Issue 28 | Breaking Space News: Dec 08 - 14, 2024

Welcome back Explorer!🚀

A lot happened this week in space science, military updates, intriguing breakthroughs, and some stunning images from across the Universe! And also…

📚 New Announcement! 🌌

We're excited to share that we're creating a comprehensive space glossary! This resource will cover all relevant terms, abbreviations, technical jargon, and scientific phenomena. Whether you’re baffled by a scientific term or puzzled by a military abbreviation, our glossary will be your go-to reference. Our goal is to make space more accessible and understandable for everyone. Stay tuned for updates!

Hope you enjoy this Space!

• IMAGES

  • NGC 5643, Grand Spiral : Hubble Space Telescope

  • The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) : European Sou …

  • Quasar 3C 273 : Hubble Space Telescope

  • Time Exposure from ISS : Astronaut Don Pettit

• SCIENCE

  • ISRO Performs Gaganyaan Crew Recovery Exercises

  • MIT Develops AI Tool for Predicting Future Flooding

  • Framework for Studying Evolution of Extraterrestrial Systems

  • NASA Prepares for SPHEREx Mission Launch in Early 2025

  • NASA Reviews Final Flight of Ingenuity Mars Helicopter

  • Tracking Space Debris with Seismometers

  • SwRI (US) to Build Magnetometers for Space Weather Satellites

  • China's On-Orbit SSA Efforts to Navigate Crowded Orbits

  • New Insights on Moon's Oldest Crater May Aid Artemis Missions

  • Mars ESCAPADE Looks to Launch in 2025 and 2026

  • CERN Discovers Heaviest Antimatter Particle

• GOVERNANCE

  • New Partners Join Artemis Accords and China's Lunar Program

  • NDAA Extends Regulation Timeline for Commercial Spaceflights

  • NASA Report Calls for New Strategies in Mars Exploration

  • US Congressmen Urge FAA to Speed Up Licensing Reforms

• MILITARY

  • Space-Based Operations Support NATO During Conflict

  • US Space Force Gears Up for Modular Satellite Tech Test

  • US Concerns Over China's Advanced Space Capabilities

  • U.S. Military Expands Use of Commercial Satellites, Private Sector Seeks Support

  • Maxar, Satellogic to Enhance Satellite Monitoring for US, Allies

  • Rocket Lab Advances Hypersonic Tech in US Military Test

  • LeoLabs Launches UHF Radar Site in Arizona for Space Surveillance

  • Lockheed Martin's TacSat will Enhance US Military Connectivity & Sensing

  • L3Harris Expands Satellite Production for Military Demand

• COMMERCIAL

  • Locus Lock, Cofactr, Fleet Space, Ion-X and Orbite: Funding Boosts Innovations in Space Technology and Services

  • Virgin Galactic, Italian Govt. Partner for Suborbital Spaceflight Study

  • China to Launch First Guowang Megaconstellation Satellites

  • Japan's ispace to Undertake Lunar Helium-3 Mining

  • Germany Awards Thermal Imaging Contract to Constellr

• SPOTLIGHT

  • New Mysterious Radio Circle Detected

  • Researchers Develop Model to Detect Oceans on Uranus' Moons

  • JWST Confirms Hubble Findings, Indicating Need for New Physics

  • Scientists Rethink Ancient Martian Liquid: Could It Be CO₂?

  • NASA Identifies Seven New Dark Comets in Recent Study

IMAGES

NGC 5643, Grand Spiral : Hubble Space Telescope

The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) : European Southern Observatory, Chile

Quasar 3C 273 : Hubble Space Telescope

Time Exposure from ISS : Astronaut Don Pettit

SCIENCE

India Conducts Successful Recovery Trials for its Human Spaceflight Mission, Gaganyaan

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Navy recently conducted successful "well deck" recovery trials for the Gaganyaan mission off the coast of the eastern city of Visakhapatnam, India. These trials, carried out on December 6, 2024, involved a simulated crew module to practice towing, docking, and crew extraction procedures. The well deck in a ship can be flooded with water, allowing the spacecraft to be docked securely inside. This trial validated the sequence of operations and will help fine-tune Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for safe crew recovery after splashdown. The Gaganyaan mission is expected to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by sending a three-member crew into orbit for three days and safely returning them to Earth.

MIT Develops Earth Intelligence Engine, an AI Tool for Predicting and Visualizing Future Flooding

Scientists at MIT have developed an AI tool, the Earth Intelligence Engine, that generates realistic satellite images of potential future flooding scenarios. By combining generative AI with a physics-based flood model, the tool predicts areas at risk and creates detailed, bird's-eye-view images of how regions might look post-flood. This method aims to help communities visualize and prepare for approaching storms, potentially aiding evacuation efforts. The team tested the tool on Houston, comparing AI-generated images with actual post-storm satellite images.

Initially, the team trained a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) on satellite images of Houston before and after Hurricane Harvey. The AI-generated images initially contained inaccuracies, such as flooding in high-elevation areas. To improve accuracy, the GAN was paired with a physics-based flood model that uses real parameters like hurricane trajectory, storm surge, and flood patterns. This enhanced method produced more accurate satellite images, matching the flood model's forecasts pixel by pixel. The team has made the 'Earth Intelligence Engine' available online for public use.

Astrobiologists, recognizing that extraterrestrial life may differ greatly from life on Earth, develop a framework to study the evolution of complex systems.

Astrobiologists are developing a framework to study the evolution of complex systems, acknowledging that extraterrestrial life may differ significantly from life on Earth. With only Earth's biology as a reference, researchers are exploring universal principles governing the emergence of physical and biological systems. In October 2024, an eclectic group of scientists convened to study evolutionary processes and understand the forces creating order in the universe, aiming to enhance the study of life forms distinct from those on Earth.

Their studies emphasize the likelihood of microbial extraterrestrial life, given its simpler formation compared to complex organisms. This framework aims to guide the search for alien life, considering the vast number of exoplanets with potentially habitable conditions.

Dr. Charles Cockell suggests that life beyond Earth could be fundamentally different in ways we can't yet imagine. To read more about Dr. Cockell's insights, check out the full article on The Conversation.

NASA Targets Early 2025 Launch for SPHEREx Sky-Mapping Mission, Set to Explore Cosmic Evolution and Life-Essential Molecules

NASA is targeting a February 2025 launch for its SPHEREx mission, a space observatory designed to create a 3D map of the entire sky. The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) will capture images in 102 colors, helping scientists study cosmic inflation, the collective glow of galaxies, and the presence of life-essential molecules in the Milky Way.

The name SPHEREx reflects its scientific goals: "History of the Universe" refers to studying the universe's evolution, "Epoch of Reionization" focuses on the period when the first stars and galaxies formed and reionized the universe, and "Ices Explorer" aims to detect water and organic molecules in the Milky Way, essential for life.

The satellite is scheduled to be launched into a polar orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission will also carry NASA's PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission, which, led by Southwest Research Institute and managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, is a constellation of four small satellites in low Earth orbit to make global 3D observations of the Sun's corona and study the formation of solar wind.

In a First, NASA Completes Aircraft Accident Investigation of Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Crash

NASA has conducted its first aircraft accident investigation on another world, examining the final flight of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter. The investigation, led by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and AeroVironment, concluded that the helicopter's navigation system failed due to a lack of surface features, causing it to crash during its 72nd flight. Ingenuity, which was designed for only five test flights, exceeded expectations by flying 72 missions over three years. A detailed assessment of the final flight will be published in the next few weeks as a NASA technical report.

New Method Uses Ground-Based Seismometers to Detect and Monitor Atmospheric Shock Waves from Space Debris Entry

Seismometers have tracked atmospheric shock waves from incoming space debris, offering a new method to detect and study such events. On April 2, 2024, a Chinese spacecraft, Shenzhou-15, re-entered Earth's atmosphere uncontrolled, creating a sonic trail over Los Angeles. Ground-based seismometers captured the sonic booms, allowing scientists to reconstruct the spacecraft's trajectory. This technique could help researchers detect space debris globally, even without visual observations. The findings were presented at AGU's Annual Meeting 2024 by planetary scientist Benjamin Fernando of Johns Hopkins University. Read in detail about this story at EOS.org.

SwRI (US) to Develop Magnetometers for NOAA Space Weather Satellites

NASA has awarded the Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas (SwRI) a $26.1 million contract to develop magnetometers for NOAA's Space Weather Next program. These instruments, part of the Lagrange 1 Series project, will measure the interplanetary magnetic field carried by the solar wind. The data will help NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center issue forecasts and alerts to mitigate space weather impacts on power grids and communication systems. SwRI's work, spanning from December 2024 to January 2034, includes design, fabrication, integration, testing, and post-launch support.

China is Enhancing Space Situational Awareness with On-Orbit Systems to Manage Increasingly Crowded Orbits

China is enhancing its space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities by developing on-orbit systems to navigate increasingly crowded orbits. The China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) report highlights China's reliance on space-based SSA due to limited global ground sensor networks. With at least ten spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) for SSA tasks, China employs optical and radio frequency sensors for collision avoidance and rapid response. This approach contrasts with the U.S., which integrates extensive ground sensors with space-based systems.

China's efforts to build an extensive space object catalog could offer an alternative to the U.S. Space-track system, potentially diminishing U.S. influence in global space traffic management. The necessity for such capabilities is increasing, as China had more than 900 satellites in orbit by mid-July 2024, according to China Central Television (CCTV). This year alone, the country has launched over 230 spacecraft in 62 orbital missions. These developments underscore China's commitment to creating an independent catalog and maintaining space stability as its space activities expand.

Moon's Oldest Crater Shape Reveals New Insights, May Aid Artemis Missions

University of Maryland scientists have revealed that the moon's oldest crater, the South Pole-Aitken basin, is more circular than previously thought. This finding, based on high-resolution data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, suggests a deeper impact event, challenging earlier theories of a shallow angle collision. The rounder shape implies a more even distribution of debris, offering Artemis mission astronauts access to deeper lunar materials. This discovery could significantly enhance our understanding of the moon's early history and evolution.

NASA has identified several candidate landing regions near the lunar South Pole for the Artemis III mission, which is set to bring astronauts back to the Moon for the first time since 1972. These regions are within six degrees of latitude of the lunar South Pole and offer access to some of the Moon's oldest terrain, including the South Pole-Aitken basin. This proximity will allow Artemis astronauts to study rocks from deep within the Moon's mantle or crust, providing valuable insights into the Moon's early history and evolution.

Delayed NASA's ESCAPADE Mission To Study Mars Explores New Launch Windows in 2025 and 2026

NASA's Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission, initially scheduled for a fall 2024 launch on Blue Origin's New Glenn, is now considering launch options in 2025 and 2026. The twin spacecraft, built by Rocket Lab, will study the interaction between the solar wind and Mars' magnetosphere. The delay, due to the rocket's unavailability, means the spacecraft will now arrive at Mars in September 2027. The new launch windows involve complex trajectories, offering unique opportunities for space weather observations. Read more on the story at SpaceNew.com.

CERN's Discovery of Heaviest Antimatter Particle Advances Understanding of Matter-Antimatter Asymmetry

Scientists at CERN’s (European Organization for Nuclear Research) ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) detector have made a groundbreaking discovery, detecting the first evidence of the heaviest antimatter particle yet, known as antihyperhelium-4. This particle is the antimatter counterpart of hyperhelium-4, which is composed of two protons, two neutrons, and two lambda particles (hyperons containing strange quarks). The discovery was made possible by replicating conditions similar to those just after the Big Bang, using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) to create a quark-gluon plasma.

Quark-gluon plasma is a state of matter consisting of quarks and gluons, which are normally confined within protons and neutrons, but can move freely in this high-energy state. This finding could help scientists understand why matter came to dominate over antimatter in the early universe, addressing the long-standing mystery of matter-antimatter asymmetry.

GOVERNANCE

Artemis Accords Expand to 50 Nations, ILRS Welcomes Omani Partner

Panama and Austria recently signed NASA's Artemis Accords, bringing the total number of signatories to 50 nations. The Artemis Accords, established in 2020, outline principles for responsible and peaceful space exploration, emphasizing scientific discovery, sustainability, and international collaboration.

Meanwhile, an Omani space company has joined China's International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project. The ILRS aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon, with contributions from various international partners. This partnership reflects the increasing involvement of emerging space nations in major space projects, furthering the collective goal of advancing human knowledge and capabilities in space.

The increased collaboration on both fronts could potentially create a more unified approach to space activities, reducing the risk of conflicts and fostering transparency. It has, however, intensified competition between the US and China in space, as both nations strive to achieve their respective goals of establishing a permanent human presence on the moon.

US NDAA Extends Learning Period and Launch Indemnification for Commercial Spaceflight

The final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of U.S. for fiscal year 2025 released on December 7, has extended the "learning period" for commercial human spaceflight regulations until the end of 2027. In this context, the "learning period" refers to a designated timeframe during which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cannot enforce new safety regulations specifically for commercial human spaceflight. Additionally, the NDAA extends launch indemnification, which requires launch licensees to demonstrate financial responsibility for third-party damages, until September 2028. These extensions are seen as crucial by the commercial space industry, which argues that it needs more time to develop best practices, gather data, and improve safety standards based on practical experience before stringent regulations are imposed.

NASA Outlines 20-Year Plan for Sustainable Mars Exploration, Emphasizes Cost-Efficiency and Collaboration

NASA's has recently released a report that emphasizes the need for paradigm shifts in Mars exploration to address core questions about the planet's habitability and potential for life. The report, titled "Expanding the Horizons of Mars Science: A Plan for a Sustainable Science Program at Mars — Mars Exploration Program 2024-2044," outlines a strategic approach for the next 20 years. It highlights the importance of lower-cost missions, commercial partnerships, and international collaboration to achieve more frequent and affordable Mars missions.

The report also stresses the need for innovative solutions to explore challenging terrains, such as caves and steep slopes, which could harbor signs of past or present life. With human exploration potentially as early as the late 2030s, NASA aims to broaden participation and cultivate diverse talent in Mars exploration.

This comprehensive plan aligns with NASA's broader Moon-to-Mars strategy, which includes using nuclear fission power for consistent energy supply on Mars and developing infrastructure for human missions.

US Congressmen Urge FAA to Speed Up Licensing Reforms

U.S. Congressmen Sam Graves and Rob Wittman have urged the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expedite reforms to its launch and reentry licensing regulations, known as Part 450, to bolster U.S. space leadership. In a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker, they highlighted the lengthy pre-application process as a significant bottleneck, causing delays that impact the competitiveness and strategic standing of the U.S. in space exploration. The congressmen called for immediate actions short of rulemaking to mitigate these delays, emphasizing the need for more efficient and predictable regulatory processes to support the growing commercial space industry.

The letter followed the FAA's announcement of its first SpARC- space-related aerospace rulemaking committee, meeting to reform Part 450 regulations. In November, the FAA confirmed the establishment of SpARC after earlier revealing plans to charter the committee to enhance these regulations. Read more on the story at SpaceNews.

MILITARY

U.S. Space Force Unit Bolsters Intelligence Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The U.S. Space Force, as it leverages both commercial capabilities and government-specific requirements to maintain a competitive edge in space operations, is enhancing its satellite operations and technology amid global conflicts.

At Ramstein Air Base in Germany, a Space Force unit has become vital in coordinating space-based intelligence and protection, particularly amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Brig. Gen. Jacob Middleton, commander of U.S. Space Forces Europe and Africa, praised the improved speed of critical intelligence delivery, now reduced to 90 minutes. Despite these advancements, with a potential crisis brewing in Europe, “adversaries” continue to pose a significant threat by attempting to disrupt these communication networks through cyberattacks and electronic interference.

Since its activation in December 2023, the unit has coordinated space operations with U.S. European and Africa Commands, supporting NATO and two major combatant commands. The conflict has highlighted the importance of both commercial and military space assets. Surveillance satellites provide near-real-time intelligence to Ukrainian forces, and Starlink ensures continuous internet connectivity despite Russian attempts to interfere.

According to SpaceNews, Middleton emphasized leveraging commercial capabilities while specifying government needs, aiming to balance resource allocation between public and classified operations. The conflict has become a proving ground for space-based capabilities and military adaptability.

US Space Force to Test Modular Satellite Technology in Upcoming Mission

The U.S. Space Force is set to test modular satellite technology in an upcoming mission under its Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) program. The program aims to validate technologies and tactics to shorten the timeline for launching payloads, such as surveillance sensors, into orbit. Col. Bryon McClain, program executive officer at the Space Systems Command, emphasized the need for more standardized satellite designs and announced plans to test a modular interface system called Handle, developed by The Aerospace Corporation. This system is designed to integrate satellite payloads seamlessly into a standardized modular architecture, simplifying integration and enabling faster satellite assembly and launch preparation. The upcoming Victus Salo mission, slated for a fall 2026 launch, will demonstrate the Space Force's capacity for rapid-response launches and enhanced space domain awareness.

US Concerns Over China's Advanced Space Capabilities, Will Strengthen Alliance with Japan to Counter Chinese Space Threats

Recent developments have prompted the U.S. Space Force to express concerns regarding China's swiftly advancing space capabilities, which are perceived as a mounting threat to U.S. dominance in orbit. General Michael Guetlein, the Vice Chief of Space Operations, speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California, underscored the increasingly hostile nature of the space environment, characterized by the deterioration of longstanding norms and the rise of new threats to U.S. space assets. He stressed the necessity for a fundamental transformation in the United States' approach to space operations, advocating for enhanced collaboration with international allies and the commercial sector.

Some of the aggressive tactics, include jamming GPS signals, spoofing communications, conducting cyberattacks, and deploying unmanned surveillance aircraft. According to SpaceNews, China's space program has developed anti-satellite weapons and sophisticated jammers to disrupt U.S. satellites crucial for navigation, communication, and missile defense. Experts caution that these capabilities could undermine U.S. power projection in conflicts.

In response to these rising threats, the U.S. and Japan have forged a stronger space alliance to counter China's growing influence. This partnership aims to enhance mutual security and ensure stability in space by sharing resources, intelligence, and technological advancements. The collaboration is part of a broader strategy to maintain U.S. hegemony in space and address the challenges posed by China's aggressive space ambitions.

US Military Expands Use of Commercial Satellites, As Private Sector Seeks More Support for Space Force Reserve Program

The U.S. military is increasingly leveraging commercial satellite companies to enhance its space intelligence capabilities. At the Spacepower Conference, Gen. Stephen Whiting, head of U.S. Space Command, discussed the expanded role of the Commercial Integration Cell (CIC). Originally a pilot program in 2015, the CIC now includes 15 companies that provide vital data on potential space disruptions through communications and Earth observation satellites.

Meanwhile, private firms are seeking more support for the U.S. Space Force's upcoming Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) program. This initiative aims to utilize commercial space assets during crises. Industry leaders stress the importance of early contracts, comprehensive training, and clear guidance for commercial participants. They believe that more defined commitments would offer financial stability and foster better preparation for emergencies.

Maxar and Satellogic Partner to Enhance Satellite Monitoring for US and Partners

Maxar Intelligence and Satellogic have announced a strategic partnership to enhance national security missions for the U.S. Government and select international government partners. The collaboration grants Maxar exclusive rights to task, collect, and distribute imagery from Satellogic's high-revisit satellite constellation. This partnership aims to provide comprehensive monitoring and real-time change detection for the U.S. government and its international partners. By combining Satellogic's high-frequency revisit rates with Maxar's high-resolution imaging and AI technologies, the partnership offers a differentiated solution in the Earth observation market. This agreement is part of Maxar's "virtual constellation" approach, integrating multiple satellite systems to meet sophisticated government intelligence needs.

Rocket Lab Advances Hypersonic Tech in US Military Test

Rocket Lab's recent secretive suborbital mission, launched on November 24 from Virginia's Wallops Island, successfully tested advanced hypersonic technology for the U.S. Department of Defense. The mission, part of the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) project, aimed to accelerate hypersonic flight testing. The mission, conducted using the s of Rocket Lab's Electron launcher, showcased new technologies optimized for hypersonic tests with increased payloads. The company also rapidly designed and integrated experimental hypersonic instrumentation for the launch.

Within just 22 hours of this hypersonic test, Rocket Lab also launched five Internet of Things satellites for the French company Kinéis, marking a significant achievement with two launches in less than 24 hours.

LeoLabs Expands Space Surveillance Network with New Arizona Radar

LeoLabs has expanded its space-monitoring network with a new radar site in Arizona, featuring next-generation Ultra High Frequency (UHF) technology. This radar installation, LeoLabs' seventh operational site, is designed to track activities in low and very low Earth orbit (LEO), with potential applications in missile and hypersonic glide vehicle detection. The radar employs a phased array antenna, enabling it to detect, locate, and track space debris, satellites, and highly maneuverable objects. LeoLabs CEO Tony Frazier highlighted the radar's advanced capabilities, emphasizing its role in addressing military and intelligence needs.

The radar was partially funded by a 2023 U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award and has already started tracking over 9,500 objects in LEO

Lockheed Martin's TacSat to Demonstrate Advanced 5G and Infrared Capabilities for Enhanced Military Connectivity and Sensing

Lockheed Martin is set to launch its Tactical Satellite (TacSat), a compact spacecraft about the size of a mini-fridge, in early 2025 aboard a Firefly Aerospace Alpha rocket. Built on a Terran Orbital Zuma bus—a platform also used for the Space Development Agency’s military network—TacSat aims to demonstrate cross-linked communications and sensing capabilities deemed vital for future space operations. Equipped with Lockheed Martin's first 5G.MIL payload, the satellite will provide cellular-like networking for military space assets, enhancing resilience and connectivity across air, sea, and land. Additionally, TacSat will host an infrared sensor for high-quality imagery and situational awareness. This launch is part of Lockheed Martin's broader strategy to advance joint all-domain operations in space.

L3Harris Scales Up Production to Support US Military Satellite Needs

L3Harris, the Florida (U.S.)-based defense contractor, is scaling up its satellite production to meet the growing demand from the U.S. military. The company is automating the production of infrared sensor payloads at a new factory in Fort Wayne, Indiana, set to open in spring 2025. This facility will support the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) program, which aims to deploy hundreds of satellites in low Earth orbit for enhanced missile detection and tracking. The shift from bespoke, low-volume production to a more automated, high-volume approach marks a significant change in the space manufacturing sector, driven by the increasing need for rapid deployment and advanced capabilities. Read more on the story at SpaceNews.

COMMERCIAL

Locus Lock, Cofactr, Fleet Space, Ion-X and Orbite: Space Startups Receive Major Investments to Enhance Industry Capabilities

In recent developments within the space sector, several companies have secured significant funding to advance their respective technologies and services. Colorado startup Locus Lock raised venture capital to expand its production of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers, designed to provide secure and precise location data for maritime, airborne, terrestrial, and space applications. The company aims to scale up manufacturing and convert pilot program customers to regular customers, focusing on high-end performance at a price suitable for mass market adoption.

Meanwhile, New York-based Cofactr raised $17.2 million in a Series A investment round to enhance its supply chain and logistics management platform. The platform is tailored for high-compliance industries like aerospace, helping companies navigate rigorous data sovereignty, traceability, and quality-management requirements. Cofactr plans to open additional warehouses and expand its product line to improve collaboration among companies building satellites and other high-compliance hardware.

Fleet Space Technologies, an Australian company, has raised $100 million in a Series D funding round to advance its satellite-based mineral exploration technology. The funding, led by Teachers’ Venture Growth (part of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan), will support the development of ExoSphere, a platform that enables real-time mineral prospecting from space. Fleet Space plans to miniaturize its ground sensors and deploy them on the moon in 2026, aiming to map the lunar subsurface and search for water ice deposits.

The company's Seismic Payload for Interplanetary Discovery, Exploration, and Research (SPIDER) will record seismic waves to help characterize the moon’s subsurface. This launch is part of Fleet Space's broader strategy to advance joint all-domain operations in space. The company's valuation has more than doubled since its last funding round, reflecting strong investor confidence in its innovative approach to mineral exploration.

French propulsion startup Ion-X has raised 13 million euros ($13.67 million) in a Series A funding round to accelerate the development and production of electrospray thrusters for small satellites and constellations. Founded in 2021, Ion-X plans to begin producing 10 thrusters per month by 2026, scaling up to 200 thrusters annually by 2028. The funding will support the industrialization of Ion-X's ion thrusters, with a new production facility near Paris and a domestic supply chain. The company aims to revolutionize space mobility with sustainable, innovative, and cost-effective propulsion solutions.

Lastly, Orbite, a company specializing in luxury space training, announced a Series A funding round to expand its training programs. Founded in 2019, the Seattle-based startup, which has raised $4 million, offers immersive astronaut training experiences combined with high-end vacations. Their new Experience Train Fly Program includes training sessions, Zero-G flights, and stays in moon or Mars analog environments. Orbite has partnered with Accor, a leading hospitality group, to develop a Spaceflight Gateway campus in Florida. The campus will offer comprehensive astronaut training and luxury accommodations, aiming to prepare participants for space travel while providing a unique and luxurious experience.

Italian Government Enters into Agreement with Virgin Galactic to Explores Suborbital Spaceflights from Italian Spaceport

Virgin Galactic has signed a cooperative agreement with Italy's Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile (ENAC) to explore the feasibility of operating the company’s Delta-class suborbital spaceplanes and conducting suborbital spaceflights from Grottaglie Spaceport in Southern Italy. The study will evaluate technical requirements, regulatory compatibility, and infrastructure capabilities. Phase one, expected to complete in 2025, will assess airspace compatibility and supply chain support. If successful, phase two will consider workforce needs and potential economic benefits for the region. This collaboration follows Virgin Galactic's first commercial mission, which included Italian researchers. Read more on the story at SpaceNews.

China to Launch First Guowang Megaconstellation Satellites on Long March 5B

China is set to launch the first satellites for its national low Earth orbit (LEO) megaconstellation, Guowang, using the Long March 5B rocket from Wenchang spaceport. The Guowang project aims to provide global broadband internet coverage, supporting China's digital economy and national security needs. The Long March 5B rocket, known for its high payload capacity, will use a Yuanzheng-2 upper stage to deploy multiple satellites into orbit.

Leaked mission patches indicate the payload will be Guowang satellites for China SatNet (China Satellite Network Group Co., Ltd.), which manages the national Guowang LEO megaconstellation plan. The Guowang constellation was first revealed in 2020 through filings for nearly 13,000 satellites with the International Telecommunication Union.

This launch marks a significant milestone as the Long March 5B has not flown since launching the third Tiangong module in late 2022. However, the rocket is infamous for its first stages entering orbit and making high-profile uncontrolled reentries. The Guowang constellation is China's response to similar initiatives like SpaceX's Starlink, aiming to offer global broadband services, according to SpaceNews.

Japan’s ispace and Magna Petra Plan Sustainable Helium-3 Prospecting and Mining Missions on the Moon

Japanese lunar exploration company ispace has announced plans to land helium-3 mining missions on the moon. Partnering with lunar prospecting company Magna Petra, ispace aims to utilize the moon's resources for economic benefits on Earth. The collaboration focuses on non-destructive, sustainable harvesting of helium-3 isotopes from lunar regolith. This mission, scheduled for no earlier than January 2025, will see ispace's Resilience lunar lander deploy the Tenacious micro rover to demonstrate its ability to traverse lunar terrain and collect regolith samples. The companies hope to address Earth's critical helium-3 supply shortage through these innovative missions.

German Space Agency Awards Multi-Year High-Resolution Thermal Imaging Contract to Constellr

German thermal data startup Constellr has secured a multi-year contract with the German Space Agency (DLR) to provide high-resolution thermal imagery. Starting in 2025, Constellr will supply 30-meter native resolution data to support Earth observation research. This partnership aims to enhance research in agriculture monitoring, urban planning, and climate change. Constellr's CEO Max Gulde stated that this contract represents a significant step towards providing high-quality thermal data for scientific advancements. The collaboration is expected to drive innovation and offer new insights into global challenges.

SPOTLIGHT

New Mysterious Radio Circle Detected by MeerKAT Telescope, Adding to Growing List of ORCs

Astronomers using the MeerKAT telescope have discovered a new Odd Radio Circle (ORC), designated ORC J0219-0505, as part of the MeerKAT International GHz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration (MIGHTEE) survey. This mysterious ring of radio waves, approximately 371,600 light-years wide, surrounds an elliptical galaxy known as WISEA J021912.43-050501.8. The ORC's faint and diffuse structure suggests it may be a shell of radio emission resulting from a galaxy merger.

Odd Radio Circles, or ORCs, are gigantic rings of radio waves with unexplained origins. They are observed as extragalactic circles of steep-spectrum radio emission, typically without corresponding emissions at other wavelengths, except for the host galaxy. To date, only a few ORCs have been well-defined. This discovery adds to the growing list of ORCs, deepening the mystery of their origins and hinting at a population of fainter ORCs yet to be discovered. The finding is reported in a paper published Nov. 26 on the arXiv preprint server.

Researchers Develop Model to Detect Oceans on Uranus' Moons

As NASA is plans a mission to Uranus to investigate whether its icy moons harbor hidden oceans, researchers at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics have developed a computer model to detect these oceans by analyzing the moons' orbital wobbles. The mission is expected to enhance our understanding of potential life-sustaining environments in our galaxy.

The model calculates ocean depth and ice thickness, potentially transforming our knowledge of where life might exist beyond Earth. By studying the moons' swaying motions, scientists hope to uncover clues about subsurface oceans, which could provide insights into the conditions necessary for life.

James Webb Confirms Hubble Findings, Indicating Need for New Physics

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has corroborated Hubble Space Telescope data, suggesting a new cosmic feature may explain why the universe is expanding faster than expected. This discrepancy, known as the Hubble tension, remains unexplained by current models, indicating our understanding of the universe may be incomplete. The JWST conducted its largest survey yet, using three different methods to measure distances to galaxies hosting supernovae. Observations from both telescopes aligned closely, ruling out significant biases in Hubble's measurements. The findings highlight the need for new physics to resolve the mystery, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for cosmologists.

Published in The Astrophysical Journal, the research expands upon Riess’ Nobel Prize-winning finding that the universe's expansion is accelerating due to the presence of mysterious "dark energy" spanning the vast reaches of space between stars and galaxies.

New Study at MIT Suggests Mars' Ancient Liquid Might Have Been CO₂, Not Just Water

Scientists are rethinking the long-held belief that Mars' ancient liquid was water, proposing instead that it could have been liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂). This theory stems from recent studies showing that CO₂ could have condensed into a liquid under the conditions of ancient Mars. The research, led by Michael Hecht of MIT, suggests that CO₂ might have been easier to form than water and could explain the planet's dry riverbeds and lake basins. The findings, published in Nature Geoscience, highlight the need for further experiments to confirm whether similar chemical reactions could occur under Martian conditions. This new perspective could reshape our understanding of Mars' history and the search for evidence of past life on the Red Planet

NASA Identifies Seven New Dark Comets in Recent Study

NASA researchers have discovered seven new "dark comets," celestial objects that resemble asteroids but behave like comets without displaying tails. This discovery doubles the known number of dark comets to 141. These objects are categorized into two distinct groups: larger ones in the outer solar system and smaller ones in the inner solar system. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest that dark comets could provide insights into the origins of our solar system and the potential for life on Earth. The study also raises questions about the forces causing their anomalous acceleration.

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