Europe

HyImpulse has received its first flight license from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its sounding rocket, which is now ready to launch from the Shetland Islands thanks to the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS). Furthermore, the Company plans consecutive launches of the sounding rocket for later this year from the SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland. The rocket’s maiden launch will tentatively commence from Australia this April.

In this episode of Space Economy Insights, Kevin O'Connell and Dr. Emma Gatti host Fani Kallianou de Jong, Principal in the Climate Strategy and Delivery Team of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Olsen Actuators and Drives has won its first UK Space Agency (UKSA) funding to deliver a Proof of Concept (PoC) demonstrator for a new lunar rover the University of Manchester is designing and funded by the Enabling Technologies Programme (ETP). The project will develop and fabricate a jumping robot system capable of thrusting upwards, descending, and self-righting that will lower into lava tubes under the surface of the Moon. Experts have earmarked these lava tubes for potential initial future human habitation.

Astrolight, a technology company dedicated to facilitating space-to-Earth and ship-to-ship laser communications, has joined the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). This collaboration marks a significant achievement for Astrolight as it seeks to contribute to NATO’s defense initiatives and advance its dual-use laser communication technology in the defense sector. DIANA provides startups like Astrolight with access to a network of experts, resources, and funding opportunities to help them develop and commercialize innovative technologies for defense applications.

The Creative Destruction Lab Oxford (CDL-Oxford) is hosting a unique meeting featuring 30 promising space startups and Colonel Chris Hadfield, former commander of the International Space Station, to help put Europe at the forefront of space exploration. The event will hold from 6-8 March 2024 at the Saïd Business School. The unique meeting will consequently see CDL-Oxford bring together a global mentor community of astronauts, entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists. 

ispace Europe S.A. (ispace), the Luxembourg-based subsidiary of ispace, inc., and Control Data Systems SRL (CDS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to payload services and strategic cooperation on future lunar missions. The agreement aims to leverage ispace’s lunar transportation services and CDS’s advanced localization (position measurement) and telecommunications capabilities to promote further exploration of the lunar surface aimed at supporting long-term human habitation and infrastructure on the Moon.

The UK Office of Communications (Ofcom) has granted Rivada a license that enables the company to provide satellite communications services in Great Britain. This is as Rivada is launching a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites to provide government communications, maritime and aviation connectivity, enterprise networking and backhaul services for telecommunications networks.

Bright Ascension Ltd and Third Planet Orbital Ltd have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) fostering collaboration and development of joint capability. The agreement commits the two companies to pool their expertise and resources to identify and pursue promising opportunities within the fast-growing New Space industry. Through this collaboration, Bright Ascension and Third Planet Orbital will form the foundations of a standardized integrated software and hardware platform. 

In a strategic move to boost the telecommunications landscape, the Global Satellite Operator's Association (GSOA) and the GSM Association (GSMA) have announced an important cooperation to foster innovation and seamless TN-NTN integration. Both associations consequently commit to advancing the capabilities of global communications by driving innovation, promoting standards, and delivering value to their members and the broader telecommunications industry. Furthermore, by combining the expertise and resources of both associations, they aim to explore new frontiers in technology and leverage synergies between mobile and satellite technologies.

Unseenlabs has announced the closure of its fundraising round of €85 million. This operation, one of the largest in the space industry, signifies the global interest in Earth observation and marks a new milestone in Unseenlabs’ development. This new funding round brings together new leading investors: Supernova Invest, ISA LT via its Strategic Transition Fund and UNEXO. All of Unseenlabs’ historical partners - 360 Capital, OMNES, Bpifrance, Breizh Up managed by UI Investissement, and S2G Ventures - also reaffirm their support for this new phase by investing in the new funding round.