Good morning,
Sometime over the weekend, Autumn decided to show up here in Maryland in FORCE. Soup mode and sweater weather all day. It's the most wonderful time of year.
And to all our new subscribers, welcome to Signals and Space, the companion newsletter to the T-Minus Space Daily podcast! This is a weekly roundup of all the space industry intel we cover throughout the week.
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
- John Herrington, retired naval aviator, NASA astronaut, and the first member of a Native American tribe to fly in space.
- Sascha Deri, CEO of bluShift Aerospace, discussing the world’s first commercial rocket powered by carbon-neutral biofuel and operating out of Maine.
- Dr. Norilmi Amilia Ismail, a University Lecturer, entrepreneur, and a UN mentor for the Space for Women program based in Malaysia, on the Malaysia Space Exploration Action Plan for 2030.
- Emily Dwinnells, the Program Coordinator for the Maine Space Complex. She discusses the upcoming Maine Space Conference taking place in Portland from November 5-7.
- Dr. Chas Miller from New Mexico State University’s Astronomy Department discusses the mechanics and significance of the upcoming annular solar eclipse.
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Cybersecurity
US Space Force Pauses AI Tools
- What: The US Space Force has suspended the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT due to data security concerns. A formal guidance on the responsible use of AI is expected in the coming month.
- Who: US Space Force, Chief Technology and Innovation Office
- Why: The pause is a cautionary measure to evaluate the security risks associated with using AI tools, particularly with regard to data confidentiality. This move underscores the need for stringent data security protocols in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.
Space Cybersecurity in Estonia
- What: The third annual Software Defined Space Conference is scheduled to be held in Estonia, focusing heavily on cybersecurity lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict.
- Who: NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, Software Defined Space Conference attendees
- Why: The conference provides a platform for discussing the integration of cybersecurity measures into space systems, a subject that is gaining importance in light of recent geopolitical events.
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Satellite Tech
Maersk Partners with Starlink
- What: Maersk will be adding SpaceX's Starlink internet service to more than 330 of its container ships, aiming for completion by early 2024.
- Who: Maersk, SpaceX
- Why: The partnership signifies a major commercial application of satellite internet technology, not just for crew welfare but also for data-driven maritime operations.
Starlink Direct to Cell
- What: SpaceX has launched a new service, "Starlink Direct to Cell," aimed at providing text, voice, and data services globally.
- Who: SpaceX
- Why: This is an ambitious move by SpaceX to expand its global communications network and could be a game-changer in remote and underserved areas.
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Business & Investing
PLD Space Launches Europe’s First Fully Private Rocket
- What: PLD Space launched Miura-1, Europe's first fully private rocket, reaching an apogee of 46 kilometers.
- Who: PLD Space, Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
- Why: This milestone elevates Europe's standing in the competitive commercial space launch market, potentially attracting more investments and partnerships.
Astroscale UK's Economic Impact
- What: Astroscale UK claims to deliver £23 per £1 return on public investment, creating 12,000 high-skilled jobs.
- Who: Astroscale UK
- Why: The report underscores the economic benefits of investing in space sustainability and could influence policy decisions and public investment.
India’s space economy has potential to reach $44 billion by 2033
- What: IN-SPACe predicts that India's space economy could reach $44 billion by 2033, capturing about 8% of the global space market.
- Who: Indian Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), Indian government, private investors.
- Why: India is rapidly becoming a significant player in the global space industry, and this growth represents opportunities for partnerships, investments, and technology development.
Relativity Space and Intelsat Sign Multi-Launch Agreement for Terran R
- What: Relativity Space has signed a multi-launch agreement with Intelsat to use its Terran R rocket for future satellite launches.
- Who: Relativity Space, Intelsat.
- Why: This agreement signifies growing confidence in Relativity's capabilities and could disrupt traditional pricing and technology in the launch services market.
Lockheed Martin Selects Australian Firms Axiom And Nupress For Orion Spacecraft Program
- What: Lockheed Martin has chosen Australian firms Axiom and Nupress as supply chain partners for the Orion spacecraft program.
- Who: Lockheed Martin, Axiom Precision Manufacturing, Nupress Group.
- Why: This collaboration extends Lockheed's global supply chain and could benefit the Australian space industry.
Evolution Space to Produce and Test Solid Rocket Motors at NASA Stennis
- What: Evolution Space will establish production and testing operations for solid rocket motors at NASA's Stennis Space Center.
- Who: Evolution Space, NASA.
- Why: This marks a significant step in the commercialization of solid rocket motor production and testing, offering new opportunities for both NASA and the private sector.
Viasat's Underperforming Satellite
- What: Viasat's ViaSat-3 Americas satellite is operating at less than 10% capacity, but the company still expects to meet customer needs through other means.
- Who: Viasat
- Why: The situation shows the need for redundancy and backup plans in satellite operations, especially when large sums of money and service expectations are at stake.
Auriga Space Funding
- What: Auriga Space has secured $5 million in initial funding for their electromagnetic space launch system.
- Who: Auriga Space
- Why: This funding could potentially disrupt the space launch market by offering a more efficient and less expensive launch mechanism.
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Earth Observation
NRO plans 10-fold increase in imagery, signals intel output
- What: The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) plans to significantly expand its satellite fleet to boost signals and imagery intelligence.
- Who: National Reconnaissance Office, U.S. Space Force.
- Why: This expansion will have a significant impact on national security and could influence global geopolitical strategies.
ESA's 23rd Vega Mission
- What: The European Space Agency successfully launched the 23rd Vega mission carrying Earth-observing and meteorological satellites.
- Who: European Space Agency, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency of Thailand, Taiwan Space Agency
- Why: The mission adds valuable capabilities to Earth observation and weather prediction, providing both commercial and public benefits.
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Human Spaceflight
Russian Module on ISS Faces Another Coolant Leak
- What: A coolant leak was reported from the exterior backup cooling system of the Nauka module on the International Space Station.
- Who: Roscosmos and NASA
- Why: The incident highlights growing concerns over the aging infrastructure of the ISS and emphasizes the need for investment in maintenance and new technology.
The Hague Institute and Global Spaceport Alliance Partnership
- What: A partnership to develop a roadmap for legal and policy frameworks for point-to-point space transportation.
- Who: The Hague Institute for Global Justice, Global Spaceport Alliance
- Why: This partnership aims to address the pressing need for a legal framework that would enable commercial intercontinental transportation through space, a game-changing concept for global logistics.
Mercedes Reimagining Space Travel as Luxury
- What: Mercedes-Maybach partnered with Space Perspective for a high-altitude balloon experience.
- Who: Mercedes-Maybach, Space Perspective
- Why: This venture signifies the diversification of the space tourism market, offering more accessible experiences that don't actually require rocket launches.
Spacewalks Postponed
- What: NASA has postponed spacewalks due to a coolant leak in the Nauka multipurpose laboratory module.
- Who: NASA
- Why: The postponement emphasizes the complex and sometimes unpredictable nature of space missions, highlighting the need for rigorous safety protocols.
India's Crewed Space Mission Test
- What: India is set to conduct a key test in its upcoming crewed space mission on October 21.
- Who: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Why: This test is crucial for India’s ambitions to become a key player in human spaceflight, potentially changing the competitive landscape.
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Launch
Skyrora, Viasat, and CGI partner to develop a commercial space-based launch vehicle telemetry solution
- What: A new partnership aims to create a space-based telemetry relay system for launch vehicles.
- Who: Skyrora, Viasat, CGI, European Space Agency.
- Why: This technology has the potential to revolutionize how we gather and analyze data from launch vehicles, making launches more reliable and efficient.
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Emerging Tech
Skyroot's Trilateral Partnership
- What: A partnership to provide Reconfigurable Software for ConnectSAT's IoT Satellite.
- Who: Skyroot Aerospace, Expleo Group, ConnectSAT aerospace
- Why: This partnership is indicative of the growing ecosystem around IoT in space, opening up new possibilities for connectivity and data services.
China’s STAR.VISION AI Satellite to Use Rwandan-Developed Technology
- What: China's AI satellite will use technology developed in Rwanda for real-time land usage assessment.
- Who: Rwanda Space Agency, STAR.VISION Aerospace Limited, Rwandan universities.
- Why: This collaboration highlights the growing role of African countries in global space technology and AI development.
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Policy & Law
NASA's SLS Audit
- What: NASA's Inspector General has released an audit of the Space Launch System (SLS), projecting costs and sustainability. A new contract for SLS flights is in preparation, with the aim to reduce costs.
- Who: NASA, The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
- Why: The future of NASA’s deep-space human exploration efforts hinges on the affordability and sustainability of the SLS Program. The audit indicates NASA's ongoing struggle with cost management and sets the stage for future space policy.
U.S.-Singapore Space Dialogue
- What: The United States and Singapore conducted their first bilateral Space Dialogue, focusing on Earth observation and maritime domain cooperation.
- Who: U.S. Department of State, Singaporean ministries and agencies
- Why: The dialogue solidifies the growing importance of international cooperation in space activities and opens doors for joint ventures and policy coordination.
France-Mongolia Satellite Agreement
- What: Thales Alenia Space signed a partnership agreement with Mongolia to build a Ku Band satellite named "Chinggis Sat."
- Who: Thales Alenia Space, Mongolia Ministry of Digital Development and Communications
- Why: This partnership is a significant step for Mongolia in leveraging satellite technology to expand high-speed internet access across the country, potentially transforming its digital landscape.
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Military
North Korea's Satellite Ambitions
- What: North Korea states that a military satellite is key to countering U.S. 'space militarization'.
- Who: North Korean Government
- Why: North Korea's announcement raises concerns around space becoming the next frontier for military competition, underlining the need for international space governance.
Stratolaunch and US Air Force Contract
- What: Stratolaunch announced a contract with the US Air Force Research Lab to support the first flight test of its second reusable Talon-A hypersonic test vehicle.
- Who: Stratolaunch, US Air Force Research Lab
- Why: This contract marks a key development in hypersonic research and highlights the military's interest in commercial partnerships for rapid technology development.
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Cislunar
China and Azerbaijan in Lunar Research Program
- What: Azerbaijan joined China's International Lunar Research Station program.
- Who: China National Space Administration, Azerbaijan's space agency
- Why: The partnership extends China's growing influence in international space collaborations and may serve as a stepping stone for Azerbaijan in the space sector.
Geopolitics in Moon Exploration
- What: An article discussing the geopolitical significance of lunar exploration.
- Who: Global powers including the U.S., China, and Russia
- Why: The moon is becoming a focal point for geopolitical competition, making it essential for professionals to understand the strategic importance of lunar missions.
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Science & Research
NASA’s Bennu Asteroid Sample Contains Carbon, Water
- What: NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission has returned with samples from the asteroid Bennu, containing evidence of high-carbon content and water.
- Who: NASA, scientists analyzing the samples.
- Why: This discovery is crucial for understanding the early solar system and could provide insights into the origins of life. It also has implications for future asteroid collision avoidance strategies.
NASA's Psyche Mission Launch
- What: NASA's Psyche mission successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center. The mission aims to study the metal asteroid Psyche, which is theorized to be the core of a failed planet.
- Who: NASA, SpaceX
- Why: The mission may yield valuable insights into the formation of planetary cores, including Earth's. Understanding the asteroid's unique composition could redefine our understanding of asteroid formations and what they signify.
