Issue 40 | Breaking Space News: Mar 02 - 08, 2025

Welcome back Explorer,

We are changing.

Starting this week, we’re introducing a new section: Primer. In each issue, we’ll break down a complex space-related topic, providing clear and concise explanations to help you better understand the science, technology, and trends that shape our presence in the cosmos.

Meanwhile, lots of global updates in military, commerce, research this week!

Stay Curious!

• PRIMER

  • Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs)

    • What are SPACs and How Do They Work?

    • Why It Matters

    • Pros of SPACs in the Space Industry

    • Cons of SPACs in the Space Industry

    • Examples of Space Companies That Went Public via SPACs

• IMAGES

  • NGC 2283, Star-Forming, Barred Spiral Galaxy

  • Earth, Moon : Resilience Probe, ispace

  • Kuiper Belt Duo’s “3 Body Problem”

• SCIENCE

  • India’s Aditya-L1 Space Solar Observatory Records Major Solar Flare Event

  • NASA's EZIE Mission to Study Magnetic Fingerprints of Auroras

  • Spire Achieves Two-Way Optical Link Between Cubesats in Space

  • SpaceX Starship Explosion Prompts FAA Inquiry

  • Intuitive Machines' IM-2 Lunar Mission Concludes: …

  • Future of NASA's Lunar Trailblazer Moon Probe in Doubt

• GOVERNANCE

  • ISS Astronauts Reject Elon Musk' Call for Station's Early Retirement

• MILITARY

  • Johnston Atoll Chosen for US Air Force's High-Speed Cargo Delivery Tests

  • BAE, Albedo, and Raven Secure US Defense Contracts for Space Initiatives

  • Golden Dome Project Highlights Need for Cross-Agency Collaboration

  • Defense Sector Sees Growing Influence of Silicon Valley Innovators

  • Startups Enter Hypersonics Testing Market with Lower-Cost Solutions

  • US Space Launch Facilities Unprepared for Upcoming Launch Surge

  • US SDA Delays Warfighter Constellation Launch, York Space Systems Leverages Commercial Tech

  • Major Policy Shift: US Halts Satellite Imagery Aid to Ukraine

  • French Military's CSO-3 Spy Satellite Deployed by Ariane 6 Rocket

• COMMERCIAL

  • Space Florida to Support Star Catcher for Satellite Power Beaming Demo

  • Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile Launch SatCo to Enhance European Connectivity

  • China Promotes Commercial Space Industry in Latest Government Work Report

  • Israeli Chipmaker Secures UK Funds for Satellite Reconfiguration Software

  • Isar Aerospace Secures First Asian Customer Before Debut Launch

  • NASA Selects Firefly Aerospace for Earth Science Smallsat Mission to Study Tropical Storms

• RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

  • Chandrayaan-3 Temperature Data Reveals Potential for Lunar Water Mining

  • Study Links Supernova Radiation to Evolutionary Changes on Earth

  • Helium-Iron Bond Discovery Reveals Insights into Earth's Formation

PRIMER

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs)

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) are essentially "blank check" companies created solely to merge with or acquire a private company, thereby taking it public without going through the traditional initial public offering (IPO) process. They have become a popular mechanism for companies, including those in the space industry, to go public and raise capital.

What are SPACs and How Do They Work?

1. Formation: A SPAC is created by sponsors (often experienced investors or industry experts) and raises money through an IPO. The funds are held in a trust until a target company is identified.

2. Merger: The SPAC identifies a private company (in this case, a space-related company) and merges with it, allowing the private company to become publicly traded.

3. Public Listing: Once the merger is complete, the combined entity operates as a publicly traded company.
    

Why It Matters

SPACs provide space companies—like satellite operators, rocket builders, and space tourism firms—with faster access to funding, helping accelerate innovation in areas like reusable rockets, satellite networks, and lunar exploration.
 

Pros of SPACs in the Space Industry

1. Faster Access to Capital:

   • SPACs allow space companies to go public and raise funds more quickly than traditional IPOs, which can take years and involve significant regulatory hurdles.

   • This is particularly beneficial for capital-intensive industries like space, where companies need significant upfront investment for R&D, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

2. Attracting Investors:

   • SPACs provide a way for retail and institutional investors to invest in high-growth, innovative space companies that were previously only accessible to venture capitalists or private equity firms.

   • The space industry is seen as a high-growth sector, and SPACs have helped bring attention to companies working on satellites, launch vehicles, space infrastructure, and more.

3. Flexibility in Valuation:

   • SPAC mergers allow companies to negotiate valuations directly with sponsors, which can be advantageous in volatile markets or for companies with uncertain future cash flows (common in the space industry).

4. Boosting Innovation:

   • By providing easier access to public markets, SPACs enable space startups to secure funding for ambitious projects, such as satellite constellations, lunar exploration, and space tourism.

5. Increased Visibility:

   • Going public through a SPAC can increase a company's visibility and credibility, attracting partnerships, customers, and talent.
      

Cons of SPACs in the Space Industry

1. Overvaluation Risks:

   • Some space companies merging with SPACs have been accused of being overvalued, leading to stock price volatility and potential losses for investors.

   • The space industry is inherently risky, with long development timelines and uncertain revenue streams, making overvaluation a significant concern.

2. Regulatory Scrutiny:

   • SPACs have faced increasing regulatory scrutiny, particularly around transparency and financial disclosures. This could lead to stricter regulations, making SPAC mergers more challenging in the future.

3. Short-Term Pressure:

   • Public companies face pressure to deliver short-term results, which may not align with the long-term nature of space exploration and technology development.

   • This could lead to rushed decisions or a focus on less ambitious, more immediately profitable projects.

4. Market Saturation:

   • The surge in SPAC activity has led to a crowded market, with many space companies competing for investor attention. This could dilute interest and make it harder for individual companies to stand out.

5. Potential for Failure:

   • Not all space companies that go public via SPACs will succeed. The space industry is highly speculative, and some companies may fail to deliver on their promises, leading to investor skepticism.
      

Examples of Space Companies That Went Public via SPACs

• Virgin Galactic: One of the first space companies to go public via a SPAC, focusing on space tourism.

• Rocket Lab: A small satellite launch provider that merged with a SPAC to fund its expansion.

• Astra: A launch vehicle company that went public to scale its operations.

• BlackSky: A geospatial intelligence company leveraging satellite imagery.

• Planet Labs: A Earth observation company that uses satellites to monitor the planet.

SPACs are fueling a new era of space commercialization, but their long-term impact depends on whether these companies can turn ambitious promises into reality.

IMAGES

NGC 2283, Star-Forming, Barred Spiral Galaxy : James Webb Space Telescope

Earth, Moon : Resilience Probe, ispace

Kuiper Belt Duo’s “3 Body Problem” : Hubble Space Telescope

SCIENCE

India’s Aditya-L1 Space Solar Observatory Records Major Solar Flare Event

Within a few months of launch, India's Aditya-L1 solar probe has captured a powerful solar flare, marking a significant milestone in solar research. Launched in September 2023, Aditya-L1 is positioned at the first Earth-Sun Lagrange Point (L1), allowing uninterrupted observation of the sun. On February 22, 2024, the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) onboard Aditya-L1 observed an X6.3-class solar flare, one of the strongest categories of solar eruptions. This flare, emerging from the active region NOAA 13590, was recorded in the near-ultraviolet wavelength range of 200 to 400 nanometers, providing unprecedented insights into solar activity. Unlike Aditya, other solar observatories are “blind” at this distance from the sun, where the flares leave the solar surface, according to Max-Planck Society.

The data collected by Aditya-L1's instruments, including the Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), confirmed that the energy released by the flare propagated through different layers of the sun's atmosphere, leading to a rise in temperature in the outer corona. These observations validate existing solar flare theories and offer new insights into plasma behavior, enhancing predictions of space weather and its impact on Earth's environment.

NASA to Launch Mission to Investigate Aurora Electrojet Dynamics, will Study Magnetic Fingerprints of Auroras

NASA's upcoming Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer (EZIE) mission aims to study the magnetic fingerprints of Earth's auroras. Scheduled for launch in March 2025, EZIE will use three CubeSats to map auroral electrojets—intense electrical currents flowing through the upper atmosphere. These electrojets, which carry nearly a million amps of electrical charge around the poles, can create significant magnetic disturbances on the ground, potentially causing power outages and disrupting communication systems.

The EZIE mission will employ a novel measurement technique involving the Zeeman effect, which detects microwave emissions from oxygen molecules influenced by the electrojets' magnetic fields. By flying in a synchronized "string-of-pearls" formation, the CubeSats will capture detailed data on the structure and evolution of these currents. This information will help scientists better understand the dynamics of the Earth-Sun connection and improve predictions of hazardous space weather, ultimately enhancing the safety of astronauts, satellites, and power grids on Earth.

Spire Demonstrates Two-Way Optical Communication Between Cubesats in Space

Spire Global has successfully demonstrated two-way optical communication between its cubesats, marking a significant advancement in satellite technology. The optical inter-satellite link (OISL) payloads, launched in June 2023, enable secure and nearly instantaneous data transmission for the first time, between two 6U satellites up to 5,000 kilometers apart. This breakthrough enhances the speed, reliability, and security of data transmissions for future missions. The OISL technology, supported by the European Space Agency's ARTES Pioneer Partnership Project and the UK Space Agency, has been miniaturized to fit within small satellites, offering performance previously achievable only with larger systems.

Spire plans to launch additional LEMUR satellites equipped with OISL technology in 2025, further bolstering its satellite constellation. This development is expected to improve applications such as weather forecasting, global communications, and environmental monitoring by increasing data speeds, enhancing security, and reducing data latency.

SpaceX Starship Test Flight Explosion Triggers FAA Investigation & Commercial Flight Delays

SpaceX's eighth Starship test flight ended in an explosion of the vehicle's 171-foot-tall (52 meters) upper stage, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch a mishap investigation. The incident occurred nine minutes after liftoff from SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas, causing debris to fall over the Atlantic Ocean and disrupting commercial flights in Florida. This marks the second consecutive Starship test flight to end in failure, following a similar incident in January.

The FAA's investigation aims to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. Airports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Orlando slowed or halted aircraft departures due to an FAA alert about falling space vehicle debris. Normal operations resumed once the threat passed. SpaceX has stated that the explosion was due to an "energetic event" in the aft portion of the Starship, resulting in the loss of several engines and subsequent loss of communication.

Intuitive Machines' IM-2 Lunar Mission Concludes: Ends with Data Collection Despite Challenges

Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission, part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, has come to an end. The mission had faced significant challenges after landing in a crater near the lunar South Pole. The Athena lander, carrying NASA technology and science instruments, touched down approximately 1,300 feet from its intended site at Mons Mouton. Images confirmed the lander was on its side, preventing full operation of the drill and other instruments before its batteries depleted.

Despite this, the mission collected some data, including the successful demonstration of NASA's PRIME-1 suite hardware and detection of elements by the Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations (MSOLO).

The Athena lunar lander was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on February 26, accompanied by NASA's Lunar Trailblazer orbiter and AstroForge’s Odin asteroid-mining probe. The mission also included Grace, a rocket-powered "hopper" designed to leap into permanently shadowed craters, providing unprecedented data on these unlit regions. Additionally, the MAPP (Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform) rover, developed by Lunar Outpost, was to traverse the lunar terrain, carrying scientific instruments and testing mobility solutions. Athena carried with it Nokia's Lunar Surface Communication System (LSCS), a "network in a box" designed to establish the first-ever 4G/LTE network on the Moon. The network was to enable high-speed communication between Athena, the MAPP rover, and the Grace hopper, facilitating real-time data transmission, including high-definition video streaming and telemetry.

MIT had contributed significantly to the lander mission as well with three payloads: a 3D depth-mapping camera to capture the first-ever color depth images of the lunar surface, a mini-rover called AstroAnt for thermal monitoring and potential swarm robotics applications, and a silicon wafer etched with voices from around the world, symbolizing humanity's shared aspirations for space exploration.

NASA Struggles to Restore Contact with Moon Probe Water Mapping Mission, Lunar Trailblazer

NASA's Lunar Trailblazer mission, designed to map water ice on the moon, is facing significant challenges. Launched on February 26, the small satellite has encountered power issues and communication failures, leaving it in a low-power state and spinning in space, as per information from NASA’s Deep Space Network. Ground controllers have been unable to reestablish contact, and the spacecraft has not performed critical post-launch trajectory correction maneuvers.

The mission, led by Caltech and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, aims to detect water ice on the moon's surface using advanced instruments. Lunar Trailblazer utilized Lockheed Martin's Curio platform, a scalable smallsat spacecraft architecture aimed at cost-efficient deep-space exploration and scientific investigation. The mission, part of NASA's SIMPLEx competition, has a total lifetime cost of approximately $94.1 million. Despite the setbacks, efforts to restore communication and salvage the mission continue. The mission's success is considered crucial for advancing our understanding of lunar water resources, which are essential for future human and robotic exploration of the moon.

GOVERNANCE

ISS Astronauts Reject Elon Musk' Call for Station's Early Retirement, Advocate for Continued Operations Until 2030

NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have publicly disagreed with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's suggestion to retire the station earlier than its planned end-of-service in 2030. Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore emphasized the ISS's ongoing scientific contributions, arguing that the station is still in its prime. Williams highlighted the station's critical role in advancing scientific research and technology development, stating, "This place is ticking. It's just really amazing, so I would say we're actually in our prime right now."

The debate over the ISS's future comes as NASA and its international partners continue to rely on the station for various scientific experiments and technological advancements. The ISS has been a cornerstone of human space exploration since its launch in 1998, providing valuable insights into microgravity's effects on the human body and testing new technologies for future deep-space missions. The astronauts' stance underscores the importance of maintaining the ISS's operations to support ongoing and future space endeavors

MILITARY

Remote Johnston Atoll Chosen for US Air Force’s High-Speed Rocket Cargo Delivery Program

The U.S. Air Force has selected Johnston Atoll, a remote Pacific island, as a test site for its Rocket Cargo Program, which aims to deliver cargo globally at unprecedented speeds. The program involves leasing commercial rockets to transport up to 100 tons of cargo anywhere on the planet within tactical timelines. The Air Force Research Laboratory will build two rocket landing pads on Johnston Island, part of the Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, to support the testing and evaluation of these capabilities.

The initiative seeks to enhance rapid delivery of equipment for mission restoration and humanitarian aid. Environmental assessments are underway to evaluate the impact on local wildlife and habitats. The program reflects the military's strategic shift towards dispersed operations in the Indo-Pacific region, anticipating potential conflicts with China. This innovative approach could revolutionize logistics and disaster response, demonstrating the growing intersection of military needs and commercial space technology.

Situated about 700 nautical miles southwest of Hawaii, Johnston Atoll has served as a hub for nuclear testing, missile defense, chemical weapons storage, and an Air Force anti-satellite weapon test since the 1930s. Decommissioned in 2004 and transferred to the National Wildlife Refuge System, remnants of its military infrastructure, including an airfield, remain, according to SpaceNews.

BAE, Albedo, and Raven Secure US Defense Contracts for Space Initiatives

Several initiatives this week highlight the increasing collaboration between commercial space companies and government agencies.

BAE Systems has secured a $151 million contract from the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command to develop the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) Command and Control (C2) ground system. This initiative aims to modernize the ground infrastructure for missile-warning satellites, enhancing the country’s missile warning and tracking capabilities. The contract, awarded through the Space Enterprise Consortium program, will support the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) system while continuing to support legacy systems like the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS).

In a related development, Albedo has been awarded a $12 million Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The earth-observation startup, set to be the first commercial company to operate in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), will provide AFRL with unique datasets on VLEO operations. This partnership aims to advance the U.S. national space architecture through commercial innovation, offering superior image resolution and enhanced space domain awareness. Albedo’s Clarity-1 satellite, to be launched in March 2025, will collect 10 cm/high-resolution visible and thermal infrared imagery, currently only available with the use of planes and drones, supporting the development of new missions and payloads.

Meanwhile, the additive-manufacturing startup, Raven Space Systems has announced research agreements with NASA and AFRL’s rocket propulsion division. Additional NASA, Air Force, and National Science Foundation contracts, worth over $4 million, will support collaborative R&D using its patented microwave-assisted deposition (MAD) process for aerospace and defense products.

While these efforts aim to enhance national security and advance space exploration capabilities, questions persist about the actual benefits and long-term outcomes of such partnerships.

Golden Dome Project Highlights Need for Cross-Agency Collaboration

The U.S. Space Force's "Golden Dome" missile defense project, inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, aims to create a comprehensive air and missile defense system for the U.S. Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael , speaking at the National Security Innovation Base Summit hosted by the Ronald Reagan Institute, on March 5, emphasized that the project requires a Manhattan Project-scale effort, demanding unprecedented collaboration across defense and intelligence agencies. The initiative faces significant organizational, technical, and cultural challenges, including integrating data from various military and intelligence operations, he noted.

The Golden Dome initiative is envisioned as an extensive defense mechanism designed to safeguard the United States against a variety of threats, such as ballistic, hypersonic, and advanced cruise missiles. This system would use space-based sensors and missile interceptors for early detection and quick response. Planning for Golden Dome is informed by recent operations in the Middle East and emphasizes cross-agency collaboration, with the Missile Defense Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office playing key roles, Guetlein said.

However, integrating defense and intelligence operations remains a significant hurdle, raising concerns about the project's feasibility and the potential impact of organizational behavior and culture on its success.

Meanwhile, reflecting an industry-wide sentiment, Voyager Technologies aims to leverage commercial innovations to contribute to the ambitious project. Matt Magaña, president of Voyager's defense and national security business, speaking with SpaceNews, emphasized the government's clear signal to tap into commercial innovations for the Golden Dome.

Voyager, which rebranded in January to shift focus from commercial space ventures to national security, plans to offer technologies for ground systems, space sensors, and interceptor missile components. The company is currently a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, developing a solid-propulsion subsystem for the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI). Additionally, Voyager is working on edge computing systems in partnership with defense contractor Palantir. This collaborative approach highlights the increasing importance of commercial partnerships in advancing national defense capabilities.

Defense Sector Sees Growing Influence of Silicon Valley Innovators

Silicon Valley's tech firms are increasingly challenging traditional defense contractors, inspired by SpaceX's success in the military launch business. Industry leaders discussed this shift at the National Security Innovation Base Summit, noting that companies like Palantir, Anduril, and SpaceX, with close ties to the White House, are gaining influence. Joe Lonsdale of Palantir highlighted the complexities of the defense procurement process, which still favors incumbents like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. However, he and other executives see potential for these commercial innovators to provide more efficient solutions for the Pentagon in the long term, despite significant bureaucratic barriers.

Recently, defense drone startup, Shield AI raised $240 million, bringing its valuation to $5.3 billion. The company focuses on autonomous systems, including drones and software for piloting autonomous vehicles. This trend reflects a broader shift in the defense industry, with venture capitalists pouring record amounts into AI, space weapons, and other defense technologies. Traditional defense giants like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are facing competition from these agile startups. The Pentagon's increasing reliance on innovative technologies from Silicon Valley underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare.

However, this surge in investment has also led to concerns about a potential hype cycle, with valuations soaring despite some startups lacking commercial traction. The collaboration between defense and tech sectors highlights the growing importance of technological advancements in national security.

Startups Enter Hypersonics Testing Market with Lower-Cost Solutions

Startups are increasingly entering the hypersonic missles testing market, offering more frequent and lower-cost testing solutions. Companies like Stratolaunch, originally focused on commercial space launches, are pivoting to defense work due to growing demand from the Pentagon. Stratolaunch's Roc aircraft, the world's largest by wingspan at 385 ft/117 m and designed to launch payloads while airborne, recently conducted a successful hypersonic test flight, attracting interest from the U.S. Air Force and the Missile Defense Agency.

Earlier this year, Kratos had secured a $1.45 billion contract under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) 2.0 program to develop a low-cost hypersonic testbed. This program aims to increase hypersonic flight test cadence and provide the Pentagon with more affordable testing options.

US Space Launch Facilities Unprepared for Upcoming Launch Surge, Warn Space Executives

U.S. space launch executives have raised concerns about the nation's primary launch facilities' ability to handle the anticipated surge in rocket launches. Speaking at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Warfare Conference, leaders from Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) emphasized the need for modernization to increase capacity. Dave Limp, CEO of Blue Origin, highlighted the expected increase in launch frequency over the next five to eight years, stressing that current infrastructure at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Base is not equipped to support multiple daily launches.

Jon Edwards, SpaceX’s vice president of Falcon launch vehicles, pointed out existing limitations at Cape Canaveral, where simultaneous launches by different providers are not permitted. He proposed that federal launch ranges simulate multiple daily launches to identify bottlenecks, akin to SpaceX's internal exercises. About five or six years ago, when SpaceX launched under 20 rockets annually, Musk challenged the team to determine the requirements for achieving 100 annual launches.

The executives called for simulation exercises to identify bottlenecks and prepare for the future, warning that failure to address these issues could impact the country’s competitiveness in the rapidly expanding commercial space sector. Read more on the story here.

US SDA Delays Warfighter Constellation Launch, York Space Systems Leverages Commercial Tech

The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) has postponed the launch of its first operational satellites for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) to late summer 2025 due to supply chain issues and vendor delivery delays. As part of the Tranche 1 transport and tracking layer program, PWSA aims to deploy a constellation of 158 data transport and missile tracking satellites in low Earth orbit, with the goal of providing initial warfighting capability by early 2027. Tranche 1 was originally planned for September 2024, but despite the delays, the SDA expects to stay on its go-fast approach, launching new technology on a two-year cycle.

Meanwhile, York Space Systems is leveraging commercial satellite technology for classified defense missions, positioning itself as a bridge between commercial space capabilities and national security requirements. The Denver (U.S)-based satellite manufacturer plans to launch five missions in 2025 for commercial customers conducting classified experiments for the U.S. military. York's LX-class satellite platform, also used for the SDA's PWSA constellation, will be employed for these missions. This collaboration highlights the growing trend of commercial firms playing a significant role in advancing national security capabilities.

Major Policy Shift: US Halts Satellite Imagery Aid to Ukraine

In a significant policy shift, the U.S. has halted its satellite imagery support to Ukraine, impacting the country's ability to defend itself against Russian attacks. The decision, driven by the Trump administration, aims to pressure Ukraine into accepting a peace deal with Russia. The suspension of unclassified satellite images, provided by Maxar Technologies, has raised concerns about Ukraine's diminished capacity to track Russian military movements and assess battlefield conditions.

This move follows a heated Oval Office meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Trump questioned Ukraine's commitment to ending the war. The halt in satellite imagery support comes amid ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, further straining the country's defenses. European Union leaders are now considering increasing their military spending to compensate for the reduced U.S. support, highlighting the broader geopolitical implications of this policy change.

French Military's CSO-3 Spy Satellite Deployed by Ariane 6 Rocket

Europe's Ariane 6 rocket successfully completed its second flight, deploying the French military's CSO-3 spy satellite into orbit. The launch, which took place from the Guiana Space Center, marked the rocket's first commercial mission. The CSO-3 satellite, part of the Multinational Space-based Imaging System (MUSIS) program, will provide high-resolution optical surveillance for French intelligence and military forces.

The Ariane 6's second flight followed a semi-successful debut in July 2024, where the rocket failed to perform a final deorbit burn, leaving the upper stage and two reentry vehicles stranded in orbit. Arianespace planned another launch before year-end but postponed it to February to address technical deviations observed during the first flight.

The Ariane 6, developed by Arianespace and the European Space Agency, aims to replace the retired Ariane 5 and support a variety of missions.

COMMERCIAL

Space Florida to Support Star Catcher for Satellite Power Beaming Technology Demonstration

Star Catcher Industries has announced a strategic partnership with Space Florida to advance the world's first space energy grid. The collaboration will see Star Catcher conduct a large-scale demonstration of its power beaming technology at Space Florida's Launch and Landing Facility (LLF), a site previously used for Space Shuttle landings. This demonstration, scheduled for later this summer, aims to showcase the ability to beam energy to multiple simulated satellites over a distance of more than one kilometer. Space Florida will provide a $2 million financial package for a one-year-old venture, according to SpaceNews.

Star Catcher's power beaming technology is designed to eliminate power constraints for spacecraft by delivering on-demand energy to existing solar arrays at higher concentrations than the Sun. This initiative represents a critical step towards the development of an operational space power grid, which could revolutionize how spacecraft are powered in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile Launch SatCo to Enhance European Connectivity

U.K. based telecom giant, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have announced a joint venture, SatCo, to provide comprehensive satellite-based mobile broadband services across Europe. This initiative aims to ensure 100% geographic coverage, enhancing European ‘digital sovereignty’ by offering secure, space-based cellular connectivity via existing mobile network operators. SatCo will leverage AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites, which are designed to support high-capacity data transmission, and Vodafone's network management expertise to build and operate ground stations for backhaul services.

To support its European expansion, AST SpaceMobile has opened 5,600 square meters of manufacturing and office space in Barcelona, Spain. The Texas, U.S.-based satellite manufacturer recently launched its BlueBird satellites and has diversified its approach to securing launch services, including collaborations with SpaceX and Blue Origin.

China Promotes Commercial Space Industry in Latest Government Work Report

A recent government work report from China underscored the commercial space sector as a crucial component for advancing high-tech development, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the country's space capabilities. The report highlighted the importance of scientific and technological self-reliance, with a focus on breakthroughs in core technologies and advancements in frontier and disruptive technologies.

The report also emphasizes the promotion of “safe and sound development of commercial space, the low-altitude economy, and other emerging industries.”. This initiative intends to attract more talent, participants, and resources into the commercial space sector, aiming to bolstering China's position in the global space industry. Read more on the story here.

Israeli Chipmaker, SatixFy Secures Funding from UK Space Agency for Advanced Satellite Reconfiguration Software

SatixFy Communications, the Israeli chipmaker, has secured £1.8 million ($2.3 million) from the UK Space Agency to develop advanced software for digital satellite payloads. This funding, part of the C-LEO program, aims to enhance the reconfigurability of satellites in orbit, addressing the growing demand for flexible and adaptive satellite networks.

The software will enable real-time control and monitoring of payloads across various orbits, integrating with SatixFy's regenerative processor and digital beamforming integrated circuits. With this initiative the UK intends to gain competitiveness in the global space sector. SatixFy's project is expected to significantly improve satellite performance, efficiency, and flexibility, while reducing integration complexity and accelerating time-to-market.

German Isar Aerospace Partners with Japanese ElevationSpace for AOBA Demonstrator Launch

German launch service provider, Isar Aerospace has secured its first Asian customer, Japanese microgravity services startup ElevationSpace, ahead of its debut launch. ElevationSpace has booked a flight on Isar's two-stage, Spectrum rocket, scheduled for the second half of 2026, to carry its AOBA re-entry demonstrator. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Isar Aerospace, which is preparing for the inaugural launch of its two-stage Spectrum rocket after successfully completing static fire tests. Spectrum can carry a 1,000kg payload to low Earth orbit (LEO) and has secured launch contracts with companies like Airbus Defense and Space, Exotrail, and D-Orbit. Meanwhile, ElevationSpace is currently developing a space environment utilization platform that can return to Earth after demonstrations and experiments in space.

The only remaining hurdle is obtaining a launch license from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority, as the rocket will initially be launched from the Andøya Spaceport in Norway. This collaboration highlights the growing demand for satellite launches in Asia. The company's flexible launch schedule and ability to inject payloads directly into target orbits have made it an attractive option for customers like ElevationSpace.

NASA Selects Firefly Aerospace for Earth Science Smallsat Mission to Study Tropical Storms

NASA has selected Firefly Aerospace to launch its Investigation of Convective Updrafts (INCUS) mission, which aims to study the formation and behavior of tropical storms. Firefly was awarded a fixed-price NASA’s Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) contract for a dedicated Alpha launch as early as October 2026. The mission, part of NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder program, will deploy three small satellites in tight coordination to observe rapid changes in convective cloud depth and intensities. Each satellite will be equipped with high-frequency precipitation radar, and one will also carry a microwave radiometer to provide spatial context for the observed weather patterns. The INCUS mission will launch on Firefly's Alpha rocket from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

This collaboration highlights Firefly's growing role in providing responsive and cost-competitive launch services for scientific missions. The data collected by the INCUS satellites will contribute to advancing climate change models and improving our understanding of extreme weather events, ultimately aiding in better prediction and mitigation strategies.

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Temperature Data Reveals Potential for Lunar Water Mining

Recent findings from India's Chandrayaan-3 mission suggest that water mining on the Moon may be more feasible than previously thought. The mission, which successfully landed near the lunar south pole in August 2023, has provided crucial temperature data indicating that ice deposits might be more widespread and accessible. The ChaSTE probe aboard the Vikram lander recorded significant temperature fluctuations, revealing that certain high-latitude slopes on the Moon could maintain cooler conditions conducive to ice accumulation. At the "Statio Shiv Shakti" sunward-facing slope, temperatures peaked at 179.6°F (82°C) and dropped to -270.67°F (-168.15°C) at night. However, just a meter away on flatter, pole-facing terrain, peaks were significantly lower at 138.2°F (59°C).

These findings have significant implications for future lunar missions, such as NASA's Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. Accessible ice deposits could serve as vital resources for astronauts, providing drinking water, oxygen, and even rocket fuel. The discovery underscores the importance of developing innovative techniques for extracting and utilizing lunar ice, potentially reducing reliance on Earth-based supplies and making long-term lunar exploration more sustainable. The study was published on Thursday (March 6) in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.

Study Links Supernova Radiation to DNA Breakage, Evolutionary Changes on Earth

Recent research from UC Santa Cruz suggests that cosmic radiation from a supernova may have influenced the evolution of viruses in Africa's Lake Tanganyika. The study, led by Caitlyn Nojiri, examined iron isotopes to identify a 2.5 million-year-old supernova and linked it to a surge of radiation that impacted Earth. This radiation was powerful enough to break DNA, potentially driving the mutation of viruses in the lake. Lake Tanganyika is renowned for its biodiversity, hosting over 2,000 species, including around 250 cichlid types. The findings indicate that cosmic events can have significant effects on Earth's biological history.

The research team simulated the extreme conditions of the supernova, revealing that the radiation from the stellar explosion pummeled Earth for around 100,000 years. This prolonged exposure to cosmic rays may have accelerated evolutionary changes in the viruses infecting fish in Lake Tanganyika. The team's research was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Helium-Iron Bond Discovery Hints at Primordial Helium Present in Earth's Core

Researchers from Japan and Taiwan have uncovered that helium, typically considered chemically inert, can bond with iron under high pressures. Using a laser-heated diamond anvil cell, they discovered significant amounts of helium in Earth's core, which challenges existing theories about the planet's internal structure and history. This suggests that the early Earth may have captured gas from the primordial solar nebula, potentially providing insights into the origins of Earth's water and development.

University of Tokyo's Department of Earth and Planetary Science, led by graduate student Haruki Takezawa and Professor Kei Hirose, has investigated the presence of primordial helium (3He) in volcanic rocks. By recreating extreme conditions with pressures of 5-55 gigapascals and temperatures up to 3,000 kelvins, they found that iron compounds contained up to 3.3% helium, significantly higher than previous studies. This finding supports the notion of primordial materials in the Earth's mantle and highlights the planet's ancient formation processes. The researchers published their findings in the journal Physical Review Letters.

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