Issue 32 | Breaking Space News: Jan 05 - 11, 2025

Good to have you here explorer🚀,

Devastating images from Los Angeles reveal the extent of this climate crisis. On an optimistic note, explore some truly inspiring feats in science and research.

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• IMAGES

  • Los Angeles Wildfires

  • "Dragon Arc" in Abell 370

  • Mercury Flyby : BepiColombo

• SCIENCE

  • World's First Wooden Satellite Japan's LignoSat Deployed from ISS

  • Shijian-25 Satellite Launched by China for On-Orbit Refueling Tests

  • NASA Explores Two Landing Options for Mars Sample Return Mission

  • NASA and Musk Diverge on Moon vs. Direct Mars Mission Approaches

• GOVERNANCE

  • ESA Launch Competition to Evaluate Georeturn Policy Reforms

  • International Experts Advocate for New 18th SDG to Tackle Space Debris

  • US Non-Profit Raises Transparency Concerns Over China's Guowang Constellation

• MILITARY

  • True Anomaly Hires Ex-Pentagon Space Policy Expert Stephen Kitay

  • Netherlands Enters Satellite Intelligence Agreement with Maxar

  • Successful Test of Cross-Vendor Laser Link in US Military Satellites

  • SpaceX Launch of NROL-153 Mission Expands U.S. Spy Satellite Network

  • Anduril and Kratos Secure Contracts for US Defense Enhancements

  • U.S. Space Force's X-37B Space Plane Surpasses One Year in Orbit

• COMMERCIAL

  • Rubicon Delivers Dual-Mode Propulsion System for NASA Mission

  • Intelsat, GCI, and OneWeb Expand Multi-Orbit Satellite Services in Alaska

  • Ligado Networks Sues Inmarsat and US Govt. Over Spectrum Disputes

  • Pale Blue, D-Orbit to Test Water-Based Satellite Propulsion in 2025

  • Toyota Invests $71M in Interstellar Technologies for Rocket Production

  • AST SpaceMobile and Ligado Networks Partner for Extended Spectrum Use

  • Rocket Lab Pushes for Commercial Participation in Mars Sample Return Mission

• SPOTLIGHT

  • New Theory Explains Pluto-Charon Formation Through 'Kiss and Capture'

  • Carbon's Galactic Journey: Insights from New Research

IMAGES

Los Angeles Wildfires : Satellite Images, Planet Labs, Maxar Technologies

Satellite images have captured the devastating impact of the recent Los Angeles wildfires, which have charred over 34,000 acres and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. The largest of these fires, the Palisades Fire, ignited on January 7, 2025, and has burned nearly 20,000 acres, becoming the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. Images from the International Space Station and NASA satellites show the extent of the destruction and the massive smoke plumes billowing from the fires. Firefighters have managed to protect key landmarks like the Mt. Wilson Observatory and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, but the fires continue to rage with only partial containment.

"Dragon Arc" in Abell 370 : James Webb Space Telescope

An international team of astronomers, using data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), has unveiled a treasure trove of hidden stars beyond the "Dragon Arc" in the galaxy cluster Abell 370. This discovery, made possible by gravitational lensing and JWST's high light-collecting power, marks a significant milestone in astronomy, allowing scientists to observe individual stars in a galaxy nearly 6.5 billion light-years away. The findings, published in Nature Astronomy, could enhance our understanding of dark matter and the evolution of galaxies.

Mercury Flyby : BepiColombo Spacecraft

SCIENCE

World's First Wooden Satellite LignoSat Developed by JAXA and Kyoto University, Deployed from ISS to Test Viability of Sustainable Alternative

The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Kyoto University have successfully deployed the world's first wooden satellite, LignoSat, from the International Space Station (ISS) in December 2024. Launched aboard a SpaceX rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on November 5, 2024, this experimental satellite, made from honoki magnolia wood, aims to test the viability of wood as a sustainable alternative to traditional satellite materials. Over the next six months, researchers will monitor LignoSat's response to extreme temperature swings, high radiation levels, and geomagnetic fields. If successful, this eco-friendly approach could revolutionize spacecraft design and mitigate the environmental impact of satellite reentries.

China's Latest Launch, Shijian-25 Satellite will Test On-Orbit Refueling and Mission Technologies

China has launched the Shijian-25 satellite using a Long March-3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, marking the country's first rocket launch of 2025. The satellite aims to test on-orbit refueling and mission extension technologies, developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. This mission is part of China's broader strategy to enhance satellite sustainability and reduce cost and space debris by extending the operational lifespan of satellites.

NASA Explores Two Landing Options for Mars Sample Return Mission

NASA is exploring two landing options for its Mars Sample Return mission to bring Martian rock and sediment samples back to Earth. The first option uses the "sky crane" landing method, previously employed for the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers, involving a heat shield, parachute, and retrorockets for a controlled descent. This method allows for precise and controlled landings. The second option involves a commercially provided heavy lift vehicle, leveraging private companies' capabilities to deliver the payload to Mars. This approach aims to reduce costs and simplify the mission by utilizing commercial spaceflight resources. Both methods target a sample return by the 2030s, with NASA planning to select a single path forward by 2026.

In September 2024, NASA reviewed 11 studies from the community and industry on returning Martian samples. The Mars Sample Return Strategic Review team assessed these studies and recommended a primary mission architecture, along with cost and schedule estimates.

NASA Highlights Moon's Role in Mars Mission Preparations Amid Musk's Direct Mars Strategy

NASA is emphasizing the moon's role as a testbed for future human Mars missions. During a panel at the AIAA SciTech Forum, NASA engineers highlighted the importance of lunar missions before attempting crewed expeditions to Mars. The moon provides an opportunity to test technologies and life support systems in a deep space environment, which is crucial for the long-duration missions required for Mars. The Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon, will help NASA gain valuable experience in logistics, resupply, and human health management. This approach ensures that the challenges of Mars missions are addressed more effectively.

This comes after Elon Musk’s comment on X, saying, "No, we’re going straight to Mars. The Moon is a distraction. Mass to orbit is the key metric, thereafter mass to Mars surface. The former needs to be in the megaton to orbit per year range to build a self-sustaining colony on Mars."

His comment was addressed to a suggestion to produce liquid oxygen on the moon for SpaceX Starship missions to Mars, and not a rejection of moon missions. SpaceX holds about $4 billion in NASA contracts to develop a lunar lander version of Starship for Artemis 3 and 4 missions. His view emphasizes a direct approach to Mars exploration, focusing on achieving the necessary mass for a sustainable colony.

GOVERNANCE

ESA Launch Competition to Evaluate Georeturn Policy Reforms

The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to test reforms to its georeturn policies through an upcoming launch competition. The georeturn policy, which links contracts to member state contributions, has faced criticism for creating inefficiencies and hindering competitiveness. Currently, it mandates that companies in member states receive contracts proportional to their country's contributions to the agency.

A European Commission report, titled The Future of European Competitiveness, released in September, also known as the Draghi report after its chair, former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi, has advised that the European Space Agency eliminate the practice of georeturn. Now, one of ESA's proposals, the "fair contribution" approach aims to allocate funding based on competition outcomes, potentially enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in the European space industry. This reform is part of ESA's broader efforts to simplify its policies and foster innovation, with the European Launcher Challenge serving as an early test of these changes. The outcome of this competition could have significant implications for the future of European space policy and the industry's ability to compete globally. Read about this story in detail at SpaceNews.

International Experts Advocate for New 18th Sustainable Development Goal to Safeguard Orbital Environment and Tackle Space Debris

Researchers are proposing a new United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to address the growing issue of space debris. The proposed 18th SDG aims to conserve and sustainably use Earth's orbit, drawing inspiration from SDG14 (Life Below Water) and applying lessons from marine debris management to space. The researchers emphasize the need for global consensus and effective enforcement mechanisms to tackle the problem, which has become more pressing with the increasing number of satellites and space activities. In an article published in the journal One Earth, a global team of experts from diverse fields such as satellite technology and ocean plastic pollution has proposed establishing an 18th Sustainable Development Goal focused on protecting Earth's orbit.

The proposal highlights that there are now around 100 nations involved in varying levels of space activity, and since the 1950s, almost 20,000 satellites have been launched into Earth's orbit. These satellites bring immense benefits to society, from monitoring ecosystems and supporting global communications to facilitating services used by billions of people. However, once they reach the end of their useful life, abandoned satellites, launch stages, and fragments resulting from explosions or collisions can accumulate as orbital debris. This raises the chance of collisions with active satellites, which would not only impact their ability to function but would also result in further increases in debris. For context, in 2021, the report points out, the orbital environment supported $469 billion in human activities, with a GPS failure alone potentially costing the UK economy $6.3 billion per day.

The researchers believe that adding an 18th SDG could raise the profile of the issue and deliver the global consensus and mechanisms for effective enforcement required to address the problem. They also highlight that it would complement the existing SDGs, which include references to space technology for its ability to support improved understanding of global issues but not its potential to represent a future issue itself.

US-Based Secure World Foundation Raises Concerns Over Transparency and Purpose of China's Guowang Satellites, Starlink Competitor

China's recent launch of the Guowang satellite constellation has raised questions about the transparency and purpose of the satellites. The Guowang project, led by state-owned China Satellite Services, aims to compete with SpaceX's Starlink by providing global satellite internet services. However, concerns have been raised by experts such as Victoria Samson, Chief Director for Space Security and Stability at the U.S.-based Secure World Foundation, reports SpaceNews. There is worry about the potential for these satellites to support China's model of digital authoritarianism, enabling greater state control over internet access and surveillance.

The contrasting launch methods between China's Guowang satellites and SpaceX's Starlink raise concerns primarily due to the potential implications for transparency and dual-use capabilities. The 10 Guowang satellites, the first of a planned 13,000 spacecrafts, were deployed using a double-decker arrangement within the Long March 5B rocket, which is different from SpaceX's method of vertically stacking satellites and using on-board thrusters to spread them out to their operational orbits. This unique approach by China has led to speculation about the satellites' true capabilities and purposes, as the lack of transparency makes it difficult to determine whether they are solely for providing internet services or if they have additional, undisclosed functionalities. Samson highlighted these concerns, noting that the secrecy surrounding the Guowang project could indicate the presence of payloads beyond communication capabilities, potentially for military or surveillance purposes. This ambiguity raises questions about the broader implications for global internet governance and digital rights. Read in detail about the story at SpaceNews.

MILITARY

True Anomaly Hires Ex-Pentagon Space Policy Expert Stephen Kitay

Former Pentagon space policy official Stephen Kitay has joined Colorado, U.S.-based startup True Anomaly as Senior Vice President of Space Defense. Kitay, instrumental in establishing the U.S. Space Force, brings extensive experience from his roles at the Pentagon and Microsoft. True Anomaly, focusing on national security applications, develops specialized satellites for military training and space domain awareness. Kitay's appointment comes as the company prepares for the "Victus Haze" mission under the U.S. Space Force's Tactically Responsive Space program. His expertise is expected to enhance True Anomaly's product portfolio and business strategy, emphasizing the growing intersection of commercial space technology and national security interests, SpaceNews reports.

Dutch Military to Enhance Military Capabilities with Maxar Satellite Agreement

The Netherland’s Ministry of Defence has signed a €13.6 million ($14.4 million) framework contract with Maxar Intelligence for a four-year subscription to Maxar's Geospatial Platform (MGP) Pro. This agreement provides the Ministry's Defence Geographic Agency (DGA) with on-demand access to Maxar's extensive 20-year satellite imagery archive, daily high-resolution image collections, and advanced AI/ML capabilities for object detection and change monitoring. The partnership aims to enhance the DGA's geospatial foundational data and support its mapping, intelligence, and operational missions.

US Military Satellites Achieve First Ever Cross-Vendor Laser Communication Link in Low Earth Orbit

U.S. military satellites from York Space Systems and SpaceX have successfully demonstrated the first cross-vendor laser communications link in low Earth orbit, marking a milestone for the Pentagon’s next-generation satellite network. The demonstration, part of the U.S. Space Force’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), involved satellites from Tranche 0, an initial phase comprising 27 satellites operating at approximately 1,000 km altitude. This achievement highlights the shift from traditional reliance on fewer, larger satellites to a more distributed network of smaller spacecraft. It also underscores the importance of standardized Optical Communication Terminal protocols for seamless data exchange between satellites from different manufacturers. Laser communications offer faster and more secure data transmission compared to traditional radio frequency methods.

SpaceX Launches Seventh Batch of Next-Gen Spy Satellites for US Government with NROL-153 Mission

SpaceX recently launched the NROL-153 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, deploying the seventh batch of next-generation spy satellites for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). This mission is part of the NRO's proliferated architecture initiative, which aims to enhance surveillance capabilities through numerous smaller satellites. The Falcon 9 rocket's first stage successfully landed on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean, marking the 22nd use of this booster. The satellites, believed to be modified versions of SpaceX's Starlink models, are designed to provide advanced reconnaissance technology, underscoring SpaceX's role in supporting U.S. national security initiatives and the ongoing collaboration between SpaceX and U.S. defense agencies.

US Defense Invests in Rocket Motor Production and Hypersonic Testing Through New Contracts with Anduril and Kratos

The U.S. government is advancing its defense capabilities through strategic partnerships with commercial actors and investments in cutting-edge technologies.

The Pentagon has awarded Anduril Industries a $14.3 million contract to expand the production of solid rocket motors, aiming to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base. This funding, part of the Defense Production Act Title III, builds on Anduril's $75 million private investment to increase production capacity and improve manufacturing processes.

Meanwhile, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions secured a $1.45 billion contract for hypersonic testing, marking the largest award in the company's history. This contract supports the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) 2.0 program, aiming to enhance hypersonic flight test cadence and bridge the gap between ground tests and system-level flights.

U.S. Space Force's Secretive X-37B Space Plane Surpasses One Year in Orbit

The U.S. Space Force's secretive X-37B space plane has surpassed one year in orbit, marking a significant milestone for the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) mission. Launched on December 28, 2023, the X-37B is conducting experiments on radiation effects and Space Domain Awareness technologies from its highly elliptical high Earth orbit. This mission is notable for its use of aerobraking maneuvers to change orbits while conserving fuel, a technique not previously attempted by the X-37B. The spacecraft, also known as USSF-52, continues to perform its classified objectives, with plans to de-orbit and return to Earth upon mission completion.

COMMERCIAL

Rubicon Delivers Dual-Mode Propulsion System for NASA’s Tech-Demo Mission

Rubicon Space Systems has delivered a dual-mode propulsion system for NASA's upcoming Green Propulsion Dual Mode (GPDM) mission, set to launch in October 2025. This mission marks the first-ever technology demonstration of combined chemical and electric propulsion in space, showcasing Rubicon's Sprite ASCENT chemical module alongside cutting-edge electrospray thrusters developed by MIT. The Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic Propellant (ASCENT), a low-toxicity propellant that offers high performance and safety compared to traditional hydrazine, was developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

The dual-mode propulsion (sometimes called multi-mode propulsion) system combines high impulse and high efficiency in one package. Dual-mode propulsion uses the same propellant for both chemical and electric thrusters. The Sprite module employs the ASCENT propellant which is an ionic liquid suitable for electric thrusters, and NASA will use Sprite for chemical propulsion and to supply propellant to the electric thrusters. Being developed since early 2022, Sprite is a fully enclosed, plug-and-play propulsion system for SmallSats, useful for collision avoidance and deorbit maneuvers.

The system passed its Critical Design Review in December 2022 and is expected to complete qualification efforts by Q3 2023. Rubicon received a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase III contract worth up to $645,000 for this project, led by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and funded by NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technologies (SST) program.

Intelsat, OneWeb Partner with GCI to Boost Alaska’s Connectivity with Multi-Orbit Services

Intelsat, in collaboration with both GCI and OneWeb, has broadened their multi-orbit satellite services across Alaska to meet the region's rising connectivity demands. This expanded partnership, building on a previous four-year-old agreement with GCI, now integrates next-generation low-earth orbit (LEO) services with existing geostationary (GEO) services.

Alaska's leading telecom provider, GCI, will benefit from Intelsat-managed high-throughput LEO services in addition to reliable C-, Ku-, and Ka-band GEO services. This collaboration is set to enhance connectivity for regional tribal healthcare providers, school districts, government agencies, and businesses. By leveraging both LEO and GEO satellite services, GCI expects to improve satellite-based connectivity offerings without significant ground infrastructure investments. Read more on the story at SpaceNews.

Ligado Networks Sues Inmarsat and US Government Over Spectrum Disputes Amid Bankruptcy and 5G Setbacks

Satellite operator Ligado Networks has filed a lawsuit against Inmarsat Global, alleging breach of contract over a 2007 spectrum agreement. The lawsuit, filed shortly after Ligado's Chapter 11 bankruptcy declaration, aimed at restructuring its $8.6 billion debt, claims that Inmarsat failed to upgrade its satellite terminals to eliminate potential interference with Ligado's services, despite receiving over $1.7 billion from Ligado over 17 years. Inmarsat, now owned by Viasat, has denied the allegations, calling them unfounded and without legal merit. Ligado is seeking damages and repayment of the funds paid to Inmarsat, arguing that the failure to upgrade terminals has hindered its efforts to provide nationwide terrestrial wireless services.

This comes shortly after Ligado sued the U.S. government over stalled 5G plans, claiming that the government's actions deprived it of up to $39 billion in potential earnings from the FCC license.

Pale Blue and D-Orbit Partner to Test Water-Based Satellite Propulsion in 2025

Japanese startup Pale Blue Inc. has announced a partnership with Italian company D-Orbit to conduct in-orbit demonstrations of its world-first 1U+ Water Ion Thruster in 2025. The propulsion system, which uses water as a propellant, aims to enhance orbit control and debris mitigation for small satellites. Pale Blue's novel technology is expected to provide a safer, more sustainable solution for satellite missions. The demonstrations, scheduled for June and October 2025, will validate the performance and reliability of the thruster on D-Orbit’s versatile ION Satellite Carrier.

Toyota Backs Interstellar Technologies with $71 Million Investment for Rocket and Satellite Expansion

Toyota has invested $44 million (7 billion yen) in Japanese startup Interstellar Technologies to support the mass production of rockets and satellite communications. The investment, led by Toyota's mobility technology arm Woven by Toyota, aims to leverage automotive manufacturing expertise to transform rocket production into a scalable, cost-effective process. This strategic partnership will help Interstellar Technologies meet the surging global demand for launch vehicles and satellite communications. The collaboration underscores the growing trend of automotive companies diversifying into the space sector, highlighting the potential for cross-industry innovation and the increasing importance of scalable manufacturing in space technology.

AST SpaceMobile and Ligado Networks Finalize Long-Term Spectrum Agreement Amid Former’s Bankruptcy

AST SpaceMobile has secured a significant spectrum deal with bankrupt Ligado Networks, gaining access to lower mid-band spectrum in the U.S. and Canada. On January 6, the companies announced plans for a long-term agreement granting AST SpaceMobile access to up to 40 MHz of L-band Mobile Satellite Services spectrum in both countries and 5 MHz of adjacent U.S. spectrum. In return, Ligado would receive warrants for AST SpaceMobile shares valued at $120 million, $80 million in annual cash payments for at least 80 years, and approximately $550 million upon regulatory approval and transaction closing.

This strategic move aims to enhance AST's satellite-to-cellular services, enabling peak data transmission speeds up to 120Mbps, though redesigns of their BlueBird satellites might be necessary. This partnership marks a strategic shift for AST, which previously relied on terrestrial mobile network operators. Additionally, this deal provides Ligado with much-needed financial relief during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The broader implications for the space industry include potential enhancements in satellite broadband accessibility and increased competition with terrestrial network providers.

Rocket Lab Pushes for Commercial Participation in Mars Sample Return Program, Proposes Cost-Effective Solution

Rocket Lab has urged NASA to open the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission to commercial competition, proposing a more cost-effective and timely alternative to NASA's current plans. The company argues that its solution could return Martian rock and dust samples to Earth by 2031 for under $4 billion, significantly faster and cheaper than NASA's projected timeline and costs. NASA recently announced two new mission architectures for the MSR program, aiming to reduce costs and encourage innovation by exploring both traditional and commercial approaches. Rocket Lab’s approach has been detailed on its website.

This move highlights the potential benefits of involving commercial entities in space missions, potentially driving innovation and reducing costs. However, it also raises questions about the balance between government-led and commercial space exploration efforts. Read more on the story at SpaceNews.

SPOTLIGHT

New Theory Explains Pluto-Charon Formation Through 'Kiss and Capture’

Astronomers have proposed a new "kiss and capture" theory to explain how Pluto acquired its largest moon, Charon. According to the study published in Nature Geoscience, billions of years ago, Pluto and Charon collided and briefly merged into a spinning "cosmic snowman" before separating while remaining gravitationally bound. This mechanism challenges previous theories and suggests that Charon, half the size of Pluto, was captured through this unique collision rather than a catastrophic impact.

Carbon's Galactic Journey: Insights from New Research

Recent research has revealed that the carbon in our bodies likely traveled on a "cosmic conveyor belt" before returning to the Milky Way. This study, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, shows that elements like carbon, oxygen, and iron are expelled from galaxies by supernovae and caught in giant cosmic currents known as the circumgalactic medium. These elements eventually fall back into their original galaxies, contributing to the formation of new stars and planets. This discovery enhances our understanding of galactic evolution and the recycling of star-forged materials.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸