EU and UK reach deal on Copernicus
Original Publication Date: 2023-09-08 01:06
UK will resume participation in the EU elements of the Copernicus Earth observation program. UK had been cut out of both programs after it completed its exit from the EU in 2020. UK government said that scientists in the country would regain access to data on Jan. 1.
New report recommends Space Force change how it buys commercial satellite services
Original Publication Date: 2023-09-07 21:50
RAND: Space Force should overhaul its current approach to procuring satellite services. The way it buys services does not provide flexibility needed to create an integrated satcom enterprise. Military users mostly lack the necessary ground equipment to take advantage of diverse services. RAND: Accessing the commercial market in a more centralized way could result in greater influence.
South Africa joins China’s moon base project
Original Publication Date: 2023-09-07 18:48
China-led ILRS project aims to construct a permanent lunar base in the 2030s. China plans a series of robotic missions across the 2020s as precursors. Five major infrastructure missions will be launched in the 2030s to construct the base. While initially robotic, it will later host astronauts.
Relativity Space expands presence at NASA’s Stennis Space Center
Original Publication Date: 2023-09-07 15:56
Relativity Space will lease the A-2 test stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center. The stand was built in the 1960s for testing of the second stage of the Saturn 5. Relativity said it will refurbish the stand to support vertical testing of its rocket. The stand adds 30 acres to Relativity's footprint at Stennis, which now totals 298 acres.
Integrated resilient missile warning, tracking and defense
Original Publication Date: 2023-09-07 15:48
David Ray: U.S. Needs space-based sensing capabilities for global detection, tracking and custody. Ray: Smaller satellites and advanced effectors such as hypersonic missiles must rapidly integrate. Cross-agency collaboration is essential to rapidly integrate these capabilities, he says.
Redwire demonstrates bioprinting human tissue in space
Original Publication Date: 2023-09-07 11:30
Redwire says it successfully 3D-printed human tissue in microgravity. The company says a human knee meniscus is now in the lab on Earth. The experiment was performed with the Uniformed Services University. Redwire is planning another experiment for the BFF set to launch in November.
Terran Orbital announces plan to speed up satellite production
Original Publication Date: 2023-09-07 10:30
Terran Orbital in 2024 plans to accelerate production at its factory in California. Company promises deliveries in 30 to 60 days, the company announced Sept. 7. Terran Orbital is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, and its factory is in Irvine, California. One of Terran Orbital’s main customers is Lockheed Martin.
USSF awards Viasat contract for Proliferated Low Earth Orbit satellite services – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-09-07 00:00
Viasat, now part of Inmarsat, has been awarded a $900 million contract by the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency. Viasat plans to leverage smallsat technology, reduced costs and increased launch service competition. The company will provide a suite of fully-managed pLEO satellite-based services and capabilities.
AFVENTURES Phase II SBIR contract – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-09-07 00:00
Solstar Space will continue development of the company’s Critical Data Relay Spacecraft Operational Status (CritDR-SOS), also known as the Deke Space Communicator (Deke) Deke enables narrowband communications for both uplink and downlink, decreasing the time it takes to download mission data or adjust on-orbit systems.
Astrobotic’s two NASA contracts to investigate rocket plumes and their interaction with the lunar surface – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-09-07 00:00
Astrobotic has begun work on two NASA Small Business Innovation Research contracts that will further research on lunar plume-surface interactions (PSI) The first project, called ‘Floatinator’, will control and eliminate a major testing variable — Earth gravity — that has limited ground-based lunar PSI tests to date. The team will develop a novel imaging sensor, called the Plume-Surface Interaction Combined Hot-fire Imaging Camera.
Speedcast names a new CTO – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-09-07 00:00
James Feger has more than 20 years of management experience in network design, security, technology operations, and virtualization technologies. He previously served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Service Provider business at F5. Feger brings to Speedcast a strong technical leadership background that ranges from developing, deploying, and operating networks.
Wyvern and Loft Orbital join forces to expand Dragonette satellite constellation – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-09-07 00:00
Wyvem is teaming with Loft Orbital to expand the capacity of the Dragonette constellation. Loft is unlocking the power of space for data collection with a deep understanding of how to develop, manage, launch, and operate the satellites that make up their infrastructure. This gives seamless access to on-orbit satellites that gather the hyperspectral data customers need.
NASA Scientists Test New Tool for Tracking Algal Blooms
Systems for monitoring and forecasting harmful algal blooms are available in many states and coastal regions. K. Brevis events are especially concerning because the algae produce a potent neurotoxin that in high concentrations can cause massive fish kills and poison marine life. As the algae feed and grow via photosynthesis, K. Brevis emits a faint red glow called solar-induced fluorescence.
NASA, Partners Study Ancient Life in Australia to Inform Mars Search
The Pilbara is the perfect classroom for teams to study stromatolites that have withstood the test of time and scientific rigor. The group investigated how the environment in which these signs of ancient life were found could have been conducive or unfavorable to biology taking shape.