Space Missions

Rivada Space Networks (RSN) and OKAPI:Orbits have extended their partnership, which will secure the responsible use of space-based technologies. As a result, OKAPI:Orbits is providing satellite mission-analysis tools, including analysis and implementation of Collision Avoidance and De-orbiting strategies. The agreement brings together Rivada Space Networks’ interconnected high-speed, Low Earth Orbit satellite network and OKAPI:Orbits’ Space Traffic Management Software-as-a-Service solution.

OneWeb and iSAT Africa LTD announced Distribution Partnership Agreement

Thales Alenia Space has won a €235 million contract from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to design, develop and qualify a spacecraft for a dedicated In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) demonstration mission.

Reflex Aerospace is gearing up for its first commercial space mission, securing a fixed slot for the rocket launch of its demo satellite. The launch is set to take place in the fall of 2024 on a Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX. The mission aims to validate new technologies in space for the first time. The demo satellite, which weighs around 120 kilograms, is currently under development and will be assembled in Munich. Furthermore, the local 'micro factory' for producing customer-specific satellites will tentatively open later this year.

SpaceIL has announced that several of the main donors to the Beresheet 2 mission have decided not to continue their investment in the project due to circumstances “that are unrelated to the organization and its partners," according to local sources. The donors had previously invested $45 million in the project that aims to land two modules on the moon.

IDDK Co., Ltd has announced a strategic partnership with Singapore Space & Technology Ltd. (SSTL) to advocate the use of the space environment for biological experiments. This initiative is one of the pivotal first steps in developing Singapore’s Space Life Science sector, which will set the stage for building new knowledge and capabilities. As a result, it will foster the next generation of space science researchers as well as international collaborations.

SpaceX has engaged NASA's former human spaceflight boss Kathy Lueders to help oversee the development of the company's moon and Mars rocket called Starship, according to Reuters. This represents another essential hire for SpaceX as it aims to develop and use Starship for landing NASA astronauts on the moon within the next decade.

In this Space Café Radio - SpaceWatch.Global Editor-in-Chief Dr Emma Gatti spoke with Bob Richards, Vice President of Space at TTTech.

Liftero has successfully closed a pre-seed funding round.

The Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO) is working together with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to empower young people to take climate action. Within the collaboration, Maldivian young professionals and students received the opportunity to attend the Maldives’ first space conference, the Space for Island Nations Conference (SINC), which took place from 2-4 May at Crossroads Maldives.