Firefly CEO leaves company
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-18 09:05
Bill Weber was no longer the chief executive of the launch vehicle and lunar lander company. The company did not disclose the reason for his departure and whether Weber resigned or was fired. Weber took over as CEO in September 2022 after AE Industrial Partners acquired a majority stake. Peter Schumacher, a member of Firefly’s board, will serve as interim chief executive.
LeoLabs to support UK’s Project Tyche
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-17 17:13
LeoLabs will provide space tracking and monitoring, and collision-avoidance services. LeoLabs declined to disclose the value of the contract announced July 17. Project Tyche is a small satellite built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd scheduled to launch later this summer. Through Project Tyche, the Ministry of Defence seeks to learn how to use information gathered in low-Earth orbit.
Rosotics unveils 3D printer with space applications
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-17 17:00
Rosotics unveiled a metal 3D printer July 17 for rocket tanks and other large aerospace structures. In 2023, Rosotics built Mantis, a 3D printer to heat feedstock with a magnetic field in the nozzle. Rosotics plans to begin delivering Halo to customers in the United States and Europe in late August.
GPS startup bets on advanced signal to counter jamming threats
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-17 14:00
GPS's newest civilian signal, L5, is designed to operate in a frequency band reserved for aviation safety services. California startup oneNav developed an “L5 direct’ receiver for commercial use in smartphones and internet-of-things devices. The company is marketing the receiver to the U.S. Military.
GOP platform lays out aggressive space agenda to counter China
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-17 13:00
The 2024 Republican National platform is poised to be adopted at the ongoing 2024 GOP convention in Milwaukee. One plank calls for America to reaffirm and extend its leadership in a crucial area of geopolitical competition. China and Russia have significant space capabilities and unsavory schemes for dominance. We are once again in a Cold War with an accompanying Space Race.
NASA space technology head leaves the agency
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-17 03:09
Kurt "Spuds" Vogel, associate administrator for space technology, retiring. Vogel took over as associate administrator leading the Space Technology Mission Directorate. He replaced Jim Reuter, who retired the previous June. Vogel joined NASA in July 2021 as director of space architectures.
NASA ends VIPER project, continues Moon exploration – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-17 00:00
NASA announced Wednesday its intent to discontinue development of its VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) project. NASA stated cost increases, delays to the launch date, and the risks of future cost growth as the reasons to stand down on the mission. The VIPER rover was designed to search Earth’s Moon for ice and other potential resources.
Novaspace’s Prospects for Maritime Satellite Communication reveals the market share of Non-Geostationary Orbit solutions – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-18 00:00
The maritime satellite communication market experienced significant growth in 2023, primarily driven by Starlink’s disruptive entry into the market. The market share of Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) solutions as a primary maritime communications method is expected to surge from 20% in 2023 to 90% by 2033. The total number of vessels using at least one satellite communication service during 2023 reached 40,600, a number which is projected to more than double in 10 years.
SSC’s largest balloon ever launches from Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-17 00:00
The largest stratospheric balloon ever to be launched from Esrange Space Center rose from the ground in northern Sweden on July 17. The payload is a high-resolution imager of X-rays from energetic electron microbursts that occur high in the atmosphere closest to the poles. The record-sized balloon that carries the research experiment is 1.7 million cubic meter (60 million cubic feet, MCF) large.
Dryad Networks and Kinéis provide next-gen satellite-enabled ultra-early wildfire detection – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-17 00:00
Dryad Networks is a leader in ultra-early wildfire detection and forest monitoring. Dryad’s solar-powered gas sensors, equipped with AI, monitor and detect early signs of wildfires. When integrated with Kinéis’ satellite constellation, this network will overcome terrestrial limitations, ensuring near real-time global connectivity.
Ramon.Space expands into the UK – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-17 00:00
Ramon.Space has launched their new subsidiary, Ramon.Space UK. This milestone marks the company’s first European office. Ramon.Space will serve as a key engineering hub, driving innovation and accelerating advancements in space computing and communications. The company is embarking on significant hiring initiatives to attract top local talent.
Experience the Launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Mission
Original Publication Date: 2024-07-17 13:46
Launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission is targeted for no earlier than mid-August from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A maximum of 50 social media users will be selected to attend this two-day event and will be given access similar to news media. Users on all social networks are encouraged to use the hashtag #NASASocial and #Crew9.