Space News for Friday, September 27, 2024

D-Orbit raises 150 million euros in two-part Series C round

Original Publication Date: 2024-09-27 08:00

Italian space logistics firm D-Orbit has raised 150 million euros ($168 million) in a two-part Series C funding round. Japan’s Marubeni Corp. Led the Series C round. The funds will enable D-Orbit to develop space-based cloud computing and in-orbit servicing systems.

Katie Wall, True Anomaly Director of Government Affairs — Leading Women in Space

Original Publication Date: 2024-09-26 10:24

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 on SpaceNews.com and on the SpaceNews YouTube channel.

Blue Origin tests New Glenn upper stage

Original Publication Date: 2024-09-26 10:20

Blue Origin test-fired the second stage of the New Glenn on the pad at Cape Canaveral. The two BE-3U engines in the upper stage fired for 15 seconds in the test. The test was one of the key milestones leading up to the inaugural New Glenn launch.

Leidos replaces Lockheed Martin on Artemis rover team

Original Publication Date: 2024-09-25 23:34

Lunar Outpost, Lockheed Martin part ways on lunar rover project. Leidos will provide its expertise in human factors and systems engineering. Lunar Outpost was one of three companies selected for contracts by NASA in April. Lockheed’s departure also means changes to the rover itself.

Iridium approved to work on LEO compatibility for upcoming smartphones

Original Publication Date: 2024-09-25 20:57

Iridium says 3GPP has approved its request to advance space-based Narrowband Internet of Things. The approval paves the way for trials and demonstrations. Iridium says it has already demonstrated this capability over its L-band satellite spectrum. The company said its next tests are scheduled for early next year.

Space Force awards $25 million contract for satellite data integration

Original Publication Date: 2024-09-25 19:43

Software and data processing specialist Outside Analytics wins $25 million contract. It will integrate data from missile-warning satellites and other sensors at U.S. Space Force's Tools, Applications, and Processing Laboratory. The $25 million award is the first task order under a larger five-year, $215 million contract.

SpaceX’s Saturday launch of the Crew-9 astronauts’ mission tenuous due to Helene – SatNews

Original Publication Date: 2024-09-26 00:00

SpaceX and NASA are targeting no earlier than Saturday, September 28, at 1:17 p.m. EDT due to Tropical Storm Helene. Falcon 9’s launch of Dragon’s ninth operational human spaceflight mission (Crew-9) to the International Space Station from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Crew-9 will be the first human spaceflight to launch from Space Launch Complex-40 which was scheduled to fly in August.

Initial tests of the KERAUNOS optical communications satellite are successful – SatNews

Original Publication Date: 2024-09-26 00:00

KERAUNOS is the result of a collaboration between the French Defense Innovation Agency (AID) and two French New Space companies, Unseenlabs and Cailabs. The optical link offers several advantages over traditional radio links, including greater speed, enhanced discretion, and independence from radio spectrum coordination regulations.

Hydrosat expands presence in LATAM to drive digital agriculture innovation – SatNews

Original Publication Date: 2024-09-26 00:00

Hydrosat announces four new commercial agreements with key partners in Latin America. EE Print Pack, Rex Irrigación Huasteca and Grupo INDERS are key customers. Hydrosat’s IrriWatch platform delivers daily, high-resolution field intelligence using satellite-based thermal infrared data.

Anduril’s Ghost-X selected for U.S. Army’s company level sUAS directed requirement – SatNews

Original Publication Date: 2024-09-26 00:00

Anduril will deliver Ghost-X aircraft later this year to deployed units. Ghost has more than 2,000 flight hours providing surveillance, targeting, and communications relay capabilities. Anduril participated in extensive soldier touchpoints over the last several years to inform the development and maturation of the Ghost-X variant.

Space Force awards four ‘Quick Start’ Resilient GPS agreements – SatNews

Original Publication Date: 2024-09-26 00:00

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command awarded four agreements to Astranis, Axient, L3 Harris, and Sierra Space to produce design concepts for Lite Evolving Augmented Proliferation one of the Resilient Global Positioning System program. R-GPS provides resilience to military and civil GPS user communities.

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 than we have imagined.