Space Scotland’s new CEO returns and is ready to ramp up country in preparation of Orbital Launch – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2025-08-06 00:00
Dr. Natasha Nicholson has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Space Scotland. Dr. Nicholson returns to Space Scotland after playing a key role during its formative phase as Cluster Manager. She brings a strong track record of delivery and stakeholder engagement, alongside scientific expertise and deep understanding of Scotland’s space ecosystem.
Open Cosmos kicks off first rideshare mission for the European Commission’s IOD
Original Publication Date: 2025-08-06 00:00
Open Cosmos has signed the first work order contract as part of the In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV) program funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe R&I Program. Under this contract, Open Cosmos will deliver the first rideshare service to Luso Space.
Firefly’s award of $177 Million from NASA for mission to the Moon’s South Pole – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2025-08-06 00:00
Company’s fourth lunar mission and fifth NASA CLPS award utilizes Firefly’s Elytra orbital vehicle and Blue Ghost lunar lander to operate two rovers and three scientific instruments. Firefly Aerospace, a market leading space and defense technology company, was awarded a $176.7 million NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contract to deliver five NASA-sponsored payloads to the Moon’s south pole in 2029.
Japan seeks to create int’l rules on space debris removal – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2025-08-06 00:00
Japan will seek to establish international rules for the removal of human-made objects in space. The objects could pose collision risks to satellites and the International Space Station. Orbital space debris travels at speeds of 7 to 8 kilometers per second. Research and development are under way for technology to collect space debris.
Impulse Space unveils upgraded Mira spacecraft, expanding capabilities beyond LEO
Original Publication Date: 2025-08-06 13:00
Impulse Space announces significant upgrades to its Mira spacecraft. Mira serves as an orbital workhorse, akin to a tow truck or delivery van in space. Designed to transport payloads like satellites or scientific experiments between orbits, it also enables in-space services such as repositioning, refueling, or debris removal.
UK Regulator Grants First Vertical Launch License to Scottish Rocket Firm Skyrora
Original Publication Date: 2025-08-05 16:40
Skyrora has secured the United Kingdom’s first vertical launch license for a domestically based rocket firm. The license authorizes Skyrora to conduct up to 16 launches annually of its Skylark L suborbital rocket. While the permit is now active, the company’s first flight is not imminent and could slip into 2026.