Issue 33 | Breaking Space News: Jan 12 - 18, 2025

Welcome back explorer🚀,

Beautiful images from Earth Observation satellites and from outer space this week. Defense and Commercial space is abuzz with a lot of interest.

Hope you find it insightful.
Space is here.

• IMAGES

  • “Ghost Island,” Caspian Sea

  • Cassiopeia A Light Echoes

• SCIENCE

  • Sun's Magnetic Field Reversal Approaching

  • Pakistan's First Home-Made Observation Satellite Launched by China

  • ISRO Successfully Completes On-Orbit Docking Experiment

  • China Unveils Ambitious Space Solar Station; Lunar Rover Yutu-2 Stalls

  • Rubin Observatory Completes Image Tests, Prepares for 10-Year Survey

  • Very Large Telescope's Light Pollution Challenge from Renewable Hydrogen Project

• GOVERNANCE

  • Moon Designated as Historical Preservation Site by WMF

  • FAA Fines & Starship Mishap Put SpaceX Under Regulatory Spotlight

  • US Space Weather Experts Anticipate Support from Trump Administration

  • ESA Ready for Shifts in NASA's Direction, Says Agency Chief

  • Govt. Space Budgets Reached $135B in 2024, Defense as Major Driver

• MILITARY

  • Voyager Technologies Emphasizes National Security in Rebranding Effort

  • Sierra Space Completes Key Review for US Space Force R-GPS

  • Planet Labs and K2 Space Appoint US Defense Experts to Key Positions

  • Slingshot Wins $1.9M Contract to Enhance GPS Jamming Detection

  • U.S. Space Force Needs Upgrades to Compete with China by 2050

• COMMERCIAL

  • US Intelligence Agency Selects Companies for Satellite Data Contract

  • Rocket Factory Augsburg Secures UK Launch License for 2025 Mission

  • Thaicom and AIS Boards Recommend Rejecting Takeover Bids

  • Stoke Space Secures $260 Million for Nova Rocket Development

  • Tomorrow.io Unveils NextGen Global Precipitation Forecasting Platform

  • Rosotics Pivots from 3D Printing to Orbital Vehicles

  • Space42's Foresight-2 Launched on SpaceX's Transporter-12 with 130 Satellites

  • SpaceX Launches Landers to the Moon: Blue Ghost and Resilience

IMAGES

“Ghost Island,” Caspian Sea : Operational Land Imager, Landsat 8, 9

Cassiopeia A Light Echoes : NIRCam, James Web Space Telescope

SCIENCE

Sun's Magnetic Field Reversal Approaching

The sun is on the verge of a significant event: a magnetic field reversal. This phenomenon, which occurs approximately every 11 years, marks the halfway point of the solar cycle, transitioning from solar maximum to solar minimum. The upcoming switch in polarity will see the sun's northern magnetic field flip to the southern hemisphere and vice versa. This event is driven by sunspots, regions of complex magnetic activity on the sun's surface that can trigger solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). While the magnetic field reversal itself is not dangerous for Earth, it can lead to increased solar activity, potentially affecting satellites and communication systems. Scientists are closely monitoring this event to better understand its implications and prepare for any potential impacts on Earth.

Pakistan's First Home-Made Observation Satellite Launched by China

China launched Pakistan's first home-made observation satellite, PRSC-EO1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on January 17, 2025. The satellite, designed to enhance Pakistan's ability to monitor natural resources, respond to disasters, and improve urban planning and agricultural development, was carried by China's Long March-2D rocket. This launch marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's space journey and strengthens the space collaboration between China and Pakistan. PRSC-EO1 is the first satellite in a new remote sensing constellation, providing valuable data for various sectors, including agriculture, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.

ISRO Successfully Completes On-Orbit Docking Experiment

India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing an on-orbit docking test, making it the fourth country to do so after the United States, Russia, and China. The Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) involved two satellites, "Target" and "Chaser," which docked in Earth's orbit on January 15, 20252. This test is a crucial step towards India's ambitious space plans, including the construction of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) by 2035 and a crewed lunar landing.

The on-orbit docking test was launched on December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.

China Unveils Ambitious Space Solar Station Project while Lunar Rover Yutu-2 Stalls 

China's Yutu-2 rover, part of the historic Chang'e-4 mission to the moon's far side, appears to have become immobile after a remarkable journey that began in January 2019. Recent images from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter show the rover has been stationary since March 2024. Despite its immobility, the rover remains functional and continues to provide valuable data, marking a significant achievement in lunar exploration and demonstrating the longevity of China's space technology.

Meanwhile, China has announced ambitious plans to construct a colossal solar power station in space. The proposed 1-kilometer-wide array aims to beam continuous energy back to Earth, potentially generating more power annually than all the oil reserves on the planet. This project, dubbed "another Three Gorges Dam project above the Earth," aims to beam continuous energy back to Earth via microwaves. The solar power station will be assembled in geostationary orbit using China's new heavy-lift rockets, with a lift capacity of at least 150 tons. The project's success hinges on overcoming challenges such as intermittent cloud cover and atmospheric absorption of solar radiation. Despite these hurdles, China's efforts in space-based solar power could revolutionize energy production and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Rubin Observatory Completes Image Tests, Prepares for Decade-Long Major Space Survey With The World's Largest Digital Camera

The NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, located on the El Peñón peak of Cerro Pachón in northern Chile, has successfully completed a series of comprehensive system tests using its engineering test camera, known as ComCam. These tests, conducted over seven weeks from October to December 2024, involved approximately 16,000 exposures and were crucial in verifying the observatory's hardware, software systems, and data pipeline. This milestone sets the stage for the final installation of the 3200-megapixel LSST Camera (LSSTCam), the largest digital camera in the world. The LSSTCam will enable Rubin Observatory to carry out its 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time, capturing unprecedented details of faint objects and changes in the night sky.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency in the United States, created by Congress in 1950, with the mission to promote the progress of science, advance national health, prosperity, and welfare, and secure national defense. The Department of Energy (DOE) is a U.S. government agency responsible for policies regarding energy and safety in handling nuclear material. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is jointly funded and operated by the NSF and DOE's Office of Science. It is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), headquartered in Washington, D.C., and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, located in Menlo Park, California.

ESO's Very Large Telescope's Observing Capabilities Threatened by Renewable Hydrogen Project

The world’s largest telescope, the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT) on Mount Paranal in Chile's Atacama Desert, faces a threat from light pollution due to a planned renewable hydrogen project by AES Energy. The U.S. energy company AES Energy wants to build a large renewable hydrogen manufacturing complex called INNA, which could increase sky brightness by up to 10%, significantly impacting the VLT's ability to observe faint astronomical phenomena. The VLT, which cost $350 million to build in the 1990s (equivalent to $840 million today), is one of the world's most sensitive sky-watching instruments, capable of observing the most intriguing objects in the universe. ESO chose nearby Mount Armazones for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) due to the area's excellent sky-observing conditions. The ELT, expected to be completed by the decade's end, will further ESO's astronomical capabilities, but the INNA project's light pollution could undermine these advancements.

The INNA project, a $10 billion, 3,021-hectare industrial park, will include three solar farms, three wind farms, a battery energy storage system, and hydrogen production facilities, expected to generate 217,023 metric tonnes of green hydrogen per year, according to Renewables Now.

GOVERNANCE

Moon Designated as Historical Preservation Site by World Monuments Fund

The Moon has been designated a historical preservation site by the World Monuments Fund (WMF) to protect its heritage. This decision, part of the 2025 World Monuments Watch, aims to safeguard artifacts from early space exploration, including the Apollo 11 landing site. The inclusion of the Moon on the list highlights the need for international agreements to protect lunar heritage from potential threats posed by increasing commercial activities. Specialists from the WMF fear possible looting and destruction of the Moon's artifacts as a result of planned commercial flights. The WMF emphasizes the need for international agreements to protect lunar heritage sites as space exploration and tourism accelerate.

US Transportation Secretary Nominee to Review Fines Against SpaceX Amid FAA Orders For Investigation into Latest Starship Explosion

The U.S. Transportation Secretary nominee, Sean Duffy, has pledged to review the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) proposed fines against SpaceX, which amount to up to $633,009 for alleged license violations during two rocket launches in 2023. This move comes amid criticism from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who has labeled the fines as "regulatory overreach" and threatened legal action. The FAA's investigation remains ongoing, with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell calling for faster launch approvals.

In a related development, the FAA is also requiring an investigation into the explosion of SpaceX's Starship Flight 7, which occurred during a test flight from the company's Starbase site in South Texas on January 16, 2025. The explosion occurred approximately 8.5 minutes into the flight, causing debris to scatter over the Atlantic Ocean near the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered SpaceX to conduct a mishap investigation to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk attributed the failure to a propellant leak, which led to a fire in the aft section of the spacecraft. The FAA activated a Debris Response Area and briefly slowed aircraft in the vicinity. No injuries have been reported, but the agency is working with SpaceX to confirm reports of public property damage.

The incident has raised questions about SpaceX's compliance with safety regulations and the adequacy of its launch protocols. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for SpaceX's future operations and its relationship with regulatory authorities.

US Space Weather Experts Anticipate Strong Support from New Trump Administration

Space weather experts anticipate strong support from the incoming Trump administration, according to discussions at the 2025 American Meteorological Society annual meeting in New Orleans (U.S.), Space News reports. Successive Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations have reinforced efforts to understand the sun, produce timely warnings of heightened geomagnetic activity, and mitigate terrestrial impacts.

The PROSWIFT Act, which stands for Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weather to Improve the Forecasting of Tomorrow, has been instrumental in enhancing the U.S.'s ability to forecast space weather events and mitigate their impacts. The act supports efforts to improve space weather forecasts and predictions, crucial for protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of space missions. In 2023, the Biden Administration updated the implementation plan for the PROSWIFT Act, a 2020 bipartisan law signed by then-President Trump, which established an interagency group to coordinate space weather activities. The incoming administration is expected to continue these efforts, with a focus on providing timely alerts and warnings to the Defense Department and increasing the resilience of military systems.

Europe Prepared for Potential NASA Policy Changes, States ESA Chief

The European Space Agency (ESA) Chief, Josef Aschbacher, has stated that Europe is prepared for any changes in NASA's direction under the incoming Trump administration. During an annual press briefing, Aschbacher emphasized that ESA is in close communication with NASA and ready to adjust its priorities to increase Europe's strengths and autonomy in space. This comes as Trump's administration is expected to prioritize space exploration, potentially impacting key projects like NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) and the Lunar Gateway. ESA is expected to remain committed to its role as a key partner in the Artemis moon program, developing hardware and manufacturing the European Service Module (ESM) for the Orion crew spacecraft.

Government Space Budgets Reach $135 Billion with Defense as Major Driver, Novaspace Reports

According to a new report global government space investments reached approximately $135 billion in 2024, a 10% increase compared to 2023. Novaspace, a space consulting and market intelligence firm, has released the 24th edition of its annual Government Space Programs (GSP) report, which has highlighted that defense spending now constitutes the majority of these budgets at $73 billion (54%). The U.S. continues to lead global spending, but its share has declined from over 75% in 2000 to 59% in 2024, reflecting rising investments from China and other nations. More countries are establishing dedicated space forces and enhancing operational capabilities in security, early warning, telecommunications, navigation, and Earth observation to address evolving challenges. On the civil side, human spaceflight remains the largest category of investment.

MILITARY

Voyager Technologies Announces Strategic Rebranding and New Focus Areas: National Security, Defense

Voyager Space has rebranded to Voyager Technologies, Inc., emphasizing its expanded focus on U.S. national security and space innovation. The Denver, U.S.-based space exploration and technology company announced this strategic shift on January 16, 2025, highlighting its capabilities across broad technology markets. Voyager has restructured its operations into three segments: Defense & National Security, Space Solutions, and Starlab Space Stations. This rebranding is meant to express Voyager's commitment to delivering mission-critical solutions and addressing complex challenges from ground to orbit. The company's leadership believes this transformation positions Voyager to meet the growing demands of an increasingly complex global geopolitical landscape and a new era of exploration.

Sierra Space Completes Key Review for U.S. Space Force Resilient GPS Program

Sierra Space, U.S. based commercial space company, has achieved a significant milestone in its Resilient Global Positioning System (R-GPS) program. The company announced the successful completion of the Systems Requirements Review (SRR) for its navigation satellite designed for the U.S. Space Force, a critical step in the development of smaller, more cost-effective GPS satellites. This milestone comes just four months after the program's launch in September 2024.

The R-GPS program, initiated by the U.S. Space Force, aims to enhance the existing GPS constellation by integrating proliferated small satellites to counter threats like jamming and spoofing. Sierra Space is one of four companies selected for the R-GPS program, alongside Astranis, Axient, and L3Harris. The Space Force plans to select one of these companies to produce eight satellites, scheduled for launch by 2028. These satellites will augment the 31-satellite GPS constellation currently in orbit, with the goal of ensuring global navigation coverage amid concerns about potential threats to space assets from rival nations. Sierra Space's expertise in small satellite technology and rapid deployment gives it a competitive edge in this initiative.

Planet Labs and K2 Space Appoint US Defense Experts to Key Positions

Planet Labs and K2 Space have made strategic appointments of high-profile defense experts to strengthen their national security and space operations initiatives.

Planet Labs has appointed retired General John W. "Jay" Raymond, former Chief of Space Operations of the U.S. Space Force, to its board of directors. This move is part of Planet's strategy to strengthen its defense and national security initiatives. General Raymond's extensive experience in space operations and strategy is expected to provide valuable insights as Planet expands its work with the public sector both in the U.S. and internationally. The appointment is anticipated to become effective in early 2025.

Meanwhile, K2 Space, a California-based aerospace startup, has appointed former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, John Plumb, as its new Head of Strategy. Plumb brings over three decades of experience in military service, government leadership, and space policy expertise to the company. His appointment is expected to bolster K2 Space's strategic initiatives and technology development, particularly in high-powered, low-cost satellite bus platforms. Plumb's extensive background in national security and space policy aligns with K2 Space's mission to enhance U.S. national security through innovative space solutions.

Slingshot Aerospace Secures $1.9M U.S. Space Force Contract to Enhance GPS Jamming Detection

Slingshot Aerospace has been awarded a $1.9 million contract by the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) to enhance its GPS jamming and spoofing detection technology. The new program, PNT-SENTINEL (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing - Secure Electronic Navigation Threat Intelligence and Location), provides Slingshot new funding to enhance its already operational technology, to more precisely geolocate interference sources and predict patterns using AI and predictive analytics. This technology is crucial for both military operations and civilian services, as GPS jamming and spoofing can disrupt everything from financial transactions to commercial air traffic control.

The program will build on Slingshot's existing capabilities, integrating data from partner satellites and space-based and ground-based sensors to provide a comprehensive picture of the electromagnetic environment. This enhanced situational awareness is expected to improve the resilience and reliability of GPS services, which are vital for national security and everyday activities.

The contract was awarded as a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 2 contract by SpaceWERX, the U.S. Air Force's space-focused division within AFWERX. In October 2021, SSC granted Slingshot a $1.9 million Phase 1 contract to develop its initial GPS jamming detection capability, DEEP (Data Exploitation and Enhanced Processing). The new contract represents a significant step forward in protecting GPS infrastructure from emerging threats, ensuring continuity of operations in increasingly contested environments.

Outgoing USAF Secretary Warns of Space Race with China in Final Report

Outgoing U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has called for significant upgrades to the U.S. Space Force, warning that it may fall behind China's rapidly advancing space capabilities by 2050. Kendall’s final report, titled, “The Department of the Air Force In 2050,” warns that without significant upgrades to training, technology, and operations, the U.S. Space Force will not remain competitive by 2050. In a talk on January 13, he highlighted China's extensive modernization program and its focus on exploiting emerging technologies to challenge U.S. dominance in space.

Kendall's recommendations highlight the precarious nature of the current space race, with both nations engaged in a high-stakes contest that risks escalating tensions and diverting resources from more pressing global issues.

COMMERCIAL

US Intelligence Agency Awards $200 Million Contract for Commercial Satellite Data to Enhance National Security

The U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) has awarded a contract valued at $200 million to thirteen companies to provide commercial satellite data and analytics. This contract, known as Luno B, is expected to enhance national security by offering timely access to high-quality commercial geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). The selected companies, in this 5-year contract, including Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton, BlackSky, BlueHalo, CACI, Deloitte, Electromagnetic Systems, Maxar Intelligence, NV5 Geospatial, Planet Labs, Royce Geospatial, and Ursa Space Systems, will compete for task orders to provide satellite imagery analysis and insights. This shift towards commercial data reflects the NGA's agile acquisition strategy and growing reliance on commercial space technology.

The Luno B contract, following a $290 million Luno A procurement from September 2024, highlights the intelligence community's increasing use of commercial space technology. The NGA will utilize this data to track global economic activities, environmental changes, and military movements. This involves monitoring shipping patterns, construction projects, natural disasters, and foreign military capabilities. The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract allows the government to issue flexible orders as needed, without committing to set quantities in advance.

UK Grants Launch License to Rocket Factory Augsburg for First Vertical Launch

The U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) a launch license for its RFA ONE rocket, marking the first vertical launch from UK soil. The license allows the German launch vehicle startup to conduct its inaugural flight from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland's Shetland Islands. This development follows extensive safety and environmental measures, and is seen as a significant step towards Europe's independent and competitive space access. The 30-meter tall, three-stage rocket aims to deliver a 1,300kg payload to a sun-synchronous orbit. Despite a setback during a static fire test last year, RFA is targeting a 2025 launch.

Although RFA is the inaugural European launch company to obtain a license, it might not be the first to execute a launch, Space News pointed out. The German firm Isar Aerospace is preparing to launch its Spectrum rocket from Andøya Spaceport in Norway and is currently collaborating with Norwegian regulatory authorities to secure a launch license. Isar Aerospace, which initially intended to carry out the first Spectrum launch last year, has not recently disclosed updates regarding its plans. The approval of RFA's license comes after thorough evaluations of its launch operations, safety measures, and environmental impact. The successful launch will position the UK as a key player in the European space industry, fostering innovation and economic growth.

Thaicom and AIS Advise Shareholders to Decline Gulf Energy and Intouch Holdings' Offers Citing Undervaluation

The boards of Thaicom and Advanced Info Service (AIS) have advised shareholders to reject takeover bids from Gulf Energy Development and Intouch Holdings, citing undervaluation. Gulf Energy, which holds a 41.1% stake in Thaicom, and Intouch Holdings, which controls AIS, proposed a merger to create a telecom giant valued at $30 billion. Despite the merger's potential, Thaicom's shares have consistently traded above the offer price of 11 baht per share ($1.32 USD), leading the board to recommend shareholders decline the offer. AIS also advised against a similar tender offer, with its shares trading significantly higher than the proposed price. The boards believe the offers do not reflect the companies' true value and potential.

Thaicom, a Thai satellite operator and provider of satellite and telecommunication services since 1991, operates a fleet of four satellites covering Asia, Oceania, and Africa. AIS, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, is the country's largest GSM mobile phone operator with 39.87 million customers as of Q3 2016. Thaicom highlighted its strategic growth ambitions in the filing, including plans to deploy additional satellites to replace aging infrastructure and expand broadband capacity. Last year, Thaicom acquired a geostationary satellite from France’s Eutelsat and moved it to an orbital slot over Asia and Europe to retain international spectrum rights for the position. Thaicom also noted it is exploring growth opportunities in India following government approval to expand services there, as well as diversifying into emerging markets such as geospatial analytics and carbon credit platforms.

Stoke Space Secures $260 Million for Nova Rocket Development

Stoke Space, a reusable rocket startup, has raised $260 million in a Series C funding round to finalize the development of its Nova rocket and complete its launch facility in Florida. The funding round, led by investors including Breakthrough Energy Ventures and the University of Michigan, brings Stoke Space's total funding to $480 million. The company aims to create ultra-low-cost on-demand space transportation, with its Nova rocket designed to be fully reusable. Stoke Space recently completed a successful test firing of its Zenith engine, making it one of only two entities, alongside SpaceX, to develop and test a full-flow staged combustion engine. The new funding will support enhancements to Stoke's manufacturing and test facilities, positioning the company as a key player in the evolving space economy.

Tomorrow.io Unveils NextGen Global Precipitation Forecasting Platform

Tomorrow.io has introduced its NextGen platform, a global precipitation forecasting system offering high-resolution rain forecasts with 2.5km resolution updated every 5 minutes. Unveiled at the American Meteorological Society annual meeting, the platform utilizes data from Tomorrow.io's satellites. This innovation intends to fill critical radar gaps worldwide, enhancing forecasting accuracy with 30 additional minutes of lead time for extreme weather events and improves forecasting accuracy by 10%.

Forest Cannon, Tomorrow.io's senior atmospheric data scientist, highlighted that their microwave sounders offer unique precipitation insights that traditional satellites cannot capture. The company transmits satellite data to its network within minutes, significantly improving forecast reliability. Tomorrow.io's full constellation, expected to be fully deployed by 2025, will also enhance consistency. The platform uses advanced machine learning to analyze weather data, providing more accurate and localized forecasts and will likely benefit industries like aviation, rail, supply chain, and insurance with precise and timely predictions. The system delivers ~2km spatial resolution at midlatitudes with 5-minute refresh rates, showing particular strength in extreme precipitation events and nighttime conditions where traditional methods fall short. The Defense Department has awarded Tomorrow.io contracts worth over $20 million, and NOAA is assessing Tomorrow.io weather data under a $2.3 million contract.

Rosotics Shifts Focus from 3D Printing Large Aerospace Structures to Developing Orbital Vehicles

Rosotics, the U.S.-based additive manufacturing startup, has announced plans to pivot its focus towards developing orbital transport vehicles. The company will halt sales of its metal 3D printer Halo to concentrate on building a fleet of vehicles designed for long-term infrastructure in orbit, including propellant depots, power plants, and shipyards. This strategic shift aims to establish Rosotics as a key player in the industrialization of space, leveraging its advanced manufacturing capabilities to create heavyweight orbital infrastructure. The company's CEO, Christian LaRosa, emphasized the importance of this transition in positioning Rosotics for future growth and success in the space sector.

Halo, Rosotics' induction-based metal additive manufacturing platform, launched in June 2024, was designed for demanding applications such as rocket tanks and other large aerospace structures. Priced at $950,000, the company has stopped taking any additional orders for Halo.

Space42’s Second SAR Earth Observation Foresight-2, Varda’s OSPREE Among 131 Payloads Launched on SpaceX's Transporter-12 Mission

Space42, a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, recently launched its second synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, Foresight-2, in collaboration with the Finnish SAR operator ICEYE. The Foresight constellation is expected to provide high-fidelity, all-weather, day-and-night imaging of the Earth's surface, enhancing disaster mitigation, maritime surveillance, and urban mobility. With the addition of Foresight-2, Space42 continues to boost its geospatial insights and capabilities, supporting the UAE's Earth Observation Space Program. The comprehensive SAR constellation is expected to be completed by 2027.

The satellite was deployed on January 14, 2025, aboard SpaceX's Transporter-12 Rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, which deployed 131 satellites into orbit.

Meanwhile, Varda Space Industries launched its second mission, W-2, carrying payloads from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and NASA. The mission includes a Rocket Lab Pioneer spacecraft and a re-entry capsule equipped with a spectrometer from AFRL. The capsule features a heatshield developed in collaboration with NASA's Ames Research Center, enhancing its capability for in-space pharmaceutical processing. The W-2 capsule will orbit for several weeks before descending at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia, operated by Southern Launch. This mission follows Varda's first successful orbital manufacturing mission, demonstrating the potential for real-world, recoverable reentry flight tests.

This mission, part of SpaceX's ongoing rideshare series, utilized a Falcon 9 rocket, marking the second flight for the booster previously used in the NROL-126 mission. Among the payloads were 37 Earth-observing satellites from Planet Labs, including the high-resolution Pelican-2 satellite equipped with NVIDIA's Jetson platform for on-orbit AI processing.

Commercial Lunar Landers Launched by SpaceX: Firefly's Blue Ghost Carries NASA's Experiments, ispace's Resilience Carries Micro-Rover

Two commercial lunar landers, Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost and Japan's ispace's Resilience, have been launched by SpaceX from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on January 15, 2025. Blue Ghost, part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, aims to advance lunar exploration and prepare for future human missions. The Blue Ghost lander carries ten NASA-led science experiments and technology demonstrations, including the Lunar Environment Heliospheric X-ray Imager (LEXI), which will observe Earth's magnetic field as it interacts with solar wind particles. This experiment is expected to provide unprecedented insights into the magnetosphere's behavior, including its "breathing" motion as it expands and contracts in response to solar activity. After spending 25 days in Earth orbit, Blue Ghost will embark on a four-day transit to the Moon, targeting a landing in Mare Crisium, a large basaltic plain. Upon touchdown on March 2, 2025 , it will conduct experiments for approximately 14 Earth days before lunar night depletes its solar power source.

Meanwhile, ispace's Resilience represents a purely commercial venture and is the company's second attempt at a lunar landing after a software error led to a crash in 2023. The Resilience lander will take a longer four to five-month journey to the Moon, carrying several innovative experiments, including a water electrolyzer to test converting lunar ice into electricity and rocket fuel. It will also deploy a micro-rover named Tenacious to collect lunar soil samples and capture high-definition imagery.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸