Space for Earth

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) and its mission partners have successfully launched and delivered on orbit a National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) payload, NROL-70, onboard United Launch Alliance (ULA)’s final Delta IV Heavy rocket. The launch happened from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), on the central coast of Florida.

Astrobotic is partnering with Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) on MOONRISE, a project in which researchers are working to bring 3D printing to the Moon. As a result, LZH has contracted with Astrobotic for a flight to the Moon, which will tentatively take place in late 2026. LZH will equip Astrobotic’s lander with a compact, sturdy laser that will melt lunar dust, known as regolith, creating 2D structures on the lunar surface.

SpaceX has successfully launched 11 satellites for various clients on its new Bandwagon mission aboard the Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The mission launched satellites for Companies, including Capella Space, Hawkeye 360, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Tyvak International, and the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS). The Bandwagon-1 mission also launched a Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite for South Korea. 

Phase Four has won a $14.9M contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to deliver an "air-breathing" EP system to enable extended satellite operations in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), at altitudes as low as 90-450km.

Scout Space Inc., an in-space observation service provider focused on space security and comprehensive Space Domain Awareness (SDA), has unveiled its Owl product line of advanced modular long-range SDA sensors. The Company designed the Owl product line as a scalable solution bringing purpose-built capabilities to a broad array of operators. Building upon the operational success of the TRL-7 Sparrow (formerly known as Scout-Vision) hardware and software, the Owl system offers visible spectrum sensing and insights to host vehicles.

In our inaugural interview from Space Foundation ' Space Symposium 2024 , we spoke with Aarti Holla-Maini , Director of United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and touched upon the new exciting endeavour of the UN Space Bridge and the Pact of the Future.

Varda Space Industries, Inc. has announced the completion of a $90 million Series B funding round, which Caffeinated Capital led. The round also enjoyed participation from Lux Capital, General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Khosla Ventures. As a result of the round, Varda has now raised $145 million to date.

The selection process for the Karman Fellowship 2024 is currently in full swing, and we had the privilege of capturing a moment that brings the essence of Karman mission to the forefront. Karman Foundation's Managing Director, Hannah Ashford, sat down with Torsten Kriening for an insightful conversation about what lies at the heart of the Karman Fellowship's values and the meticulous process behind selecting their Fellows.

Astrobotic and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards Air Force Base have entered into a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) to enhance both organizations’ capabilities and collaborate in the development of advanced liquid rocket engine, rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) technologies, and on-base rocket flight testing capabilities using Astrobotic reusable rockets.

The Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG) has welcomed new academic members: Coleg Cambria, the Institute of Physics, The Northern Space Consortium and Space Wales. SIG is a membership organization that promotes innovation within the satellite communications industry to improve operational efficiency and minimise negative impact. It aims to foster relationships between operators, manufacturers, and solutions providers by providing a platform for members to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and opportunities, and explore technical aspects of industry efficiencies.