News

OHB System AG has successfully launched two reflector satellites of the SARah reconnaissance system from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launchpad SLC-4E at 14:11 CET and deployed its two passengers in space on schedule after a flight time of 25 minutes. Shortly afterwards, the operators received signals from the two satellites, kicking off the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP). 

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.

This Space Café Radio is the second part of our mini-series about EshailSat -  SpaceWatch.Global publisher Torsten Kriening spoke with Mohamed Al Sayed, Executive Director of Sales at Es'hailSat, Qatar Satellite's Company. The company was founded in 2010 with the aim to provide Qatar with independent satellite capabilities and contribute to Qatar's National Vision 2030. Es'hailSat plays a key role in connecting the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa due to its strategic geographical location.

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. 

Axelspace Holdings Corporation has completed its Series D funding round, raising approximately USD 44.0 million (JPY 6.24 billion). The round sees the allocation of new shares to SMBC-GB Growth I Investment Limited Partnership, several other venture capitals, and corporate investors. Furthermore, it brings the cumulative amount of equity financing to approximately JPY 14.3 billion.

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. 

Equatorial Space, Singapore’s launcher startup, has revealed a new 12,000-square-foot headquarters and production facility in the Tuas area of the island-state at an opening ceremony. The ceremony featured more than 40 representatives from Singapore’s government agencies and fellow industry players. The facility features a 40ft-container-accessible production floor and a 420 square foot avionics & payload processing room being fitted to ISO 8 standards to support its suborbital launch services starting in 2024 and orbital launches beginning in 2026.