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- Issue 41 | Breaking Space News: Mar 09 - 15, 2025
Issue 41 | Breaking Space News: Mar 09 - 15, 2025
Do We Live Inside a Black Hole? And How Old Is the Water That We Drink? This Week in Space News: Supersonic Aircraft & Cosmic Guitar Images, NASA Observatory Launch, AI in Space Defense, World’s Largest Iceberg Comes to a Halt, Insights on Governance & Ownership in Deep Space, Blurring Boundaries Between Public & Private Space Efforts, & More.
Lagrangian Despatch
March 16, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 55 minutes
Dear Lagrangian,
We’re loaded with plenty of updates this week. Lots about AI in Commercial Space and Defense, and new studies pushing the boundaries of science.
Enjoy reading!
Relativity Space Names Former Google Chief, Eric Schmidt, as CEO
UAE’s Space42 & Viasat Sign MoU to Develop Direct-to-Device Satellite Prototype
Norwegian Space Agency Partners with Isar Aerospace for Arctic Surveillance Satellites
Satellite Manufacturers Strategize to Compete with SpaceX's Dominance
GEO Market Rebounds as Thales and Swissto12 Win New Satellite Deals in Asia-Pacific and Japan
PRIMER
Gravitational Lensing
Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's general theory of relativity. It occurs when a massive object, such as a galaxy or a cluster of galaxies, creates a gravitational field that bends and magnifies the light from a more distant object behind it. Essentially, the massive object acts like a cosmic magnifying glass.
This illustration shows a distant quasar's light being altered by a massive foreground galaxy's powerful gravity, warping and magnifying the quasar's light, producing four distorted images of the quasar. (Credit: NASA, ESA, and D. Player (STScI))
There are three main types of gravitational lensing:
Strong Lensing: This creates dramatic effects like Einstein rings (complete circles of light) or multiple images of the same object.
Weak Lensing: This subtly distorts the shapes of background objects, helping astronomers map the distribution of dark matter.
Microlensing: This occurs when a smaller object, like a star, passes in front of a distant star, temporarily magnifying its light.
Two examples of Gravitational lensing:
Einstein Cross: A galaxy bends light, creating four images of a distant quasar.
Abell 370: A galaxy cluster produces elongated arcs of magnified light.
Gravitational lensing is a powerful tool in astronomy. It allows scientists to study distant galaxies, detect dark matter, and even observe the universe's early stages. It's like peering into the past through nature's own telescope.
IMAGES
“Boomless” XB-1, Schlieren Photograph : Boom Supersonic, NASA
Boom Supersonic, in collaboration with NASA, has achieved a milestone in civil supersonic aviation with its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft. During a February 10, 2025, test flight over the Mojave Desert, the team captured a Schlieren photograph, visualizing shock waves as the aircraft broke the sound barrier. This image, requiring precise timing and positioning, highlights the changing air density around the supersonic jet. The XB-1, the first independently developed U.S. civil supersonic jet, demonstrated the feasibility of supersonic flight without an audible sonic boom, a critical step toward environmentally viable supersonic travel. (Credit: NASA/Boom Supersonic)
NASA's data collection and Boom's analysis confirmed that the aircraft operated at Mach cutoff, where sonic booms refract in the atmosphere and do not reach the ground. This success paves the way for Boom's Overture airliner, designed for "Boomless Cruise" at Mach 1.3, potentially reducing coast-to-coast flight times by 50%. The XB-1 program concludes as Boom shifts focus to scaling its technology. (Credit: NASA/Boom Supersonic)
Mars & Deimos : Hyperscout H Imager, Hera Mission, ESA
ESA's Hera mission, en route to the Didymos-Dimorphos asteroid system, recently conducted a Mars flyby, capturing rare images of the planet and its moon, Deimos. The maneuver provided a gravity assist, shortening Hera's journey and conserving fuel. Using advanced instruments, Hera imaged Deimos' far side, offering insights into its composition and origins. This planetary defense mission builds on NASA's DART experiment, aiming to refine asteroid deflection techniques for Earth's safety.
The red planet appears light blue in this near-infrared Hyperscout H image from ESA’s Hera spacecraft, acquired during the mission’s 12 March 2025 gravity-assist flyby of Mars, with Martian moon Deimos seen ahead of it. (Credit: ESA)
Martian moon Deimos seen across the face of Mars in this sequence of Thermal Infrared Imager images. (Credit: ESA)
Martian moon Deimos appears dark, framed by the brighter planet Mars behind it, in this visible light monochromatic Asteroid Framing Camera image. (Credit: ESA)
Didymos is a binary asteroid in solar orbit extending out beyond Mars. The primary mountain-sized body has a diameter of around 780 m and a rotation period of 2.26 hours. The secondary body, Dimorphos, has a diameter of around 151 m, similar to the Great Pyramid of Giza, and orbits the primary at a distance of around 1.1 km from the primary surface in around 11 hours and 22 minutes (reduced by 33 minutes after DART's impact). (Credit: ESA)
Martian moon Deimos shines much brighter than the red planet beneath it in this Thermal Infrared Imager image. In visible light the opposite is true: the Deimos is much less reflective than the Martian surface. (Credit: ESA)
“Cosmic Guitar,” Arp 105 : Hubble Space Telescope
Elliptical galaxy NGC 3561B (upper left) and spiral galaxy NGC 3561A (lower right) form a shimmering guitar shape in the ongoing merger known collectively as Arp 105. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured this striking image of the galactic merger nicknamed the "Cosmic Guitar," which features a 362,000-light-year-long tidal tail of stars and gas. The image reveals star-forming regions, including Ambartsumian's Knot, a tidal dwarf galaxy. This observation offers insights into galactic evolution and the dynamics of interacting galaxies within the Abell 1185 cluster. (Credit: NASA, ESA and M. West (Lowell Observatory); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)
Credit: P.A. Duc Service D'Astrophysique, DAPNIA/DASM/CEA Saclay, France
Flame Nebula : James Webb Space Telescope
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has provided a detailed view of the Flame Nebula, a stellar nursery 1,400 light-years away. Researchers focused on brown dwarfs, or "failed stars," which lack the mass to sustain hydrogen fusion. Webb's advanced infrared capabilities revealed free-floating objects as small as two to three times Jupiter's mass. This study refines the understanding of star and brown dwarf formation, offering insights into the lower mass limits of celestial objects. The findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
This collage of images from the Flame Nebula shows a near-infrared light view from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope on the left, while the two insets at the right show the near-infrared view taken by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. Much of the dark, dense gas and dust, as well as the surrounding white clouds within the Hubble image, have been cleared in the Webb images, giving us a view into a more translucent cloud pierced by the infrared-producing objects within that are young stars and brown dwarfs. Astronomers used Webb to take a census of the lowest-mass objects within this star-forming region.
The Hubble image on the left represents light at wavelengths of 1.05 microns (filter F105W) as blue, 1.3 microns (F130N) as green, and 1.39 microns (F139M) as red. The two Webb images on the right represent light at wavelengths of 1.15 microns and 1.4 microns (filters F115W and F140M) as blue, 1.82 microns (F182M) as green, 3.6 microns (F360M) as orange, and 4.3 microns (F430M) as red. (Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, M. Meyer (University of Michigan) A. Pagan (STScI))
This near-infrared image of a portion of the Flame Nebula from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope highlights three low-mass objects, seen in the insets to the right. These objects, which are much colder than protostars, require the sensitivity of Webb’s instruments to detect them. These objects were studied as part of an effort to explore the lowest mass limit of brown dwarfs within the Flame Nebula.
The Webb images represent light at wavelengths of 1.15 microns and 1.4 microns (filters F115W and F140M) as blue, 1.82 microns (F182M) as green, 3.6 microns (F360M) as orange, and 4.3 microns (F430M) as red. (Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, M. Meyer (University of Michigan))
This animated image alternates between a Hubble Space Telescope and a James Webb Space Telescope observation of the Flame Nebula, a nearby star-forming nebula less than 1 million years old. In this comparison, three low-mass objects are highlighted. In Hubble’s observation, the low-mass objects are hidden by the region’s dense dust and gas. However, the objects are brought out in the Webb observation due to Webb's sensitivity to faint infrared light. (Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Alyssa Pagan (STScI))
SCIENCE
Saturn's Moon Count Surges to Record-Breaking 274: Astronomers Discover 128 New Moons Orbiting the Ringed Planet
This image taken by NASA's Cassini spacecraft on July 29, 2011 showcases five of Saturn's moons: Janus, Pandora, Enceladus, Rhea and Mimas. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute)
Astronomers have discovered 128 new moons orbiting Saturn, bringing its total to an astonishing 274, solidifying its status as the "moon king" of the solar system. These irregular moons, each just a few kilometers across, were identified using the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope during a multi-year campaign. The findings, officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union, suggest these moons are fragments of larger celestial bodies shattered by collisions, possibly within the last 100 million years.
The discovery highlights the rapid advancements in observational technology, enabling scientists to uncover faint celestial objects. Saturn now has nearly twice as many moons as all other planets combined, leaving Jupiter, with 95 moons, far behind. This milestone not only deepens our understanding of Saturn's complex satellite system but also sheds light on the dynamic processes shaping planetary systems. However, researchers believe current technology has reached its limits, leaving future discoveries dependent on further innovations.
NASA Astronauts Set to Return After Extended Mission as SpaceX Crew-10 Docks to ISS
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams prepare orbital plumbing hardware for installation inside ISS’s bathroom. (Credit: NASA)
The SpaceX Crew-10 mission has successfully transported four astronauts to the International Space Station, docking at 12:04 a.m. ET on Sunday, about 29 hours after launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This crew-swap mission paves the way for the return of two NASA astronauts who have been stranded on the station for nine months due to delays with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were originally scheduled to carry out a 10-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Starliner, which launched on its first crewed test flight in June 2024, encountered multiple malfunctions, including helium leaks and thruster failures, prompting NASA to return the spacecraft uncrewed in September. Wilmore and Williams remained on the ISS, contributing to maintenance and scientific projects while awaiting a new ride home. Their return is now set for March 19, 2025, aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule.
A total lunar eclipse, or "Blood Moon," is seen directly above SpaceX's Crew-10 Dragon "Endurance" atop Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 14, 2025. (Credit: SpaceX)
NASA Launches Dual Missions, SPHEREx and PUNCH, to Explore Sun and Universe Origins
NASA’s SPHEREx, enclosed in a payload fairing at Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 2. The observatory is stacked atop the four small satellites that make up the agency’s PUNCH mission. (Credit: NASA/BAE Systems/Benjamin Fry)
NASA successfully launched two groundbreaking missions, SPHEREx and PUNCH, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 11, 2025. SPHEREx, short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, is a $488 million astrophysics observatory designed to map the entire sky in infrared. Over its two-year mission, it will study the origins of the universe, the history of galaxies, and the building blocks of life by surveying over 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars.
Accompanying SPHEREx, the PUNCH mission consists of four small satellites that will study the Sun’s corona and its transition into solar wind. This dual-payload launch reflects NASA’s strategy to maximize efficiency through rideshare missions. Both projects aim to deliver transformative insights into cosmic history and solar dynamics, showcasing the collaborative efforts between NASA and SpaceX in advancing space science.
World's Largest Iceberg Grounded Near South Georgia Island After Decades-Long Drift in 'Iceberg Alley'
View showing the location of A-23A on the shoreline of South Georgia Island. (Credit: NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview, ocean bathymetry data and digital elevation data from the British Oceanographic Data Center's General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans(GEBCO) and the British Antarctic Survey)
The world’s largest iceberg, A-23A, has run aground near South Georgia Island after drifting over 1,200 miles from Antarctica’s Filchner Ice Shelf, where it calved in 1986. Measuring 1,240 square miles, the iceberg became lodged on a shallow underwater shelf in late February 2025, halting its decades-long journey. This region, known as "iceberg alley," has previously trapped other massive icebergs, such as A-68A in 2020, which disintegrated after releasing 152 billion metric tons of freshwater into the ocean.
Credit: NASA Earth Observatory
Scientists are closely monitoring A-23A’s fate, as its melting could significantly impact the local ecosystem. Freshwater influx may alter ocean currents and nutrient levels, affecting marine life from phytoplankton to seals and penguins. While the iceberg’s future remains uncertain, its grounding underscores the dynamic interactions between icebergs and ocean environments. This event highlights the importance of satellite monitoring in understanding the broader implications of climate change on polar and marine systems.
China Invites Global Collaboration on 2028 Mars Sample Return Mission
A crescent of the northern hemisphere of Mars taken by Tianwen-1's medium-resolution camera in March 2021. Credit: CNSA/PEC)
China has officially opened its 2028 Mars sample return mission, Tianwen-3, to international collaboration, inviting proposals from global partners. Announced by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on March 11, 2025, the mission aims to collect and return samples from Mars to Earth, marking a significant milestone in planetary science. The primary scientific goal is to search for potential biosignatures and investigate whether life ever existed on Mars.
The mission will utilize two Long March 5 rockets, with one carrying a lander and ascent vehicle and the other transporting a Mars orbiter and Earth return orbiter. CNSA has allocated payload capacities of 15 kilograms on the Earth return orbiter and 5 kilograms on the Mars orbiter for international contributions. Proposals are due by June 30, 2025, with selections expected in October. This initiative underscores China's growing role in space exploration and highlights the importance of international cooperation in advancing scientific discovery.
GOVERNANCE
DOGE-Initiated NASA and NOAA Layoffs Impact Critical Operations
Recent federal workforce reductions, spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump, have significantly impacted key agencies, including NASA and NOAA. These layoffs, part of a broader initiative to streamline government operations, have raised concerns about their implications for science, space exploration, and public safety.
NASA's Office of the Chief Scientist, led by Kate Calvin since 2022, is among the offices NASA announced March 10 it is closing. (Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)
At NASA, the closure of the Office of the Chief Scientist and other divisions has led to the dismissal of 23 employees, with further reductions anticipated. Critics warn that these cuts could undermine the agency’s ability to conduct critical research and provide scientific guidance for major decisions. Similarly, NOAA has faced substantial layoffs, with over 800 employees dismissed and more cuts expected. These reductions have already disrupted essential services, such as weather forecasting and climate monitoring, which are vital for disaster preparedness and global infrastructure.
DOGE, led by Elon Musk, aims to optimize federal operations but has drawn criticism for its rapid implementation and potential long-term consequences. The use of AI to evaluate employee roles has added to the controversy, with concerns about fairness and transparency. The layoffs have also affected the regulation of commercial space activities, as NOAA’s Office of Space Commerce struggles with staffing shortages. Read SpaceNews’ coverage as the situation develops.
Questions of Governance and Ownership Shape Space Future
The following is a summary of an opinion piece by Wayne N White Jr for The Conversation. White is an Adjunct Professor of Aviation and Space Law, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He consults with One Space Technologies Inc., is a member and former Director of The National Space Society and an Associate Fellow of AIAA.
As space exploration intensifies, the legal framework governing property and sovereignty in outer space faces growing scrutiny. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, ratified by 115 nations, prohibits territorial claims on celestial bodies and emphasizes peaceful exploration. However, the treaty lacks provisions for private companies and individuals, creating potential for legal disputes as commercial activities expand.
Private entities are increasingly pursuing ventures like lunar mining and permanent settlements, raising concerns about governance gaps. Without clear national laws, nations may withdraw from the treaty to protect their citizens' interests, risking militarization and conflict. Experts advocate for property rights frameworks aligned with the treaty to balance investment protection and international cooperation.
The rapid commercialization of space underscores the need for robust legal systems to manage competing interests. Addressing these challenges is critical to ensuring space remains a domain of peaceful exploration and shared benefit, as humanity ventures further into the cosmos.
MILITARY
Rocket Lab Plans Mynaric Acquisition to Expand into Optical Communications & Strengthen Vertical Integration
Mynaric's optical terminal manufacturing facility. (Credit: Mynaric)
Rocket Lab has announced its intent to acquire Mynaric, a German-based provider of laser optical communication terminals, as part of its strategy to expand into satellite-to-satellite laser communications. The acquisition, valued at an initial $75 million with potential earnouts up to $75 million, is contingent on Mynaric completing its ongoing restructuring under German law and receiving regulatory approvals. Mynaric’s technology, including its CONDOR Mk3 optical terminals, is already integrated into Rocket Lab’s $515 million contract with the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) for 18 satellites in the Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta.
This move aligns with Rocket Lab’s goal of vertical integration, enabling it to manufacture critical satellite components in-house and reduce reliance on external suppliers. By acquiring Mynaric’s intellectual property, production assets, and European manufacturing base, Rocket Lab aims to scale laser communication technologies for its own constellations and those of its customers, strengthening its position in the competitive space ecosystem.
L3Harris is Partnering with AI Firms to Advance US's Golden Dome Program
Rendering of L3Harris' Tranche 2 Tracking (T2TRK) imagery for the Space Development Agency. In November 2024, L3Harris completed critical design review for satellite radios in support of Lockheed Martin Space’s Tranche 2 (T2) Transport Layer Beta contract with SDA. (Credit: SDA)
L3Harris Technologies is leveraging commercial artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships to advance the Pentagon’s ambitious Golden Dome missile defense initiative. This program aims to create a comprehensive shield against a range of missile threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and advanced cruise missiles. L3Harris, which has secured over $2 billion in missile-tracking satellite contracts from the U.S. Space Force and Missile Defense Agency, is collaborating with companies like Palantir Technologies and Shield AI to integrate AI and machine learning (ML) into the system.
The Golden Dome program requires a "collaborative autonomous network" capable of processing data from hundreds of sensors and coordinating interceptors with unprecedented accuracy, Ed Zoiss, president of space and airborne systems at L3Harris, told SpaceNews. L3Harris is tasked with developing the autonomy architecture and user interface for this system. By combining advanced AI capabilities with its expertise in defense technologies, L3Harris aims to modernize missile defense operations, highlighting the growing role of commercial involvement and innovation in national security.
US Space Force Funds Emerging Technologies for Defense Applications
SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force that operates under AFWERX, the Department of the Air Force’s tech investment arm, has awarded $440 million in Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) agreements to eight U.S.-based companies, that include Albedo, Beast Code, CesiumAstro, Gravitics, LeoLabs, Rise8, Umbra and Xona. These partnerships aim to bridge the "valley of death" between prototype development and operational deployment, combining government and private investment to scale emerging technologies for defense applications. The firms are involved in the following capacities:
Albedo: Developing high-resolution imaging satellites in very low Earth orbit; partially funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
Beast Code: Specializes in digital twins for intuitive visualization of complex data; funded by Space Systems Command.
CesiumAstro: Produces Link 16-compatible electronically scanned array antennas for low Earth orbit satellites; funded by Space Systems Command and the Space Development Agency (SDA).
Gravitics: Adapting a commercial space station for military and civilian in-space logistics; funded by Space Systems Command.
LeoLabs: Deploying a next-generation radar site in the Indo-Pacific region; funded by U.S. Space Command.
Rise8: Develops software solutions for military applications; funded by Space Systems Command.
Umbra: Builds synthetic aperture radar satellites for high-resolution, all-weather Earth imaging; funded by the SDA.
Xona Space: Developing a constellation of satellites for space-based positioning, navigation, and timing services; funded by Space Systems Command.
Cognitive Space’s AI-driven mission management tool, CNTIENT coordinates a hybrid architecture of remote-sensing satellites. (Credit: Cognitive Space via SpaceNews)
Meanwhile, Cognitive Space, a Houston-based startup specializing in artificial intelligence for satellite operations, has secured two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II awards from the Space Development Agency (SDA), totaling approximately $5 million. These contracts focus on advancing missile tracking and optimizing satellite network routing through the company’s AI-driven mission planning CNTIENT platform. The platform leverages machine learning to enhance communication resiliency and streamline dynamic path planning in space-based networks. Under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement announced on Feb. 26, Cognitive Space is set to apply automated mesh network management, using CNTIENT, to the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Battle Management Command, Control and Communication (BMC3) ecosystem. The awards highlight the growing role of artificial intelligence in defense and space operations.
Voyager & Palantir Expanding Partnership to Advance AI for Space Domain Awareness
Voyager Technologies and Palantir have expanded their partnership to develop an AI-powered solution for space domain awareness. The collaboration integrates Palantir’s advanced AI and machine learning capabilities with Voyager’s signal-processing electronics and software to create an open-architecture system. This system is designed to autonomously detect, classify, and track space objects in real-time, addressing challenges like orbital congestion, potential collisions, and anti-satellite threats.
The initiative aims to transition the system from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, where components are validated in a lab environment, to TRL 8, indicating full deployment in operational conditions, by 2026. Planned as a hosted payload, the system will leverage data from existing on-orbit assets to enhance situational awareness and operational resilience in increasingly contested space environments.
COMMERCIAL
Momentus Partners with Solstar to offer on-demand Wi-Fi for Vigoride Space Tug Customers
Momentus' Vigoride-7 Orbital Service Vehicle undergoing vibration testing at Experior Laboratories in 2023. (Credit: Momentus)
Momentus Inc., the U.S.-based space infrastructure company, is advancing its in-orbit capabilities through strategic partnerships and government collaborations. Through a recent agreement with Solstar Space, Momentus will provide on-demand Wi-Fi connectivity to its Vigoride orbital transfer vehicle customers. This partnership will demonstrate Solstar’s Deke Space Communicator in 2026, enabling continuous communication with spacecraft, a significant improvement over traditional ground station-dependent systems. The initiative seeks to enhance operational efficiency for both commercial and government customers.
Set for February 2026, the demonstration flight will involve Momentus performing the robotic assembly of a large antenna-like structure in low Earth orbit under U.S.’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Novel Orbital and Manufacturing, Materials, and Mass-efficient Design (NOM4D) program, for which the company received a $3.5 million award.
The 2026 Vigoride flight will also feature a U.S. Air Force AFWERX-sponsored demonstrator project for low-cost multispectral sensors for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), using optical, infrared, and Lidar technologies to support spacecraft guidance. Earlier in February 2025, Momentus had announced that its proposal, initially submitted in 2024, for a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project to perform the RPO demonstration, was selected by the U.S. Air Force after evaluation in a competitive process.
Relativity Space Names Former Google Chief, Eric Schmidt, as CEO
According to a March 10 update, Terran R has completed a critical design review, with production of flight hardware such as panels for the first stage and second-stage barrels, underway. (Credit: Relativity Space)
Relativity Space, a rocket startup known for its use of 3D printing, has appointed former Google CEO Eric Schmidt as its new leader. Schmidt, who has also made a significant financial investment in the company, succeeds co-founder Tim Ellis, who will remain on the board. This leadership change comes as Relativity focuses on developing its Terran R rocket, a reusable medium-to-heavy lift vehicle designed to compete with SpaceX's Falcon 9.
The Terran R, set for its first launch in 2026, has already secured $2.9 billion in launch contracts. The rocket aims to deliver payloads to low Earth orbit with a reusable first stage, marking a shift from the company's earlier expendable, two-stage, small-lift launch vehicle, Terran 1. Schmidt's involvement is expected to bring financial stability and strategic direction as Relativity scales production and refines its technology.
Lynk Global Secures Backing Amid Intelsat-SES Merger as Intelsat’s Multi-Layer System Debuts in Border Security
Intelsat and SES, two leading satellite operators, have independently invested in Lynk Global, a direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications startup. This move comes as the two companies prepare for a merger later this year. Both operators see Lynk's technology, which enables unmodified mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, as a key to addressing connectivity gaps in underserved regions.
SES plans to integrate Lynk's capabilities with its medium Earth orbit (MEO) network, enhancing real-time data transfer and resilience. Meanwhile, Intelsat aims to explore new small satellite collaborations with Lynk, focusing on expanding D2D services beyond SOS messaging to include voice and data.
Although neither company has disclosed how much they invested in Lynk Global’s ongoing Series B round, the investments highlight the growing importance of D2D technology in the satellite industry. Despite their merger, the separate investments underscore each company's strategic priorities and the broader trend of leveraging multi-orbit networks to address global connectivity challenges.
The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona will deploy Intelsat’s Multi-Layer Communication System (MLCS) along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Credit: Intelsat)
Meanwhile, Intelsat has acquired its inaugural client, the Cochise County Sheriff's Office in Arizona, to deploy its Multi-Layer Communication System (MLCS) for operations related to border security. This system integrates Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, 5G cellular networks, and tactical radio systems to provide voice and broadband connectivity in remote areas lacking traditional infrastructure. The MLCS will provide uninterrupted communication with the Sheriff’s 911 dispatch center, in challenging environments, and includes safety features like GPS-based "officer down" alerts. Intelsat CEO David Wajsgras views this as a stepping stone to broader applications in global border security
The deployment includes 10 mobile systems installed in police vehicles and four at the 911 dispatch center in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Intelsat’s initiative underscores the growing use of advanced communication systems by law enforcement.
UAE’s Space42 & Viasat Sign MoU to Develop Direct-to-Device Satellite Prototype
Viasat’s ViaSat-3 is a high-capacity satellite constellation designed to provide broadband connectivity globally, with each satellite capable of delivering over 1 Terabit of throughput data per second (1Tbps). (Credit: Viasat)
Viasat and UAE based AI-powered space technology company, Space42 have announced a partnership to co-develop a shared direct-to-device (D2D) satellite prototype. The collaboration aims to create a multi-orbit 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) infrastructure using an open, standards-based architecture. Using their L- and S-band spectrum, the companies seek to enable seamless global roaming for mobile network operators, addressing connectivity gaps in underserved regions.
This initiative also explores opportunities in narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS), with a focus on cost efficiency and scalability. The partnership aligns with industry best practices, leveraging guidelines from the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) to ensure interoperability with terrestrial networks. Analysts project the satellite segment of the D2D market could reach $50 billion by 2032, underscoring the potential of this collaboration. By sharing resources, Viasat and Space42 expect to accelerate the adoption of next-generation satellite communication technologies.
Deep Blue Aerospace and iSpace Secure Funding to Propel China's Commercial Rocket Reusability Efforts
China's commercial space sector is witnessing significant advancements as two prominent startups, Deep Blue Aerospace and iSpace, secure substantial funding to propel their reusable rocket programs. Deep Blue Aerospace has raised approximately 500 million yuan or $68.9 million in a funding round led by the Taian Yuanwang New Energy Industry Investment Fund. The funds will support the development of its kerosene-liquid oxygen propellant mix powered Nebula-1 rocket, a reusable launch vehicle designed to carry up to 2,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO). Last year, Deep Blue Aerospace's 179-second vertical liftoff, vertical landing (VTVL) flight test with an orbital test stage faced a landing leg deployment anomaly causing an explosion and loss of the stage. The company plans its first orbital launch and recovery attempt mid-year, marking a critical step in China's transition from technical verification to commercial reusable rocket operations.
Meanwhile, i-Space, officially known as Beijing Interstellar Glory Space Technology Ltd., has completed a Series D funding round worth “several hundred million yuan”(100 million yuan = $13.8 million). The investment will advance the development of its Hyperbola-3 reusable rocket, with a maiden orbital launch and sea recovery scheduled for December. iSpace also aims to establish a test bench for the Focus series engine and an engine production facility in Mianyang, Sichuan province..
Both companies are part of a broader trend in China's space industry, which is increasingly focusing on reusable technologies to enhance cost efficiency and competitiveness. These developments underscore the growing role of private enterprises in advancing China's space ambitions, as they compete with global players in the commercial launch market. The success of these initiatives could position China as a leader in reusable rocket technology, reflecting the nation's commitment to innovation and sustainability in space exploration.
Norwegian Space Agency Partners with Isar Aerospace for Arctic Surveillance Satellites
Credit: Isar Aerospace
Isar Aerospace, the German launch service provider, has secured a contract with the Norwegian Space Agency to launch two satellites to sun-synchronus orbit, for Norway's Arctic Ocean Surveillance (AOS) program. These satellites, AOS-D and AOS-P, are part of Norway's efforts to enhance maritime surveillance in the Arctic region, addressing challenges such as unauthorized fishing, search and rescue operations, and monitoring remote areas. The launches will utilize Isar's Spectrum rocket from the Andøya Spaceport in Norway, marking a milestone for the country's space industry as it delivers domestically designed and built satellites from a Norwegian launch site. While the company aims to gather data and experience from this test flight, the AOS contract underscores its growing role in Europe's commercial space sector.
In February, Isar Aerospace completed Stage 1 & 2 static fire tests in preparation for future test flights. (Credit: Isar Aerospace)
Isar Aerospace is also preparing for the inaugural flight of its Spectrum rocket, having recently completed hot fire tests for both stages. Earlier this month, Japanese microgravity startup ElevationSpace became Isar's first Asian customer with booking Spectrum for late 2026, to launch their 200-kilogram spacecraft, AOBA, designed to test a recoverable platform for space experiments and manufacturing.
Satellite Manufacturers Strategize, Embrace Collaboration to Compete with SpaceX's Dominance
Satellite manufacturers are grappling with the dominance of SpaceX, whose vertically integrated model enables rapid satellite production and cost-effective launches. At the Satellite 2025 conference in Washington, D.C., industry leaders emphasized the need for collaboration to remain competitive. Benoit Deper, CEO of Aerospacelab, advocated for joint ventures and risk-sharing to avoid the pitfalls of a fragmented approach, which previously led to the collapse of the launch ecosystem. Similarly, Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, suggested emulating SpaceX’s integration by fostering co-engineering between operators and suppliers to drive innovation.
SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, with approximately 7,000 operational satellites, exemplifies its efficiency. The company’s ability to deliver advanced satellites quickly and affordably has attracted government clients, including the U.S. Department of Defense, which purchased over 100 Starshield satellites, SpaceNews reports.
To compete, manufacturers are consolidating and strengthening supply chains. Airbus, for instance, is exploring partnerships to enhance scalability, reflecting the industry’s shift toward integrated and collaborative strategies. Read more on the story here.
GEO Market Rebounds as Thales and Swissto12 Win New Satellite Deals in Asia-Pacific and Japan
JSAT-32 marks Thales Alenia Space's second commercial GEO contract this year and its second collaboration with SKY Perfect JSAT. (Credit: Thales Alenia Space / E. Briot)
Thales Alenia Space has secured a contract with Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT to build the JSAT-32 geostationary communications satellite, marking the European manufacturer’s second commercial win this year in a highly competitive market. The JSAT-32 satellite, based on the Spacebus 4000B2 platform, will operate in Ku- and Ka-band frequencies, providing broadband and broadcast services across Japan and surrounding regions. It will also feature spot beams for mobility applications, aligning with SKY Perfect JSAT’s strategic investment in fleet modernization to meet growing connectivity demands, including national security needs. A spot beam refers to a focused satellite signal that targets a specific geographic area, rather than covering a broad region. The satellite is scheduled for launch in 2027 and is designed for a lifespan exceeding 15 years.
A render of SWISSto12’s agile HummingSat satellite, which enables a multitude of missions, including L-band direct to device communications from GEO. (Credit: Astrum Mobile)
Meanwhile, SWISSto12, a Swiss satellite manufacturer, has been selected by Singapore-based Astrum Mobile to build NEASTAR-1, a small geostationary satellite designed for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region. Based on SWISSto12’s compact HummingSat platform, NEASTAR-1 will deliver 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) services, including rich media, IoT, and emergency notifications, directly to standard smartphones and smart devices. Operating in the L-band, the satellite is engineered to withstand severe weather disruptions, ensuring reliable service during natural disasters such as typhoons and floods.
NEASTAR-1’s reconfigurable beams will allow Astrum Mobile to adapt its service offerings to evolving market demands, enhancing flexibility and scalability. This marks the fifth satellite in the HummingSat product line, which SWISSto12 claims is up to ten times cheaper than traditional GEO satellites. These contracts reflects a modest rebound in the geostationary satellite market, which has faced declining orders due to the rise of low Earth orbit constellations. NEASTAR-1 also underscores the growing demand for cost-efficient, versatile solutions in satellite-to-device communications.
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
New JWST Discovery Suggests Our Universe May Reside in a Black Hole
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges our understanding of the universe. Observations from the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) reveal that the majority of galaxies in the deep universe rotate in the same direction. This unexpected finding, based on the study of 263 galaxies, suggests a preferred direction for galactic rotation, contradicting the random distribution expected in a non-rotating universe.
Spiral galaxies imaged by JWST that rotate in the same direction relative to the Milky Way (red) and in the opposite direction relative to the Milky Way (blue). The number of galaxies rotating in the opposite direction relative to the Milky Way as observed from Earth is far higher. (Credit: Shamir, 2024)
Spiral galaxies imaged by JWST in the GOODS-S field of JADES that rotate in the same direction relative to the Milky Way (red), and in the opposite direction relative to the Milky Way (blue). The figure shows 158 galaxies that rotate in the opposite direction relative to the Milky Way, and just 105 that rotate in the same direction relative to the Milky Way. (Credit: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2025))
Two primary explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon. One theory posits that the universe was born rotating, aligning with black hole cosmology, which suggests that our observable universe might be the interior of a colossal black hole. Alternatively, the Doppler shift effect could be influencing observations, making galaxies rotating opposite to Earth's direction appear brighter. This discovery may necessitate a recalibration of distance measurements in the deep universe and prompt a reevaluation of existing cosmological models. The research was published this month in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
 The galaxies in the JADES GOODS-S field that were identified as rotating in the opposite direction relative to the Milky Way. (Credit: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2025)) |  The galaxies in the JADES GOODS-S field that were identified as rotating in the same direction relative to the Milky Way (counterclockwise). (Credit: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2025)) |
Researchers Uncover Origins of Rogue Planetary-Mass Objects
The formation of binary PMOs via circumstellar disk encounters. (Credit: Deng Hongping)
This one-million-year-old star-forming region contains thousands of new stars and hundreds of planetary mass objects floating freely in the nebula, not orbiting stars. (Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA /M. McCaughrean, S. Pearson)
A recent study published in Science Advances has shed light on the formation of rogue planetary-mass objects (PMOs) in young star clusters. Led by Dr. Deng Hongping of the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, an international team of astronomers used advanced simulations to uncover a novel formation process for these enigmatic objects. PMOs, which have masses between stars and planets, are cosmic nomads drifting freely through space, unbound to any star.
The research suggests that PMOs form directly through violent interactions between circumstellar disks in young star clusters. High-resolution hydrodynamic simulations revealed that when these disks collide, their gravitational interactions create elongated "tidal bridges" that collapse into dense filaments, eventually forming PMOs. This process explains the high rate of PMO binaries and their synchronized motion with stars within clusters. The findings challenge previous theories that PMOs are failed stars or ejected planets, offering new insights into the chaotic dynamics of young star clusters and the diversity of cosmic objects.
Scientists Discover Orbital Influence on Ice Age Cycles
On its own, Earth would shift toward another ice age in about 10,000 years, scientists say. But humanity’s greenhouse gas emissions may have radically shifted the climates trajectory. (Credit: Matt Perko)
Scientists have uncovered a significant link between Earth's ice age cycles and its orbital shifts, providing new insights into our planet's climate history. An international team, including researchers from Cardiff University, U.K., Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Germany and UC Santa Barbara, U.S., analyzed a million-year record of climate change, focusing on the size of land-based ice sheets and deep ocean temperatures. They discovered that small cyclical variations in Earth's orbit, such as its shape, wobble, and axial tilt, play a crucial role in triggering and ending ice ages.
“We were amazed to find such a clear imprint of the different orbital parameters on the climate record. It is hard to believe that the pattern has not been seen before.
“The pattern we found is so reproducible that we were able to make an accurate prediction of when each interglacial period of the past million years or so would occur and how long each would last.
“This is important because it confirms the natural climate change cycles we observe on Earth over tens of thousands of years are largely predictable and not random or chaotic.”
The study, published in Science, reveals a predictable pattern in Earth's climate changes over the past million years. This pattern suggests that, without human influence, the next ice age would begin in approximately 10,000 years. However, human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions, have disrupted this natural cycle, making it unlikely that an ice age will occur as expected.
Astronomers Find Tiny Galaxy Orbiting Andromeda, Defying Expectations
Not only is Andromeda XXXV the dimmest and smallest known satellite galaxy in the Andromeda system, it’s about 3 million light-years away, making it very hard to spot. The ellipse within the inset shows where this companion galaxy was discovered. (Credit: CFHT/MegaCam/PAndAS; Principal investigator: Alan W. McConnachie; Image Processing: Marcos Arias)
Astronomers at the University of Michigan have discovered the smallest and dimmest galaxy to date, named Andromeda XXXV, orbiting the Andromeda system. This dwarf galaxy, located roughly 3 million light-years away, challenges existing theories of galactic evolution. The discovery, led by Marcos Arias and published in Astrophysical Journal Letters, reveals that Andromeda XXXV has survived in the chaotic early universe, forcing scientists to rethink how galaxies form and evolve in different cosmic environments.
“These are fully functional galaxies, but they’re about a millionth of the size of the Milky Way. It’s like having a perfectly functional human being that’s the size of a grain of rice.”
A map showing the Andromeda galaxy and its satellites. The newly discovered Andromeda XXXV companion galaxy is highlighted in bold red text. (Credit: M. Arias et al. Astrophys. J. Lett. (2025))
Andromeda XXXV is extraordinarily tiny, about a millionth the size of the Milky Way, with a diameter of only a few thousand light-years. This makes it extremely difficult to detect. The findings suggest that dwarf galaxies like Andromeda XXXV may have found ways to resist cosmic destruction, offering new insights into the resilience and evolution of small galaxies.
Novel Framework Links Gravity and Quantum Mechanics
Metric Induced by Matter Field (𝐆) refers to the way the presence of matter influences the geometry of spacetime. Metric of the Manifold (𝑔) is the overall geometry of spacetime itself, independent of the matter within it. The geometry of spacetime (𝑔) and the influence of matter on spacetime (𝐆) affect each other. This means that changes in the matter field can alter the geometry of spacetime, and vice versa.
The Lagrangian (ℒ) (Not the newsletter), is a mathematical function that describes the dynamics of a system. In this context, it is given by the quantum relative entropy between the topological metric of spacetime (𝑔) and the topological metric induced by the matter fields (𝐆). Quantum relative entropy measures the difference between two quantum states, providing a way to compare and analyze them. Given that the entropy of the metric vanishes, the Lagrangian simplifies to the quantum cross-entropy. This means the framework captures the intricate relationship between spacetime geometry and matter influence through a simplified and elegant mathematical expression. (Credit: Bianconi, 2025)
A new study published in Physical Review D introduces a new framework that could revolutionize our understanding of gravity and its relationship with quantum mechanics and, help unite the two. Led by Professor Ginestra Bianconi of Queen Mary University of London, the research proposes that gravity emerges from quantum relative entropy, a concept from quantum information theory. This novel approach bridges the gap between quantum mechanics and Einstein's general relativity, two fundamental yet seemingly incompatible theories in physics.
The study suggests that the metric of spacetime, a key concept in general relativity, can be treated as a quantum operator. This innovative perspective leads to modified Einstein equations that align with classical general relativity at low energies and small curvatures. Additionally, the theory predicts a small, positive cosmological constant, consistent with the observed accelerated expansion of the universe. The introduction of the G-field, an auxiliary field, offers new interpretations of dark matter, potentially providing a unified theory of quantum gravity.
Research Suggests Water Formed Shortly After Big Bang
This Hubble image features dark knots of gas and dust known as “Bok globules,” which are dense pockets in larger molecular clouds. Similar islands of material in the early universe could have held as much water vapor as we find in our galaxy today, despite containing a thousand times less oxygen. (Credit: NASA, ESA, and The Hubble Heritage Team)
Recent research suggests that water in the universe may have formed much earlier than previously thought, potentially just 100 to 200 million years after the Big Bang. This discovery, published in Nature Astronomy, challenges the prevailing theory that water emerged relatively late in cosmic history, around a billion years after the Big Bang. The study, led by astrophysicist Dr. Muhammad Latif, used advanced simulations to trace the life cycles of early stars, known as Population III stars. These massive stars, composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, played a crucial role in creating the heavy elements necessary for water formation.
When these stars exploded as supernovae, they released significant amounts of oxygen, which combined with hydrogen to form water molecules in dense pockets of gas. These early water-rich regions likely seeded the formation of planets and stars, suggesting that habitable environments could have emerged far earlier than previously believed.
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