentered.