Good morning,
Last week was all about one thing. The whole industry was hanging on every bit of new information. Legions of media outlets couldn’t stop writing about it. And I’m certain it was the talk of the town around water coolers at every major space company. That’s right, space policy…
SO much space policy last week. The US released its national spectrum strategy. The EU approved its first ever security and defense space strategy. The White House proposed a new regulatory paradigm for space operations. Even Florida got in the game with a trade agreement with the UK. We’ll publish a few interviews in the coming weeks with policy experts about these many updates, so stay tuned to the T-Minus Space Daily podcast feed.
Oh, I almost forgot. SpaceX launched Starship on Saturday. It was spectacular. That’s pretty important too…
It's a rapidly changing world out there so let's get to it. Here’s what happened last week and why it matters...
T-MINUS INTERVIEWS
- Toby Reinicke, Co-Founder and CTO at Satellite Vu, discusses SatelliteVu's work on high-resolution thermal imagery from the HOTSAT-1 satellite.
- Buffy Wajvoda, Global Leader for Space Solutions Architecture at AWS Aerospace and Satellite, on cybersecurity for space.
- Kara Cunzeman, Systems Director for Strategic Foresight at Aerospace Corporation, all about her role as a Futurist.
- Dr. Peter Shaw, Senior Lecturer in Astronautics at Kingston University, discusses the university's new rocket propulsion R&D facility.
- David Logsdon, Senior Director at the Space Enterprise Council, on cybersecurity for space and the role and initiatives of the council.
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POLICY & LAW
US National Spectrum Strategy Launched
- What: The Biden-Harris Administration and NTIA unveiled the National Spectrum Strategy, targeting over 2,700 megahertz across five spectrum bands for various uses.
- Who: National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), US government.
- Why: This strategy is crucial for the future of wireless communication, supporting the growing demand for spectrum in aerospace, broadband, and other tech sectors, and ensuring efficient spectrum use.
EU Space Strategy for Security and Defense
- What: The European Union Council approved the first EU Space Strategy for Security and Defense, focusing on space threats, resilience, response, and use of space for defense purposes.
- Who: European Union Council.
- Why: This strategy marks a significant step in coordinating and enhancing the EU's capabilities in space for security and defense, reflecting the growing importance of space in global strategic affairs.
US 'New Space' Authority Proposal
- What: The White House proposes splitting 'new space' authority between the Commerce and Transportation departments.
- Who: White House National Space Council.
- Why: This proposal aims to streamline regulatory oversight in the commercial space sector, balancing responsibilities between two departments to enhance efficiency and support the growing space industry.
UK-Florida Trade Pact Focusing on Space Sector
- What: The UK and Florida sign a Memorandum of Understanding to boost trade, focusing on high-potential sectors like space and fintech.
- Who: UK government, Florida.
- Why: This agreement is significant for fostering international trade and investment in the space sector, highlighting the global interest in space-related economic development.
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BUSINESS & INVESTING
Spire Global's Q3 Financial Success
- What: Spire Global announces a 34% year-over-year increase in third-quarter revenue, reaching a record $27.3 million.
- Who: Spire Global.
- Why: This financial achievement is important as it reflects the growing demand and profitable opportunities for space data services companies, indicating a positive trend in the space industry.
Japan's Investment in Space Industry
- What: Japan plans to establish a ¥1 trillion fund to develop its outer space industry over a 10-year period.
- Who: Japanese government, JAXA.
- Why: This investment reflects Japan's commitment to strengthening its position in the global space race and emphasizes the increasing international competition in space industry development.
Momentus Q3 2023 Financial Results
- What: Momentus Inc. announces its third-quarter financial results, highlighting successful fundraising efforts.
- Who: Momentus Inc.
- Why: Momentus's financial update is significant for investors and stakeholders, indicating the company's progress and potential in the competitive space industry.
Sale of United Launch Alliance Nearing End
- What: The sale of United Launch Alliance is approaching conclusion, with three potential buyers identified.
- Who: United Launch Alliance, potential buyers.
- Why: The sale of ULA is significant for the space launch market, potentially altering the competitive landscape and impacting future launch services.
Dawn Aerospace's Expansion to France
- What: Dawn Aerospace expands operations to France with a new subsidiary in Toulouse.
- Who: Dawn Aerospace.
- Why: This expansion reflects the growing global footprint of space companies, showcasing the importance of European markets in the space industry.
Starlink's Contract for Internet Service in Mexico
- What: Starlink secures a $90 million contract to provide free internet service in Mexico.
- Who: Starlink, Mexican government.
- Why: This contract is a significant step in expanding global internet access, demonstrating Starlink's growing influence in providing connectivity solutions in different regions.
GITAI's Corporate Shift to the United States
- What: Space robotics startup GITAI shifts its headquarters and parent company from Japan to the United States.
- Who: GITAI.
- Why: This move signifies GITAI's strategic focus on the US market, reflecting the growing importance of the American space sector for global space companies.
Telenor's Satellite Unit Sale to Space Norway
- What: Telenor sells its satellite unit to Space Norway for approximately $217 million.
- Who: Telenor, Space Norway.
- Why: This acquisition highlights the strategic importance of satellite communications for national infrastructure, especially in geopolitical contexts.
Telespazio Acquisition of e2E
- What: Telespazio, through its UK subsidiary, acquired e2E Group, enhancing its satellite communications engineering capabilities.
- Who: Telespazio, e2E Group.
- Why: This acquisition is significant for expanding Telespazio's influence in the UK space sector and supporting the delivery of the National Space Strategy, showcasing the growing consolidation in the space industry.
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SATELLITE TECH
ESA's Satellite Tracking Collaboration with Andøya Spaceport
- What: ESA collaborates with Andøya Spaceport to develop a new tracking and safety system for satellite launches.
- Who: European Space Agency (ESA), Andøya Spaceport.
- Why: This collaboration is key to enhancing Europe's satellite launch capabilities and safety, marking an important development in the continent's growing space sector.
China's New-Generation Marine Satellite Launch
- What: China launches a new-generation satellite for marine environment monitoring.
- Who: China Academy of Space Technology.
- Why: This satellite launch aims to enhance marine environmental understanding, demonstrating China's commitment to utilizing space technology for Earth observation.
Hughes JUPITER 3 Satellite Testing
- What: HughesNet's JUPITER 3 satellite begins over-the-air testing with ground systems, moving closer to initiating broadband services.
- Who: Hughes Network Systems.
- Why: This testing phase is crucial for enhancing global broadband services, showcasing advances in satellite technology and its impact on connectivity.
Viasat and Skylo's Global Network Launch
- What: Viasat and Skylo Technologies launch the world's first global direct-to-device network.
- Who: Viasat, Skylo Technologies.
- Why: This launch represents a significant innovation in global communication networks, expanding connectivity capabilities and potential applications in various sectors.
MDA's New Digital Satellite Constellation
- What: MDA initiates work on a new digital satellite constellation, valued at approximately $180 million.
- Who: MDA (MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates).
- Why: This new constellation will enhance global communication capabilities, marking a significant investment in the evolving landscape of satellite technology.
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LAUNCH
SpaceX's Rideshare and O3b mPOWER Missions
- What: SpaceX successfully launched 90 payloads on a rideshare mission, followed by the launch of SES O3b mPOWER satellites into medium-Earth orbit.
- Who: SpaceX, various payload customers.
- Why: These launches showcase SpaceX's rapid launch cadence and capabilities in deploying a wide range of payloads, underscoring the company's dominant position in the commercial launch market.
HyImpulse's Progress Towards SR75 Flight
- What: German startup HyImpulse Technologies completed assembly of its SR75 launch vehicle, planning a launch in March 2024.
- Who: HyImpulse Technologies, Southern Launch.
- Why: This development is key for the emerging European private launch sector, showcasing progress in hybrid rocket technology and expanding launch capabilities.
SaxaVord and HyImpulse Launch Plans
- What: SaxaVord Spaceport and HyImpulse announce launch plans for orbital missions in 2025.
- Who: SaxaVord Spaceport, HyImpulse Technologies.
- Why: These launch plans are crucial for expanding Europe's capabilities in space access and highlighting the emerging role of new spaceports and private launch providers.
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WORKFORCE & CAREERS
Workplace Injuries at SpaceX
- What: A report reveals over 600 previously unreported workplace injuries at SpaceX.
- Who: SpaceX employees.
- Why: This report raises concerns about workplace safety in the high-pressure environment of space industry companies, highlighting the need for balancing innovation speed with employee welfare.
Leadership Changes at NASA's Artemis Program
- What: Jim Free is named NASA's new associate administrator, with Cathy Koerner succeeding him in leading the Artemis Program.
- Who: NASA, Jim Free, Cathy Koerner.
- Why: These leadership changes are pivotal for NASA's Artemis Program, ensuring continuity and strong leadership for the agency's ambitious lunar exploration initiatives.
Sierra Space Layoffs
- What: Sierra Space announces layoffs as part of its transition to the next phase of Dream Chaser spaceplane development.
- Who: Sierra Space.
- Why: These layoffs reflect the challenges and financial pressures in space industry startups, especially in ambitious projects like the Dream Chaser spaceplane.
Space Training for African Youths
- What: A program opens applications for space training for African youths, focusing on designing and launching satellites.
- Who: Intelsat, MaxIQ.
- Why: This initiative aims to foster a STEM workforce for the growing space industry in Africa, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement and education in the sector.
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SUSTAINABILITY
GSOA's Code of Conduct on Space Sustainability
- What: The Global Satellite Operators Association releases a Code of Conduct on Space Sustainability.
- Who: Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA).
- Why: The code is a significant step toward promoting responsible space operations, focusing on collision risk mitigation, debris management, and protection of both space and Earth environments.
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EMERGING TECH
AGENIUM SPACE's Object Detection Demonstrator Success
- What: AGENIUM SPACE validates its in-orbit object detection demonstrator using edge-AI technology.
- Who: AGENIUM SPACE.
- Why: This technological milestone is crucial for enhancing satellite payload intelligence and autonomy, representing a significant advancement in space-based AI applications.
SkyFi and ImiSight Partnership
- What: SkyFi partners with ImiSight to integrate advanced analytics with Earth observation data.
- Who: SkyFi, ImiSight.
- Why: This partnership represents a significant advancement in Earth observation technology, enhancing data analysis capabilities and potential applications across various sectors.
Collaboration on Bi-Prop Hydrazine Engine
- What: Sierra Space and Agile Space Industries collaborate on the largest-ever in-space bi-prop hydrazine engine.
- Who: Sierra Space, Agile Space Industries.
- Why: This collaboration represents a major advancement in propulsion technology, crucial for future space missions requiring high maneuverability and precision.
NASA’s Deep Space Optical Comm Demo
- What: NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications experiment successfully sends and receives data over 10 million miles.
- Who: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
- Why: This demonstration is a breakthrough in deep space communication, offering the potential for high-bandwidth data transmission and enhancing future deep space missions.
Lockheed Martin's 5G.MIL® Payload
- What: Lockheed Martin prepares its first 5G(dot)MIL payload for orbit, aiming to provide advanced communications capabilities from space.
- Who: Lockheed Martin.
- Why: Integrating 5G technology into space payloads represents a significant advancement in communication technology, potentially transforming global connectivity.