Issue 46 | Breaking Space News: Apr 13 - 19, 2025

Explorer, welcome back!🚀

For a change, the Military section, isn't just another U.S. defense update—this time, Germany is upto something as well. Having trouble with links? Click here for the full newsletter experience!

Hope you enjoy this Space!

• PRIMER

  • Hycean Planets

    • Key Features of Hycean Planets

    • Why Are They Interesting?

    • Examples & Research

    • Challenges

• IMAGES

  • NGC 1514 : MIRI Image, James Webb Space Telescope

  • Acheron Fossae : Mars Express, ESA

• SCIENCE

  • Strongest Evidence Yet of Possible Extraterrestrial Biology Found on K2-18b

  • ESA Report Predicts Surge in Uncontrolled Space Debris Reentries, Reaching 15 Per Day

  • NASA Prepares to Launch First Quantum Gravity Sensor for Space Based Research & Measurements

  • Astronomers Detect Exoplanet in an Unusual 90-Degree, Polar Orbit Around Binary Brown Dwarf System

  • Perseverance Examines Billion-Year-Old Rocks in Search for Signs of Life

  • Chinese Engineers Reveal Details of the 2024 Lunar Satellite Recovery Effort

  • JAXA’s Hayabusa2 Probe Encounters Glitch While Traveling Toward Asteroid 1998 KY26 on Extended Mission

  • Key Components of Lunar Gateway Space Station Arrive in US from Italy for Final Preparations as Artemis Missions Progress

• GOVERNANCE

  • US Lawmakers Oppose Proposed Cuts to NASA Science Budget, Warn of Consequences

  • NASA - Roscosmos Extend Seat Barter Agreement Through 2027

  • Commercial Space Sector is Expanding Faster Than Ever as the Industry within the US Pushes for Greater Government Support

• MILITARY

  • Germany Plans to Build Sovereign Military Satellite Constellation

  • US Space Force's New Space Doctrine Signals Expanding Military Operations in Earth’s Orbit

  • US Launches Spy Satellite on a Repurposed ICBM as China Deploys Experimental Payloads on Modified Long March 6A Rocket

  • Katalyst, LMO Space to Demonstrate U.S. Space Command Backed Spacecraft Docking Technique

  • US Space Force Updates Strategy to Allow Greater Commercial Access to Military Launch Missions

  • US & UK Defense Programs Tap Rocket Lab for Multi-Billion Dollar Hypersonic Research

  • L3Harris's Completes $125M Satellite Production Facility to Strengthen Position in ‘Golden Dome' Contracts

• COMMERCIAL

  • Quantum-Secure Networks Take Shape with Satellite & Ground Twin Development for Boeing and HRL's Q4S Mission

  • Texas Awards $26M in New Grants to Support Lunar Research, Hypersonic Development, Space Manufacturing

  • Astranis, Chunghwa Telecom Sign $115M Deal for Taiwan’s First Dedicated Telecom Satellite

• RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

  • Researchers Use Deep Learning to Refine Historical Solar Imaging Data

  • New Study Suggests Saturn’s Moon, Titan May Harbor Only Trace Amounts of Life

  • Researchers Discover a Dwarf Galaxy with Unexpected Dark Matter Absence

PRIMER

Hycean Planets

Hycean planets are a hypothetical class of exoplanets that feature vast liquid water oceans beneath hydrogen-rich atmospheres, with potentially habitable conditions. The term "Hycean" is a portmanteau of "hydrogen" and "ocean," reflecting their key characteristics. They were first theorized in 2021 by astronomers at the University of Cambridge.

These planets are thought to be larger and more massive than Earth, with radii reaching up to 2.6 times Earth's size. Their extended atmospheres make them promising candidates for detecting biosignatures, potentially expanding the search for extraterrestrial life.

Hycean planets could exist in a wider habitable zone than Earth-like planets, meaning they might support life even in conditions previously considered extreme. Some variations include "dark Hycean" planets, which are habitable only on their permanent night side, and "cold Hycean" planets, which rely on greenhouse effects rather than stellar radiation.

Key Features of Hycean Planets

1. Atmosphere: Dominated by hydrogen (H₂) with possible traces of water vapor, methane, and ammonia.

2. Surface: Likely covered by a deep, global ocean beneath the thick hydrogen-rich atmosphere.

3. Size & Mass: Larger and more massive than Earth, typically between 2-10 Earth radii, falling into the mini-Neptune category.

4. Temperature: Can be hot or cold, but some orbit in the habitable zone where liquid water could exist.

5. Potential for Life: Their vast oceans and organic chemistry might support microbial life, even without a rocky surface like Earth.

Why Are They Interesting?

• More Common & Easier to Detect: Hycean planets are more abundant than Earth-like planets and have thicker atmospheres, making them easier to study with telescopes like JWST.

• Broader Habitable Zone: They can remain habitable even farther from their stars than Earth-like planets because hydrogen atmospheres trap heat efficiently.

• Biosignature Search: Scientists are looking for gases like dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or methane, which could indicate life in Hycean oceans.

Examples & Research

• K2-18b (a potential Hycean candidate) showed signs of water vapor and methane in its atmosphere. We have an interesting story about this today.

• JWST is studying other Hycean planet candidates for biosignatures.

Challenges

• Extreme pressure and lack of sunlight in deep oceans could limit life forms.

• Some Hycean planets may be too hot or lack a stable surface ocean.

Hycean planets expand the search for life beyond Earth-like worlds, offering exciting new targets in the hunt for habitable exoplanets. 🌍🔭

IMAGES

NGC 1514 : MIRI Image, James Webb Space Telescope

Acheron Fossae : Mars Express, ESA

SCIENCE

Strongest Evidence Yet of Possible Extraterrestrial Biology Found on Distant Planet

In what may be one of the biggest updates in astronomy this year so far, astronomers have detected the strongest indications yet of possible biological activity beyond our solar system. Using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), researchers at the University of Cambridge identified dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away in the Leo constellation. On Earth, these molecules are exclusively produced by life, primarily marine phytoplankton.

While the findings are promising, scientists emphasize caution, as unknown chemical processes could be responsible for these compounds. The detection reached a three-sigma statistical significance, meaning a 0.3% probability that the results occurred by chance. Further JWST observations could push this to the five-sigma threshold, required for formal scientific confirmation.

K2-18b, which is 8.6 times as massive and 2.6 times as large as Earth and classified as a Hycean planet, has previously shown signs of methane and carbon dioxide, reinforcing its potential habitability. The initial, tentative detection of DMS on K2-18b came from JWST’s near-infrared instruments (NIRISS and NIRSpec, 0.8-5 microns), while a new independent observation confirmed it using JWST’s mid-infrared MIRI instrument (6-12 microns).

The discovery marks a significant step in the search for extraterrestrial life. The results from the study are published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

ESA Report Predicts Surge in Uncontrolled Space Debris Reentries, Reaching 15 Per Day

The annual ESA Space Environment Report 2025 highlights the growing challenge of space debris and the increasing congestion in Earth's orbit. According to the report the number of objects in orbit continues to rise, with an estimated 45,700 fragments larger than 10 cm now circling Earth and another 1.2 million fragments larger than 1 cm posing a risk to satellites and spacecraft.

At least three large pieces of space debris—including defunct satellites and rocket bodies—fall back to Earth every day. In 2024 alone, 1,200 intact objects reentered the atmosphere, adding to the growing concern over orbital congestion and its environmental impact. Experts warn that as megaconstellations like Starlink and Kuiper expand, the frequency of reentries could increase to 15 per day. Scientists are particularly concerned about the chemical effects of burning debris, which releases aluminum oxide, a compound linked to ozone depletion and atmospheric changes.

The report warns that fragmentation events—where defunct satellites and rocket bodies break apart—continue to add thousands of new debris pieces each year. In 2024 alone, several major fragmentation events contributed to the rising number of hazardous objects. Despite improvements in debris mitigation standards, the overall amount of space junk is still increasing, and experts stress that active debris removal is necessary to prevent a runaway chain reaction known as Kessler syndrome.

With 9,300 active spacecraft currently in orbit and more launches planned, the challenge of managing space debris is becoming increasingly urgent. Researchers stress the need for better disposal strategies to prevent long-term environmental consequences. Without intervention, certain orbital regions could become unusable, threatening future space operations.

NASA Prepares to Launch First Quantum Gravity Sensor for Space Based Research & Measurements

NASA is preparing to launch the Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (QGGPf), the first space-based quantum sensor designed to measure Earth's gravitational field with unprecedented precision. Developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with private companies and academic institutions, the mission aims to test quantum sensing technologies that could revolutionize Earth and planetary science.

The QGGPf will use ultra-cold rubidium atoms as test masses, leveraging quantum mechanics to detect minute gravitational anomalies. Unlike traditional gravity sensors, this compact instrument is expected to be 10 times more sensitive, enabling scientists to map subsurface features like aquifers, mineral deposits, and tectonic shifts.

NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) supports the project, which could pave the way for future planetary exploration and fundamental physics research. Hyon and colleagues laid out the concepts behind their QGGPf instrument in a recent paper in EPJ Quantum Technology. The mission, scheduled for launch by the end of the decade, represents a major step in advancing quantum technology in space.

Astronomers Detect Exoplanet in an Unusual 90-Degree, Polar Orbit Around Binary Brown Dwarf System

Astronomers using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile have discovered a planet in a perpendicular orbit around a pair of brown dwarfs, marking the first strong evidence of such a configuration. The exoplanet, 2M1510 (AB) b, orbits at a 90-degree angle relative to the orbital plane of its two host stars, a rare phenomenon known as a polar orbit.

While planets orbiting binary stars have been observed before, they typically follow paths aligned with their stars’ motion. The discovery of 2M1510 (AB) b challenges previous assumptions about planetary formation and stability in binary systems. Researchers detected the planet by analyzing the gravitational influence it exerted on its host stars, revealing an unusual orbital pattern.

This finding expands the understanding of planetary dynamics, suggesting that polar planets may be more common than previously thought. Further studies will explore how such planets form and evolve in binary star systems.

Perseverance Examines Billion-Year-Old Rocks in Search for Signs of Life: Jezero Crater’s Edge Reveals Mars’ Violent and Water-Shaped History

NASA’s Perseverance rover has uncovered a diverse collection of rocks along the rim of Jezero Crater, offering new insights into Mars’ geological history. Since reaching the crater’s western edge in December 2024, the rover has collected five rock samples, analyzed seven up close, and examined 83 remotely using its laser. Scientists are particularly intrigued by Silver Mountain, a sample from a rock estimated to be 3.9 billion years old, possibly formed during Mars’ earliest geological period.

The crater rim contains fragmented igneous rocks, likely ejected by ancient meteor impacts, alongside layered formations that may have been shaped by water. Some rocks exhibit signs of chemical interactions, hinting at past environmental conditions that could have supported life. Perseverance’s findings contribute to NASA’s Mars Sample Return Program, which aims to bring these specimens back to Earth for detailed analysis, advancing the search for evidence of Mars’ habitable past.

Chinese Engineers Reveal Details of the 2024 Lunar Satellite Recovery Effort

The Chinese team of engineers and researchers responsible for recovering two lunar satellites, DRO-A and DRO-B, stranded due to a launch anomaly in March 2024, has detailed the obstacles they overcame to successfully save the mission. The satellites, designed to test long-distance communication networks, link up with the earlier-launched lower Earth orbit satellite DRO-L and demonstrate distant retrograde orbits (DRO) around the Moon, were launched on March 13, 2024, aboard a Long March 2C rocket. However, a malfunction in the upper stage prevented them from reaching their intended trajectory, leaving them joined and spinning uncontrollably once every 1.8 seconds.

A rapid-response team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences worked around the clock to stabilize the satellites, executing a 20-minute maneuver to halt the spin. Engineers from the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites (IAMCAS) and Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization (CSU), both under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) then developed a 40-hour rescue strategy, performing a 1,200-second engine burn to raise their orbit and put them back on course for lunar capture. The first burn raised the satellites' apogee from 134,000 to 240,000 kilometers, followed by four orbital maneuvers, gravity assists, and trajectory corrections over four months to align them with their intended lunar orbit. The mission, initially at risk of total failure, now stands as a landmark achievement in deep-space operations.

JAXA’s Hayabusa2 Probe Encounters Glitch While Traveling Toward Asteroid 1998 KY26 on Extended Mission

Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft, currently on an extended mission to study asteroid 1998 KY26, has entered safe mode after detecting an anomaly on March 21, 2025. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed the issue in an April 2 update, stating that while communications remain stable, engineers are assessing the impact on the mission.

Hayabusa2, launched in 2014, previously delivered samples from asteroid Ryugu to Earth in 2020, providing valuable insights into the early solar system. The spacecraft was repurposed for a secondary mission to explore 1998 KY26, a small, fast-spinning asteroid it is expected to reach in 2031.

While JAXA investigates the glitch, Japan is preparing for its Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, set to launch in 2026 to collect samples from Phobos, one of Mars’ moons. Hayabusa2’s extended mission remains uncertain, but its stable communication offers hope for recovery

Key Components of Lunar Gateway Space Station Arrive in US from Italy for Final Preparations as Artemis Missions Progress

NASA’s Gateway lunar space station is taking shape as key components arrive in the U.S. and undergo final preparations for launch. The Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO), a core module of Gateway, recently landed in Mesa, Arizona, after traveling from Thales Alenia Space facility in Turin, Italy. HALO will serve as a living and working space for astronauts, providing command and control, power distribution, and docking capabilities for visiting spacecraft. It is now at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Gilbert, Arizona, where it will undergo final outfitting before integration with the Power and Propulsion Element at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Meanwhile, NASA continues assembling the Artemis 2 Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will carry astronauts on a lunar flyby mission. Engineers recently stacked the launch vehicle stage adapter and the interim cryogenic propulsion stage, marking significant progress toward the Spring 2026 launch. Artemis 2 will pave the way for Artemis 3, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon no earlier than 2027.

The Gateway program is a NASA-led international effort to establish a space station in lunar orbit, serving as a staging point for Moon missions and a platform for deep-space exploration. It will support scientific research, enable long-duration astronaut missions, and serve as a stepping stone for future Mars expeditions. The program involves partnerships with Europe’s ESA, Japan’s JAXA, Canada’s CSA, and UAE’s MBRSC, making it a globally collaborative effort to expand humanity’s presence beyond Earth.

GOVERNANCE

US Lawmakers Oppose Proposed Cuts to NASA Science Budget, Warn of Consequences

The proposed 50% cut to NASA’s science budget has sparked bipartisan opposition, with lawmakers warning of severe consequences for space exploration, national security, and scientific leadership. Members of Maryland’s congressional delegation, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Steny Hoyer, have vowed to fight the reductions, arguing that they would undermine U.S. innovation and give China an edge in space science.

The Congressional Planetary Science Caucus, led by Rep. Judy Chu (D-California) and Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska), has also voiced alarm, emphasizing that the cuts would terminate key missions like the Mars Sample Return and the Roman Space Telescope. Critics argue that slashing NASA’s budget would jeopardize thousands of jobs, disrupt ongoing research, and weaken U.S. leadership in space.

With Republicans holding narrow majorities, bipartisan efforts will be crucial in reversing the proposed reductions. Lawmakers stress the need for continued investment to maintain America’s preeminence in space exploration.

NASA - Roscosmos Extend Seat Barter Agreement Through 2027

NASA has officially extended its seat barter agreement with Roscosmos until 2027, ensuring continued integrated crew missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Under this no-exchange-of-funds arrangement, NASA astronauts will continue flying on Soyuz spacecraft, while Russian cosmonauts will travel aboard commercial crew vehicles, maintaining a balanced presence on the ISS in case of unexpected vehicle groundings.

The agreement introduces longer Soyuz missions, with astronauts spending eight months at the station instead of the previous six-month rotations. NASA has confirmed Chris Williams as the next astronaut assigned to Soyuz MS-28, launching in November 2025, alongside Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev.

While NASA continues regular commercial crew flights, the future inclusion of Boeing’s Starliner remains uncertain. The extension underscores ongoing U.S.-Russia collaboration in space despite geopolitical tensions, ensuring operational stability for ISS missions.

Commercial Space Sector is Expanding Faster Than Ever as the Industry within the US Pushes for Greater Government Support

The Commercial Space Federation (CSF), a Washington, D.C.-based trade association is pushing for greater government support and regulatory streamlining amid the commercial space sector’s rapid expansion. During an April 2025 House Space & Aeronautics Subcommittee Hearing, CSF President Dave Cavossa emphasized that a pro-commercial environment is shaping space policy and investment, with private space firms driving innovation in launch services, satellite operations, and space infrastructure.

CSF representatives also testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, warning that China’s space ambitions could challenge U.S. leadership. The federation has backed Jared Isaacman, President Trump’s nominee for NASA administrator, stating his confirmation is crucial for sustaining American dominance in commercial space.

As NASA, policymakers, and private companies increasingly back industry-led initiatives, experts suggest that competition, innovation, and policy shifts will define the next phase of space expansion. Maintaining U.S. leadership remains a priority amid global advancements.

MILITARY

Germany Plans to Build Sovereign Military Satellite Constellation Amid Security Concerns

Germany’s military, the Bundeswehr, is planning to develop its own satellite constellation to reduce reliance on foreign networks and enhance national security. The proposed system, expected to be operational by 2029, would consist of at least one constellation of hundreds of satellites providing secure communications and potentially remote sensing capabilities.

The initiative reflects a broader trend among global powers seeking control over their orbital assets, particularly in response to geopolitical uncertainties . The Bundeswehr’s move was partly inspired by the role SpaceX’s Starlink played in Ukraine’s defense, demonstrating the strategic importance of independent satellite networks. While details on cost and design remain classified, Germany’s Ministry of Defense has confirmed that various deployment options are being explored.

This effort aligns with similar European initiatives, including the EU’s IRIS2 constellation, which aims to provide sovereign broadband connectivity. If successful, Germany’s constellation could reshape Europe’s defense landscape and reduce dependence on external providers.

Pentagon’s Space Doctrine Reinforces Military Posture, Formalizes Warfighting Principles in the Increasingly Contested Orbital Theater

The U.S. Space Force has released its most detailed warfighting framework to date, outlining strategies for defending American satellites and conducting offensive operations in space. The document, titled “Space Warfighting: A Framework for Planners,” emphasizes the importance of achieving space superiority—a degree of control that allows U.S. forces to operate freely while denying adversaries the same advantage.

This framework reflects a shift in the Space Force’s posture, moving beyond the “protect and defend” narrative to openly discussing offensive capabilities. It defines key concepts and terms for counterspace operations, including orbital strikes, electromagnetic warfare, and cyber warfare. Defensive measures such as active space defense and counterattacks are also detailed.

Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, deputy chief of space operations, described the framework as a training tool for Space Force members, or “Guardians,” and a guide for stakeholders. The document aligns with broader Pentagon efforts to instill a warfighting ethos across the military.

As space becomes increasingly contested, the Space Force wants to ensure freedom of movement for U.S. forces while deterring adversaries. The U.S. Space Force’s warfighting framework reflects a broader trend of military expansion into space, which some experts view as an inevitable response to growing threats, while others see it as an escalation that could contribute to an arms race beyond Earth.

On one hand, defining space superiority and outlining defensive and offensive capabilities can be seen as a necessary step given the increasing reliance on satellites for communications, intelligence, and navigation. The framework also aligns with similar developments in China and Russia, which have invested in counterspace technologies.

On the other hand, openly discussing offensive operations and counterattacks in space raises concerns about the potential militarization of space, which contradicts long-standing treaties advocating for peaceful space exploration. Critics warn that such strategies may increase tensions and the likelihood of conflicts extending into orbit.

US Launches Spy Satellite on a Repurposed ICBM as China Deploys Experimental Payloads on Modified Long March 6A Rocket

A Northrop Grumman Minotaur IV rocket successfully launched multiple classified payloads for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on April 16, marking the first Minotaur IV launch from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base since 2011. The mission, designated NROL-174, lifted off at 3:33 p.m. Eastern Time, carrying undisclosed national security satellites.

The Minotaur IV, originally a Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missile, was repurposed for spaceflight, demonstrating the adaptability of decommissioned military hardware. The launch was conducted under the U.S. Space Force’s Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP), which provides flexible access to space for experimental and operational missions.

While details of the payload remain classified, the mission underscores the NRO’s ongoing efforts to expand its intelligence-gathering capabilities. The successful launch highlights the continued role of repurposed ICBMs in national security space operations.

Meanwhile, China successfully launched six experimental Shiyan-27 satellites aboard a modified Long March 6A rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center on April 18. The satellites, cataloged in near-polar orbits by the U.S. Space Force, are officially designated for space environment detection and technical tests, though U.S. analysts suggest they may serve as early-stage technology demonstrators for future space systems. Analysts claim that the Shiyan-27 satellites may contribute to broader efforts in surveillance, communications, or other undisclosed applications.

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), which developed the Long March 6A, confirmed the mission’s success and highlighted the rocket’s evolving capabilities. This launch marked the first use of a “multi-satellite wall-mounted deployment” method, which presented new integration challenges but allowed for more efficient payload arrangement. The Long March 6A, notable for its combination of liquid and solid propellant stages, has now completed 11 successful missions since its debut in 2022. China’s latest orbital mission follows the classified TJS-17 satellite launch earlier in April, reinforcing the country’s continued investment in expanding its space capabilities.

Katalyst, LMO Space to Demonstrate U.S. Space Command Backed Spacecraft Docking Technique

Arizona (U.S.)-based Katalyst Space and Luxembourg’s LMO Space are collaborating to demonstrate a new spacecraft docking technique known as “assisted rendezvous and proximity operations” (RPO). Traditional RPO requires servicing spacecraft to handle all aspects of docking, but Katalyst’s approach uses an Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) to move the servicing satellite closer to its target, reducing the complexity and fuel requirements of traditional rendezvous operations.

The demonstration, planned for geostationary orbit in 2026, will feature a deployable “freeflyer” payload capturing close-range imagery of the docking target and a hosted payload collecting range data from a second vantage point. LMO’s machine learning software will analyze this data to enable docking without expensive LIDAR systems. The project, selected by U.S. Space Command and AFWERX, received a $1.9 million contract to develop the architecture. If successful, assisted RPO could make spacecraft servicing more accessible, with potential applications in defense and commercial satellite operations.

US Space Force Updates Strategy to Allow Greater Commercial Access to Military Launch Missions

The U.S. Space Force is refining its approach to launch risk assessment, introducing a tiered mission assurance framework under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 procurement strategy. This system calibrates oversight levels based on payload risk, allowing emerging commercial providers greater access to national security missions.

Previously, stringent mission assurance protocols limited competition to established players like SpaceX and ULA. The new structure introduces Lane 1, which accommodates medium-lift rockets for lower-risk missions, and Lane 2, which remains reserved for high-stakes launches requiring full government oversight. Tier 0 missions require no government intervention, while Tier 3 involves moderate assurance measures.

While Lanes define who can compete for a launch contract and the type of missions they can bid on, Tiers determine how much mission assurance oversight is required for a particular launch, ranging from minimal to intensive government intervention.

Officials emphasize that this shift aims to broaden the launch market, enabling companies without certified vehicles but with successful commercial launches to compete. The upcoming Weather System Follow-on Microwave satellite launch will be the first Tier 3 mission awarded under this framework.

US & UK Defense Programs Tap Rocket Lab for Multi-Billion Dollar Hypersonic Research

Rocket Lab has been selected to participate in multi-billion-dollar hypersonic technology development programs for both the U.S. and U.K. militaries, positioning its Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron (HASTE) vehicle as a testbed for advanced capabilities. The company will participate in the Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC) in the U.S., a $46 billion initiative aimed at accelerating defense innovation, and the Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework (HTCDF) in the U.K., valued at £1 billion ($1.3 billion USD).

HASTE, a modified version of Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket, is designed for suborbital hypersonic testing, deploying payloads at speeds exceeding 7.5 km per second. Rocket Lab’s inclusion in these programs allows it to bid for contracts supporting hypersonic research, including air-breathing propulsion and reentry technologies.

Defense investments in hypersonic systems has been growing, with both nations seeking rapid development and testing solutions. Meanwhile, Rocket Lab’s proven launch cadence and commercial pricing model position it as a key player in accelerating hypersonic technology advancements.

L3Harris's Completes $125M Satellite Production Facility to Strengthen Position in ‘Golden Dome' Contracts

L3Harris Technologies has completed a $125 million expansion of its space manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to support the U.S. Department of Defense’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative. The expanded 95,000-square-foot facility will enable the production of up to 48 satellite payloads annually, addressing the Pentagon’s growing demand for advanced space-based missile warning and tracking systems.

The Golden Dome program aims to establish a space-based shield capable of detecting and intercepting ballistic and hypersonic threats. L3Harris is already contributing to key projects, including the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tracking Layer and the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) program. The company currently has five satellites in orbit and is working on an additional 34 satellites for these defense initiatives, and already holds more than $2 billion in missile-tracking satellite contracts from SDA and MDA.

COMMERCIAL

Quantum-Secure Networks Take Shape with Satellite & Ground Twin Development for Boeing and HRL's Q4S Mission

Boeing and HRL Laboratories have reached a key milestone in their Q4S quantum satellite mission, set for launch in 2026. The companies have completed construction and validation of a ground-based twin, that mirrors the on-orbit payload, for the satellite’s quantum communication payload, allowing engineers to refine quantum entanglement processes before deployment. This subassembly integrates optical components, control electronics, and thermal packaging, ensuring it meets the rigorous demands of space operations.

The Q4S mission is expected to validate quantum entanglement swapping in space, a process crucial for building scalable quantum networks, to advance quantum-secure communications, with potential applications in cybersecurity, Earth observation, and deep-space exploration. Recent lab tests successfully demonstrated linking four photons in a delicate quantum state, meaning their properties were connected—even if they were far apart. Each linked photon pair was generated with high accuracy, behaving exactly as expected, and researchers detected over 2,500 matching pairs per second.

This high detection rate confirms the reliability of the system, paving the way for quantum-secure communication networks in space. If scaled, these entangled photons could be used to transfer information instantaneously across vast distances, opening new possibilities for cybersecurity, deep-space exploration, and advanced computing. As the hardware undergoes environmental testing, researchers hope to establish reliable quantum links between orbiting satellites and ground-based systems.

Texas Awards $26M in New Grants to Support Lunar Research, Hypersonic Development, Space Manufacturing & Strengthen Its Role in the Space Economy

The Texas Space Commission has awarded $26 million in grants to five companies, aiming to strengthen the state’s role in the growing space economy. The funding supports projects ranging from advanced materials manufacturing for in-space applications to lunar regolith simulant production and hypersonic vehicle development. Among the recipients, Aegis Aerospace secured $10 million for an in-space manufacturing platform, while ICON Technology received $694,350 to renovate a facility for lunar soil simulant production.

Interlune Corporation was awarded $4.84 million to establish a lunar regolith simulant center of excellence at the Texas A&M Space Institute. KULR Technology Group received $6.7 million for battery advancements designed to improve performance in extreme temperatures. Venus Aerospace Corporation secured $3.9 million to develop a rocket engine test facility at the Houston Spaceport.

This latest round of grants follows previous awards totaling $69.2 million, bringing the commission’s total allocations to $95.3 million. The funding stems from a $150 million appropriation by the Texas Legislature in 2023, which established the commission and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium (TARSEC). With demand for space-related funding exceeding available resources, officials hope the high volume of applications will encourage legislators to expand financial support for Texas’ space initiatives in future budgets.

Astranis, Chunghwa Telecom Sign $115M Deal for Taiwan’s First Dedicated Telecom Satellite

Astranis, the California-based GEO services provider, has secured a $115 million contract to deliver Taiwan’s first dedicated communications satellite, despite ongoing technical issues with a separate spacecraft. The deal, signed with Taiwanese telecom service provider Chunghwa Telecom, underscores Taiwan’s push for resilient digital infrastructure amid geopolitical and natural uncertainties. The Ka-band satellite, set to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 by the end of 2025, will integrate into Chunghwa’s multi-orbit network, complementing existing capacity from SES’s MEO fleet and OneWeb’s LEO constellation.

Meanwhile, Astranis continues troubleshooting UtilitySat, one of four satellites launched in late 2024. Unlike its counterparts, UtilitySat has failed to raise its orbit, prompting engineers to pause maneuvers for further diagnostics. Amidst this setback, Astranis is making efforts to expand its micro-GEO satellite model, offering smaller, cost-effective alternatives to traditional geostationary spacecraft.

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Researchers Use Deep Learning to Refine Historical Solar Imaging Data

Scientists from the University of Graz, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), and the High Altitude Observatory have developed an AI-powered deep learning framework, Instrument-to-Instrument Translation (ITI) to enhance decades of solar observations. Using generative adversarial networks (GANs), the model translates older, lower-resolution solar images into high-quality data, bridging gaps between past and present observations.

This technique improves solar imaging, reduces atmospheric noise, and even estimates magnetic fields on the Sun’s far side. ITI enables seamless translation between different solar instruments, even those that never operated simultaneously, creating a more unified view of the Sun’s long-term evolution. Researchers emphasize that AI cannot replace direct observations but can maximize existing data, offering a more unified view of the Sun’s long-term evolution. This research is described in a paper published April 2 in the journal Nature Communications.

New Study Suggests Saturn’s Moon, Titan May Harbor Only Trace Amounts of Life

A new study suggests that Saturn’s moon Titan may harbor microscopic life, but only in tiny amounts. Researchers from the University of Arizona and Harvard University used bioenergetic modeling to assess Titan’s subsurface ocean, which is estimated to be 480 kilometers deep. While Titan’s atmosphere is rich in organic molecules, the study found that only a small fraction of these compounds reach the ocean, limiting potential life.

Scientists propose that fermentation, a simple metabolic process, could sustain microbes, but the total biomass may be no more than a few kilograms. Future missions, including NASA’s Dragonfly, aim to explore Titan’s habitability further. The research was published April 7 in The Planetary Science Journal.

Researchers Discover a Dwarf Galaxy with Unexpected Dark Matter Absence

Astronomers using the W. M. Keck Observatory have discovered a dark matter-deficient dwarf galaxy, FCC 224, located on the outskirts of the Fornax Cluster, approximately 60–65 million light-years away. This finding challenges conventional galaxy formation models, which assume dark matter is a fundamental component of all galaxies.

FCC 224 was analyzed in two studies: one examining its globular star cluster system, and another investigating its dark matter content using high-resolution spectroscopy. Researchers found that FCC 224 has an unusually high number of luminous star clusters but lacks detectable dark matter in its inner regions. This discovery raises questions about how such galaxies form and whether similar dark matter-deficient galaxies exist elsewhere.

The findings suggest that galaxy formation may be more diverse than previously thought, prompting astronomers to reconsider existing models. Further observations will be needed to understand the mechanisms behind FCC 224’s unusual composition. The findings were reported in two different studies.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸