Space Missions

On January 3, 2023 at 09:55 ET, Launcher successfully launched its first spacecraft (Orbiter SN1) to orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 (Transporter-6). Upon successful separation on Launcher’s 24” separation system, the spacecraft powered up and communicated to the ground (command uplink and telemetry downlink) during its first scheduled ground station pass. The Company also communicated with the vehicle for the duration of expected battery life.

In this first pilot episode of Space Economy Insights, Kevin O'Connell and Emma Gatti interviewed Claire Jolly, Head of Ocean Economy & Space Economy, Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The European Parliament has greenlit the new network of European Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite (IRIS²) telecommunication satellites. The Parliament endorsed the network with 603 votes to 6 and 39 abstentions, and the text will undergo formal adoption by the Council before its signature and publication in the Official Journal. As a result, the network will be active from 2024. 

Vyoma has announced a partnership with EnduroSat to help improve the safety of satellites in orbit. As a result, both parties have agreed upon a Memorandum of Understanding outlining how the two companies will support each other to improve the sustainability of space activities.

GomSpace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NuSpace, a Singapore Space company providing Space-based infrastructures services (IOT & Connectivity) to develop an extended value proposition in Singapore NewSpace. This MoU builds on NuSpace's expertise and experience in developing satellite-as-a-service projects and GomSpace's more than 15 years of experience in delivering successful space missions and equipment.

Mangata Networks has established its Maritime Global Headquarters (MGHQ) in Singapore in partnership with Office for Space Technology and Industry, Singapore (OSTIn). The MGHQ will enable vital technology development, enhance Singapore’s position as a key player in the space industry, and support the rapid growth of Mangata’s operations in the region.

Maxar Technologies and Umbra have announced an agreement to provide Maxar with dedicated capacity from satellites in Umbra’s synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery constellation. As a result, the data will become available in Maxar’s portfolio of Earth Intelligence products and services.

Boecore has announced its acquisition of Orbit Logic. Orbit Logic will bring over two decades of experience providing operationally proven and highly configurable software products that support their customers’ complex mission objectives in a rapidly evolving space environment.  With this acquisition, Boecore strengthens its software development and specialized mission operations capabilities and brings new product offerings to serve its customers better.

Axiom Space has announced the full crew complement for Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), the second all-private mission to the International Space Station (ISS). 

The UK Space Agency is set to fund 18 projects that intend to boost the space sector across the UK. The funding sum of £6.5 million includes support for high-impact, locally-led schemes and space cluster development managers to help the space sector grow across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.