In-Orbit Aerospace explores hypersonics under AFWERX contract
Original Publication Date: 2024-10-03 00:37
In Orbit Aerospace won a $1.8 million AFWERX contract to employ artificial intelligence. In Orbit plans to transport cargo to and from space stations. Engineers are eager to use artificial intelligence to make vehicles more reliable. If successful, the algorithms also will “reduce cost and increase mission success”
DoD seeks innovations in small-satellite propulsion
Original Publication Date: 2024-10-01 19:18
The Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit published a call for industry proposals on advanced spacecraft propulsion technology. Electrospray thrusters promise high fuel efficiency and precise control. The DoD’s interest in electrospray thruster reflects the need for more versatile and fuel-efficient spacecraft.
EchoStar plots direct-to-device satellite push after shedding Dish and debt
Original Publication Date: 2024-10-01 18:35
EchoStar plans to aggressively expand its satellite and terrestrial mobile broadband services. EchoStar agreed to sell satellite TV broadcaster Dish and online streaming service Sling TV. EchoStar also announced about $5.5 billion in new capital for its remaining business. Pay-TV revenue currently represents about two-thirds of EchoStar’s business.
U.S. faces stiff competition from China in satellite remote sensing
Original Publication Date: 2024-10-01 18:10
Report ranks commercial systems across key modalities of satellite remote sensing. Chinese systems took gold in five of 11 categories, compared to four golds for the U.S. Other nations, including Finland and South Korea, also secured podium finishes. Report raises high-level questions about the future of U.S. Leadership in commercial remote sensing.
Impulse Space raises $150 million
Original Publication Date: 2024-10-01 17:23
Impulse Space has raised $150 million to advance work on two orbital transfer vehicles. The company launched its first Mira vehicle on its LEO Express-1 mission last year. It is preparing for the upcoming LEO Express-2 mission, while it continues development of Helios.
ULA says GO! signs Launch Readiness Certificate for Friday’s Vulcan Cert-2 mission launch – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-10-02 00:00
The Launch Readiness Review (LRR) is GO for Friday’s liftoff of the United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket on the Certification-2 (Cert-2) flight test. Liftoff is scheduled for 6:00 a.m. EDT (1000 UTC) from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This is the second of two test flights required for ULA’s certification process with the U.S. Space Force.
GomSpace signs 3.6 MSEK standard platform contract with UK university partnership – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-10-03 00:00
Three leading universities of Surrey, Portsmouth and Southampton, UK, have selected GomSpace to supply a 3.6 MSEK platform kit for an upcoming express mission. The three universities are collaborating on JUPITER – the Joint Universities Program for In-orbit Training, Education and Research. Their first mission is Jovian-1, a satellite with five payloads, one of which will be entirely developed by students.
DIRECTV to acquire EchoStar’s video distribution business, including DISH TV + Sling TV – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-10-02 00:00
DIRECTV will acquire EchoStar’s video distribution business DISH DBS (“DISH”), including DISH TV and Sling TV, through a debt exchange transaction. The combination of DIRECTV and DISH will benefit U.S. Video consumers by creating a more robust competitive force in a video industry dominated by streaming services.
Space42 debuts on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange following merger of Bayanat + Yahsat – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-10-02 00:00
Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) has made its trading debut on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) following the successful merger completion of Bayanat and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company P.J.S.C. (Yahsat) Space42 is the UAE’s new, AI-powered, space tech company with a global reach.
NASA’s Hubble Finds that a Black Hole Beam Promotes Stellar Eruptions
"It could be the effect of the pressure of the light emanating from the jet," Said Lessing. Another idea the researchers considered is that the jet is heating the dwarf's companion star, causing it to overflow further and dump more hydrogen onto the dwarf. However, this heating is not nearly large enough to have this effect.