SpaceX letter criticizes FAA for “systemic challenges” in launch licensing
Original Publication Date: 2024-09-20 04:38
SpaceX responds to the FAA's proposed $633,000 in fines for license violations. FAA said SpaceX used a new launch control center without approval. In a later Falcon Heavy launch, SpaceX used a new propellant tank farm without approval. SpaceX says it did not know why the review took so long.
Saudi Arabia plots space industry transformation
Original Publication Date: 2024-09-19 23:59
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund-backed Neo Space Group is looking to lease multi-orbit capacity. NSG is in the middle of taking over the commercial activities of Saudi Arabia’s share of the Saudi Geo Satellite 1/Hellas-Sat-4 satellite. NSG plans to draw on PIF’s sizable financial resources to buy domestic and international businesses.
Earth observation companies wary of Starshield
Original Publication Date: 2024-09-19 21:28
Earth observation companies are closely following the development of a related SpaceX system. Executives with several Earth observation companies said they are keeping tabs on SpaceX’s Starshield system. SpaceX announced the Starshield program in late 2022, billing it as a version of its Starlink satellites.
Infosys invests in Indian Earth-observation startup GalaxEye
Original Publication Date: 2024-09-19 21:08
Infosys announced plans Sept. 19 to invest about $2 million in GalaxEye Space. GalaxEye is preparing to launch in 2025 what it calls “the world’s first’ multi-sensor Earth-observation satellite. Infosys investment provides the startup with an additional $2 million.
Ronda Schrenk, USGIF CEO – Leading Women in Space
Original Publication Date: 2024-09-19 12:55
SpaceNews is shining a spotlight on some of the extraordinary women at the helm of space programs and organizations. We’re delving into their backgrounds, discussing their accomplishments and highlighting their ongoing work. Watch a new episode every Thursday through August on SpaceNews.com and on the SpaceNews YouTube channel.
Small launch vehicles press ahead despite market setbacks
Original Publication Date: 2024-09-19 10:47
Small launch vehicle developers argue they can fill niches in the market. French startup Latitude plans to have its Zephyr vehicle ready for an initial test launch by the end of 2025. Sirius Space Services plans a first test flight of the Sirius 1 in mid-2026, followed by first Sirius 13 in 2027.
China launches final pair of backup Beidou satellites
Original Publication Date: 2024-09-19 10:42
China launches two backup satellites for its Beidou navigation system. The satellites will allow maintenance and management of satellites. They will also conduct experiments for the future Beidou-4 next-generation navigation satellite technology. China aims to build a more ubiquitous, integrated and intelligent comprehensive PNT system by 2035.
Rocket Lab sets date after abort for second attempt to launch Kinéis Killed the RadIOT Star – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-09-19 00:00
Rocket Lab had to stand down from launching its 53rd Electron rocket on a mission for the France-based Internet of Things company, Kinéis. The rocket aborted prior to liftoff after the nine Rutherford engines began firing about two seconds prior. The launch date is currently targeted for Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:01 PM (UTC) The launch takes place at LC-1A Rocket Lab Launch Complex, Mahia Peninsula New Zealand.
Space Systems Command and U.S. Space Command’s $13.2M contract to Astranis to add Military Compatibility to new satellites – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-09-20 00:00
Astranis will add Military Ka frequency compatibility to their next-generation Omega satellites. The Military Ka-band supports high-capacity communications and ensures compatibility with existing military equipment and frequency plans. Use of the Military Ka-band also allows higher bandwidth than lower frequencies and more assured access to portions of the spectrum reserved for military use.
Interstellar secures billion¥ SBIR grant from the Japanese Government – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-09-19 00:00
Interstellar Technologies Inc. Successfully passed the stage-gate review for the Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase 3 (SBIR Phase 3) on September 19, 2024. The program will grant Interstellar up to 4.63 billion Yen in new funding. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program aims to promote the practical application of advanced technologies developed by startups.
NASA‘s ACS3 satellite, built by NanoAvionics, successfully deploys solar sail – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-09-19 00:00
The solar sail aboard NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) satellite has successfully deployed. The deployment, a primary objective of the ACS3 mission, was confirmed by telemetry and images captured by the satellite’s onboard cameras. The unfurled solar sail is approximately 30 feet (about 9 meters) on a side.
BlackSky awarded SDA Contract with HEO + unlocks additional constellation value – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-09-19 00:00
BlackSky Technology Inc. Has been awarded a seven-figure data services contract from HEO. BlackSky will provide proprietary mid-inclination orbit, high-resolution imagery to HEO. Customers will be able to request NEI products through HEO’s automated tasking and delivery platform, HEO Inspect.
8 Things to Know About NASA’s Mission to an Ocean Moon of Jupiter
Europa Clipper will orbit Jupiter and conduct 49 close flybys of the moon. The mission will gather data needed to determine whether there are places below its thick frozen crust that could support life. If the mission determines that Europa is habitable, it would mean there may be more habitable worlds in our solar system and beyond.