Entrepreneurship

NASA has selected Astrobotic for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II award to continue its development of UltraNav, a low-cost, autonomous, visual navigation system for spacecraft. The system has wide-ranging applications, from the servicing of Earth satellites to journeys to challenging space destinations such as the lunar poles …

MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) announced on 2 June 2020 that retired astronaut Tim Kopra will join its leadership team as Vice President of Robotics and Space Operations, effective immediately. As the leader for this business area, he will be responsible for the work of the robotics and space operations …

Applications to the Copernicus Accelerator 2021 are now open! Do you have an early-stage business idea that could benefit from an enriching environment and a fresh perspective? This is your moment! The Copernicus Accelerator 2021 is growing its community of Earth observation innovators. Now is your opportunity to join 50 …

As part of its ongoing Simplify & Amplify transformation programme, SES announced on 29 May 2020 that it plans to restructure its operations worldwide, including the consolidation of part of its European regional operations into the company’s global headquarters in Betzdorf, Luxembourg. SES aims to improve operational efficiency, collaboration and …

The launch campaign has resumed for Arianespace’s next mission, which will be the proof-of-concept flight with the Vega launcher’s “ride-share” configuration – known as the Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS). Scheduled for the middle of this month from the Spaceport in French Guiana, it will loft 53 micro- and nanosatellites …

The CORI Innovation Fund (CIF) has announced an investment in Agile Space Industries (Agile), a designer and manufacturer of integrated aerospace propulsion systems and provider of related testing services. CIF is a Qualified Opportunity Fund that invests in high-growth technology companies supporting job creation and revenue generation in small towns across …

Eutelsat Communications’ HOTBIRD video hotspot has been selected by Travel Africa Network for the broadcast of its first High Definition African travel channel, with 100% African content dedicated to promoting tourism and hospitality in Africa. The multi-year contract will enable Travel Africa Network to broadcast high-quality content throughout Europe and …

The Brazilian Space Agency issued the following public call on 25 May 2020: This edict aims to identify companies, national or foreign, that are interested in carrying out suborbital and orbital launch operations using the Alcantara Space Center (CEA), as well as providing information on the contractual process, including licensing …

By Raphael Roettgen With almost US$550 million of announced space-related financing rounds, May has turned out to be the top space fundraising month so far in 2020. SpaceX, besides launching astronauts to the ISS on Crew Dragon, came in with over US$346 million by itself. The total amount does not …

The European Space Agency (ESA) is asking “What would you do with a large European lander on the Moon?” In a video message ESA Director General Jan Wörner issued a Call for Ideas: the ESA is looking for your ideas for missions to the Moon that could be delivered using …