Issue 37 | Breaking Space News: Feb 09 - 15, 2025

Dear Lagrangian,

Welcome back.🚀

We have had a well-rounded week in space. Whatever your interests in space, do not forget to scroll to the Governance for three separate reports and Spotlight sections for intriguing new research items. As always, for the best reading experience, we recommend viewing this newsletter in your web browser.

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• IMAGES

  • High-Definition Image of the “Cosmic Web”

  • Einstein Ring Around NGC 6505

• SCIENCE

  • China Seeks Proposals for Lunar Satellite to Aid Crewed Moon Landings

  • NASA & SpaceX will Reuse Endurance Capsule to Expedite Crew-10 Mission

  • NASA Expands Science Goals for Starling Swarm & Updates Core Flight Software

  • Pakistan's Rover to Join China's 2028 Lunar South Pole Mission

  • China Unveils Names for Moon-Landing Spacesuit and Lunar Rover

  • NASA, General Atomics Test Nuclear Propulsion Fuel for Future Space Missions

• GOVERNANCE

  • Council on Foreign Relations Report Calls for US-China Dialogue

  • US Accountability Office Requested to Examine FAA Launch Licensing Process

  • Musk's DOGE to Review NASA Spending While US Congress Proposes New Space Bills

  • US & Japan Reaffirm Commitment to Artemis Lunar Exploration Amid Uncertainty

  • Algeria and Slovenia to Collaborate on Space Tech Advancements

  • Concerns Arise Over NASA's LGBTQI+ Directive & Altered Vera Rubin Biography

  • Space Industry Sees Record-Breaking Launches in 2024, Growth Expected in 2025

  • NASA Safety Advisory Panel Raises Concerns Over Artemis 3 Risks in New Report

• MILITARY

  • US Space Force Awards Apex Technology $45.9 Million Contract

  • Redwire Secures Contract for US Space Force's Orbital Refueling Mission

  • US Air Force Extends Sierra Space Contract for Upper-Stage Rocket Engine Development

  • US Seeks Proposals for Integrating Satellite Network into "Iron Dome" Defense Initiative

  • Caltech & UIUC to Lead DARPA's In-Space Manufacturing Demonstrations

  • Firefly to Provide Rapid Launch Services for US Space Force Mission

• COMMERCIAL

  • Funding Boosts K2 Space, Lynk Global, & MDA in Satellite Development

  • BlackSky, Thales Alenia, & Nibe Ltd. Partner on India's First Private Earth Observation Network

  • Texas Awards $47.7 Million in Grants to Five Space Companies

  • Astroscale & ClearSpace Achieve Key Milestone in UKSA's Debris Removal Initiative

  • Blue Origin to Lay Off 10% of Employees to Optimize Costs & Production

  • Arkadia Space to Supply Monopropellant Thrusters for MaiaSpace's Rocket

  • SES to Expand MEO Satellite Network for Enhanced Connectivity in Africa

  • Eutelsat Adjusts GEO Strategy to Address Starlink' …

• SPOTLIGHT

  • Scientists Detect Highest-Energy Neutrino from Sus …

  • Study Debunks COVID-19 Lockdowns' Impact on Lunar Temperatures

  • New Method Uses Gravitational Waves to Study Neutron Stars

IMAGES

High-Definition Image of the “Cosmic Web” : Very Large Telescope, ESO, Chile

Einstein Ring Around NGC 6505 : Euclid Telescope, ESA

SCIENCE

China Seeks Proposals for Lunar Remote Sensing Satellite to Aid Crewed Moon Landings

China's human spaceflight agency, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), has announced a tender process for a lunar remote sensing satellite to support the country's first crewed moon landing and subsequent missions. The satellite aims to collect high-precision topographical and geological information in lunar low-latitude regions, as well as data on major mineral resources. This project is part of China's broader goal to land astronauts on the moon before 2030. The open bidding process seeks to integrate high-quality societal resources, leveraging the best available expertise, technology, and capabilities from various sectors such as academic institutions, private companies, and research organizations. By incorporating these resources, China aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their lunar missions, ensuring the project benefits from a wide range of knowledge, skills, and innovative solutions.

This development comes amidst speculation regarding possible modifications or even cancellation of the Artemis program under the new administration. Meanwhile, it also coincides with the China National Space Administration's recent welcoming, for the first time, the involvement of a private enterprise in its lunar program, last month. 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.

NASA & SpaceX will Reuse Endurance Capsule to Expedite Crew-10 Mission, Bring Back Astronauts Williams and Willmore

NASA and SpaceX have decided to swap spacecraft to address delays in the Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, initially delayed due to the development of a new Crew Dragon vehicle, will now use the previously flown Endurance capsule, allowing for an earlier launch date of March 12. This adjustment enables the timely return of Crew-9 astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been aboard the ISS since June 2024. NASA initially scheduled the launch of Crew-10 for February; however, on December 17, 2024, it was announced that the launch would be postponed to late March.

The Endurance capsule, used for Crew-3, Crew-5, and Crew-7 missions, was initially set to support the Ax-4 private astronaut mission to the ISS for Axiom Space. This development follows calls from President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to expedite their return.

NASA Expands Science Goals for Starling Swarm & Updates Core Flight Software

NASA is expanding the science objectives for its Starling satellite swarm, aiming to enhance distributed autonomy and data collection capabilities. As part of the first phase of the Distributed Spacecraft Autonomy (DSA) program, the Starling mission, which consists of four CubeSats launched in July 2023, has successfully demonstrated key technologies for future swarm missions. DSA enabled Starling satellites to autonomously collect ionosphere data, prioritize observations, share information, and coordinate positions using onboard GPS. New instructions sent in February will improve the mission's scientific value, SpaceNews reports.

Meanwhile, NASA is also rolling out a major update to its core Flight System (cFS) software, introducing new features such as plug-and-play capabilities for in-space robotics, cybersecurity enhancements, and onboard machine learning. The updated software will support various projects, including small satellites, the Artemis program, and the Mars Sample Return mission. NASA will release a government-only version of its core Flight System (cFS) software in mid-2025, featuring enhanced security, and autonomy capabilities for space agency programs. This version will also be accessible to companies developing NASA instruments, payloads, rovers, landers, balloons, and unpiloted aircraft. An update to the open-source cFS, which supports over 40 projects including small satellites, Artemis, lunar Gateway, Mars Sample Return, and the Roman Space Telescope, will follow shortly after the government version's release. Read the full story here.

Pakistan's Rover to Join China's 2028 Lunar South Pole Mission

Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has partnered with China's National Space Administration (CNSA) for the upcoming Chang'e-8 lunar mission, scheduled for 2028. This collaboration marks Pakistan's first major involvement in lunar exploration, with SUPARCO providing an indigenous rover to explore the Moon's south pole. The mission aims to conduct scientific research, including lunar soil analysis and testing technologies for sustainable human presence. This partnership builds on previous collaborations, such as Pakistan's iCube Qamar CubeSat satellite launched aboard China's Chang'e-6 mission in 2024 and the launch of launch Pakistan’s PRSC-EO1 remote sensing satellite last month.

China Unveils Names for Moon-Landing Spacesuit and Lunar Rover

China has officially named its moon-landing spacesuit and crewed lunar rover. The spacesuit, designed for astronauts to walk on the lunar surface, is called Wangyu (Stargazing), symbolizing China's new chapter in space exploration and its commitment to peaceful space utilization. The lunar rover is named Tansuo (Exploration), reflecting the spirit of discovery and the mission's practical value in uncovering lunar mysteries.

These names were chosen from over 9,000 public proposals and represent China's ambition to conduct its first manned moon mission around 2030. Prototypes for both the spacesuit and rover are currently in development, with research progressing smoothly.

This announcement is part of China's ongoing efforts to engage the public and maintain enthusiasm for its space programs, as it continues to advance its capabilities and infrastructure for future lunar exploration.

NASA, General Atomics Test Nuclear Propulsion Fuel for Future Space Missions

NASA and General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) recently achieved a significant milestone in the development of nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) technology. At NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, GA-EMS successfully tested a new NTP reactor fuel designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space. The tests involved subjecting the fuel to six thermal cycles with hot hydrogen, reaching temperatures up to 2600 Kelvin (4,220 Fahrenheit). The results demonstrated the fuel's ability to endure these harsh conditions, marking a crucial step towards realizing safe and reliable NTP for future cislunar and deep space missions.

The successful tests indicate that NTP systems could potentially operate two-to-three times more efficiently than current chemical rocket engines, significantly reducing travel times to destinations like Mars. This advancement aligns with NASA's goal of launching a crewed spacecraft to Mars by 2027, in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The development of NTP technology could revolutionize space travel, making it faster and safer for astronauts by minimizing exposure to cosmic radiation and reducing the need for extensive life-support systems. Read more on the story here.

GOVERNANCE

Council on Foreign Relations Report Calls for US-China Dialogue and Enhanced US Space Security Measures

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) has released a report titled "Securing Space: A Plan for U.S. Action," urging the United States to prioritize space as a national security issue and engage in dialogue with China. The report, co-chaired by former Congresswoman Jane Harman and retired Lieutenant General Nina M. Armagno, highlights the growing threats to U.S. space assets from China and Russia, including electronic warfare and anti-satellite missiles as well as from space debris. It calls for improved space traffic management, international cooperation, and the integration of commercial perspectives into space policy. The CFR recommends establishing a direct communication hotline with China to reduce the risk of miscalculation in orbit and emphasizes the need for the U.S. to maintain its leadership in space to ensure national security and economic prosperity. Read more on the story here.

US Accountability Office Requested to Examine FAA Launch Licensing Process

The U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee has requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO), in a letter, to review the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) commercial launch licensing process. The review focuses on the implementation of Part 450 regulations, introduced in 2020 to streamline licensing but criticized for causing delays. Lawmakers are concerned about the efficiency and effectiveness of the process, especially given the growing demand for commercial space activities. The GAO's findings will help identify potential improvements and ensure the licensing process supports both industry growth and public safety.

Musk's DOGE to Review NASA Spending While US Congress Proposes New Commercial Space Bills

The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is set to review NASA's spending, as part of an executive order aimed at reducing government waste. Led by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, DOGE personnel will examine NASA's payments and financial practices. This review has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given SpaceX's extensive contracts with NASA. Speaking at the 27^th Annual Commercial Space Conference on February 12, in Washington D.C., acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro has assured that strict conflict-of-interest policies will be enforced to address these concerns.

Meanwhile, at the same conference, it was revealed that U.S. Congress is seeking to reauthorize NASA and introduce new commercial space bills, aiming to streamline regulations and support industry growth. The proposed NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024 outlines priorities for civil and commercial spaceflight, including funding for space exploration, the Artemis program, and advanced spacesuit capabilities. U.S. lawmakers Ted Cruz and Brian Babin, emphasized the need for efficient licensing processes to accommodate the increasing demand for commercial space activities, ensuring both industry expansion and public safety.

US & Japan Reaffirm Commitment to Artemis Lunar Exploration Amid Uncertainty

The U.S. and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to space cooperation, including NASA's Artemis lunar exploration program, amid speculation of potential changes or cancellation under the new administration. A joint statement, released during Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru's visit to Washington, emphasized continued collaboration on the upcoming Crew-10 mission to the ISS and future Artemis missions. However, industry insiders are preparing for significant revisions to Artemis, with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk advocating for a shift in focus towards Mars exploration. The statement also highlighted Japan's contributions to Artemis, including the development of a pressurized lunar rover in partnership with Toyota.

Algeria and Slovenia to Collaborate on Space Tech Advancements

Algeria and Slovenia are working towards strengthening their cooperation in space technology through a bilateral meeting held in Algiers. The Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) and the Slovenian Space Office discussed collaboration in space technologies and applications, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence to enhance insights into natural resources, disaster management, and strategic agricultural assets. The meeting aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's directives following his meeting with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob in May 2024 and Slovenia's recent full membership in the European Space Agency (ESA). Both countries emphasized the importance of deepening their partnership to advance mutual interests in space exploration and satellite technologies.

Concerns Arise Over NASA's LGBTQI+ Directive and Vera Rubin Biography Changes Under the New Trump Administration

NASA has recently come under scrutiny for allegedly instructing employees to remove LGBTQI+ Pride symbols from their workspaces. This directive, reportedly communicated verbally, is part of a broader rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following executive orders from former President Donald Trump. NASA denied setting new bans, stating that employees must adhere to existing legal, safety, and agency guidelines. However, critics argue this move infringes on employees' free speech and humanity.

In a related development, the Rubin Observatory has altered the biography of astronomer Vera Rubin, a key figure in dark matter discovery, amid the Trump administration's push to end DEI efforts. The revised version diminishes her legacy of advocating for women in the scientific community and eliminates all references to the observatory's initiatives aimed at reducing obstacles for women and other historically underrepresented groups in the discipline. This change has sparked concern among scientists and advocates who view it as part of a larger trend of eroding inclusivity in federal agencies.

These actions have drawn criticism from lawmakers and the scientific community, who argue that such measures undermine efforts to create an inclusive and equitable workplace.

Space Report Highlights Surge in Launch Activity and Increased Global Involvement

The Space Report 2024 Q4 highlights a record-breaking year for the space industry, with 259 launches occurring at an average rate of one every 34 hours. This surge in launch activity is expected to continue into 2025, driven by growing commercial, scientific, and military interests and reflects the growing demand for satellite services, space exploration, and technological advancements. The report also notes a 40% increase in the total mass brought to orbit, despite a slight drop in spacecraft deployments. SpaceX played a significant role, launching 152 times and deploying nearly 2,000 Starlink satellites. The report underscores the expanding global involvement in space, with more nations launching their first satellites. Read more on the story here.

NASA Safety Advisory Panel Raises Concerns Over Artemis 3 Risks in New Report

NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) recently released its 2024 annual report, highlighting both progress and challenges in the agency's safety performance. The report commended NASA for its strategic vision and governance, particularly in managing the Artemis campaign aimed at returning humans to the Moon.

However, it raised concerns about the high risks associated with the current Artemis 3 moon landing plan. The panel emphasized the need for NASA to reevaluate its approach to safety and technical risk, especially given the multiple first-time goals and the compounded risks involved. The report also addressed safety assessments for the International Space Station operations and the transition to commercial low Earth orbit destinations. Overall, the panel urged NASA to continue improving its risk management strategies and to clearly define roles and responsibilities within its partnerships.

This development comes in the wake of ASAP calling on NASA in January at a public meeting, to reassess the objectives of its Artemis missions, arguing that the agency is overloading each mission with too many goals. Read more on the story here.

MILITARY

US Space Force Awards Apex Technology $45.9 Million Contract

Apex Technology Inc., a California-based satellite manufacturing startup, has secured a $45.9 million contract from the U.S. Space Force. The contract, awarded by the Space Systems Command, involves delivering an undisclosed number of satellites by 2032 to support missions across multiple orbits. This marks Apex's largest government deal to date and follows its recent expansion into geostationary, medium Earth orbit, and deep space capabilities. The company specializes in standardized small satellite buses and has developed three product lines capable of carrying payloads between 100 and 500 kilograms. Apex's first operational satellite, Aries SN1, was launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-10 mission in March 2024.

Redwire Secures Contract for US Space Force's Geosynchronous Orbit Refueling Mission, Tetra-6

Redwire Corporation has been awarded a contract by Orion Space Solutions to deliver a Mako spacecraft for the U.S. Space Force's Tetra-6 mission, a follow-on to the USSF/Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Tetra-5 mission. The Mako spacecraft will be the first in geosynchronous orbit to be refueled, demonstrating compatibility with multiple refueling mechanisms. These missions aim to showcase capabilities such as cooperative inspection, docking, on-orbit refueling, and next-generation autonomy techniques.

US Air Force Extends Sierra Space Contract for Upper-Stage Rocket Engine Development

The U.S. Air Force has extended its contract with Sierra Space for the development of the VR35K-A upper-stage rocket engine. This high-performance engine, which uses a fuel-rich staged combustion cycle, produces 156kN/35,000 lbf of thrust and incorporates Sierra Space's patented VORTEX technology for efficient and stable combustion. The extension follows a successful test campaign and includes a $16 million firm-fixed-price contract to continue maturing the engine for future National Security Space Launch missions. The VR35K-A aims to deliver up to 30% more payload mass to orbit, showcasing Sierra Space's commitment to advancing propulsion technology.

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards Air Force Base oversees the project to advance upper stage propulsion capabilities. The VR35K-A engine test campaign, conducted at Sierra Space's Badger Propulsion Test Facility in Wisconsin, included collaboration with Florida Turbine Technologies, a subsidiary of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, for key turbomachinery components.

US SDA Seeks Proposals for Integrating Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture to the US "Iron Dome" Missile Defense System

The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) is seeking industry input on integrating its satellite network into the "Iron Dome for America" missile defense initiative. This executive order, issued by President Trump, aims to create a comprehensive shield against advanced missile threats, including hypersonic and ballistic missiles. The SDA's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) will play a crucial role in this initiative, with a focus on enhancing global kill chains and missile defense capabilities. According to the call, the agency is particularly interested in proposals that leverage the PWSA's Transport Layer for supporting multiple weapon systems. The results of these 60-day studies will inform the Defense Department's plans and help shape the future of the Iron Dome for America architecture. Read more on the story here.

A "global kill chain" refers to the sequence of steps taken to detect, track, and neutralize a threat, typically in a military context. It involves identifying the target, planning the engagement, executing the attack, and assessing the outcome. In cybersecurity, this concept is adapted to describe the stages of a cyberattack, from initial reconnaissance to the final objective.

Caltech & UIUC to Lead DARPA's In-Space Manufacturing Demonstrations

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has advanced its Novel Orbital and Moon Manufacturing, Materials, and Mass-efficient Design (NOM4D) program to the third phase, selecting the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) for in-space demonstrations. These tests aim to validate new materials and assembly techniques for constructing large structures in orbit, overcoming traditional size and weight constraints of rocket cargo fairings. Caltech will partner with Momentus for a February 2026 launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, while UIUC will collaborate with Voyager Technologies for an April 2026 demonstration on the International Space Station. This milestone brings DARPA closer to enabling large-scale space infrastructure, with potential applications in national security and commercial space ventures.

Caltech will demonstrate a free-flying autonomous system with a gantry robot constructing a 1.4-meter-diameter circular truss using lightweight composite fiber tubes, serving as a proof-of-concept for future space-based communications infrastructure. The Illinois team will showcase a carbon fiber composite-forming process that starts flat and transforms into a hardened structure through a controlled chemical reaction, potentially reducing the volume needed to transport building materials to orbit. Read more on the story here.

US Space Force Awards $21.8 Million Contract to Firefly for Rapid Response Mission

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Firefly Aerospace a $21.8 million contract for the VICTUS SOL mission, part of its Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) initiative. This mission aims to demonstrate rapid launch capabilities, enabling quick responses to on-orbit threats. Firefly will provide dedicated launch services, maintaining a rocket and vehicle on standby for immediate deployment.

According to a Space Safari spokesperson, details about the payload, mission objectives, and launch timeline remain undisclosed. Space Safari, based in New Mexico (U.S.), oversees the TacRS program under the Space Systems Command. Read more on the story here.

COMMERCIAL

Investments in K2 Space, Lynk Global, & MDA Reflect Growing Demand for Satellite Technologies, Direct-to-Phone Infrastructure

Significant progress was made in fundraising efforts for advanced satellite technologies last week, underscoring an increasing demand.

K2 Space, a California-based aerospace and defense company, announced a $110 million Series B funding round to scale up production of its multi-orbit, high-power satellite platform. The funding round, co-led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Altimeter Capital, will enable K2 Space to increase production capacity, hire talent, and bring additional components in-house. The company's new 180,000 square foot factory in Torrance, California, is expected to play a crucial role in achieving these goals. The U.S. Space Force is interested in K2 Space's first government mission, Gravitas, funded by a $60 million STRATFI agreement, with equal contributions from the Space Force and venture investors. Scheduled for launch on SpaceX's Transporter-16 rideshare in 2026, Gravitas will deploy multiple national security payloads in low Earth orbit before moving to medium Earth orbit, according to SpaceNews.

Meanwhile, U.S.-based Lynk Global has raised over $85 million to expand its direct-to-smartphone satellite network. This funding comes as the race to provide global connectivity heats up, with competitors like SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile also making significant progress in this area. Lynk Global's satellite network aims to extend the reach of partner mobile operators in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is lacking, providing intermittent texting and low-bandwidth services for unmodified smartphones.

Both companies are addressing the increasing demand for proliferated space applications requiring high throughput and levels of compute. K2 Space's high-power, high-payload mass satellite platform is designed to provide a cost-effective solution for customers who have been forced to trade between performance and affordability. Lynk Global, on the other hand, is focused on expanding its constellation to improve coverage and reduce latency, ultimately aiming to provide global connectivity.

Separately, MDA Space has signed a $1.1 billion contract with Globalstar to build over 50 software-defined digital satellites for its next-generation Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation. This partnership, backed by Apple, aims to enhance satellite connectivity globally, especially in remote areas. However, recent developments with Apple integrating Starlink's network into iPhones have raised concerns about potential impacts on Globalstar's market position.

This development comes in the wake of Apple teaming up with SpaceX and T-Mobile to integrate Starlink's satellite network into iOS 18.3, offering an alternative to its current Globalstar-powered service. This new feature allows iPhones to connect automatically to Starlink satellites, improving connectivity without needing to point the device skyward. The move, however, caused a notable drop in Globalstar's stock by nearly 18%, while AST SpaceMobile and MDA also experienced declines.

BlackSky, Thales Alenia, & Nibe Ltd. Partner on India's First Private Earth Observation Network Amid Launch Window Announcement for BlackSky's First Gen-3 Satellite

BlackSky Technology Inc. with Thales Alenia has secured multiple multi-year contracts to support India's first private Earth observation constellation. Valued at a combined eight figures, these contracts provide subscription-based access to low-latency, high-cadence imagery and AI-enabled analytics services. U.S.-based BlackSky will supply satellite imagery, analytics services, and provide launch support and on-orbit maintenance services as part of a broader effort led by European aerospace firm Thales Alenia Space.

Under the agreement, Thales Alenia will produce a high-resolution optical satellite, the first of a larger constellation aimed at providing critical intelligence for India's national security and defense agencies. Nibe Ltd., a growing player in India's aerospace and defense industry, is spearheading this initiative through its subsidiary NIBE Space, aiming to establish an independent space-based monitoring system and position itself as a key supplier of satellite intelligence to India's government and military.

This partnership with Thales Alenia Space aims to enhance India's commercial Earth observation capabilities, offering immediate foresight into critical events and supporting the nation's expanding sovereign space capabilities.

Separately, BlackSky is set to launch its first Gen-3 satellite, named "Fasten Your Space Belts," in collaboration with Rocket Lab. The satellite will add very high-resolution 35-centimeter imaging capability to BlackSky's high-cadence, low-latency data and AI-enabled analytics offerings. This launch, scheduled for February 18 from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, marks a significant step in enhancing BlackSky's space-based intelligence applications for tactical ISR missions and strategic intelligence operations. The Gen-3 constellation is expected to provide critical intelligence for defense and intelligence customers globally.

Texas Space Commission Awards $47.7 Million in Grants to Five Space Companies

The Texas Space Commission has awarded $47.7 million in grants to five space companies to support various projects aimed at enhancing facilities and spacecraft development. The grants are part of the commission’s Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF) program. SpaceX received $7.5 million to establish a vertical integration site at Starbase for its Super Heavy rocket and Starship spacecraft. Starlab Space was granted $15 million to create a systems integration lab for its commercial space station development. Intuitive Machines earned $10 million for a reusable commercial orbital return vehicle. Firefly Aerospace received $8.2 million to advance its test and production site, while Blue Origin was awarded $7 million to introduce sub-cooling capabilities at its engine test location.

These grants are expected to accelerate the growth of commercial, military, and civil aerospace activities in Texas. The commission and the SEARF program, established by a 2023 legislation, aim to support the state's space industry growth, including a $150 million appropriation for SEARF.

Astroscale & ClearSpace Achieve Key Milestone in UK Space Agency's Debris Removal Initiative

Japan-based Astroscale and Switzerland-based ClearSpace have reached a significant milestone in their joint effort to develop technologies for a dual-satellite deorbit mission, scheduled for 2026 under the UK Space Agency's (UKSA) Active Debris Removal initiative. Both companies have successfully completed the Mid-Term Review of Phase 2, focusing on satellite capture and de-orbiting technologies. Astroscale's U.K. subsidiary highlighted progress in debris de-tumbling capabilities and robotic capture systems, while ClearSpace achieved critical development milestones for its robotic capture mechanism. The companies aim to complete Phase 2 by March, after which UKSA will select one to lead the next phase, covering manufacturing, assembly and testing of the spacecraft ahead of launch and operations in low Earth orbit (LEO). Astroscale and ClearSpace have not revealed the specific U.K.-licensed spacecraft they intend to de-orbit, SpaceNews reports.

Blue Origin to Lay Off 10% of Employees to Optimize Costs & Production

Blue Origin, led by CEO Dave Limp, is laying off 10% of its workforce, affecting about 1,400 employees across Florida, Texas, and Washington. The decision aims to optimize costs and production, especially for the New Glenn rocket, and to enhance competitiveness with SpaceX. The layoffs come just a month after the successful debut of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, which reached orbit on its first try. Limp emphasized the need for a more agile and customer-focused culture to achieve future goals. Some employees are concerned about the impact on morale and are seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Arkadia Space to Supply Monopropellant Thrusters for MaiaSpace's Rocket

Spanish propulsion startup Arkadia Space has secured its first fully commercial contract, supplying monopropellant thrusters to French rocket startup MaiaSpace. The 250N thrusters, designed for MaiaSpace's Reaction Control System (RCS), will enhance the precision and stability of the rocket's trajectory post-liftoff. This milestone follows Arkadia's development efforts under the ESA's ARIEL contract, ensuring the thrusters' reliability and performance. The collaboration marks a significant step for Arkadia Space in establishing itself as a key supplier in the space industry.

ARIEL stands for Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey. It is a mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at studying the atmospheres of about 1000 exoplanets to understand their chemical composition and how they evolve over time. Monopropellant thrusters use a single propellant that decomposes or reacts in the presence of a catalyst to produce thrust. They are commonly used for attitude control and orbital adjustments in spacecraft. The thrust produced by monopropellant thrusters is typically much lower than that of main engines, usually in the range of few Newtons to hundreds of Newtons.

SES to Expand MEO Satellite Network for Enhanced Connectivity in Africa

SES, the Luxembourg-based satellite telecommunications company, has announced plans to expand its Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO) constellation to enhance bandwidth for its African customers. The initiative, targeting African enterprises and telecom operators, aims to address the continent's growing demand for reliable, high-speed connectivity. The expansion will involve adding three satellites in 2025 and two more in 2026, further expanding the eight-satellite O3b mPOWER network. These satellites, operating at approximately 9,000 kilometers, are designed to provide low-latency, high-throughput connectivity, supporting applications from mobile backhaul to enterprise networking. SES has sold out its current bandwidth capacity to Orange in the Central African Republic, with the new satellites expected to support Moov Africa, its second customer in the country.

Eutelsat Adjusts GEO Strategy to Address Starlink's Growing Market Presence

Eutelsat is revising its geostationary (GEO) satellite strategy in response to the increasing influence of Starlink's low Earth orbit (LEO) network. The company is repurposing its 500-gigabit-per-second satellite, Konnect VHTS, originally intended for consumer broadband, to cater to higher-paying mobility customers. This adjustment comes as Starlink's LEO network continues to reduce demand for traditional geostationary services. Eutelsat's CEO, Eva Berneke, emphasized the need to adapt to market shifts, noting that Starlink's lower-latency services have expanded into enterprise and government sectors. Eutelsat's approach now includes focusing on wholesale services and integrating its recent acquisition, OneWeb, to enhance its position in the connectivity market.

SPOTLIGHT

Scientists Detect Highest-Energy Neutrino from Suspected Blazars

Scientists have detected the highest-energy neutrino ever observed, nicknamed a "ghost particle" due to its elusive nature. This neutrino, with 30 times the energy of any previously detected neutrino, was discovered by the KM3NeT detector in the Mediterranean Sea. The particle's origin is uncertain, but researchers suspect it comes from one of 12 blazars—active galactic nuclei powered by supermassive black holes. This discovery opens a new window into high-energy cosmic phenomena and could provide insights into the most energetic processes in the universe. The research was published on Wednesday (Feb. 12) in the journal Nature.

New Study Debunks Link Between COVID-19 Lockdowns and Lunar Temperature Drops

A study published last year had suggested that during the COVID-19 lockdowns, reduced human activity led to a drop in lunar surface temperatures. However, recent research from Missouri S&T and the University of the West Indies has debunked this claim. The study found similar temperature dips in 2018, indicating other factors were responsible. The findings highlight the complexity of attributing terrestrial changes to lunar conditions and emphasize the need for further investigation. The new findings were also published in MNRAS, in January 2025.

New Method Uses Gravitational Waves to Study Neutron Stars

Scientists have discovered a new method to probe the interiors of neutron stars using gravitational waves, likening the process to "cosmic tuning forks." When neutron stars collide, the resulting gravitational waves emit a pure tone during the "long ringdown" phase, which can reveal the composition of these dense stellar remnants. This breakthrough, led by researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt, could significantly enhance our understanding of matter under extreme conditions. The team's research was published in the journal Nature Communications.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸