Issue 35 | Breaking Space News: Jan 26 - Feb 01, 2025

Explorer, welcome back!🚀

This past week commercial space has been abuzz across the globe; we also have some intriguing space science news, curated for you, and as always, some interesting research! Don’t forget to go here for the best reading experience/in case your newsletter gets clipped at the bottom.

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Hope you enjoy this Space!

• IMAGES

  • Most Powerful Volcanic Activity on Jupiter’s Moon, Io

  • X-59 Supersonic Jet

• SCIENCE

  • World's Largest Iceberg Approaches Antarctic Wildlife Haven

  • Safety Panel & Contractors Advise NASA on Artemis Objectives & Architecture

  • ISRO's First Mission of 2025 Sends Navigation Satellite into Orbit

  • ESA's Swarm Satellites Detect Ocean Tidal Magnetic Signatures

  • NASA's OSIRIS-REx Mission Finds Life's Ingredients in Bennu Samples

  • VAST, SpaceX Seek Proposals for Space Habitation Research

  • India's Human Spaceflight Project Reaches Milestone with Crew Capsule

  • NASA Nears Launch of SPHEREx Telescope for All-Sky Infrared Survey

• GOVERNANCE

  • NASA Maintains Schedule for Astronauts' Return Amid Pressure to Expedite

  • Regional Policies Drive Growth in China's Commercial Space Industry

• MILITARY

  • US DoD Confirms Contracts Unaffected by White House Memo

  • York Space Systems Expands Portfolio with Larger M-CLASS Satellite

  • Space Force Develops In-Orbit Logistics Strategy & Launches Tech Accelerator to Mitigate Orbital Threats to Military Assets

  • Castelion Secures $100M in Funding to Mass Produce Hypersonic Weapons

  • Trump Wants Iron Dome-Inspired Defense Shield, Moscow Criticizes

• COMMERCIAL

  • First Private Deep Space Mission by AstroForge Targets Metal-Rich Asteroid

  • ESA Awards Contract to Thales Alenia Space for Argonaut Lunar Lander

  • Firefly Aerospace to Launch Alpha Rockets from Two New Sites

  • Apple Enables T-Mobile-Starlink Beta on iPhones, Globalstar Shares Fall

  • SpaceRyde Co-Founder Raises $1.5M for AI CAD Copilot

  • ESA Contracts Thales Alenia Space for EnVision Venus Mission

  • Planet Labs Secures $230 Million Contract from Asia-Pacific Customer

  • Array Labs, Umbra, & Raytheon Partner to Boost 3D Mapping from Space

  • Early Funding Secured by Chinese Startup for Reusable Rocket Project

  • Sen Launches 4K Livestream from ISS for Earth & Space Views

  • China's Lunar Mission Welcomes First Private Enterprise Participation

  • Aerospace Corp, Google Collaborate on Space Weather Forecasting

• SPOTLIGHT

  • Organic Material on Ceres Linked to Outer Asteroid Belt Impacts

  • Study Finds Helical Magnetic Fields Drive Formation of Astrophysical Jets

  • Ancient Mars Experienced Fluctuating Warm & Cold Climates

IMAGES

 Most Powerful Volcanic Activity on Jupiter’s Moon, Io, to Date : NASA Juno

X-59 Supersonic Jet : Lockheed Martin, NASA

SCIENCE

Satellites Monitor World's Largest Iceberg's Path as it Approaches Antarctic Wildlife Haven

Satellites have been closely monitoring the world's largest iceberg, A23a, as it drifts toward South Georgia Island, a remote wildlife haven. The iceberg, roughly the size of the U.S. state of Rhode Island, broke away from the Antarctic ice shelf in 1986 and began drifting northward in 2020. Recent data from NOAA's GOES East satellite shows A23a moving northeastward through the Southern Ocean. Scientists are concerned about the potential impact on the island's delicate ecosystem, home to penguins and seals. If A23a grounds itself on the shallow continental shelf, it could disrupt essential feeding areas, posing a significant threat to the survival of these species. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding the iceberg's path, and it may avoid the shelf or break apart into smaller pieces.

US Safety Panel Recommends Revised Artemis Goals Amid Industry Push to Retain Current Mission Plan

The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) has called on NASA to reassess the objectives of its Artemis missions, arguing that the agency is overloading each mission with too many goals. At a Jan. 30 public meeting, panel members reiterated past concerns about the numerous first-time objectives planned for Artemis 3, the first crewed lunar landing, and subsequent missions. Bill Bray, an ASAP member, noted that each milestone adds individual risk, and compounded risks heighten the overall risk for any mission. The panel urged NASA to treat each launch as a test objective to ensure a more balanced risk exposure and regular mission cadence.

ASAP had previously raised concerns about the numerous first-time milestones for Artemis 3, as highlighted in their early 2024 annual report listing 13 firsts, mainly related to the Starship lunar lander and new Axiom Space spacesuits. The list has since expanded to include changes to the Orion heat shield to address the erosion observed during Artemis 1's reentry.

This comes at a time when companies involved in NASA's Artemis lunar exploration campaign are urging the new U.S. administration to retain the current architecture, arguing it offers the fastest route to return humans to the moon. During a panel at the SpaceCom conference held in Orlando, Florida (U.S.), industry leaders, such as Kirk Shireman, Orion program manager at Lockheed Martin emphasized that deviating from the existing plan could lead to further delays. The current approach utilizes the Orion spacecraft, launched on the Space Launch System rocket, along with the lunar Gateway and landers developed by Blue Origin and SpaceX. Despite criticisms about costs and delays, contractors believe staying the course is the most efficient way to achieve the mission's goals.

ISRO's First Mission of 2025 Sends Standard Positioning Service Satellite into Orbit

India successfully launched the NVS-02 navigation satellite on January 29, 2025. This marked the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) 100th mission from Sriharikota spaceport and the first under the leadership of Chairman V Narayanan. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 6:23 a.m. local time on January 29, injecting the 2,250-kilogram NVS-02 into its intended orbit.

NVS-02 is the second satellite in the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) series, designed to provide accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services to users in India and up to 1,500 km beyond its borders, as well as a Restricted Service (RS) for military and strategic applications. The satellite features advanced navigation payloads and an indigenous atomic clock, enhancing the precision of India's regional navigation system.

ESA's Swarm Satellites Detect Ocean Tidal Magnetic Signatures

ESA's Swarm satellites have detected faint magnetic signatures generated by Earth's ocean tides, offering new insights into the distribution of magma beneath the seabed and potential long-term trends in ocean temperatures and salinity. Launched in 2013, the Swarm mission was initially planned for four years but has now surpassed its expected lifespan, providing valuable data for over a decade. The satellites, flying at altitudes between 462 km and 511 km, measure Earth's magnetic field with unprecedented accuracy. This data helps scientists understand the physical properties of suboceanic materials and monitor changes in oceanic conditions. The recent study, published in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, highlights Swarm's ability to detect these subtle signals, which were more easily observed during the sun's less active period around 2017.

NASA's OSIRIS-REx Mission Finds Life's Ingredients-Key Organic Compounds in Asteroid Bennu Samples

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission has unveiled groundbreaking findings from asteroid Bennu's samples, which were delivered to Earth in 2023. Scientists discovered 14 of the 20 amino acids essential for life on Earth, along with all five nucleobases used in DNA and RNA. These findings suggest that the conditions necessary for life were widespread in the early solar system, increasing the likelihood that life could have emerged on other planets and moons.

The samples also revealed high concentrations of ammonia and formaldehyde, which can react to form complex molecules like amino acids under the right conditions. This discovery supports the idea that asteroids like Bennu could have delivered the raw ingredients for life throughout the solar system. The presence of a salty brine, or "broth," further indicates that water and organic compounds essential for life were present on Bennu.

While the findings do not show evidence of life itself, they provide valuable insights into the building blocks that could have led to the emergence of life.

VAST and SpaceX Issue Joint Call for Space Habitation Research Proposals

VAST and SpaceX have issued a joint request for research proposals aimed at advancing long-term human habitation and exploration in space. The initiative seeks high-impact research projects that can leverage the capabilities of the Haven-1 Lab, Dragon spacecraft, and private astronaut missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Haven-1, scheduled to launch later this year, will be the world's first commercial space station and a platform for microgravity research, development, and manufacturing. Selected researchers will gain access to the orbital laboratory, on-orbit crew time, and support for project design and flight qualification at no cost. This collaboration expects to build on the legacy of ISS research and address critical health and scientific challenges of space exploration.

Gaganyaan, India's Human Spaceflight Project Reaches Key Milestone with Crew Capsule

India's space agency, ISRO, has completed integrating some key elements into the first Gaganyaan astronaut crew capsule, marking a significant milestone in the country's pursuit of independent human spaceflight capabilities. ISRO, successfully integrating the liquid propulsion system into the Crew Module for its first uncrewed mission (G1), which aims to validate the technology and ensure a safe splashdown in the Bay of Bengal.

The Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS) is a liquid bi-propellant-based Reaction Control System (RCS) designed for precise three-axis control (pitch, yaw, and roll) during the descent and re-entry phases. The system includes 12 thrusters, each generating 100N of force, and a pressurization system with high-pressure gas bottles. The Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS), developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), was also integrated into the module. The module will undergo further integration operations at VSSC before being sent to the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru for the final phase of Orbital Module integration. This uncrewed mission is a critical step towards validating the technologies required for India's maiden human spaceflight.

NASA Nears Launch of SPHEREx Telescope for All-Sky Infrared Survey

NASA is gearing up to launch its new space telescope, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer), on February 27, 2025. Unlike the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which focuses on highly localized regions, SPHEREx will conduct an all-sky survey in 102 infrared colors, providing a panoramic view of the cosmos. This mission aims to map the universe, study galaxy formation, and search for water and other life-building molecules in the Milky Way. The telescope's unique design includes concentric cones that act as thermal shields, ensuring temperature stability for accurate observations. SPHEREx will share its ride to space with NASA's PUNCH mission, which will study the sun. This dual launch is scheduled for Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

GOVERNANCE

NASA Maintains Schedule for Astronauts' Return from ISS Despite Calls from Trump, Musk To Expedite

NASA has decided to stick to its original plan for returning astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS), despite calls from President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to expedite their return. The astronauts, who have been on the ISS since June 2024 due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, are scheduled to come back in March 2025 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. NASA emphasized that this timeline ensures a safe and practical transition between the Crew-9 and Crew-10 missions.

Regional Policies Drive Growth in China's Commercial Space Industry

China is transforming its space strategy by encouraging local governments to cultivate commercial space industries. This decentralized approach follows China's central government's designation of commercial space as a strategic emerging sector in late 2023, intensifying the formation of regional space clusters in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and Guangzhou, reports SpaceNews. Provincial initiatives include tax incentives, subsidies, industrial clusters, and commercial spaceports to attract space startups and integrate space applications like Beidou and remote sensing.

Examples of this regional focus include Wuxi city’s investment in future industries, Zhejiang' province’s support for commercial space, and Shanghai's push for international development. Beijing aims to create a commercial space cluster, while Wenchang expands its spaceport. Provinces like Hubei and Heilongjiang focus on integrating space technologies into industry.

According to Marco Aliberti of the European Space Policy Institute, local support for commercial space is driven by strategic and economic goals, contributing to China's civil-military integration and international power projection. Provincial innovation and international partnerships may shape China's commercial space sector, but challenges like global competition and regulatory constraints remain.

MILITARY

US Defense Department Confirms Contracts Unaffected by White House Memo Directing “Pause” of Federal Assistance

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has clarified that contracts will continue despite confusion over a recent White House order. The Office of Management and Budget issued a memo directing a review of financial assistance programs, leading to uncertainty within the defense industry. The Army initially paused new solicitations and contract awards, causing concern among contractors. However, the DoD stated that the scope of the memo does not include contracts, and contracting activities will proceed as usual. The review aims to align programs with new administration policies, but the DoD reassured that existing contracts and solicitations are unaffected. Read more on story here.

York Space Systems Expands Portfolio with Larger M-CLASS Satellite, Targets Government and Commercial Use

York Space Systems recently unveiled its M-CLASS satellite platform, designed to support a wide range of space missions with a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms and 8 kW of peak power. This new platform builds on York's existing S-CLASS and LX-CLASS platforms, reusing over 75% of its flight-proven technology to deliver enhanced capabilities while maintaining rapid production timelines. The M-CLASS is expected to support both government and commercial missions, from single spacecraft to large constellations.

The Colorado, U.S.-based aerospace company has previously worked on projects for the Space Development Agency (SDA), including the development, delivery, and successful launch of nine satellites for Tranche 0 of SDA's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), which demonstrated propulsive orbit maneuverability and established optical communications in orbit. In August 2024, York demonstrated the first-ever Link 16 network entry from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to a U.S. Navy ship. Link 16 is a military tactical data link network used by NATO and other nations to exchange real-time tactical information, enhancing situational awareness and coordination across various platforms.

US Space Force Develops In-Orbit Logistics Strategy and Launches Tech Accelerator to Mitigate Orbital Threats to Military Assets

The U.S. Space Force is actively developing its strategy for in-orbit logistics and satellite services, focusing on leveraging commercial technologies and interagency responsibilities. Despite a $30 million congressional allocation in 2023 to accelerate these efforts, the Space Force has yet to finalize its long-term strategy. Various prototype projects from commercial players like Astroscale, Starfish Space, Northrop Grumman, and Orbit Fab, are being evaluated, while some of these commercial entities have already been awarded contracts. For now, multiple government bodies like the Space Force, Defense Innovation Unit, Air Force Research Laboratory, and NASA’s COSMIC are overseeing in-space servicing and logistics. Responsibility for orbital debris cleanup and cislunar space logistics is also still unresolved.

Meanwhile, the Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) of the Space Force has picked ten companies to engage in its inaugural Prime Fusion Pilot Accelerator Program. Designed to expedite the development of technologies intended to safeguard military satellites against orbital threats, this initiative’s first cohort consists of five specialized two-company teams focused on satellite technology and situational awareness. The teams and their capabilities are as follows:

• Active Vigilance and Turion Space are working on automated anomaly detection and spacecraft docking.

• India-based Digantara and Anduril focus on space situational awareness and AI-integrated defense systems.

• Geost and Impulse Space specialize in space domain awareness payloads and in-space transportation.

• Raptor Dynamix and True Anomaly leverage AI for geospatial intelligence and spacecraft designed for military operations.

• TRL11 and BlackVe aim to develop full-motion video capabilities and spacecraft technologies for military applications.

The program focuses on satellite defense technologies, including onboard sensors, anomaly detection software, and ground-based tracking to monitor threats like space debris and adversarial activity. It will end with a pitch event in March 2025 in Albuquerque (U.S.), where teams will present their solutions to Space RCO leaders and industry representatives.

Separately, the Space Force projects that United Launch Alliance (ULA) will outpace SpaceX in national security missions for 2025, with 11 launches planned aboard ULA's Vulcan rocket, contingent on its final certification. The National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program’s schedule aims to make up for lost time, as only five missions were completed in 2024. SpaceX, however, remains a dominant force in the commercial launch market and continues to support critical military space access.

SpaceX Alum's Startup, Castelion Secures $100M in Funding to Mass Produce Hypersonic Weapons

California-based Castelion, founded by former SpaceX executives, has raised $100 million in Series A funding to develop affordable, mass-produced hypersonic weapons. The startup aims to apply commercial space industry principles to missile manufacturing, focusing on rapid iterative design cycles and agile hardware development. According to Bryon Hargis, Castelion’s co-founder and CEO, with “rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific”, it’s hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling over five times the speed of sound, are designed to provide a non-nuclear deterrent capability.

The funding round was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz, Lavrock Ventures, Cantos, First In, BlueYard Capital, and Interlagos. Additionally, Castelion secured $30 million in venture debt financing from Silicon Valley Bank. The company plans to use the funds to scale production facilities, increase prototype testing, and conduct a capability demonstration of its first hypersonic weapon.

Trump’s Executive Order Mandates Development of Iron Dome-Inspired Missile Defense Shield, Moscow Criticizes

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a next-generation missile defense shield, dubbed the "Iron Dome for America," aimed at defending against ballistic, hypersonic, and advanced cruise missiles. The plan, inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, seeks to address long-standing homeland security concerns but faces questions about cost and feasibility. The executive order calls for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to submit an implementation plan within 60 days, focusing on speed, defense against peer and near-peer adversaries, and non-kinetic capabilities. Republicans praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to modernize and expand U.S. missile defense.

Meanwhile, Moscow authorities criticized the missile defense plan, warning it could turn space into an arena of confrontation. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated in a briefing that the plan would extend Washington's missile deterrence to a level "comparable to Reagan's Star Wars." She added that the initiative primarily targets "devaluing Russian and Chinese strategic deterrence capabilities."

COMMERCIAL

First Private Deep Space Mission by AstroForge Targets Metal-Rich Asteroid for Late 2025 Flyby

AstroForge, a startup focused on asteroid mining, has announced its target for an upcoming mission: a small, M-type asteroid named 2022 OB5. The mission, set to launch in February 2025, aims to fly by the asteroid, which is expected to be rich in metals and will come within 648,742 km/404,000 miles of Earth in January 2026. The company's spacecraft, Odin, will be a secondary payload on SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch of Intuitive Machines' IM-2 lunar lander mission. Intuitive Machines recently announced that it delivered the lander, Athena, to Cape Canaveral and is planning a launch for a four-day window opening on Feb. 26. It's crucial to note that no private company has ever operated a spacecraft mission beyond the Moon. Additionally, AstroForge lacks the trajectory expertise teams that NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has for deep space missions.

In October 2024, the California, U.S.-based startup made history by becoming the first company to receive a license from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate a commercial mission in deep space, enabling near real-time data transmission and operational oversight for its Odin spacecraft.

AstroForge had previously kept the asteroid Odin would visit confidential, a decision that raised concerns within the spaceflight community about potential confusion with natural objects. This lack of transparency contributed to a statement by the American Astronomical Society in September 2024, advocating for greater transparency in cislunar and interplanetary spacecraft operations.

Meanwhile, for another mission set to launch as a rideshare on IM-3 in late 2025 or early 2026, AstroForge has signed a multi-launch deal with Stoke Space for future mining missions. Stoke Space's rockets, which offer direct insertion to save on fuel, can carry a significant amount of cargo to deep space without the excess capacity of larger rockets. This partnership aims to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of AstroForge's asteroid prospecting missions.

ESA Awards €862 Million Contract to Thales Alenia Space for Argonaut Lunar Lander

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between France's Thales (67%) and Italy's Leonardo (33%), a €862 million (~$900 million) contract to design and develop the Lunar Descent Element (LDE) for ESA’s Argonaut Mission, including responsibility for mission design and integration. This marks a significant step for Europe's ambitions in lunar exploration, aiming to deliver cargo, scientific instruments, and rovers to the Moon starting in the 2030s.

The Argonaut spacecraft will comprise of three main components: the Lunar Descent Element (LDE) for traveling to and landing on the Moon, the cargo platform as the interface between the lander and its payload, and the payload specified by mission designers. The Argonaut Lunar Lander, part of ESA's contribution to NASA's Artemis program, will be capable of surviving the harsh lunar environment for up to five years and is expected to support various missions, including technology demonstrations and infrastructure delivery, enhancing Europe's autonomous access to the Moon.

The Argonaut Lunar Descent Element (LDE) will be delivered in 2030 for its first mission, ArgoNET, set to launch in 2031. The industrial consortium for ArgoNET will be chosen by the end of 2026 after a successful definition phase.

Firefly Aerospace to Launch Alpha Rockets from Virginia (US) and Sweden

Firefly Aerospace is expanding its launch capabilities by planning to use new sites in Wallops Island, Virginia and Esrange Space Center, Sweden for its Alpha rocket launches starting in 2026. This move aims to alleviate congestion at its current launch sites in California and Florida. The company has announced partnerships with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Virginia and the Swedish Space Corporation in Sweden.

The company is developing a launch site at Esrange Space Center in Sweden, near Kiruna. Originally built in 1964 for aurora borealis research, Esrange now hosts sounding rocket launches, high-altitude balloons and a satellite tracking station. Originally built for aurora borealis research, the site now hosts Launch Complex-3 (LC-3) for orbital launches, though none have occurred yet. Firefly aims to be the first US company to launch satellites from continental Europe, having signed an agreement with the Swedish Space Corporation in June 2024 to use the LC-3C launch pad for its Alpha flights.

Firefly expects to conduct its first launch from Wallops in early 2026 and from Esrange by late 2026 or early 2027. This expansion is part of Firefly's strategy to enhance its launch flexibility and responsiveness.

Apple Enables T-Mobile-Starlink Beta on iPhones, Globalstar Shares Fall

Apple has quietly partnered with SpaceX and T-Mobile to integrate Starlink's satellite network into the latest iPhone software, iOS 18.3 for beta testing. This move provides an alternative to Apple's existing satellite communication service powered by Globalstar. The new feature, which became functional with the recent software update, allows iPhones to connect to Starlink satellites automatically, even when the phone is in a pocket. This is a significant improvement over the previous requirement to point the device towards the sky.

This discreet introduction, however, impacted Globalstar's stock, which fell nearly 18%, and AST SpaceMobile, which slipped 12%. MDA, the Canadian company building satellites for Globalstar with financial support from Apple, saw shares decline by over 9%. Unlike its competitors that rely on cellular partnerships, Globalstar uses Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum licenses. Analyst Adam Rhodes pointed out investor concerns over SpaceX potentially disrupting the Apple-Globalstar partnership. However, he believes there is space for both services, SpaceNews reports.

The partnership initially offers texting capabilities via satellite, with plans to expand to data and voice calls in the future. Currently, the service is limited to the US, while Globalstar operates in multiple countries. The collaboration signals a broader push towards reliable satellite-based connectivity, especially in areas without cellular coverage. SpaceX, having launched hundreds of Starlink satellites, still faces regulatory challenges, while AST SpaceMobile progresses with beta tests through partnerships with AT&T and Vodafone, achieving milestones such as the first satellite video call.

SpaceRyde Co-Founder Raises $1.5M for AI CAD Copilot

California startup Hestus, co-founded by former SpaceRyde CEO Sohrab Haghighat, has raised $1.5 million to develop an AI copilot for computer-aided design (CAD) software. AI copilots help programmers create error-free code more efficiently, and similar benefits are expected in hardware development, especially in the costly space sector. The platform aims to help mechanical engineers reduce time spent redesigning components by offering design and manufacturability suggestions. If an engineer is redesigning a robotic arm for higher loads, the Hestus platform would recommend stronger bolts and ensure proper alignment of mating holes, according to SpaceNews.

Hestus' first product, Sketch Helper for Fusion 360, was released in September 2024, with a hackathon planned for April 2025 to test the software with mechanical engineers. The startup has garnered support from investors like Liquid2, Rock Yard Ventures, and Y Combinator.

SpaceRyde was a Canadian startup founded in 2018 by Haghighat and Saharnaz Safari. The company had expected to revolutionize space cargo transportation using a system that combined a stratospheric balloon and a multi-functional rocket. It filed for bankruptcy in February 2023.

ESA Contracts Thales Alenia Space for EnVision Mission to Explore Venus' Core and Atmosphere

The European Space Agency (ESA) has contracted Thales Alenia Space to build the EnVision spacecraft, aimed at exploring Venus. The mission, valued at 367 million Euros, will investigate Venus from its core to the upper atmosphere, seeking to understand why Earth's "twin" evolved so differently.

The EnVision spacecraft, scheduled for launch in November 2031 and developed with contributions from ESA Member States and NASA, will feature five scientific instruments and an ultra-stable oscillator for radio science experiments. These instruments include a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for mapping the planet's surface features, the VenSpec suite of spectrometers for high-resolution infrared, ultraviolet, and near-infrared observations, and a Subsurface Radar Sounder (SRS) to probe beneath Venus' surface. The ultra-stable oscillator will support various radio science experiments, enhancing the mission's ability to uncover Venus' secrets.

This mission follows ESA's Venus Express, which ended in 2014. The contract signing took place at the 17th European Space Conference in Brussels, Belgium.

Planet Labs Secures $230 Million Contract for High-Resolution Satellites, from Asia-Pacific Customer

Planet Labs has secured a $230 million contract with an undisclosed Asia-Pacific customer to build and operate a fleet of high-resolution Pelican satellites. This marks Planet's largest deal to date and signifies its entry into the dedicated satellite services market. The satellites, equipped with advanced imaging technology, will provide the customer with priority access to data over their area of interest. Planet expects the contract to enhance its financial position starting in fiscal year 2026. The deal underscores growing demand from foreign governments for greater control over satellite data for security and intelligence purposes.

Array Labs, Umbra, and Raytheon Partner to Boost 3D 3D Earth Observation Capabilities

Palo Alto (U.S.) startup Array Labs, Santa Barbara, U.S.-based Umbra Space, and defense contractor Raytheon have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced 3D Earth observation capabilities. The collaboration aims to deliver 3D geospatial products to commercial and government customers, leveraging Array Labs' expertise in satellite imaging, Umbra's advanced mapping algorithms, and Raytheon's precise 3D processing technology. The flagship product, Site3D, combines synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology with these advanced algorithms to create three-dimensional models of the Earth's surface. Slated for commercial release in the coming months, Site3D is designed for high-value landscapes and facilities, offering customizable tasking and change detection capabilities. This partnership represents a significant step towards providing real-time, high-fidelity 3D maps of Earth.

Chinese Launch Startup Nayuta Space Secures Funding for Fully Reusable Rocket Development

Chinese launch startup Nayuta Space has secured early funding to develop a fully reusable rocket system, aiming to enhance launch capacity and reduce costs. The company raised “tens of millions of yuan” in pre-A round funding, supported by Quanxin Investment. Nayuta's ambitious project, Xuanniao-1 (Black Bird-1), features innovative aerodynamic recovery technology and aims for first-stage reuse without traditional reentry burns. The stainless steel rocket will run on nine Canglong-1 methane-liquid oxygen engines built by the commercial rocket engine manufacturer, Beijing Aerospace Propulsion Technology Co. Ltd.

The company plans to launch a reusable suborbital rocket by 2025 and achieve an orbital flight by 2026.

Sen Launches 4K Livestream from ISS for Earth and Space Views

Space video streaming company Sen has launched a 4K livestream from the International Space Station (ISS), providing real-time views of Earth and space. The London-based company’s SpaceTV-1 camera suite provides three perspectives: a wide-angle lens capturing Earth's horizon, focused views of the planet's surface- 240 km by 180 km scenes at 60 meters per pixel resolution, and a look at the forward docking port of the Harmony module on the International Space Station (ISS).

Airbus U.S. Space and Defense is providing the necessary infrastructure and support for three cameras mounted and operated on the Bartolomeo platform, which is attached to the European Space Agency’s Columbus module on the ISS. The livestream, available for over 20 hours daily, aims to democratize space by giving everyone access to the awe-inspiring "overview effect" experienced by astronauts. Sen expects that this initiative will inspire and inform the public while providing valuable real-time environmental monitoring.

China's Lunar Mission Welcomes First Private Enterprise Participation: STAR.VISION to Develop AI Rovers for Upcoming Lunar Exploration

China has approved the participation of a private company in its lunar exploration program for the first time. STAR.VISION, a private Chinese aerospace company known for developing advanced imaging systems, satellite design, intelligent satellite platforms and AI data analysis, will collaborate with Zhejiang University and Middle East Technical University (METU), based in Ankara, Turkey, to develop two 5-kilogram, AI-controlled lunar rovers for the Chang’e-8 mission, scheduled for 2028.

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has, for the first time, accepted a commercial space company to participate in its lunar exploration program, marking a significant shift from China's traditional state-led missions and allowing private firms to contribute to national space projects. The rovers will focus on in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) at the lunar south pole, aiming to support long-term lunar habitation. This move signals China's growing openness to commercial involvement in its space sector, potentially paving the way for future private lunar missions.

Aerospace Corporation and Google Public Sector Collaborate on Space Weather Forecasting

The Aerospace Corporation and Google Public Sector have announced a collaboration to revolutionize space weather forecasting using artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing. Google Public Sector, a division of Google Cloud that partners with government agencies and educational institutions, will bring its expertise in digital transformation, AI, and secure cloud infrastructure to the project.

This partnership aims to predict geomagnetic storms days in advance with unprecedented accuracy and speed, addressing disruptions caused by space weather to critical infrastructure like GPS and internet traffic. By combining Aerospace's expertise in space science with Google Cloud's advanced technologies like Vertex AI and high-performance computing, the initiative seeks to enhance the resilience of satellite communications and safeguard global connectivity.

SPOTLIGHT

Organic Material on Ceres Linked to Outer Asteroid Belt Impacts

Scientists have recently uncovered intriguing evidence suggesting that the organic molecules found on dwarf planet Ceres, located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, may have originated from external sources rather than being produced internally. Using artificial intelligence to analyze data from NASA's Dawn mission, researchers discovered that these organic materials are not associated with cryovolcanic activity on Ceres. Instead, they are likely the result of asteroid impacts from the outer asteroid belt.

The Dawn spacecraft, which orbited Ceres from 2015 to 2018, mapped the entire surface and identified patches of organic material that reflect light at longer wavelengths. These findings challenge previous assumptions that Ceres' unique cryovolcanism was responsible for transporting organic material from its interior to the surface. The study highlights the importance of external sources in delivering the building blocks of life to celestial bodies within our Solar System.

This discovery not only sheds light on the origins of organic molecules on Ceres but also provides valuable insights into the potential for habitable conditions in other regions of the Solar System. The findings of the study were published in AGU Advances.

Study Finds Helical Magnetic Fields Drive Formation of Astrophysical Jets

Recent research has revealed that helical magnetic fields may play a crucial role in the formation of astrophysical jets, whether they originate from supermassive black holes or young stars. Observations from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) have shown that these twisted magnetic fields are present in both protostellar jets and black hole jets, suggesting a universal mechanism for jet collimation.

The study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters reveals a helical magnetic field in the HH 80-81 protostellar jet, similar to those in jets from supermassive black holes. HH 80-81, the fastest protostellar jet observed, emerges from a star within the IRAS 18162-204 gas and dust cloud, located around 5,540 light-years away. This discovery provides valuable insights into the processes that shape these powerful outflows of matter and energy, which are observed across a wide range of cosmic environments.

Ancient Mars Experienced Fluctuating Warm and Cold Periods: Hydrogen-Induced Greenhouse Effect Shaped Climate

Recent research suggests that ancient Mars experienced fluctuating climates, oscillating between warm and cold periods due to hydrogen in its atmosphere. This hydrogen, combined with carbon dioxide, created a greenhouse effect that allowed liquid water to exist on the planet's surface. These findings, derived from climate models and data from Mars rovers, challenge previous assumptions of a uniformly cold Mars. The study highlights the planet's potential to support microbial life during its early history, as periods of warmth could have provided the necessary conditions for liquid water and, possibly, life. The team's research was published new paper in Nature Geoscience.

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