Spanish launcher company PLD Space, successfully completed the first ever European flight mission test of a microlauncher, MIURA 1, the company said. The aim of the 122-second test was to demonstrate that all components work nominally and to fine-tune the parameters for the first flight unit.

Aerospace company Airbus’ HAPS Connectivity (High Altitude Platform Station) Business has signed a Letter of Intent with Japanese Space Compass Corporation to cooperate on servicing the Japanese market with mobile connectivity and Earth observation services from the Stratosphere with Airbus’ Zephyr HAPS platform, the company said.

Global satellite operator SES, chose to launch its EAGLE-1 satellite, which will support the end-to-end secure Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system for Europe, by commercial launch service provider Arianespace, the company said. EAGLE-1 is planned to be launched on a Vega C rocket as early as Q4 2024. 

Japan-based Global lunar exploration company ispace, has received a license from the Japanese government to conduct business activity on the Moon as part of its first lunar mission, the company said. The approval is the first granted under Japan’s Act on the Promotion of Business Activities for the Exploration and Development of Space Resources (Space Resources Act). 

Sateliot, the U.S.-based first nanosatellite telecommunications company to offer 5G connectivity for IoT devices, announced the launch of its first functional nanosatellite in Q1 2023. The technology will allow anyone with a standard 5G device to stay connected anywhere in the world. 5G connectivity will also have an impact on the logistics, agriculture, maritime, energy, utilities, transportation and environmental sectors, the company stated.

Launch and space systems company Rocket Lab, has partnered with Inmarsat Government to develop and manufacture an L-band radio in support of NASA’s Communications Services Project (CSP), Rocket Lab said. CSP aims to accelerate the development of commercial near-Earth communications services by leveraging the expertise and technology of satellite communications providers. 

The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) published a position paper outlining core priorities in the field of space-based connectivity and industry requirements for the European Communication Satellite Constellation, the 5GAA said.  With the publication, the Association aims to highlight the role of NTNs (non-terrestrial networks) in the development of automotive and telecommunications industries.

Our Space Café WebTalk “33 minutes with the CITC team - Outlook and Insights into Connecting the World from the Skies” took place on Tuesday, 1st November, learning about space in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, announced a plan to reorganize the agency to better support the needs of the growing satellite industry, promote long-term technical capacity at the FCC, and navigate 21st century global communications policy, the FCC said.  Under the plan, the FCC’s International Bureau will be reorganized into a Space Bureau and a standalone Office of International Affairs.  

NASA is launching CCSC-2, its second Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities initiative to foster the development and growth of the American space industry, the agency said. Under the collaboration, NASA will share its expertise and capabilities to support US company innovations.