Space

Space Systems Command (SSC) and SpaceX have successfully launched the U.S. Space Force (USSF)-52 mission using a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex (LC)-39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Falcon Heavy carried the seventh mission of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, an experimental test program to demonstrate technologies for a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the USSF.

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). 

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.

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.

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.

This episode is part of our Karman mini-series, produced in collaboration with the Karman Project. Every year, the Karman Project selects 15 fellows from around the world to foster trust, cooperation, and dialogue between global leaders in space. Today's guest is Trent Tresch, the founding director of the University of Arizona Center for Human Space Exploration.

The Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) has been officially included as a member of the GEO Group of Earth Observations Associate. The firm was formally endorsed at the 61st GEO Executive Committee and communicated during the GEO Week and Ministerial Summit held in Cape Town last month. There are currently 31 African Government members within GEO.

SaxaVord Spaceport has received its licence from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), becoming the first licenced vertical launch spaceport in the UK and Western Europe. The award came after extensive assessment by the space regulator to check that appropriate safety, security and environmental criteria are met, and that SaxaVord has suitable infrastructure, equipment and services to accommodate vertical space launches.

Dive into this insightful episode of Space Cafe as Markus Mooslechner engages with Aarti Holla-Maini, the dynamic new director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). With a rich background in the satellite communications industry and a passion for space sustainability, Holla-Maini offers a fresh perspective on global space policy and its impact on society. From her personal journey to her bold vision for the future of space exploration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of space diplomacy and technology.