Starlab Space LLC (Starlab Space), the joint venture between Voyager Space and Airbus, today welcomed Mitsubishi Corporation as a strategic partner and equity owner in Starlab Space. This partnership expands Starlab Space's reach beyond a transatlantic partnership and transforms the joint venture into a global organization.

Thailand has become the latest country to join the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) program as the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation jointly signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU). Both countries signed an MoU on cooperation in the exploration and peaceful use of outer space and an MoU on cooperation with the International Lunar Research Station. 

Varda Space Industries, Inc. has announced the completion of a $90 million Series B funding round, which Caffeinated Capital led. The round also enjoyed participation from Lux Capital, General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Khosla Ventures. As a result of the round, Varda has now raised $145 million to date.

Kayhan Space has named seasoned military and space intel veteran Mark Mueller as Vice President of Government Growth to lead the company’s development and delivery of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Action, plus Offensive and Defensive Space Control solutions for a range of classified and unclassified Government missions. 

NASA has selected Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab to advance capabilities for a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) that Artemis astronauts will use to travel around the lunar surface. The LTV will consequently help Artemis Astronauts conduct scientific research during NASA's Artemis campaign on the Moon and preparations for human missions to Mars.

The Proba-3 mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) is successfully completing its pre-launch tests. Led by Sener, in close collaboration with an industrial team consisting of Redwire, Airbus, GMV and Spacebel, and encompassing a large consortium of over 29 companies from 17 countries, Proba-3 will demonstrate the viability of high-precision formation flying by satellites in space.

The Government of Norway has reversed its decision to close the Andoya Spaceport as it intends to develop the spaceport into a base for long-range drones. This will consequently make the Andoya Spaceport central to the support and development of the Norwegian Armed Forces' space operations. As a result, there will still be a daily military presence at the Spaceport as it becomes an important airbase for allied reception. 

Astrobotic and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards Air Force Base have entered into a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) to enhance both organizations’ capabilities and collaborate in the development of advanced liquid rocket engine, rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) technologies, and on-base rocket flight testing capabilities using Astrobotic reusable rockets.

Helicity Space, a commercial space company developing in-space propulsion and power technology based on fusion power, has announced an investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures, the venture capital arm of Lockheed Martin. This latest raise from Lockheed Martin Ventures comes on the heels of a $5 million seed round of Helicity Space funding from investors including Airbus Ventures, TRE Ventures, Voyager Space Holdings, E2MC Space, Urania Ventures and Gaingels in December.

The Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG) has welcomed new academic members: Coleg Cambria, the Institute of Physics, The Northern Space Consortium and Space Wales. SIG is a membership organization that promotes innovation within the satellite communications industry to improve operational efficiency and minimise negative impact. It aims to foster relationships between operators, manufacturers, and solutions providers by providing a platform for members to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and opportunities, and explore technical aspects of industry efficiencies.