Frontiers News

Our Space Café “33 minutes with Josef Aschbacher  – European Space Ambitions – ESA Agenda 2025, updates and goals” took place on the 7th July 2023. Josef Aschbacher earned both his Master’s degree and PhD in natural sciences from the University of Innsbruck. His impressive international career in the space sector spans over 35 years and encompasses work at the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Commission, the Austrian Space Agency, the Asian Institute of Technology, and the University of Innsbruck. 

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully launched its third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, today, July 14, 2023, from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. The payload launched aboard the Research Organization’s new heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM and is now on its way to the moon after getting to its precise orbit. 

China has begun the construction of an ultra-low orbit satellite constellation, according to the developer China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). CASIC disclosed this on Wednesday at the 9th China (International) Commercial Aerospace Forum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, according to the local media. The constellation will reportedly comprise 300 communications and remote-sensing satellites orbiting the globe, providing a global ultrafast response capability within 15 minutes.

Vast has announced the appointment of Garrett Reisman, a veteran NASA astronaut, and accomplished space industry expert, as its newest advisor. With an impressive background in space exploration and extensive industry experience, Reisman brings invaluable expertise and strategic human spaceflight insights to Vast.

RIDE and SPACECIALIST have announced a partnership agreement to promote a "one-stop shop" solution for all pre and post-Launch Service Agreement (LSA) needs. 

An international team of geologists has explored the foothills of the Lambahraun volcano to search for grainy soil. This soil is particularly important as it is similar to some of the samples that NASA’s Perseverance rover has collected on Mars. This project was possible due to the similarities between  Iceland and Mars.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Chloe Smith, has announced £20 million in funding from the UK Space Agency to support the development of future telecommunications technologies and aerial connectivity projects. The project would subsequently be onboard drones or high-altitude platforms to provide wireless coverage

UK-based spaceflight company, Orbex, has extended its footprint by over thirty percent across its Scottish and Danish design and production facilities in preparation for the launch of its Prime rocket. The company is adding an extra 1,500 square meters of factory and office space to its existing 4,750 square meter estate in Forres, Scotland, and Copenhagen, Denmark.

European Space Imaging (EUSI) has announced a multi-million euro investment into their ground station at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) near Munich. This strategic upgrade extends EUSI's ability to deliver imagery with remarkable speed and efficiency, solidifying its claim to the position as a hub for the best satellite imagery technology in Europe.

Data from the European Space Agency (ESA)’s exoplanet mission Cheops has led to the surprising revelation that an ultra-hot exoplanet that orbits its host star in less than a day is covered by reflective clouds of metal, making it the shiniest exoplanet ever found.