Space Systems Command (SSC) has selected Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Passive Refueling Module (PRM) as its first preferred refueling solution interface standard for use across SSC satellites. Northrop Grumman is collaborating with SSC, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and other customers to develop in-space refueling technologies for the US's space-based assets. These advancements address a critical national security capability: sustained maneuverability for dynamic space operations.

Pixxel has announced the appointment of William McCombe as its new Chief Financial Officer. In this role,  McCombe will oversee Pixxel's accounting, financial planning, capital raising, treasury, legal and regulatory functions, all supporting the Company's mission to revolutionize earth observation through cutting-edge hyperspectral satellite technology

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has announced that it has re-established contact with its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) spacecraft lander after it powered back on. The lander could not generate power upon landing on the lunar surface, quickly exhausting its battery power. JAXA had noted that its chances of recovering SLIM would increase as the sunlight illumination condition improves with time. This has consequently cemented Japan's position as the fifth country to soft-land on the moon, joining the USA, China, the former Soviet Union, and India.

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. has announced the completion of a deal with Eutelsat OneWeb to purchase its 50% share of the Airbus OneWeb Satellites (AOS) joint venture. As a result, Airbus is now the sole owner of AOS and the satellite manufacturing facility in Merritt Island, Florida. Both parties expect the new structure to provide maximum efficiency and increased competitiveness for commercial, institutional and national security space customers.

The Karman Project, a globally recognized non-profit foundation, has announced the launch of applications for the Karman Fellowship 2024. With the space sector aiding some of humanity's most time-critical needs - from communication to climate monitoring, food supply and disaster management - the foundation considers its investment in the people shaping these technologies as equally time-critical.

NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter has come to the end of its mission on Mars after surpassing expectations and making dozens more flights than NASA had planned. While the helicopter remains upright and in communication with ground controllers, imagery of its Jan. 18 flight sent to Earth this week indicates one or more of its rotor blades sustained damage during landing, and it is no longer capable of flight.

Iran launched three satellites, Kayhan-2, Hatef-1, and Mahda into space on Sunday to a minimum orbit of 450km (280 miles). Kayhan-2 and Hatef-1 are nanosatellites that Iran will use to evaluate narrowband communication and geopositioning technology. However, the much bigger Mahda satellites will help the nation test the accuracy of its Simorgh rocket in delivering multiple cargoes to space. 

Hellas Sat and Thales Alenia Space have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the development of an optical communication payload for the upcoming new mission to go on the future Hellas Sat 5 telecommunications satellite, operating in geostationary orbit at 39 degrees East.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has confirmed the successful precision soft-landing of its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) spacecraft on the moon. JAXA employed the mission to demonstrate its new precision technology by landing in an unprecedented 100-metre landing area. However, because SLIM's solar cells failed to generate power for the spacecraft, it had to shut down its operations.

ClearSpace and Orbit Fab have announced a multi-faceted strategic partnership to advance in-space refuelling and servicing capabilities that aim to revolutionize space operations and serve as a foundation for a vibrant and sustainable space economy. Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), Orbit Fab and ClearSpace will develop key enabling technologies, building on their initial collaborative work that began several years ago