Capella to use SpaceX for two Acadia satellite launches
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-06 10:49
Capella Space will launch two radar imaging satellites on SpaceX rideshare missions. Capella signed a contract in February with Rocket Lab for four launches of its new line of Acadia satellites. The first of those four launches successfully placed the first Acadia satellite into orbit. The second, though, failed to reach orbit when the second stage engine shut down.
China launches internet technology test satellite from sea barge
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-06 10:30
China launches internet technology experiment satellite from sea platform. The Jielong-3 rocket lifted off from waters off the coast of Yangjiang, Guangdong province. Launch success was declared around two hours after liftoff. China is planning the construction of a national satellite internet megaconstellation.
OSIRIS-REx parachute deployment affected by wiring error
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-06 09:04
NASA says drogue parachute on OSIRIS-REx sample return capsule failed to deploy properly. The flaw did not prevent a safe landing of the capsule. The drogue was designed to deploy at an altitude of about 30.5 kilometers. The capsule continued to fall without the drogue until it descended below 3,000 meters.
NRO signs agreements with five commercial suppliers of electro-optical imagery
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-05 22:01
The National Reconnaissance Office has signed agreements with five commercial providers. Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Albedo Space, Hydrosat, Muon Space and Turion Space were selected. The agency already procures electro-optical imagery from Maxar, BlackSky and Planet Labs.
The 2023 SpaceNews Icon Awards: Winners
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-05 20:25
The 2023 class of SpaceNews Icons includes a mix of heavyweight champions, scrappy newcomers and long-serving stalwarts. Europe is in the midst of what officials there openly call a “launcher crisis.” Several startups across the continent are working on small launch vehicles, developed with only modest government support.
Aalyria wins ESA contract and establishes European arm
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-05 15:13
Aalyria announced a European Space Agency contract Dec. 5. The value of the award, funded by the UK Space Agency, was not disclosed. Aalyria is establishing a European business headquarters based in London. Aalyria’s networking technology stems from Loon, an Alphabet subsidiary.
Orbit Fab and Australia’s Space Machines Company cooperate on in-orbit servicing
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-05 13:00
Orbit Fab’s fiducial markers are designed to act like a QR code. The markers are painted on SMC’s Optimus Orbital Servicing Vehicle. Orbit Fab has three launches set for 2025 to deliver fuel for U.S. Customers. In one of the demonstration missions, Orbit Fab plans to supply the U.S. Space Force Tetra-5.
Australian Government funding to accelerate Neumann Space space tech development with Spire Global – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-06 00:00
Neumann Space has made known that Australian Government funding will enable the company to adapt the Neumann Drive® for an on-orbit demo mission with Spire Global. Neumann Space is a founding partner of the Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN) project led by Gilmour Space Technologies. Neumann Space will use Australian Government funding received under this program to work together with Spire on this mission.
Requtech’s successful testing of Multi-Orbit RESA M Ku terminal in GEO – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-06 00:00
Requtech AB has completed validation testing of its state-of-the-art Multi-Orbit RESA M Ku terminal in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) This achievement highlights our commitment to innovation and technical excellence in advancing satellite communication solutions.
PlanetiQ GNOMES-4 satellite launched – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-06 00:00
PlanetiQ launched the company’s fourth generation Radio Occultation (RO) measurement satellite, GNOMES-4, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite was successfully deployed into LEO at 10:36 am PT on December 1, 2023. In September of 2023, PlanetiQ, was selected by NASA to supply their highest quality GNSS-Radio Occultation data.
SPACEBEL + GomSpace sign contract for Juventas Operations – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2023-12-05 00:00
GomSpace and SpaceBel have signed a contract for implementation of Juventas Operations. The contract valued at 930,000 euros will be implemented from now until the end of the Near-Earth Commissioning Phase (January of 2025) The HERA-Juventas satellite will launch as part of the HERA mission in October of 2024 to explore the Asteroid system Dimorphos.
NASA’s Psyche Delivers First Images and Other Data
The Psyche spacecraft is on a 3.6-billion-kilometer journey to an asteroid. On Nov. 8, the team fired up two of the four electric propulsion thrusters, setting a record. On Nov. 14, the experiment called Deep Space Optical Communications set its own record.