Issue 47 | Breaking Space News: Apr 20 - 26, 2025

Explorer, welcome back!🚀

Lots of new updates in science and space research. Plus a couple of slightly-alarming reports. Anything that we missed? Please feel free to leave a message with us. Talk to me, I talk back on Discord, Instagram, LinkedIN, and TikTok.

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Hope you enjoy this Space!

• PRIMER

  • CubeSats

    • Typical and Historical Uses

    • Famous Examples

    • The Wooden CubeSat

• IMAGES

  • Cosmic Pillars in the Eagle Nebula (Messier 16)

  • Supermassive Black Hole in the Messier 83 Spiral Galaxy

  • Donaldjohanson, Main Belt Asteroid

  • Narrow-band Image of the Sun

  • Sunrise Behind the Extremely Large Telescope

• SCIENCE

  • ELVIS 3D Holographic Microscope Arrives at ISS to Study Microbes in Space

  • China to Share Chang’e-5 Lunar Samples with US Universities & International Researchers

  • NASA’s Dragonfly Rotorcraft Mission to Saturn's Moon Titan, Clears Design Review, Enters Construction Phase

  • China's Tiangong Hosts Shenzhou-20 Crew for Six-Month Mission

  • Rain and Snow May Have Sculpted Mars’ Valleys, While Curiosity Reveals New Habitability Clues

  • China has Announced 10 International Research Payload Contributions for Chang’e-8 Lunar South Pole Mission

  • White House Budget Cuts Prompt Changes to NOAA Climate Research

  • NASA's Oldest Astronaut & Russian Cosmonauts Return from ISS Aboard Soyuz MS-26

• GOVERNANCE

  • South Korea's Defense Agency, US Intelligence Office Expand Spy Satellite Networks with Separate Launches

  • African Space Agency Officially Established to Strengthen Regional Space Efforts

• MILITARY

  • Report Warns of Strategic Gaps in US Space Efforts as China Makes Progress

  • Modern Conflicts Increasingly Rely on Space-Based Disruption Tactics, as Space Becomes "A More Dangerous Place"

  • DARPA Seeks Proposals for Lunar Orbiter Targeting Water Ice and Low-Altitude Operations

  • SAIC Wins $55M Contract to Lead Integration for Next Phase of US Military’s Warfighter Satellite System

• COMMERCIAL

  • German Okapi, US-Based Northwood, Chinese InfinAstro Lead Space Operations Developments with New Investments

  • Atmos Space Cargo's Phoenix 1 Test Achieves Goals Despite Reentry Setback

  • Iridium Adapts Supply Chain to Navigate Uncertain US Tariff Conditions

  • Rocket Lab's New Line of Customizable Solar Arrays Target Diverse Satellite Needs

  • Italy's RadioLuna Satellite Fleet will Study the Early Universe from Lunar Orbit

• RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

  • Study Investigates the Absence of River Deltas on Saturn’s Moon Titan

  • Study Confirms Solar Wind Interaction Creates Water on the Moon

  • Andromeda’s Satellite Galaxies Show Unusual Alignment Toward Milky Way

PRIMER

CubeSats

CubeSats are small, standardized satellites that revolutionized space exploration by making it more accessible and cost-effective. Introduced in 1999 by California Polytechnic State University and Stanford University, CubeSats were initially designed as educational tools to give students hands-on experience in satellite development. Their modular design is based on 10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm units (1U), which can be combined into larger configurations like 2U, 3U, or 6U, depending on mission requirements.

Typical and Historical Uses

Historically, CubeSats have been used for:

1. Educational Purposes: Universities and research institutions use CubeSats to train students and test new technologies.

2. Earth Observation: Monitoring environmental changes, agriculture, and disaster management.

3. Scientific Research: Studying atmospheric phenomena, space weather, and planetary science.

4. Technology Demonstration: Testing new propulsion systems, communication technologies, and sensors.

5. Communication: Providing low-cost communication solutions, especially in remote areas.

Famous Examples

1. MarCO (Mars Cube One): These were the first interplanetary CubeSats, launched in 2018 alongside NASA's InSight mission to Mars. They successfully relayed data during the lander's descent.

2. Planet’s Dove Satellites: A commercial constellation of CubeSats providing high-resolution Earth imagery for environmental monitoring and agriculture.

3. LightSail 2: Developed by The Planetary Society, this CubeSat demonstrated solar sailing technology, using sunlight for propulsion.

4. IceCube: A NASA CubeSat that studied ice clouds in Earth's atmosphere to understand their impact on climate.

The Wooden CubeSat

JAXA, in collaboration with Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, developed LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite. This innovative CubeSat, made from magnolia wood, was launched in November 2024 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and later deployed from the International Space Station (ISS) in December 2024.

LignoSat was designed to test the durability of wood in the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperature fluctuations and exposure to cosmic radiation. The satellite’s wooden panels were treated to withstand these challenges, and early tests aboard the ISS showed no deformation or damage to the material. The use of wood offers a sustainable alternative to traditional satellite materials, as it burns up completely upon reentry, leaving no harmful debris.

This mission highlights the potential for eco-friendly materials in space exploration, addressing concerns about space debris and environmental impact. Let me know if you'd like to explore this further!

IMAGES

Cosmic Pillars in the Eagle Nebula (Messier 16) : Hubble Space Telescope, NASA/ESA

Supermassive Black Hole in the Messier 83 Spiral Galaxy : James Webb Space Telescope, NASA/ESA/CSA

Donaldjohanson, Main Belt Asteroid : L’LORRI instrument, NASA’s Lucy Spacecraft

Narrow-band Image of the Sun : Visible Tunable Filtergraph, Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, Hawaii

Sunrise Behind the Extremely Large Telescope : Eduardo Garcés

SCIENCE

ELVIS 3D Holographic Microscope Arrives at ISS via SpaceX’s 32nd Robotic Resupply Mission to Study Microbes in Space

The Extant Life Volumetric Imaging System (ELVIS), a groundbreaking 3D holographic microscope, has arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) to advance the study of life in extreme environments. Developed by Portland State University in collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, ELVIS uses volumetric imaging to create detailed 3D views of cells and microbes, surpassing the capabilities of traditional microscopes. This innovative system enables researchers to study microbes and analyze how life adapts to microgravity, offering insights into the potential for life on other planets and moons, such as Europa and Enceladus. The instrument arrived at the ISS on April 22, aboard the SpaceX CRS-32 Dragon cargo capsule, its 32nd robotic resupply mission, with 6,700 pounds of supplies.

During its mission, ELVIS will study two resilient organisms: Euglena gracilis, a microalga known for its adaptability, and Colwellia psychrerythraea, a bacterium thriving in sub-zero waters. These experiments aim to uncover genetic and observable changes in response to space conditions. The findings could inform future space exploration and life-detection missions while also enhancing biomedical and microbiological research on Earth.

China to Share Chang’e-5 Lunar Samples with US Universities & International Researchers

China’s National Space Administration (CNSA) has announced plans to lend lunar samples collected during the Chang’e-5 mission to international institutions, including two NASA-funded U.S. universities, Brown University and Stony Brook University. This marks a rare instance of scientific collaboration between Beijing and Washington amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. The samples, retrieved in 2020 from the Moon’s Ocean of Storms, weigh approximately 1.73 kilograms and are notably younger than those collected during Apollo missions, offering fresh insights into lunar volcanic activity.

The announcement points out that the initiative aligns with CNSA’s principles of equality and mutual benefit, aiming to foster global cooperation in lunar research. Institutions from Germany, Japan, France, Pakistan, and the UK will also study the samples. While U.S. laws restrict NASA’s collaboration with China, special permissions were granted for this exchange. This effort underscores the potential for science to bridge divides, advancing humanity’s understanding of the Moon’s geological history and broader planetary processes.

NASA’s Dragonfly Rotorcraft Mission to Saturn's Moon Titan, Clears Design Review, Enters Construction Phase

NASA’s Dragonfly mission, a nuclear-powered rotorcraft designed to explore Saturn’s moon Titan, has successfully passed its Critical Design Review. This approval confirms the mission’s design and testing plans and allows the mission to transition into the construction phase, with a planned launch in 2028 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Dragonfly, a car-sized octocopter, will investigate Titan’s surface composition, prebiotic chemistry, and potential biosignatures, aiming to uncover clues about the moon’s habitability.

Titan, known for its thick atmosphere, methane lakes, and suspected subsurface ocean, presents a unique environment for studying organic chemistry and the building blocks of life. Dragonfly will spend over three years exploring diverse locations across Titan’s surface, leveraging its ability to fly between sites. Despite delays and cost overruns, the mission represents a bold step in planetary science and astrobiology, building on insights from the Cassini-Huygens mission and advancing the search for life beyond Earth.

China's Tiangong Hosts Shenzhou-20 Crew for Six-Month Mission

China’s Shenzhou-20 mission, launched on April 24 aboard a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, has docked with the Tiangong space station. This ninth crewed mission to the orbital outpost, carried Commander Chen Dong on his third spaceflight and first-time astronauts Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie. The crew reached Tiangong approximately 6.5 hours later, beginning their six-month mission.

The Shenzhou-20 crew will conduct experiments in space medicine, high-temperature superconductors, and biological studies, while also performing maintenance tasks and spacewalks. Their arrival precedes the scheduled return of the Shenzhou-19 crew on April 29. The mission represents an ongoing phase in the utilization of the Tiangong station as a platform for scientific research and technology development, forming part of broader efforts in space exploration and international collaboration. China's Shenzhou-20 mission is the fifth in the application and development phase of the Tiangong space station, as outlined by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). Alongside scientific experiments and maintenance tasks, CMSA is collaborating with Pakistan to prepare for the first foreign astronaut's future flight to Tiangong.

Rain and Snow May Have Sculpted Mars’ Valleys, While Curiosity Reveals New Habitability Clues

Recent research led by geologists at the University of Colorado Boulder has provided new insights into Mars' ancient climate. The planet experienced precipitation in the form of rain and snow, which played a significant role in shaping the Martian surface billions of years ago. However, the source of this water remains a mystery, as climate models indicate that Mars' surface temperatures were too cold to sustain liquid water. This challenges long-standing theories that Mars was always cold and dry, with water primarily sourced from melting ice caps.

Using advanced computer simulations, researchers modeled Mars' landscape near the equator, revealing valley networks, ancient lakebeds and headwaters consistent with precipitation-driven erosion. Models incorporating widespread precipitation better matched the distribution of valley networks observed on the planet, compared to those relying solely on ice melt. These findings suggest that precipitation was a major factor in carving Mars' valleys, indicating a climate warm enough to support rain and snow, during the Noachian epoch, approximately 4.1 to 3.7 billion years ago. These findings align with geological features observed on Earth, such as those in Utah, which share visual similarities with Martian terrain. The study was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets.

Meanwhile, NASA’s Curiosity rover has uncovered significant evidence of Mars’ ancient habitability during its exploration of Mount Sharp in Gale Crater. The rover discovered iron-rich carbonate minerals, such as siderite, embedded within sulfate-rich rock layers. These minerals form through interactions between carbon dioxide, water, and rock, suggesting that Mars once had a thick, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere capable of supporting liquid water.

This discovery aligns with theories of Mars’ climatic evolution, including a transition from a warm, wet environment to its current cold, arid state. Scientists believe the carbon dioxide that once warmed the planet eventually precipitated into rock, impacting Mars’ ability to sustain habitability.

China’s CNSA has Announced 10 International Research Payload Contributions for Chang’e-8 Lunar South Pole Mission

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has announced the selection of 10 international payloads for its Chang’e-8 lunar mission, scheduled for launch in 2028 or 2029. The mission, targeting the lunar south pole, will include contributions from 11 countries and one international organization, reflecting China’s emphasis on global collaboration in space exploration. Selected payloads range from rovers and robots to scientific instruments for studying lunar plasma, dust, and high-energy particles. This follows a 2023 call for Chang’e-8 collaborations, offering 200 kilograms of payload capacity

The countries, all members of the Beijing-based Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) and their international payloads selected for the Chang’e-8 lunar mission are:

1. Pakistani Lunar Rover – A rover designed to explore the lunar surface; collaboration between Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission of Pakistan (SUPARCO) and the International Society for Terrain-Vehicle Systems

2. Turkish-Chinese Micro-Rovers – Two collaborative micro-rovers for surface studies; Middle East Technical University of Turkey, in collaboration with Zhejiang University and commercial company StarVision

3. Bahraini-Egyptian Imaging System – Advanced visible and infrared imaging tools for visual and geological observations; Bahrain National Space Science Agency and the Egyptian Space Agency

4. Russian Lunar Dust Analyzer – A plasma-dust environment sensor and a lunar ion and high-energy neutral particle analyzer instrument to study lunar dust properties; Russian Federal Space Agency and the Russian State Space Corporation

5. Italian Laser Retroreflector Arrays – For precise lunar surface measurements; National Institute for Nuclear Physics–Frascati National Laboratories, Italy

6. South African-Peruvian Radio Astronomy Array – South African Radio Astronomy Observatory and the National Commission for Aerospace Research and Development of Peru

7. Thai Neutron Analyzer – To investigate neutron activity on the lunar surface; Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand

8. Hong Kong Multi-Functional Robot – operation robot and mobile charging station designed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

9. Iranian Lunar Potential Monitor – Provided by Iran’s space agency.

These projects align with the goals of the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), which aims to establish a robotic moon base as a precursor to human exploration and is set to begin construction in the 2030s. The Chang’e-8 mission, targeting the Mons Mouton plateau (Leibnitz Beta), near the lunar south pole, will test in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies, including 3D printing lunar soil into bricks for habitats. This region features Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) that may trap volatiles such as water-ice.

White House Budget Cuts Prompt Changes to NOAA Climate Research & Raise Concerns About Weather Monitoring Capabilities

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed significant cuts to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) programs, including the Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite constellation, citing its $19.6 billion cost as unsustainable. The “hypothetical” plan, presented in an OMB document known as a “passback” memorandum, suggests reducing the constellation to two satellites, eliminating the central satellite, aiming to cut lifecycle costs by 50%, with annual expenses capped at $500 million. OMB also suggests NOAA end its reliance on NASA for satellite acquisition, citing high overhead costs and risk-averse protocols. Critics warn this could impair NOAA’s ability to monitor oceanic and atmospheric conditions effectively.

Additionally, the White House budget proposal seeks to eliminate NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, which oversees critical climate studies. This move would terminate funding for cooperative institutes and laboratories, jeopardizing partnerships in a network of 16 science consortiums with over 80 universities. Experts argue these cuts could weaken climate preparedness, disrupt weather forecasting, and hinder international collaborations.

While proponents emphasize fiscal responsibility, the proposed changes raise concerns about NOAA’s capacity to address climate challenges and maintain its role as a leader in environmental science.

NASA's Oldest Astronaut & Russian Cosmonauts Return from ISS Aboard Soyuz MS-26

NASA astronaut Don Pettit, the agency’s oldest active astronaut, celebrated his 70th birthday in a unique way—returning to Earth after a seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Pettit, along with Russian cosmonauts Aleksey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, landed in Kazakhstan on April 20, 2025, completing a 220-day mission. The crew orbited Earth 3,520 times, covering 93.3 million miles while conducting research on microgravity’s effects on fire behavior, plant growth, and water purification technologies.

This marked Pettit’s fourth spaceflight, bringing his total time in orbit to 590 days. Known for his innovative experiments and stunning orbital photography, of which we’ve posted some ourselves, Pettit’s contributions continue to inspire. Despite the physical toll of long-duration spaceflight, NASA reported Pettit was in good health post-landing. His milestone underscores the resilience of astronauts and the enduring importance of international collaboration aboard the ISS.

GOVERNANCE

South Korea's Defense Agency & US Intelligence Office Expand Spy Satellite Networks with Separate Launches

South Korea successfully launched its fourth spy satellite, 425Sat-3, aboard SpaceX’s Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission on April 21. Equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, the satellite enhances South Korea’s surveillance capabilities, allowing high-resolution imaging regardless of weather or lighting conditions. This launch is part of a five-satellite constellation aimed at monitoring North Korea every two hours, reducing reliance on U.S. satellite imagery.

Meanwhile, SpaceX conducted its 10th launch for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on April 20, deploying additional satellites under the agency’s proliferated architecture initiative. This strategy prioritizes smaller, cost-effective satellites over fewer large ones, improving resilience and coverage. The NRO’s network now exceeds 200 satellites, marking a milestone in its efforts to deliver near real-time intelligence.

These missions are indicative of the increasing collaboration between governments and commercial entities like SpaceX to advance satellite technologies. The integration of SAR capabilities and proliferated architectures reflects a shift toward more agile and comprehensive surveillance systems. As geopolitical tensions rise, nations are investing heavily in orbital infrastructure to secure strategic advantages, signaling a transformative era in space-based intelligence.

African Space Agency Officially Established to Strengthen Regional Space Efforts

Africa has taken a significant step into the global space arena with the official inauguration of the African Space Agency (AfSA) on April 20, 2025, at its permanent headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. Established under the African Union's Agenda 2063, AfSA aims to coordinate and implement Africa's space ambitions, focusing on Earth observation, satellite development, and space science to support socio-economic growth across the continent.

The inauguration ceremony, coinciding with the NewSpace Africa Conference, brought together dignitaries from African governments, international space agencies, and the global space community. Representatives from NASA, ESA, and other agencies emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing Africa's space strategy. AfSA’s establishment marks nearly a decade of groundwork since the adoption of the African Space Policy and Strategy in 2016.

MILITARY

US Report Warns of Strategic Gaps in US Space Efforts as China Makes Progress

A recent report from U.S. defense and industry analysts warns of strategic vulnerabilities in the nation's space efforts as China accelerates its advancements. The "State of the Space Industrial Base 2024," developed by the non-profit, NewSpace Nexus in collaboration with the U.S. Space Force, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Defense Innovation Unit, highlights ‘institutional fragmentation and regulatory gaps’ as key challenges undermining U.S. leadership in space. While the private sector continues to innovate with commercial moon missions and in-orbit manufacturing, the lack of cohesive national direction risks eroding long-term competitiveness.

China, meanwhile, is rapidly advancing in reusable launch systems, satellite constellations, space-based solar power, and counterspace weaponry, posing potential threats to U.S. space infrastructure. The report calls for urgent action to establish a unified national space strategy, streamline regulations, and appoint a lead agency to oversee efforts.

As geopolitical competition intensifies, the report emphasizes the need for integrated planning and clear government signals to support emerging technologies, ensuring the U.S. remains a dominant force in the evolving space domain.

Modern Conflicts Increasingly Rely on Space-Based Disruption Tactics, as Space Becomes "A More Dangerous Place"

A new report by the Washington D.C.-based policy research non-profit, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlights the increasing normalization of counterspace activities in modern warfare. GPS disruption, satellite jamming, and advanced orbital maneuvers have become routine tools in conflicts across regions like Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. These tactics, including GPS spoofing to mislead navigation systems, are now integral to hybrid warfare strategies, with Russia and Israel identified as key actors in recent campaigns.

The latest Space Threat Assessment report also underscores the growing sophistication of satellite maneuvers by China and Russia, which demonstrate enhanced operator proficiency and potential for covert surveillance or system disruption. Alarmingly, Russia is suspected of testing a space-based nuclear anti-satellite weapon, raising concerns about the long-term usability of low Earth orbit.

As the line between civilian and military space infrastructure blurs, the report calls for stronger policies to address these threats, emphasizing the need for resilience in commercial and government space systems.

DARPA Seeks Proposals for Lunar Orbiter Targeting Water Ice and Low-Altitude Operations

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has launched the Lunar Assay via Small Satellite Orbiter (LASSO) program, inviting proposals for a lunar orbiter designed to prospect water ice and test low-altitude operations. The initiative aims to advance spacecraft maneuverability in exceptionally low lunar orbits, as low as 10 kilometers from the surface, addressing challenges posed by the Moon's irregular gravitational field. These capabilities are critical for improving space situational awareness (SSA) and supporting future lunar exploration.

The orbiter will map lunar regions for water ice concentrations exceeding 5%, with full coverage expected within four years. This data could benefit commercial space ventures and NASA’s sustainable lunar presence goals. The program includes a phased approach, starting with conceptual design studies and culminating in spacecraft construction within a year.

LASSO emerges amid setbacks in NASA’s lunar ice missions, such as technical issues with Lunar Trailblazer and delays in the VIPER rover program, highlighting the urgency of advancing lunar resource exploration technologies.

SAIC Wins $55M Contract to Lead Integration for Next Phase of US Military’s Warfighter Satellite System

Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) has secured a $55 million contract from the Space Development Agency (SDA) to serve as the lead integrator for Tranche 3 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This constellation, designed to enhance missile detection and tracking capabilities, represents a critical component of the U.S. military's low Earth orbit satellite network.

The contract tasks SAIC with systems engineering and integration support, addressing challenges in compatibility and cohesion across satellites and ground systems. SDA’s decision to hire an integrator for Tranche 3 follows lessons learned from earlier tranches, where integration issues delayed launches and operations. Tranche 3 will include approximately 140 satellites in the transport layer and 54 for advanced threat tracking.

This move reflects SDA’s shift toward a more streamlined approach to satellite deployment, aiming to maintain a steady-state constellation of 450 satellites in the entire architecture, while advancing capabilities to meet evolving defense needs.

COMMERCIAL

German Okapi, US-Based Northwood, Chinese InfinAstro Lead Space Operations Developments with New Investments

Recent developments in the space sector highlight growing investments in infrastructure and technology to address challenges in orbital operations.

German startup Okapi:Orbits has secured €13 million in seed funding to expand its AI-powered space traffic management suite. The company aims to enhance its range of offerings, expand its global team, and refine its exclusive data resources. Some of its tools include a space traffic management product, collision avoidance and space situational awareness systems, and the latest, a tool designed to enhance mission planning before launch and ensure adherence to various regulatory requirements. VenTech, joined by Matterwave Ventures and Amadeus Apex Technology Fund, spearheaded this round.

Meanwhile, Northwood Space, a California-based startup, raised $30 million in a Series A round to establish a network of phased-array ground stations. These stations will provide high-speed connectivity and redundancy for satellite communications, with plans to deploy sites across six continents by 2026. Northwood’s vertically integrated approach seeks to reduce costs and accelerate production timelines. Alpine Space Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz led the round, with support from Also Capital, Founders Fund, Box Group, Balerion, Banter Capital, and Humba Ventures.

In China, orbital logistics startup InfinAstro has completed an angel funding round worth tens of millions of yuan. The company is developing orbital transfer vehicles, or “space buses,” to optimize satellite deployment and reduce costs. InfinAstro’s ambitions extend beyond logistics, with plans for satellite life extension and payload transportation to geostationary orbit, the Moon, and Mars. Unity Ventures led the round, with additional support from Beijing-based InnoAngel Fund.

Atmos Space Cargo's Phoenix 1 Test Achieves Goals Despite Reentry Setback

German startup Atmos Space Cargo recently conducted the maiden test flight of its Phoenix 1 reentry capsule, designed to return cargo from low Earth orbit using an inflatable heat shield. Launched aboard SpaceX’s Bandwagon-3 mission on April 21, the capsule successfully transmitted in-flight data and operated its payloads. However, communication was lost during reentry, leaving uncertainty about the heat shield’s performance. A last-minute trajectory change by SpaceX resulted in a steeper reentry angle, complicating recovery efforts. Despite these challenges, Atmos declared the mission a success, achieving key objectives and gathering valuable data to refine its next-generation Phoenix 2 capsule, planned for 2026.

The vehicle separated from the upper stage 90 minutes after liftoff and reentered roughly 30 minutes later, splashing down 2,000 kilometers off Brazil's coast in the South Atlantic. Atmos CEO Sebastian Klaus outlined three mission goals: collecting spacecraft flight data, operating and returning payload data, and evaluating the inflatable heat shield during reentry. All four payloads, including commercial and DLR contributions, successfully returned data.

Iridium Adapts Supply Chain to Navigate Uncertain US Tariff Conditions

Iridium Communications is taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of escalating U.S. tariffs on its satellite equipment supply chain. Historically reliant on imports from Thailand, Iridium has expanded its European logistics partnership to divert non-U.S. shipments away from tariff exposure. This strategy shields approximately 75% of its equipment from the latest round of import taxes, which could add $3 million in costs this year due to a minimum tariff of 10% for Thailand. If tariffs rise to previously proposed levels, costs could increase to $7 million.

Despite these challenges, Iridium has opted not to pass costs onto customers, prioritizing market stability and business momentum. Analysts warn that broader trade tensions could disrupt the satellite industry, particularly for user equipment with foreign components. Iridium’s approach highlights the complexities of navigating global trade policies while maintaining operational resilience. As tariffs reshape supply chains, the satellite sector faces growing pressure to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Rocket Lab's New Line of Customizable Solar Arrays Target Diverse Satellite Needs

Rocket Lab has introduced its new Standardized Array or STARRAY line of customizable solar arrays, designed to meet the diverse power needs of satellites across various orbital environments. Unveiled at the 40th Space Symposium, these arrays offer power outputs ranging from 100 to over 2,000 watts, utilizing radiation-hardened quadruple junction solar cells. The modular design allows up to four panels per wing, providing flexibility while reducing costs associated with non-recurring engineering.

As the only company claiming vertically integrated solar array manufacturing for satellites, Rocket Lab streamlines production from solar cells to fully assembled arrays. While broader solar manufacturing sees vertical integration, Rocket Lab’s satellite-specific focus appears unique. In 2022, Rocket Lab acquired SolAero to enhance its space systems, integrating solar cell production into its operations.

The new line is meant to spare first-time or occasional satellite manufacturers from the effort of designing and testing solar arrays from scratch, offering mission-specific customization with short lead times. Rocket Lab’s solar solutions, backed by over 20 years of flight heritage, have powered critical missions, including NASA’s Artemis program and the James Webb Space Telescope.

Italy's RadioLuna Satellite Fleet will Study the Early Universe from Lunar Orbit

Blue Skies Space, in collaboration with OHB Italia, has been selected by the Italian Space Agency to develop the RadioLuna project, a fleet of small satellites designed to orbit the Moon and map the universe's "Dark Ages." This period, spanning from 380,000 to 400 million years after the Big Bang, remains one of the least understood epochs in cosmic history. The swarm of low-cost small satellites will operate together as a single, large scientific instrument- a high-angular-resolution radio telescope in orbit around the Moon. The satellites aim to detect faint FM radio signals emitted by neutral hydrogen atoms during this era, signals that are nearly impossible to capture on Earth due to human-made radio interference.

The far side of the Moon offers an ideal location for this mission, providing a radio-quiet environment. Using cost-effective CubeSats equipped with commercial off-the-shelf components, the project balances scientific ambition with engineering pragmatism. If successful, RadioLuna could provide a three-dimensional map of matter distribution in the early universe, offering insights into cosmic inflation, the formation of the first structures, and the origins of cosmic background radiation

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Cassini Data Reveals Puzzling Absence of River Deltas on Titan

Recent research led by Brown University has uncovered a puzzling absence of river deltas on Saturn’s moon Titan, despite its extensive networks of rivers and seas composed of liquid methane and ethane. Deltas, which typically form where rivers meet larger bodies of water, are valuable geological features that preserve sedimentary records of climate and tectonic activity. Their scarcity on Titan raises questions about the moon’s surface dynamics and sediment transport processes.

Using data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, researchers explored whether the deltas were simply undetectable due to limitations in radar imaging or genuinely absent. The study suggests that Titan’s unique conditions, including its thick nitrogen-methane atmosphere and low gravity, may influence sediment deposition differently than on Earth. This discovery highlights Titan’s potential as a natural laboratory for studying unfamiliar planetary processes. It also underscores the need for future missions to investigate the moon’s geological history and its implications for understanding other worlds. The finding was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets.

Study Confirms Solar Wind Interaction Creates Water on the Moon

NASA-led research has confirmed that solar wind plays a significant role in forming water on the Moon’s surface. Using lunar soil samples from Apollo 17, scientists simulated the impact of charged particles from the Sun on the Moon’s regolith. The study revealed that hydrogen ions from the solar wind bond with oxygen in lunar minerals, creating hydroxyl and water molecules. This process replenishes water signatures cyclically, even in the absence of an atmosphere. These findings have implications for lunar exploration, particularly in resource sustainability, as water could support long-term missions and aid in harvesting resources from shadowed polar regions. The study was published in March in the journal JGR Planets.

Andromeda’s Satellite Galaxies Show Unusual Alignment Toward Milky Way

Astronomers are puzzled by the peculiar arrangement of satellite galaxies around the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), our closest galactic neighbor. Recent studies from the Institut für Physik und Astronomie at Universität Potsdam, Germany, reveal that nearly all of Andromeda's 37 brightest satellite galaxies are positioned on the side facing the Milky Way, defying cosmological models that predict a random distribution. This alignment, confirmed by the Hubble Space Telescope, is statistically improbable, with odds of less than 0.3%.

Theories suggest this anomaly may stem from Andromeda's unique accretion history, possibly linked to a major galactic merger billions of years ago. The findings challenge existing models of galaxy formation and raise questions about dark matter's role in shaping cosmic structures. The findings were published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸