Space

Myanaric has announced an order for a small number of CONDOR Mk3 terminals by Japan-based WARPSPACE. WARPSPACE will use the terminals to establish a commercial optical data relay network for Earth observation satellites, with product deliveries scheduled for 2023, 2024, and 2025.

NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced a collaboration to demonstrate an in-space nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) engine. They will collaborate on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) program, enabling NASA crewed missions to Mars. The non-reimbursable agreement will benefit both agencies and outline the roles, responsibilities, and processes to speed up development efforts.

Astrobotic has announced that its Peregrine lunar lander has successfully completed its entire flight acceptance campaign. As a result, Peregrine is now ready to ship to Cape Canaveral, Florida, when Astrobotic’s rocket provider, United Launch Alliance (ULA), gives the green light to receive it.

In this German Space Café Radio – Space Café Germany Host Andreas Schepers spoke with Dr. Matthias Maurer,  Astronaut at the European Space Agency (ESA) with a Gerrman passport. The interview was conducted during this year’s ILA Berlin which is the largest aerospace trade show in Germany which took place June 22 – 26.

Spanish Government satellite operator Hisdesat has awarded GMV a contract to build and develop the ground segment of the SPAINSAT NG program satellites. These two new satellites, scheduled for launch in 2024 and 2025, will replace the operator’s current SpainSat and XTAR-EUR satellites and significantly improve their performance and capabilities. 

Astroscale Limited, the UK and European subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc., has announced Andrew Faiola as Commercial Director, effective immediately. Based in the UK, Faiola is responsible for leading Astroscale Limited's commercial sales, business development, and marketing activities as the company aims towards making in-orbit servicing, including debris removal, routine by 2030.

The European Space Agency (ESA), the European Commission, and Promus Ventures have joined efforts for a Space Index which Euronext will launch, develop, and maintain. This is the first Euronext European space-related index to measure the stock market performance of European companies in the space sector. Through the partnership, the European Commission, ESA, and Promus Ventures intend to provide their expert advice in their respective areas of activity to Euronext in relation to the index.

Isar Aerospace – a European launch service company – and US-based Spaceflight Inc. have announced they have signed a multi-launch services agreement. Spaceflight, a launch services provider, has secured one dedicated launch to a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) in 2026, launching from Andøya, Norway.

During the 14th session on deepening space cooperation between Europe, Africa, and Latin America, Tomasz Husak disclosed some of the plans the European Commission had for Africa and Latin America

The 15th European Space Conference began today in Brussels, Belgium. Among other topics, it discussed the IRIS² project, a new highly secure, satellite-enabled connectivity system.