Happy Halloween! 🎃💀👻
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
- Ariel Ekblaw, CEO and co-founder of the Aurelia Institute, on the Humans in Space Symposium at this year’s AIAA ASCEND conference.
- Kathy O’Donnell, Senior Manager Solution Architect at AWS Aerospace and Satellite, on pioneering space innovations at the intersection of cloud computing, space technology, and generative AI.
- Pam Melroy, Deputy Administrator of NASA and former Astronaut on various topics including NASA's cybersecurity posture, STEM outreach, and NASA's future vision.
- Alice Carruth and I discuss our takeaways from the AIAA ASCEND conference.
- Dr. Mindy Howard, founder and CEO of Cosmic Girls Foundation, shares her new project aimed at empowering young women in space exploration.
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Cybersecurity
Importance of Protecting NATO’s Satellite Infrastructure
- What: An article highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect NATO’s critical satellite infrastructure.
- Who: NATO
- Why: As space becomes increasingly militarized, protecting satellite infrastructure becomes a matter of national and international security. This article underscores the growing need for cybersecurity in the space sector.
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Satellite Tech
Terran Orbital to Build Satellite Buses for SDA
- What: Terran Orbital Corporation has been awarded a contract to construct 36 satellite buses for the Space Development Agency's Tranche 2 Transport Layer.
- Who: Terran Orbital Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Space Development Agency
- Why: This contract is part of a larger strategy to update and expand the U.S. satellite network. Understanding these contracts and technologies is essential for anyone in the satellite business.
Terran Orbital Awarded ESA Contract
- What: Terran Orbital receives a €4.7 million contract from the European Space Agency for a new nanosatellite.
- Who: Terran Orbital, European Space Agency
- Why: This contract emphasizes the growing market for nanosatellites and proximity operations. Terran Orbital's success in securing contracts may set a precedent for smaller aerospace companies.
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Business & Investing
Redwire Contracted for ESA's Comet Interceptor Mission
- What: Redwire has been awarded a contract to provide the onboard computer for ESA’s Comet Interceptor Mission.
- Who: Redwire, OHB Italy, European Space Agency (ESA)
- Why: This contract enhances Redwire's profile in the industry, and the mission itself will contribute valuable scientific data on long-period comets, potentially offering insights into the early solar system.
Qosmosys Secures $100 Million in Seed Funding
- What: Qosmosys, developing a lunar transportation vehicle called ZeusX, has secured $100 million in seed funding.
- Who: Qosmosys
- Why: This record-setting seed funding marks a significant milestone in the commercial cislunar economy. Industry professionals should watch Qosmosys closely as they now have the financial backing to make substantial contributions to lunar exploration and logistics.
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Earth Observation
Poland's National Satellite Project Backed by ESA
- What: Poland has received financial backing from ESA for its national earth observation satellite project, Camilla.
- Who: European Space Agency (ESA), Poland
- Why: This financial backing from ESA is a boost for Poland's space ambitions and adds another player in the Earth observation market, which is essential for everything from climate monitoring to national security.
Canada's MDA Contracts with SpaceX for CHORUS Satellite Constellation
- What: Canada’s MDA has selected SpaceX to launch its CHORUS Earth observation satellite constellation.
- Who: MDA (MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates), SpaceX
- Why: The deal highlights SpaceX's expanding reach in international launch services and indicates growing demand for Earth observation capabilities.
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Human Spaceflight
Gaganyaan: India's Promising Step for Human Spaceflight
- What: India successfully launched its first test flight of the TV-D1 to test the crew escape system, which landed safely in the Bay of Bengal.
- Who: Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
- Why: This successful test brings ISRO closer to its aim of human spaceflight, signaling India's growing capabilities in space exploration. It's a development that space industry professionals should closely monitor, especially those involved in international collaborations or supply chains.
UK Space Agency and Axiom Team Up for Human Space Mission
- What: The UK Space Agency and Axiom Space announce a partnership to send a four-person crew to the ISS for scientific research.
- Who: UK Space Agency, Axiom Space, Tim Peake
- Why: This represents a significant step in the UK’s national space strategy, potentially fostering innovation and economic growth within the UK's burgeoning space sector.
Sierra Space and NASA Prepare for Dream Chaser® Spaceplane’s Debut Mission
- What: Sierra Space's Dream Chaser commercial spaceplane has successfully completed its first mission flight operations review at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
- Who: Sierra Space, NASA
- Why: The Dream Chaser is set to conduct a minimum of seven cargo delivery and return missions to the ISS. This milestone indicates that Sierra Space is moving closer to operational status, adding another player in the competitive commercial resupply services market.
China's Youngest-Ever Crew of Astronauts Heads to Space Station
- What: China has launched its youngest astronaut crew on Shenzhou-17 to the Tiangong space station.
- Who: China’s Manned Space Agency, Shenzhou-17 crew
- Why: The mission indicates a generational shift and an acceleration in China's space program, challenging other space-faring nations to keep pace.
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Military
York Wins $615M SDA Contract for Data Relay Satellites
- What: York has been awarded a contract estimated to be valued over $615 million to provide 62 data relay satellites for SDA's planned Tranche 2 Transport Layer mesh network in low earth orbit (LEO).
- Who: Space Development Agency (SDA), York
- Why: This contract is a significant leap for SDA's ambitious project to create a high-speed, high-volume data communication network for military users. Given the increasing reliance on space-based assets, York's role will be crucial for the military's future operations.
Space Force Plans Next MEO Missile Tracking Satellite Awards
- What: The Space Force is planning to award contracts for medium earth orbit (MEO) missile tracking satellites by early 2025.
- Who: U.S. Space Force
- Why: Shifting focus to MEO for missile tracking represents a strategic diversification of assets. This move could provide the Space Force with more robust, flexible capabilities, essential for national security.
Northrop Grumman Completes Relay Ground Station Design Review
- What: Northrop Grumman has finalized a critical design review for the Relay Ground Station-Asia, planned for 2025 installation in Guam.
- Who: Northrop Grumman, US Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, US Space Systems Command
- Why: This development is key to augmenting the ground-based capabilities required to support the increasing number of space-based assets for military applications.
Airbus and Northrop Grumman Collaborate for SKYNET
- What: Airbus and Northrop Grumman form a partnership to compete for the UK's SKYNET satellite program.
- Who: Airbus, Northrop Grumman, UK Ministry of Defence
- Why: SKYNET represents a significant investment in military satellite communications. The collaboration signifies the global nature of military space contracts and could shape future alliances and technological advancements.
Atlas, Other ‘Troubled’ Space Force Programs to Miss 2023 Deliveries
- What: The U.S. Space Force will not meet its 2023 delivery targets for several crucial programs, including the Next Generation Operational Control Segment (OCX), Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System (ATLAS), and Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE).
- Who: U.S. Space Force
- Why: These delays not only risk operational readiness but also contribute to escalating costs. The situation highlights the need for more efficient systems development and procurement practices within the military space sector.
SDA Gets Approval for Limited Testing of Data Satellites
- What: The Space Development Agency receives ITU approval for experimental testing of its Transport Layer satellites.
- Who: Space Development Agency (SDA), International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Why: ITU approval is a critical step for SDA's ambitious plans to deploy a large number of data satellites, which could become central to future military communications.
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Launch
Germany Building Its Own Spaceport
- What: Germany is planning a sea-based spaceport, targeting smallsat launch providers for its platform.
- Who: German-Offshore Spaceport Alliance (GOSA), T-Minus
- Why: Germany’s entry into the spaceport arena adds another dimension to the European launch capabilities and is a vital development for the smallsat market, which is burgeoning due to commercial and scientific demands.
Ariane 6 Update
- What: Ariane 6 completes a full-scale fueling test, another step towards its qualification.
- Who: ArianeGroup
- Why: The Ariane 6 is Europe’s next-generation launcher. Its successful testing positions Europe to be a more competitive player in the global launch market.
China’s Shenzhou-17 Mission Details
- What: China’s upcoming Shenzhou-17 mission will involve extravehicular activities and space station maintenance.
- Who: China’s Manned Space Agency, Shenzhou-17 crew
- Why: This mission represents China's ambition to maintain a long-term human presence in space, challenging other space-faring nations.
Skyroot Unveils Vikram-1 Rocket
- What: Indian space company Skyroot reveals its seven-story tall Vikram-1 rocket set for its inaugural launch in 2024.
- Who: Skyroot Aerospace
- Why: The entry of new players like Skyroot into the launch market indicates a democratization of space access and fosters global competition.
ULA’s Vulcan Rocket Set for Christmas Eve Launch
- What: ULA plans to launch its new Vulcan rocket on Christmas Eve.
- Who: United Launch Alliance
- Why: The Vulcan rocket represents ULA's next generation of launch vehicles, and its successful launch would solidify ULA’s position in a SpaceX-dominated market.
Rocket Lab Expects to Resume Electron Launches Before Year-End
- What: The FAA has authorized Rocket Lab to resume Electron launches from New Zealand following a launch failure in September.
- Who: Rocket Lab, FAA
- Why: Rocket Lab's return to operations signifies a key moment for the small satellite launch market. This could be an indicator that SpaceX's dominant position may face challenges as other companies resolve their technical issues.
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Emerging Tech
Canopy Aerospace Receives NASA Award
- What: Canopy Aerospace secured an $850,000 NASA SBIR Phase II contract for developing thermal protection systems.
- Who: Canopy Aerospace, NASA
- Why: With this funding, Canopy aims to revolutionize thermal protection systems, impacting the cost and efficiency of future space missions. Knowing the players in this niche could offer strategic advantages.
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Cislunar
China and Belarus in Lunar Cooperation
- What: China and Belarus have signed a joint declaration on cooperation for the International Lunar Research Station program.
- Who: China, Belarus
- Why: This international collaboration emphasizes China's growing influence in space policy and technology, something professionals should closely monitor for global trends.
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Policy & Law
Senate Confirms New FAA Administrator
- What: Michael Whitaker confirmed as the new administrator of the FAA, ending a 19-month vacancy.
- Who: U.S. Senate, Federal Aviation Administration
- Why: The FAA plays a pivotal role in regulating commercial space launches. Whitaker's confirmation fills a leadership gap that could streamline decision-making and impact the speed at which the commercial space sector evolves.
United States-Australia Joint Leaders’ Statement Building an Innovation Alliance
- What: The U.S. and Australia have announced an “Innovation Alliance,” encompassing new areas of cooperation on science and emerging technologies.
- Who: United States, Australia
- Why: The alliance aims to solidify bilateral ties and foster innovation. Particularly notable is the Space Technology Safeguards Agreement, designed to create new commercial opportunities in space while protecting sensitive U.S. technologies.
United States and Australia Sign Technology Safeguards Agreement
- What: The U.S. and Australia have signed a Technology Safeguards Agreement, enabling U.S. participation in space launches from Australia.
- Who: United States, Australia, Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA)
- Why: This agreement serves as a significant milestone in international collaborations and opens up new opportunities for U.S. launch providers in Australia, a rising player in the space industry.
First International CRADA Between AFRL and Indian Startups
- What: Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) initiates the first international Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with two Indian startups.
- Who: AFRL, 114AI, 3rd ITECH, U.S. Space Force
- Why: The agreement opens up new avenues for technological collaboration between the U.S. and India, strengthening the U.S. Space Force’s international partnerships.
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Science & Research
Netherlands to Build Laser for ESA
- What: The European Space Agency has granted funding to The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research to develop a high-precision laser targeting mechanism for the LISA mission.
- Who: European Space Agency, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research
- Why: This development is part of a groundbreaking mission to study gravitational waves. Keeping tabs on these technologies could lead to innovative applications in other fields.
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Workforce, Careers, & Education
IHS Towers Partners with Limitless Space Institute for Space Education
- What: IHS Towers partners with Limitless Space Institute to provide space education in Brazil and Nigeria.
- Who: IHS Towers, Limitless Space Institute
- Why: This partnership aims to democratize access to space education, potentially cultivating the next generation of space professionals from diverse backgrounds.
