The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced the launch schedule for the second H3 Launch Vehicle (H3TF2), set for February 15, 2024, from the Tanegashima Space Center. This marks a return to flight for the H3 rocket after its unsuccessful inaugural launch in March 2023. The aborted inaugural launch was attributed to the second-stage engine's failure to ignite, prompting the flight termination system.

OHB System AG, a subsidiary of the space and technology group OHB SE, already selected as the project coordinator for ODIN'S EYE II, a space-based early warning system designed to detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles, has now been funded: the European Commission, along with the European Defence Fund (EDF), has signed a grant agreement providing EUR 90 million in funding for the project. An industrial consortium, led by Bremen's space experts and comprising 43 companies from 14 European member states, will contribute to the development

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced on the 25th of December that the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) was successfully inserted into lunar orbit at 16:51 JST on the 25th of December. SLIM launched on the 6th of September alongside JAXA’s X-ray imaging and spectroscopy Mission (XRISM). Whilst XRISM remained in orbit around the Earth investigating cosmic X-ray sources, SLIM went to go in orbit around the Moon.

NASA has released its initial assessment of models for a next generation microgravity national laboratory. In September 2022, the National Space Council directed NASA to develop a plan led by the Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD) and the Office for Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS). NASA’s OTPS conducted a study of various candidate models of future operations between a National Laboratory and various Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD). Six models were identified ranging from high to low levels of government oversight with three different economic models. 

Space Café "Law Breakfast with Steven Freeland" will analyse current space developments with a legal focus. It will, at the same time discuss and ‘demystify’ the law for everyone. In our next Space Café “Law Breakfast with Steven Freeland”, Host Steven Freeland, Emeritus Professor of International Law at Western Sydney University, Sydney and Professorial Fellow at Bond University, Australia, and Co-Host Torsten Kriening, SpaceWatch.Global’s Publisher, Duncan Blake and Anne-Sophie Martin. Over bagels, croissants, coffee and other treats, we will discuss many legal issues arising from everyday space activities.

Teams from Telespazio, ALTEC and Thales Alenia Space successfully completed the first System Validation Tests (SVTs) this week for the European Space Agency’s reusable Space Rider spacecraft. The ground segment tests aim to validate the interfaces between the ground and flight segment elements. This testing is a key aspect of the Space Rider Phase D activities which began last July. 

China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), successfully launched the rideshare mission on the 4th of December at 12:10 BJT. The Long March-2C (LM-2C) launch vehicle took off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC), sending the MISRSAT-2 Satellite, and rideshare satellite of the 2nd group satellites A/B of Starpool-1 into orbit. 

Ever gazed at the stars and wondered how our interstellar abodes on Mars or the Moon might appear? The mere thought sends a pulse of excitement through us — not just because we imagine these galactic shelters as high-tech wonders, but as life sources in harsh terrains. The design intricacies of these extraterrestrial habitats will be the lifeline for the space pioneers of tomorrow. But let's bring our feet back to our home planet for a moment. How evolved are we in designing homes on Earth that resonate with our holistic well-being and health?

The Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) announced on the 20th of December that they are welcoming the introduction of the Telecom Bill in the Indian Parliament. They have emphasised that the chapter on spectrum assignment for space-based services is a major step forward in recognising and leveraging the full potential of satellite communications to foster innovation, bring increased connectivity to India’s citizens and advance the country’s digital transformation. 

A delegation from the French Space Agency CNES visited Colorado and Texas last week to expand ties between French and American aerospace companies, reported Space News. The officials plan to establish virtual hubs in Denver and Houston for Connect by CNES, a government initiative to spur space-related innovation.