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  • Issue 38 | Breaking Space News: Feb 16 - 22, 2025

Issue 38 | Breaking Space News: Feb 16 - 22, 2025

Global Glacier Melt is Escalating. This Week in Space News: China's AI-Driven Space Exploration Plans, First Astronaut with Disability Prepares for ISS Missions, Musk Wants to Deorbit ISS Sooner, US Space Force Criticized for Strategies in Competing with China, Trump's Budget Cuts & Military Priorities, Largest Known Structure in Space Found, and More.

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Lagrangian Despatch
February 23, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 39 minutes

Dear Lagrangian,

Welcome, and thanks for joining us this week! We hope that you find this week’s installment interesting and entertaining to read. Anything that we missed? Please feel free to leave a message with us.

Enjoy reading!

IMAGES

 

X37-B Spaceplane : US Space Force

The secretive X-37B: An onboard camera, used to ensure the health and safety of the vehicle, captures an image of Earth while conducting experiments in a highly elliptical orbit in 2024. As part of the X-37B's seventh mission, the vehicle executed a series of first-of-its-kind maneuvers, called aerobraking, to safely change its orbit using minimal fuel. (Credit: U.S. Space Force)

Before the Space Force offered a rare glimpse of its shadowy X-37B space plane in orbit, the space plane prepared for its seventh mission, which launched on Dec. 28, 2023. (Credit: US Space Force)

 

 

Symmetric ripple marks (A) are observed within the AMB outcrop. Ripple crests are identified with yellow arrows (A) and are aligned near-vertical (white arrow) in successive ripple layers. Internal laminae can be traced continuously through the ripple troughs. In plan view (B), the ripple crests are linear with occasional tuning-fork bifurcation, oriented consistently NW/SE. The AMB ripple unit is laterally extensive, of consistent thickness, and is conformably overlain by a unit of planar laminae [(C): contact is covered here—dotted line is inferred contact]. The AMB ripple unit at the Amapari location is ~15 cm thick and is composed of five resistant beds containing symmetric ripple marks. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.)

The Prow is an 18-m-long, lenticular outcrop (A) composed of a lower unit of unidirectional cross-strata and an upper unit of flaser bedding (B) containing symmetric ripple marks [(C and D): ripple crests indicated by yellow arrows]. The vertical accumulation of ripple marks within the flaser bedding creates a complex patter of interwoven cross-lamination [as in (34), figure 8, ex. 9], preserving both symmetric ripple troughs and crests at various locations. High-resolution imaging by the MAHLI taken at 1 cm standoff from the outcrop (E) shows observable sand grains making up the ripple la)ers, draped by fine-grained material with no observable grains (grain size <180 μm, below the MAHLI limit of resolution). See fig. S4 for location context for (E). (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.

SCIENCE

 

Global Glacier Melt is Escalating & Affecting Freshwater and Sea Levels

Glaciers in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska. This image, captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission on 6 October 2017, shows the melting Scott (left), Sheridan (middle) and Childs (right) glaciers feeding lakes and rivers in their forefields. (Credit: contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2017), processed by ESA)

A recent study has revealed alarming findings about global glacier melt. Conducted by the Glacier Mass Balance Intercomparison Exercise (GlaMBIE), the research shows that glaciers have been losing an average of 273 billion tonnes of ice per year since 2000. This loss has intensified over the past decade, with a 36% increase in ice melt from 2012 to 2023 compared to the previous decade. The study highlights the significant impact of glacier melt on regional freshwater resources and global sea-level rise.

For context, an annual ice loss of 273 billion tonnes or 273 cubic kilometers of ice is equivalent to covering Tokyo with over 428 meters or 1404 feet of ice or filling around 109.2 million Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The comprehensive analysis integrates multiple observational techniques, including satellite-derived digital elevation models, altimetry, and gravimetry measurements. The research was published in the journal Nature.

China Plans AI-Driven Mission to Solar System's Edge

Highlights of China's space science three-phase development road map. (Credit: Global Times)

Researchers are exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can support a planned Chinese mission to the solar system's boundaries. AI can address challenges such as unknown environments, complex mission dynamics, diverse scientific payloads, and long communication delays. By enhancing spacecraft autonomy, AI can assist in data processing, autonomous perception, decision-making, and efficient computing, reducing reliance on Earth-based control.

Chinese space officials have considered a mission to the heliosphere's head and tail, aiming to reach 100 astronomical units by 2049 and 1,000 AU by the century's end. This mission would involve radioisotope thermoelectric generator-powered spacecraft journeying toward the heliosphere, using flybys of Jupiter and potentially visiting outer solar system objects. Scientific goals include studying interplanetary dust, the interstellar medium, and phenomena like Anomalous Cosmic Rays and the "hydrogen wall" at the solar system's boundary.

The China National Space Administration launched the project's demonstration plan in 2020, with mission studies included in China's 2021 space white paper. A space science roadmap published in October 2024 noted the solar system boundary exploration. Read more on the story here.

China Prepares for Tianwen-2 Asteroid Sample Return & Main-Belt Comet Explorer Mission

An artist’s illustration of the Tianwen-2 near-Earth asteroid/comet orbiter spacecraft. (Credit: CNSA)

China is preparing to launch its Tianwen-2 mission, aimed at collecting samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3. The spacecraft has arrived at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, with the launch scheduled for the first half of 2025. The mission will use radioisotope thermoelectric generators for power and employ advanced AI technologies to enhance spacecraft autonomy and data processing. The Tianwen-2 mission will involve a flyby of asteroid 2016 HO3, sample collection, and a return to Earth, followed by an exploration of the main-belt comet 311P. The mission aims to study interplanetary dust, the interstellar medium, and phenomena such as Anomalous Cosmic Rays and the "hydrogen wall" at the boundary of the solar system and interstellar space.

ESA Astronaut with Physical Disability Cleared for Long-Duration ISS Missions

John McFall undergoes a tilt-table investigation to determine the potential effects of body fluid shifts on amputated limb size. (Credit: ESA/DLR)

John McFall, a former Paralympian and orthopedic surgeon, has become the first astronaut with a physical disability to be medically cleared for long-duration missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2022, McFall participated in the "Fly!" feasibility study, which concluded that it is technically feasible for someone with his disability to fully participate in a six-month ISS mission. The study examined various aspects, including training, spacecraft operations, and medical issues, and found no significant technical barriers. McFall's clearance marks a significant milestone in human spaceflight, demonstrating that individuals with physical disabilities can live and work in space.

The next phase, "Fly! Mission Ready," will focus on hardware certification, potential scientific research, and final medical certification. McFall's achievement highlights the importance of inclusivity in space exploration and the potential for groundbreaking advancements that benefit society on Earth.

GOVERNANCE

 

NASA Faces Further Scrutiny Over DOGE Activities Amid Workforce Uncertainty

Top Democrats on the House Science Committee are demanding more information about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)'s activities at NASA, calling the lack of transparency "ominous and unacceptable." On February 21, in a new letter to NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro, representatives Zoe Lofgren, Valerie Foushee, and Emilia Sykes expressed dissatisfaction with NASA's response to their initial inquiries about DOGE in a previous letter. The lawmakers raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given DOGE's association with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, and the lack of clarity surrounding the identity and role of the DOGE representative at NASA.

“We do not know whether his primary function will be to observe agency activities; to advise on agency policies; or perhaps to exercise an extraordinary decision-making authority related to the policymaking process, procurement actions, or operational matters. We do not even know whether this individual will report to the NASA Administrator, to another senior NASA official, or directly to the CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk.”

The Letter to NASA Acting Administrator, Jane Petro

The letter emphasized the need for NASA to disclose the DOGE agent's identity and detail measures in place to prevent conflicts of interest. The situation is further complicated by DOGE personnel reportedly attempting to access classified information at other federal agencies. The lawmakers have requested additional information by March 7.

Meanwhile, NASA's workforce is in a state of uncertainty following unmaterialized layoffs of probationary civil servants. The anticipated layoffs of over 1,000 employees was halted following a last-minute decision by the White House. The planned cuts were part of broader federal workforce reductions aimed at cost-saving measures. Despite the reprieve, NASA remains under pressure to reduce its workforce, with the organization stating that any future separations would be performance-based or voluntary. Additionally, approximately 5% of NASA employees have opted for a buyout program, with many set to begin administrative leave soon. Acting Administrator Petro affirmed the agency's commitment to supporting its workforce while maintaining efficiency and security. Read more on the story here.

Musk Calls to Deorbit ISS while Repeating Inaccurate Claims About Starliner Astronauts

This image of the ISS was taken from a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft as it flew around the orbiting laboratory after undocking. (Credit: NASA)

Elon Musk has called for the deorbiting of the International Space Station (ISS) "as soon as possible," arguing that it has served its purpose and offers little incremental utility. Musk's recommendation to President Donald Trump suggests moving up the planned 2030 deorbit timeline to within the next two years. Critics argue that deorbiting the ISS prematurely could halt important scientific research and technological advancements, as well as disrupt international collaborations.

The ISS has been a platform for over 4,000 experiments across various disciplines, including biology, earth sciences, human health, and physical science. The microgravity environment of the ISS allows for unique scientific research that cannot be replicated on Earth. Experts emphasize that the ISS provides valuable data on living and working in space, which is crucial for future missions to the moon and Mars.

Elon Musk's influence in the administration and this call to deorbit the ISS by 2027 could disrupt NASA's plans to operate the station until 2030. In June 2024, NASA awarded SpaceX an $843 million contract to develop the United States Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) to safely deorbit the ISS over the South Pacific. The USDV is based on SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft and is expected to be ready for launch between August 2028 and May 2029. It remains uncertain whether the USDV development can be accelerated to meet Musk's 2027 timeline.

In a related development, Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump have repeated inaccurate claims about NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore being "stranded" on the International Space Station (ISS) for political reasons. The astronauts, who were part of Boeing's Starliner mission, faced delays due to technical issues with the spacecraft's thrusters. NASA had already planned their return with SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, contradicting Musk and Trump's assertions. NASA officials emphasized that safety, not politics, has driven their decision-making process. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and misinformation surrounding U.S. space policy and the roles of private companies in space exploration.

US-India Enhance Strategic Cooperation in Defense & Space Amid NISAR Delay & Navigation Satellite Malfunction

The launch of NISAR has been delayed due to the need for the application of an additional reflective coating on its large deployable antenna. (Credit: NASA)

In a join statement, released by the White House, the United States and India announced defense and space-focused innovation partnerships to strengthen their ongoing cooperation in the fields.

The U.S.-India Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology (COMPACT) initiative is aimed at transforming key segments of their strategic cooperation. This initiative was launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with President Donald Trump. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a dynamic defense partnership and announced plans to sign a new ten-year framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership. They also highlighted the integration of U.S.-origin defense items into India's inventory and plans for new procurements and co-production arrangements.

Another initiative, the INDUS Innovation bridge, along with the TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative, aims to enhance collaboration in space exploration and critical technologies. This initiative builds on the successful India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) platform, established in 2023, which fosters partnerships between defense companies, investors, and universities from both countries. The INDUS Innovation bridge focuses on broadening the bilateral partnership in areas such as long-duration human spaceflight missions, spaceflight safety, and planetary protection. It also aims to promote commercial space opportunities, including satellite and space launch systems, space tourism, and advanced space manufacturing.

In their joint statement, the United States and India also committed to continued cooperation on civil and commercial space topics, highlighting the flight of an Indian astronaut on Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission to the ISS and the "early" launch of the NASA-ISRO NISAR Earth science mission. However, the NISAR launch, originally planned for last year, was delayed to address thermal issues, and no updated launch date has been provided. Meanwhile, the recent propulsion system malfunction on the NVS-02 satellite has also raised concerns about NISAR's readiness, with questions about shared components between the satellites remaining unanswered by ISRO.

MILITARY

 

New Mitchell Institute Report Criticizes US Space Force Strategies:
Calls for Enhancements to Compete with China As Defense Execs Demand Clarity on Space Agencies’ Missions

A recent report by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies highlights the challenges faced by the U.S. Space Force in maintaining a competitive edge against China. According to the report, based on findings from the Space Endurance Workshop, in order to maintain any form of strategic advantage, the United States needs to improve on its space domain awareness, establish resilient space architecture, and reform security classification policies. The report criticizes the Space Force’s current strategy and resources as insufficient to counter China's growing capabilities in space. The workshop, which included 55 experts, advocated the fostering of a warfighting ethos and defining clear roles and missions for the Space Force.

The report also critiques Space Force Chief Gen. Chance Saltzman’s “theory of success” and his emphasis on competitive endurance, warning it could leave the U.S. vulnerable in the new space race. The report calls for increased funding, policy adjustments, and enhanced cooperation with allies and partners to ensure the U.S. maintains its spacepower advantage. The findings stress that without these changes, the U.S. risks losing its strategic position in the prolonged competition with China.

Meanwhile, in an online event hosted by the Mitchell Institute, defense executives called for clearer definitions of the roles and missions of U.S. space agencies, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, and intelligence agencies. The lack of clarity has led to confusion and inefficiencies, hindering the effectiveness of space operations. Executives emphasize the need for a unified strategy to address the growing threats in space, particularly from China and Russia.

This development comes at a time when the Space Development Agency (SDA) is also under scrutiny, with an upcoming Air Force Inspector General inspection set to evaluate its organizational performance and acquisition approach. The inspection follows recent leadership changes and concerns about the agency's future independence.

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is a think tank focused on aerospace power and national security. It is part of the Air Force Association and conducts research on various aspects of aerospace and defense. The institute receives funding from a mix of government, corporate, and foundation grants, as well as private individual donors. Some notable supporters include the Air Force Research Laboratory, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon.

Pentagon Directed to Identify $50 Billion in 2026 Budget Cuts to Fund Trump Military Priorities

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. at the Pentagon. (Credit: DoD)

U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to identify $50 billion in budget cuts for the 2026 fiscal year to fund his administration's priorities, including the development of an American Iron Dome missile defense system. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed military services to target programs related to climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for these cuts. The proposed reductions represent about 8% of the military's budget and are expected to impact troop readiness, research and development, and special operations forces, according to senator Chris Coons. Despite the significant cuts, the administration aims to redirect funds to border security, modernizing the nuclear force, and other key areas. The move has drawn criticism from some lawmakers who argue that it will compromise national security and military effectiveness. The Pentagon is working to finalize its fiscal year 2026 budget request, with the cuts expected to be as severe as those imposed during the 2013 sequestration, the last major cuts to the U.S. Defense Department, Politico reports.

True Anomaly Opens Long Beach Factory Near Space Force Clients

True Anomaly’s new 90,000-square-foot factory in Long Beach, California. (Credit: True Anomaly)

True Anomaly, the defense technology company specializing in advanced space superiority systems including spacecraft, software, and AI technologies, has expanded its operations to Southern California by opening a 90,000-square-foot factory in Long Beach. This strategic move places the company closer to the Space Systems Command in Los Angeles, a key customer overseeing significant Space Force procurement. The new facility will focus on product development, vertical integration, and classified operations, leveraging the region's rich aerospace expertise. True Anomaly's expansion aligns with its goal to enhance manufacturing capabilities and support customer demand for space superiority solutions. The Long Beach factory is expected to complement the company's headquarters in Colorado (U.S.), which will continue to serve as a hub for product development and production.

Kapta Space Emerges from Stealth with Space-Based Tracking Innovation

Kapta Space co-founders Adam Bily (left) and Milton Perque. Credit: Kapta Space via SpaceNews

Seattle (U.S.)-based startup Kapta Space has emerged from stealth mode with plans to demonstrate metasurface antenna technology for space-based radar. The company aims to tackle the defense sector’s challenge of continuous tracking of moving targets from orbit. Founded by Milton Perque, formerly of Echodyne, and Adam Bily, an alumnus of Apple and Astranis, Kapta secured $5 million in seed funding led by MetaVC Partners, with participation from Entrada Ventures and Blue Collective. This funding will support the development of Kapta's space-based electronically-steered radar technology.

Kapta plans to produce a lower-cost, energy-efficient alternative to traditional Active Electronically Steered Arrays (AESAs), leveraging metasurface technology for space-based imaging and tracking. The company's radar systems will enable persistent geospatial imagery for Earth observation and military applications, such as tracking ground-based targets.

Focused on the military market, Kapta secured a nearly $1.8 million Small Business Innovation Research contract from DARPA and obtained security clearances for classified defense contracts. The company aims to demonstrate its technology in space, with a focus on addressing the challenge of Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI). Kapta's goal is to validate its ability to maintain custody of moving targets through in-orbit demonstrations involving multiple satellites. Despite the challenges, Kapta remains optimistic about its potential to meet various mission needs.

Metasurface technology involves the use of engineered surfaces composed of subwavelength-spaced optical scatterers. These surfaces can manipulate electromagnetic waves, such as light and radio signals, in ways that traditional materials cannot. By controlling the wavefronts of these signals, metasurfaces can achieve effects like focusing, steering, and shaping the waves. This technology is used in various applications, including advanced telecommunications, radar systems, and 5G signal enhancement. Metasurfaces offer advantages such as reduced size, weight, and power consumption compared to conventional technologies, making them ideal for space-based and other high-tech applications.

ABL Space Rebrands as Long Wall to Focus on Defense Market

ABL Space's E2 engine, a LOx/RP, gas generator cycle, turbopump-fed engine, uses both traditional and additive manufacturing methods to produce engine components. (Credit: Long Wall)

ABL Space Systems, a former commercial, small-satellite launch company, has rebranded as Long Wall as it pivots to focus on missile defense and hypersonic flight testing. The company, founded in 2017 in El Segundo, California, aims to leverage its expertise in deployable launch vehicles and infrastructure for defense applications. This strategic shift comes as Long Wall seeks to address the growing demand for advanced missile defense systems and hypersonic technologies. The rebranding reflects the company's commitment to supporting national security initiatives and expanding its presence in the defense market. Long Wall's CEO emphasized the importance of this transformation in aligning the company's mission with the evolving needs of the defense sector. The company plans to continue manufacturing its components in the United States for its defense clients.

Ursa Major to Adapt its Draper Engine for Iron Dome Applications

Ursa Major successfully hotfired its Draper engine in March 2024. (Credit: Ursa Major)

Ursa Major, a rocket propulsion startup, is expediting the development of its Draper liquid rocket engine for potential use in next-generation missile systems, including the Iron Dome initiative. The company is collaborating with U.S. defense agencies and military contractors to adapt its mid-size engine for missile defense and hypersonic flight testing. The Draper engine, uses non-cryogenic fuel, which allows for rapid deployment and emphasizes high performance and reliability. With the strategic shift to defense applications Ursa Major want’s to expand its presence in the defense market and tap the evolving needs of this sector.

COMMERCIAL

 

PLD Space Signs Agreement to Expand Launch Operations with Etlaq Spaceport in Oman

On 7 October 2023 PLD Space inaugurated their suborbital launch vehicle Miura 1 from the El Arenosillo Test Centre in Spain. The rocket is designed to send up to 100 kg up to heights of 150 km above Earth, offering short periods of weightlessness for researchers and other customers. (Credit: ESA)

PLD Space, the Spanish aerospace company has signed an agreement with Oman's Etlaq Spaceport to use it as a launch site for its Miura 5 rockets. This strategic move aims to expand PLD Space's global launch capacity and meet the needs of its customers in the Eastern market. The agreement was signed during the inaugural Etlaq Launch Conference in Muscat, Oman. The Miura 5 rocket, a two-stage vehicle capable of delivering up to 1,080 kilograms to low Earth orbit, is expected to have its first launch from Etlaq in 2027. This collaboration is expected to position Etlaq as a key player in the global space industry and support PLD Space's goal of conducting 30 launches per year by 2030.

Etlaq will be PLD Space's second launch site after Kourou, French Guiana, supporting customers in the Middle East for mid-inclination and polar orbit launches.

NASA Selects SpaceX for Planetary Defense Surveyor & BAE Systems for NOAA’s Space Weather Project

NASA's NEO Surveyor spacecraft will look for asteroids, comets and other near Earth objects, that could potentially pose an impact threat to Earth. (Credit: NASA)

NASA has selected SpaceX to provide launch services for the Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor mission, aimed at detecting and observing asteroids and comets that could potentially pose an impact threat to Earth. The mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than September 2027 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft will operate from the Earth-Sun L-1 Lagrange point, 1.5 million kilometers from Earth towards the Sun. Equipped with a 50-centimeter infrared telescope, its mission aims to carry out a five-year baseline survey to find at least two-thirds of the unknown NEOs wider than 140 meters and 90% of such objects within 10 to 12 years as mandated by the U.S. Congress. This initiative is part of NASA's broader planetary defense efforts to discover and characterize potentially hazardous objects within 30 million miles of Earth's orbit. The total cost to NASA for the launch service is approximately $100 million, which includes the launch service and other mission related costs.

As part of the contract, BAE Systems, Space & Mission Systems, is building the Space Weather Follow On Lagrange 1 spacecraft, to provide unobstructed views of the Sun’s corona. (Credit: NOAA/Ball Aerospace)

In a separate development, NASA, on behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has awarded a $230.6 million contract to BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc. for the Lagrange 1 Series project under NOAA's Space Weather Next program, with the period of performance running from February 2025 to February 2035. This contract covers the development of up to two spacecraft, instrument integration, satellite-level testing, and mission operations support. The first launch under this program is planned for 2029 and aims to provide continuity of real-time coronal imagery and upstream solar wind measurements. These observations are crucial for protecting technological infrastructure from space weather impacts.

Airbus Announces Increased Charges and Revenue Growth in Defence & Space Division

Airbus has announced an additional 300 million euros ($314 million) in charges on its space programs, bringing the total charges for 2024 to nearly 1.4 billion euros. Charges refer to accounting adjustments made to reflect anticipated future expenses or losses. This decision follows a comprehensive review of its space segment, which revealed the need for further financial adjustments. Despite these charges, Airbus reported a 5% increase in revenues for its Defence and Space division, reaching 12.1 billion euros. The company is also in discussions with Thales and Leonardo about a potential merger to gain scale and competitiveness in the space industry. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the importance of creating scale to compete with U.S. players and new technologies. The company plans to execute a turnaround strategy for its Defence and Space segment, including workforce adjustments and exploring consolidation opportunities.

OQ Technology Receives EU-Backed Funding to Enhance Satellite-Based Smartphone Connectivity

Tiger-7 & Tiger-8 6U Satellites manufactured for OQ Technology, were part of SpaceX’s Transporter-10 Payload Stack, launched in March 2024. (Credit: NanoAvionics)

OQ Technology, the Luxembourg-based provider of narrowband connectivity for remote Internet of Things (IoT), has secured up to €17.5 million ($18.2 million) in funding from a European Union-backed accelerator to advance its direct-to-smartphone connectivity efforts. This funding will support the deployment of OQ Technology's small satellite constellation, aimed at providing seamless connectivity to smartphones across Europe and globally. OQ was selected from over 1,200 applicants by the European Innovation Council (EIC), highlighting its innovative approach to satellite communications. The funding includes a €2.5 million grant and up to €15 million in equity financing, which will also bolster OQ Technology's Series B fundraising campaign. This push is expected to make the company one of the frontrunners in the rapidly growing market for satellite-based smartphone connectivity, with the potential to revolutionize 5G networks and extend coverage to remote and underserved areas. The company's CEO, Omar Qaise, emphasized the significance of this funding in accelerating their mission and attracting further investment.

SES Addresses Financial Outlook, Reassures Investors Following Moody's Downgrade

Uplink dishes at the SES headquarters in Betzdorf, Luxembourg. (Credit: SES)

SES, the satellite communication service provider has reassured investors about its financial stability following Moody's downgrade of its outlook from stable to negative. Moody's is a credit rating agency that assesses the creditworthiness of borrowers. The Luxembourg-based satellite operator expects its full-year 2024 results to be better than anticipated, with revenue at the high end of the forecast range (€1,940-2,000 million) and adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) above the outlook range (€950-1,000 million).

The downgrade was attributed to increased competition and innovation risks in the satellite market, which could pressure SES's earnings growth and deleveraging efforts. SES has promised to maintaining investment-grade metrics and is expected to remain on track to complete its proposed acquisition of Intelsat in the second half of 2025. The acquisition, valued at $3.1 billion (€2.8 billion), aims to create a stronger multi-orbit operator with expanded capabilities and improved financial performance. The company plans to reconfirm all financial targets for the combined entity, including low to mid-single-digit average annual growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA for 2024-2028, and strong free cash flow generation. SES will announce its full-year 2024 results on February 26, 2025.

Beijing to Expand Commercial Space Development with New Initiatives

Beijing is scaling up its commercial space ambitions with new policies, infrastructure investments, and ambitious launch targets. At the recent Beijing Commercial Space High-quality Development Conference, officials announced the establishment of a satellite internet industrial park and the granting of licenses to eight key laboratories. These initiatives aim to leverage Beijing's strengths in aerospace and new-type industries to develop satellite internet projects and build a complete industrial chain. The district's plans include record-setting launch targets, reflecting its intentions to accelerate the growth of China's commercial space industry. The satellite internet industrial park will focus on research and intelligent manufacturing, while the laboratories are expected to drive technological innovation in fields such as aerospace vehicle design and satellite interconnection. With this move Beijing wants to position itself as a key player in the global commercial space sector, fostering top talent and supporting the development of cutting-edge space technologies. Read more on the story here.

GalaxySpace's mobile-to-satellite communication demo connected Beijing and Bangkok on February 12, 2025. (Credit: GalaxySpace)

At the same conference, commercial satellite operator GalaxySpace demonstrated its “Mini Spider” LEO broadband satellite network, a mobile-to-satellite test, connecting Beijing's Tongming Lake Convention Center with Bangkok, Thailand.

SPOTLIGHT

 

Astronomers Discover Largest Known Structure in the Universe

This image shows the five newly discovered superstructures. Quipu (red) is the largest structure found in the local universe. The others are Shapley (blue), Serpens-Corona Borealis (green), Hercules (purple) and Sculptor-Pegasus (beige). (Credit: Boehringer et al. / arXiv)

The Shapley supercluster was one of five giant structures detected in a new study of the local universe. Previously regarded as the largest superstructure in space, it has now been eclipsed by at least four others, including Quipu. (Cedit: ESA & Planck Collaboration / Rosat/ Digitised Sky Survey)

Astronomers have discovered the largest known structure in the universe, named Quipu, which spans approximately 1.3 billion light-years and contains 200 quadrillion solar masses. This superstructure, resembling an Incan counting system, consists of one long filament with multiple side filaments. Quipu was identified using X-ray galaxy clusters to map the matter density distribution. The discovery, detailed in a paper accepted by Astronomy & Astrophysics, highlights the importance of understanding large-scale cosmic structures for precision cosmology. Quipu's immense size and mass challenge existing cosmological models and provide new insights into the distribution of matter in the universe.

Study Proposes Cosmic Voids May Explain Universe's Acceleration, Challenges Dark Energy as Cause of Cosmic Expansion

A snapshot of the universe simulated by NASA's Pleiades supercomputer. (Credit: NASA/UCSC)

Recent research challenges the long-held belief in dark energy as the driving force behind the universe's accelerating expansion. A study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society suggests that cosmic voids—vast, empty regions in space—may create an illusion of acceleration. By analyzing data from the Pantheon+ survey, which includes 1,500 Type Ia supernovae, researchers propose that the large-scale structure of the cosmos could explain the observed acceleration without invoking dark energy. This finding questions a cornerstone of modern cosmology and opens new avenues for understanding the universe's expansion. The Pantheon+ dataset, the most extensive collection of Type Ia supernovae, provides critical insights into the universe's growth over time.

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