Breaking Space News: October 13 - 19, 2024

Dear Lagrangian,

Welcome Space Observer.🚀

Lots to cover this week in Space Governance and Science, especially with the International Astronautical Congress 2024 coming to an end in Milan.
For the best reading experience, we recommend viewing this newsletter in your web browser.

Have other questions? Talk to us, we talk back. Also feel free to join our Discord and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIN, and TikTok.

Enjoy reading!

• SCIENCE

  • ESA's Euclid Unveils First Cosmic Atlas Segment Wi …

  • A Year of Increased Sunspots and Solar Flares: NAS …

  • Environmental Challenges of Modern Space Explorati …

  • NASA and DARPA's Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission: Cha …

  • From Habitable to Harsh: Mars' Climatic Shift Expl …

  • Trending At IAC: Space Collaboration For Artemis P …

  • Rwanda Develops First Hyperspectral Satellite

  • China Unveils Comprehensive Space Exploration Road …

• GOVERNANCE

  • Planetary Defense and the Space Race at IAC 2024: …

  • Zero-Trust Initiatives and Cyber Threats: Addressi …

  • EU Space Law Faces Delays And Debates

  • NASA’s Chief Urges U.S.-China Dialogue on Lunar Mi …

• MILITARY

  • Space Tech Arms Race: U.S. Army Military Expansion …

  • U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Defends Satell …

  • Firefly Aerospace to Launch U.S. Space Force's Rap …

• COMMERCIAL

  • Starship's Triumph: SpaceX Executes Historic 'Chop …

  • The Future of Orbital Laboratories Post-Internatio …

  • Gaofen-12 and Thousand Sails: China Accelerates Sp …

  • U.S. Commerce Department Updates/Eases Export Cont …

  • Navigating Early Insurance Challenges In Commercia …

  • International Spaceports Partner to Enhance Operat …

• SPOTLIGHT

  • Astronomers Discover Gliese 229B's True Nature as …

SCIENCE

ESA's Euclid Unveils First Cosmic Atlas Segment With 3D Map of the Universe

The European Space Agency's (ESA) Euclid space telescope has unveiled the first section of its ambitious cosmic atlas, revealing a stunning 208-gigapixel mosaic of the universe. This initial segment, comprising 260 observations collected between March 25 and April 8, 2024, showcases tens of millions of stars within the Milky Way and around 14 million distant galaxies. This observation covered 132 square degrees of the Southern Sky, an area that is 500 times wider than the full moon appears in the sky over Earth. The cosmic atlas, which will eventually cover one-third of the sky, aims to map the distribution of dark matter and dark energy, which together comprise 95% of the universe.

Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on July 1, 2023, Euclid's mission is to create the largest-ever 3D map of the cosmos. The first images, revealed at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, have already generated excitement within the scientific community. These initial glimpses, representing just 1% of the final survey, offer a breathtaking preview of the telescope's potential to deepen our understanding of the universe's structure and evolution.

/imOver the next six years, scientists expect groundbreaking discoveries from the survey that could reshape our understanding of the cosmos, helping to describe the universe and track galaxies up to 10 billion light-years away.

A Year of Increased Sunspots and Solar Flares: NASA and NOAA Announce Solar Cycle 25's Active Phase

Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019, marks the 25th cycle of solar activity since records began in 1755 is currently in its maximum phase, leading to increased solar activity and more sunspots. This heightened activity is expected to continue for another year, providing more opportunities to observe stunning auroras. NASA and NOAA have announced that this peak phase will last until around late 2025 or early 2026, after which solar activity will gradually decline. During this peak, the Sun will exhibit more sunspots and solar flares, leading to more intense space weather events, potentially affecting satellite operations and communications on Earth.

Environmental Challenges of Modern Space Exploration: Space Industry Faces Scrutiny Over Pollution from Rocket Launches and Reentries

The rapid increase in rocket launches and satellite reentries is raising significant environmental concerns. Over the past 15 years, the number of rockets launched annually has nearly tripled, and the number of satellites orbiting Earth has increased by ten times. This surge in space activity has led to a corresponding rise in space debris, with hundreds of tons of old satellites and spent rocket stages burning up in Earth's atmosphere each year. Experts warn that if no action is taken, this could trigger the next big environmental emergency.

SpaceX's Starlink satellites are a major contributor to this issue, with about 40% of disused satellites burning up in the atmosphere belonging to the Starlink megaconstellation. The reentry process releases chemicals such as aluminum oxide, that could damage the ozone layer, change its ability to reflect sunlight and affect Earth's climate. Atmospheric scientists are urging the space industry to address these concerns before it's too late.

NASA and DARPA's Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission: Challenges and Promise of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

NASA and DARPA are developing nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) technology to enable faster crewed missions to Mars, potentially halving the travel time using nuclear fission. This technology, also applicable to defense space platforms, may become a reality with a prototype set for a 2027 space demonstration. However, designing the reactors that would power these rockets presents significant challenges. Fission technology, while well-established in power generation and nuclear submarines, requires substantial adaptation for space travel. The goal is to create a faster, more powerful alternative to chemically driven rockets, but ensuring safety and efficiency remains a complex task.

In space, NTP systems face several technical hurdles. These include the need for high-temperature materials that can withstand the extreme conditions of nuclear reactions, the challenge of storing liquid hydrogen with minimal loss over long durations, and the requirement to rapidly bring the NTP system to full operating temperature, preferably in under one minute. Additionally, developing full-scale ground test facilities that can safely capture the NTP exhaust is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient operation. Read the full story on The Conversation.

From Habitable to Harsh: Mars' Climatic Shift Explained

NASA's Curiosity rover has provided new insights into how Mars transformed from a potentially habitable planet to an uninhabitable desert. Exploring Gale Crater, Curiosity analyzed carbon-rich minerals, revealing isotopic compositions that suggest extreme evaporation and transient liquid water in Mars' ancient climate. These findings indicate that Mars lost its atmosphere and water over time, primarily due to the weakening of its magnetic field and subsequent exposure to intense solar winds. This helps scientists understand Mars' climatic evolution and its potential to have once supported life.

Trending At IAC: Space Collaboration For Artemis Program with Estonia Signing Artemis Accords and Axiom-Prada's High-Tech Spacesuit Unveil

In a boost to NASA's Artemis mission and humanity's return to the Moon, Estonia has become the 45th country to join NASA's Artemis Accords, highlighting its potential role in international space collaboration. The announcement was made at the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan, where Artemis Accords signatories emphasized the need to recruit more nations to join their coalition. Dominican Republic recently became the 44th country to sign the Accords, marking a significant milestone since the U.S. and seven other nations first signed them four years ago. Leaders from NASA, Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and Italian Space Agency (ASI) highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility in space exploration. They also discussed organizing workshops with emerging countries to promote the Accords' principles and best practices. The goal is to foster a global environment of trust and cooperation for the safe and sustainable use of space.

In a more technological push to the Artemis program, Axiom Space and Prada revealed the design for the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit, which will be worn by astronauts on NASA's Artemis III mission. The suit features advanced safety, mobility, and performance enhancements, including 4G/LTE communication, biometric monitoring, and Oakley visors, combining practical functionality with modern design.

Rwanda Develops First Hyperspectral Satellite

Rwanda is poised to enter a new era with the development of its first hyperspectral satellite by TRL Space. The 6U CubeSat will utilize advanced sensors to capture highly detailed data across various spectral bands, primarily for agricultural applications. This initiative, announced at the Space Exploration Evening in Kigali, aims to enhance agricultural and environmental monitoring, fostering innovation and applications in these fields. The project underscores Rwanda's commitment to leveraging space technology for sustainable development and economic growth.

China Unveils Comprehensive Space Exploration Roadmap to Asteroids and Jupiter

China has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for its space exploration efforts, targeting the moon, Mars, asteroids, and Jupiter over the next decade. The plans, announced at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, position China as a key player in space exploration. The roadmap includes missions to return samples from Mars, explore near-Earth asteroids, and conduct a mission to the Jupiter system. These initiatives aim to advance scientific knowledge and establish China as a global leader in space science by 2050.

GOVERNANCE

Planetary Defense and the Space Race at IAC 2024: Space Leaders Unite for Ambitious Missions and Environmental Safeguards

At the 2024 International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, leaders of major space agencies, including ESA, NASA, JAXA, ISRO, CSA, and CNSA, outlined ambitious plans for space exploration while expressing concerns about Earth and the space environment. ESA's Josef Aschbacher highlighted the agency's Zero Debris Charter, which has garnered over 100 signatories committed to mitigating space debris. He also discussed the Hera spacecraft, which is en route to the asteroid Dimorphos following NASA's DART mission.

The conference emphasized the importance of planetary defense and sustainability, with discussions on lunar and Martian missions, as well as the growing issue of space junk. Geopolitical rivalries, particularly between the U.S. and China, were also a focal point, underscoring the competitive nature of space exploration in the current global landscape.

Zero-Trust Initiatives and Cyber Threats: Addressing Cybersecurity in Space Operations

In recent developments within the space sector, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern. The growing reliance on space-based services for essential functions such as military operations, utilities, aviation, and emergency communications has underscored the need for robust cybersecurity measures. This has led to initiatives like SpiderOak's open-source project, Aranya, which aims to implement zero-trust cybersecurity architecture across the industry. By making its encryption-based software open source, SpiderOak allows external developers to contribute to the project, enhancing security features through collaboration.

Simultaneously, there is a heightened focus on preventing and responding to cyberattacks in space. Governments and companies are increasingly recognizing the vulnerabilities of satellites and other space assets to hostile cyber operations. Research focused on France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States revealed a lack of clarity in some cases concerning responsibilities for addressing cyber threats to satellites and responding to attacks. This has prompted the creation of new guidelines and best practices to bolster mission cybersecurity efforts for both public and private sector space activities. The collective efforts in cybersecurity are crucial to ensuring the resilience and longevity of space missions and services

EU Space Law Faces Delays And Debates

The European Union's efforts to establish a comprehensive Space Law have encountered significant delays and hurdles. Initially slated for early 2024, the proposal is now expected to be published no earlier than 2025. The uncertainty surrounding the form of the law—whether it will be a set of regulations, directives, or policy principles—has contributed to the delays. Legal experts and scholars have expressed frustration, noting that patience is a virtue in EU legislative processes.

The delay has sparked a debate on the necessity of a unified legal framework for space activities within the EU internal market. Proponents argue that a common legal regime is essential for fostering a competitive and secure space industry, while critics worry about the potential for bureaucratic gridlock. As the EU continues to navigate these challenges, the future of its Space Law remains a topic of keen interest and speculation within the space community.

NASA’s Chief Urges U.S.-China Dialogue on Lunar Missions

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has emphasized the need for the United States and China to discuss their respective moon mission plans to avoid conflicts and ensure cooperation. Speaking at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, Nelson highlighted that both nations are working towards establishing sustainable presences on the moon, particularly at the lunar south pole, which is believed to contain water ice—a crucial resource for long-term missions. Nelson noted that while there have been no formal discussions between the two countries on this matter, it is essential for future collaboration and peaceful exploration.

MILITARY

Space Tech Arms Race: U.S. Army Military Expansion in Orbit Adds To Growing Global Concerns Over Militarization Of Space

The U.S. Army is intensifying its focus on space-based technologies to counter threats from perceived adversaries like Russia and China. At the Association of the U.S. Army's annual conference, Col. Peter Atkinson highlighted priorities such as new satellite navigation receivers designed to resist jamming, multi-orbit communication systems, and increased use of commercial satellite imagery. The Army is also wrapping up a pilot program exploring outsourcing satellite communications services to private companies like Intelsat and SES.

Meanwhile, the Army is pushing into space warfare, launching initiatives to bolster its space warfare expertise and develop technologies to counter adversaries' orbital assets. This move is part of a broader strategy for "multi-domain operations," integrating joint space capabilities and interdicting hostile uses of space.

In another significant development, France and Germany have joined the U.S.-led Operation Olympic Defender, a coalition aimed at bolstering international cooperation in space defense. This move signals a deepening of military space ties between Europe and the United States, as concerns grow over the militarization of outer space.

Operation Olympic Defender is a U.S.-led multinational initiative aimed at enhancing international cooperation in space defense. Launched in 2013, it focuses on optimizing space operations, improving mission assurance, enhancing the resilience of space-based systems, and synchronizing efforts to strengthen deterrence against hostile actors.

U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Defends Satellite Data Efforts

The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has recently addressed criticism regarding delays in delivering satellite-based intelligence to the U.S. military. NRO Deputy Director Troy Meink defended the agency's efforts, emphasizing the rapid deployment of a new satellite network designed to track ground targets in near real-time. Despite claims that the NRO isn't providing timely information for critical operations, Meink highlighted the increased data generation from the new constellation of satellites equipped with advanced sensors.

The NRO's pushback comes amid concerns from military and intelligence communities about the timeliness and reliability of satellite intelligence. The agency is working to enhance its data-sharing capabilities and streamline intelligence delivery to support warfighters, analysts, and first responders. This ongoing effort aims to balance the growing demand for real-time intelligence with the complexities of satellite operations and data processing.

Firefly Aerospace to Launch U.S. Space Force's Rapid Response Mission

Firefly Aerospace has been selected by True Anomaly to launch its Jackal autonomous orbital vehicle for the U.S. Space Force's Victus Haze mission, part of the Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) program. The Victus Haze mission aims to demonstrate the Space Force's ability to rapidly deploy satellites in response to threats, testing the capability to perform on-orbit inspections and rendezvous operations within 24 hours of receiving a launch order. Scheduled for 2025, this mission will test the Space Force's ability to rapidly counter orbital threats. The partnership includes provisions for two additional launches, aiming to enhance rapid-response capabilities in space operations.

COMMERCIAL

Starship's Triumph: SpaceX Executes Historic 'Chopstick Catch' and Secures $733M Defense Contract, Plus Preps for Eutelsat OneWeb Launch

SpaceX has been making headlines with its recent achievements in space exploration and national security. On October 13, 2024, SpaceX successfully launched its Starship vehicle, the biggest and most powerful rocket ever, for the fifth time, achieving a historic milestone by catching the Super Heavy booster with the "chopstick" arms of the launch tower. This maneuver, known as the "chopstick catch," marks a significant advancement in reusable rocket technology. Elon Musk, SpaceX's CEO, announced plans to attempt a similar catch with the Starship upper stage in early 2025.

In addition to these technological feats, SpaceX secured a $733.6 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to launch at least nine national security missions. This contract includes seven launches for the Space Development Agency (SDA) and two for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), highlighting SpaceX's growing role in national defense. The newly announced SDA task order will help build out Tranche 2 of the Transport Layer, a constellation that will eventually consist of 300 to 500 or more satellites in low Earth orbit. Three of these missions will lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and four from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The two missions for the NRO will be launched on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Meanwhile, SpaceX is set to launch the final batch of Eutelsat OneWeb's first-generation internet satellites on October 20, 2024, from Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 rocket. This mission will deploy 20 satellites into low Earth orbit, completing the constellation needed for global coverage. The September 2023 merger of Eutelsat and OneWeb has formed a company poised to capture the growing connectivity market with complementary GEO/LEO offerings, aiming to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband globally and meet rising connectivity demands.

The Future of Orbital Laboratories Post-International Space Station: Vast's Haven-2 to Succeed ISS by 2030

Vast Space, the US-based space habitation technology company, has unveiled Haven-2, a modular space station designed to succeed the International Space Station (ISS) after its retirement in 2030. Unveiled at the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Haven-2 aims to become the world's first commercial orbital laboratory. The project is part of NASA's Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLD) program, which encourages private companies to develop space stations. Haven-2 is projected to be fully operational by 2028, offering enhanced capabilities compared to the ISS.

Gaofen-12 and Thousand Sails: China Accelerates Space Ambitions With Earth Observation and Megaconstellation Satellites Amid New Commercial Spaceport Announcement

China is rapidly expanding its space capabilities with several significant developments. The country recently launched the Gaofen-12 remote sensing satellite, enhancing its Earth-observation capabilities. Additionally, China deployed a second batch of 18 satellites for its Thousand Sails megaconstellation, aiming to rival SpaceX's Starlink with plans for up to 14,000 satellites by 2030.

In a strategic move to boost its launch capacity, China announced the construction of a commercial spaceport in Xichang, Sichuan Province. This new spaceport is part of China's broader strategy to strengthen its "strategic hinterland" and support its growing private space market. The Xichang Satellite Launch Center, already operational for decades, will play a crucial role in this expansion.

U.S. Commerce Department Updates/Eases Export Controls to Boost Space Technology Sales

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced a series of new rules aimed at modernizing space-related export controls. These changes, which include a final rule, an interim final rule, and a proposed rule, are designed to bolster U.S. innovation and technology leadership while protecting national security and foreign policy interests. The updated regulations will make it easier for U.S. companies to sell satellites, launch vehicles, and other space-related technologies to close allies, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Additionally, the U.S. government has eased export controls on space technologies, reclassifying many space technologies as commercial items rather than weapons. This move is expected to open new markets for U.S. companies and support the growth of the commercial space industry. The changes will reduce licensing requirements for certain spacecraft components and broaden license exceptions, facilitating international partnerships and enhancing the competitiveness of the U.S. space industry.

These regulatory updates reflect a strategic effort to balance commercial growth with national security, ensuring that U.S. companies remain at the forefront of the global space industry.

Navigating Early Insurance Challenges In Commercial Suborbital Flights

The insurance landscape for commercial suborbital flights is proving to be complex and costly, at least initially. According to a recent paper presented at the International Astronautical Congress, insuring passengers for suborbital spaceflights could be expensive due to the novelty and inherent risks of the activity. With only 54 rocket-propelled launches conducted so far, including tests and commercial flights, the lack of extensive data makes it challenging for insurers to accurately assess and price the risks involved.

Despite these challenges, the growing interest in commercial suborbital space tourism is driving companies to seek viable insurance solutions. The high costs and uncertainties surrounding coverage highlight the need for industry-wide collaboration to develop standardized risk assessment models and insurance frameworks. As the sector matures and more data becomes available, it is expected that insurance premiums will become more manageable, paving the way for broader public participation in space tourism.

International Spaceports Partner to Enhance Operational Efficiency, Aim For Standardization

International spaceports are increasingly seeking collaboration to share lessons learned and potentially develop global standards for launch facilities. During the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, eight spaceports from six countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together on addressing issues in the development and operation of their facilities. This partnership aims to underscore the importance of spaceports, supporting their future, and enabling a new era of innovation, security, and economic growth in the space industry.

The collaboration is expected to foster strategic alliances and introduce a dialogue on establishing international spaceport standards. By pooling resources and expertise, these spaceports hope to enhance the efficiency and safety of their operations, ultimately contributing to the growth of the global space economy.

SPOTLIGHT

Astronomers Discover Gliese 229B's True Nature as Twin Brown Dwarfs

Astronomers have finally solved the mystery of the famed brown dwarf, Gliese 229B, discovered in 1995 by Caltech researchers. Initially, its dimness puzzled scientists, as its mass suggested it should be brighter. Now, a Caltech-led team has revealed that Gliese 229B is actually a pair of closely orbiting brown dwarfs, named Gliese 229 Ba and Gliese 229 Bb. This discovery explains the observed brightness levels and provides new insights into brown dwarf formations. The findings also enhance our understanding of stellar evolution and the complexities of sub-stellar objects, shedding light on the diverse nature of our cosmic neighbors. This animation below shows the close-knit pair of brown dwarfs orbiting closely around each other, then pans out to show the dancing duo in orbit around a cool M-dwarf star. The brown dwarfs whip around each other every 12 days and together orbit the M-dwarf star every 250 years. The study of Gliese 229Ba and Gliese 229Bb were published in the journal Nature.

 Despatch Out. 👽🛸