Frontiers

Space42 has been unveiled as the new brand for the enlarged entity following the announcement of the proposed merger of Bayanat and Yahsat earlier this week. The proposed merger will focus on AI-powered space technology in the MENA region. The companies believe that the combined entity will be optimally positioned to capture regional and international opportunities in geospatial and mobility solutions, satellite communications, and business intelligence. 

SaxaVord Spaceport has received its licence from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), becoming the first licenced vertical launch spaceport in the UK and Western Europe. The award came after extensive assessment by the space regulator to check that appropriate safety, security and environmental criteria are met, and that SaxaVord has suitable infrastructure, equipment and services to accommodate vertical space launches.

Dive into this insightful episode of Space Cafe as Markus Mooslechner engages with Aarti Holla-Maini, the dynamic new director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). With a rich background in the satellite communications industry and a passion for space sustainability, Holla-Maini offers a fresh perspective on global space policy and its impact on society. From her personal journey to her bold vision for the future of space exploration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of space diplomacy and technology.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. has successfully launched its 42nd Electron rocket and deployed a satellite for Japan-based Earth imaging company the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS). The mission was Rocket Lab’s 10th Electron launch for the year, surpassing the Company’s previous annual record of nine launches in 2022. As a result of the launch, Electron retains the title of the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually for the fifth year in a row.

Eutelsat Group has announced the signing of an exclusive distribution partnership agreement between Eutelsat OneWeb, its connectivity business unit and Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications & Technology (RLTT), the Libyan telecoms operator, for the delivery of high-speed, low latency connectivity across Libya. RLTT is expanding its relationship with Eutelsat Group to include a hybrid bundle of both enhanced GEO and LEO services, in this new landmark agreement.

NASA has launched its Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) instrument as a payload on Intelsat 40E aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The instrument aims to provide unprecedented resolution of monitoring major air pollutants – down to four square miles. As a result, it also aims to improve life on Earth by revolutionizing the way scientists observe air quality from space. 

The Council of the European Union (The Council) have adopted conclusions on ‘Space traffic management: state of play’. The conclusions address the challenges of an increasingly congested orbital space and the need for a common approach to ensure a safe and sustainable European space policy. As a result, the conclusions stress the urgency of developing an EU space traffic management (STM) approach, which will contribute to space safety, sustainability and security, and welcome the progress made so far.

SpaceWatch.Global CEO and Publisher Torsten Kriening interviewed Ali Al Kuwari, Es’hailSat’s President and CEO, about the plans and future of the Qatari satellite company.

Axiom Space announced it plans to launch its third mission, Ax-3, on the 9th of January 2024.  Four commercial astronauts will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Dragon spacecraft.

The World Space Forum 2023 at UNOOSA in Vienna was a great success. Dr Emma Gatti and Torsten Kriening offer their recap from the event here - in front of the frags. Stay tuned for more information about the Summit of the Future and the next World Space Forum 2024 in Bonn/Germany.