DCUBED, the German NewSpace hardware manufacturer, has announced that it will demonstrate in-space manufacturing as part of a demonstration mission in Q1 2024. This demonstration will represent the first time any product would undergo manufacture in free space. The demonstration will consequently see the production of a roughly 30-centimeter high, 3D-printed truss structure. Furthermore, it intends to prove the efficacy of in-space manufacturing and highlight the game-changing potential that such capabilities promise to deliver for production in orbit.
Read More »NOAA Removes Limits on Commercial Remote Sensing Licenses
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has, through its Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA) office has announced the modification of operating licenses of multiple commercial satellite systems. These license conditions had previously restricted the operations of commercial satellites, preventing them from offering their full remote sensing capabilities to the public. On July 20, 2020, NOAA implemented new, specific regulations on private remote sensing systems.
Read More »RFA Secures €30m from KKR to Develop Microlauncher
Launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg AG (RFA) has raised a €30 million investment from KKR, a global investment firm. The fresh funding is a vote of confidence for RFA as global demand for access to space continues to grow.
Read More »NASA Selects Axiom Space for ISS Mission
NASA and Axiom Space have signed a mission order for the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), marking the Houston-based company as the only full-service mission provider to carry out end-to-end commercial astronaut missions to the orbiting laboratory.
Read More »ISRO Reveals Lunar Images as Chandrayaan-3 Enters Lunar Orbit
The India Space Research Organization (ISRO) has released lunar images from the Chandrayaan-3 mission as the spacecraft successfully completed its Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI). The spacecraft performed the insertion by retro-burning at its closest point to Moon (Perilune) for 1835 seconds, starting at 19:12 Hrs (IST). The maneuver resulted in an orbit of 164 km x 18074 km, as the research organization intended.
Read More »Leaf Space Raises Series B Funding Towards Sat Connectivity
Leaf Space SpA (‘Leaf Space’) has announced that it has successfully completed a capital increase for a total of €20 million ($22 million) on top of the availability by the European Investment Bank of a loan for a further €15 million through Venture Debt. The round featured lead investors CDP Venture Capital Sgr (through Fondo Evoluzione) and Neva Sgr, alongside SIMEST and Digital Transition Fund – part of the CDP S.p.A. group.
Read More »Intelsat and MaxIQ Space Complete STEM-Ed in Africa
Intelsat and MaxIQ Space, a company in space-focused STEM education, have now completed this year’s STEM Space program with student project presentations and an awards ceremony. The innovative program, which Intelsat sponsors, has made major strides in inspiring and empowering young African participants who are looking to be future innovators and industry leaders in the African space sector.
Read More »CSMC Welcomes Dr. Andrew J. Feustel to its Team
Canadian Space Mining Corporation (CSMC) has announced NASA Astronaut & Geophysicist Andrew J. Feustel (Ph.D.) to its team. This strategic hiring marks a significant milestone for CSMC as it strengthens its position at the forefront of space exploration and infrastructure development. In addition to his position, Dr. Feustel has also joined the core team as the Executive Vice President of Strategy for the organization.
Read More »iRocket Collaborates with Air Force Research Laboratory
Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc. (iRocket) has signed a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) West. As a result, It will develop engines and stage technology for the laboratory's next-generation fully reusable Shockwave launch vehicle. Members from AFRL’s Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards AFB, California, and iRocket, a privately-owned corporation, agreed on the collaborative effort in June 2023.
Read More »Redwire Wins NASA Award to Develop Moon Infrastructure
Redwire Corporation has won a $12.9 million NASA Tipping Point award to prototype a manufacturing technology intended to build critical infrastructure on the surface of the Moon, including landing pads, roads, and foundations for habitats. This technology could enable robust construction on the lunar surface to advance human and robotic operations, paving the way for a sustainable human presence and a dynamic lunar economy.
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