Space for Earth News

 The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Government of the United Kingdom are strengthening their partnership with a new project to bolster space sustainability. Efforts will focus on raising awareness and building capacity related to implementing the Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities.

Long-term orbital sustainability provider, Astroscale Israel, a subsidiary of Astroscale US, has implemented changes in its executive leadership, naming Ofir Azriel the new Managing Director of the company.

On December 19, the Outer Space Institute published an International Open Letter on Reducing Risks from Uncontrolled Reentries of Rocket Bodies. The letter was signed by nearly 200 leading experts, including former astronauts, foreign ministers, heads of space agencies, a Nobel Prize winner, and a recently retired Chief Scientist of NASA.

The Outer Space Institute (OSI) has published the International Open Letter on Reducing Risks from Uncontrolled Reentries of Rocket Bodies, the third international open letter that the OSI has developed and released. The Open Letter calls on governments to negotiate a multilateral agreement requiring controlled reentries and, in the meantime, demonstrate leadership by immediately and unilaterally committing to national controlled reentry regimes.

HPS’ (High Performance Space Structure Systems) ADEO braking sail has successfully deployed aboard D-Orbit’s ION satellite carrier, which will now sail to the edge of Earth’s atmosphere in the shortest possible time to then fully burn up, HPS said. The “Show me your Wings” mission is the final proof-of-concept flight.

In this Space Café Radio - SpaceWatch.Global publisher Torsten Kriening spoke with Dr. Hina Khan , the first appointed Executive Director of Space Scotland, an initiative of like-minded Scottish space industry professionals who recognised the huge potential for the sector to develop in Scotland. Hina spoke with Torsten about her new role, the Scottish space sector, the opportunities and the challenges.

Consulting firm Euroconsult’s latest ‘Earth Observation Data & Services Market’ report on the EO satellite-based downstream and upstream data and service markets predicts a steady growth in the next decade. The analysis also shows an increasing demand predicted for more expensive datasets below 30 cm resolution, 3D modelling and near-real-time global mapping, the firm said.

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), UN Development Program (UNDP), and the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) have formed a partnership to boost international efforts to deliver thriving, responsible and sustainable national space economies. 

Satellite imagery and spatial solutions provider, Planet Labs, shared its financial results for the third quarter for the period ending October 31, 2022, demonstrating continued growth and momentum, the company said.

In this Space Café Radio - SpaceWatch.Global publisher Torsten Kriening spoke with Luca del Monte, Head of Commercialisation Department at the European Space Agency - ESA at this year's Spaceport Norway event held in Oslo, from the 25th to the 26th of October 2022. This event was a great example of combining national innovation power and the global space economy into one location.