ispace’s upcoming lunar lander, Resilience, carries a range of payloads from Japanese companies and a Taiwanese university, including a water electrolyzer, food production experiments, and a deep space radiation study. Among the commercial payloads is a “commemorative alloy plate” from Bandai Namco Research Inc., the research division of the Japanese entertainment company Bandai Namco, with a combined contract value of $16 million, according to ispace’s financial filings. In addition, Resilience carries Tenacious, a small rover developed by ispace’s European subsidiary. Tenacious is equipped with cameras and a shovel to collect lunar regolith, a sample of which will be sold to…
Author: Hendra
Devastating wildfires in California have forced the temporary closure and evacuation of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), with flames coming within a mile of the facility. The laboratory, which plays a key role in NASA’s planetary missions and operates the Deep Space Network, is located in a mandatory evacuation zone. However, officials have reported no fire damage to the facility so far. JPL Director Laurie Leshin provided an update on social media on January 8, stating that while the facility had not been directly affected by the fire, strong winds had caused some damage. “JPL is closed except for…
Rubicon Space Systems has delivered the propulsion system for NASA’s Green Propulsion Dual Mode (GPDM) technology demonstration mission, set to launch in October 2025. The mission will showcase an innovative multimode propulsion system, combining integrated chemical and electric thrusters, alongside ASCENT, a green propellant developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. The GPDM mission will be the first to test a combined chemical and electric propulsion system in space and will serve as a key demonstration of the ASCENT propellant. “It will be the first combined chemical and electric propulsion system in space and a key test of ASCENT,”…
U.S. military satellites manufactured by York Space Systems and SpaceX have successfully demonstrated a cross-vendor laser communications link in low Earth orbit, marking a key achievement for the Pentagon’s next-generation satellite network. The satellites are part of the U.S. Space Force’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a network designed to improve military communications and missile tracking capabilities. The demonstration was conducted using satellites from PWSA’s Tranche 0, the initial phase of the program, which involves 27 satellites operating at approximately 1,000 kilometers in altitude. On Jan. 9, York Space Systems, based in Denver, announced that one of its Tranche 0…
Satellite operator Ligado Networks, currently undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, has filed a lawsuit against Viasat’s Inmarsat subsidiary, accusing it of breaching a long-standing partnership related to L-band spectrum. Ligado Networks, which is embroiled in a legal battle with the U.S. government over its delayed 5G plans, filed the lawsuit on January 7. The company is seeking financial damages and restitution for more than $1.7 billion it claims to have paid to Inmarsat under a 2007 cooperation agreement. At the core of the dispute is Ligado’s allegation that Inmarsat failed to fulfill its obligations related to the provision of L-band…
Pale Blue, a University of Tokyo spinoff, is set to demonstrate its water-based ion thruster technology in collaboration with D-Orbit, marking a significant milestone in sustainable space operations. Pale Blue’s latest propulsion system, the Pale Blue 1U+ Water Ion Thruster, is designed to help small satellites navigate through space by allowing them to maneuver, avoid space debris, and de-orbit when missions conclude. The thruster, slightly larger than a 10-centimeter cube, uses water-based propellants to power satellite movement, providing a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional propulsion systems. “By partnering with D-Orbit, we are taking a significant step forward in…
With the rise of commercial spaceflight, scientists are facing new challenges in understanding the effects of space travel on the human body. The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) is spearheading efforts to standardize health data collection from private astronauts and ensure the ethical management of this growing field. Space Adaptation Syndrome, which affects many astronauts in the early days of space travel, is just one of the many health issues that space travelers must contend with. Symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, and nausea, are common as the body adjusts to the microgravity environment. Recent missions, such as Polaris Dawn,…
As the geopolitical importance of the Arctic increases, U.S. officials are renewing discussions about Greenland’s role in space security and national defense. President-elect Donald Trump has called for American ownership of Greenland, citing the island’s critical importance for U.S. military and space operations. In a series of Truth Social posts, President-elect Donald Trump emphasized the necessity of American control over Greenland, describing it as “an absolute necessity” for national security. The U.S. Space Force’s only overseas base, located in Greenland, plays a significant role in space operations. This renewed call for American ownership follows Trump’s previous suggestion in 2019 to…
Rep. Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee has been appointed to chair the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, a key position as Pentagon officials warn about Beijing’s growing space warfare capabilities, which could target U.S. satellite networks vital to military operations. DesJarlais, who has served in Congress since 2011, succeeds retired Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado. As chair, DesJarlais will oversee critical defense areas, including missile defense, nuclear deterrence, and military space programs. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) has pledged robust oversight in these areas, particularly as competition with China intensifies. Under DesJarlais’ leadership, the commercial space sector could benefit from…
Intelsat has announced a new enterprise multi-orbit broadband agreement with Alaska’s GCI, marking its first such deal with a telecom since strengthening its collaboration with OneWeb last year. The January 8 announcement sees GCI leveraging Intelsat’s geostationary satellite capacity alongside OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) network to deliver broadband services across Alaska. This deal will support both government and business customers throughout the state, including in remote and challenging areas. Intelsat’s expanded partnership with OneWeb aims to provide global coverage by spring 2025, further enhancing the company’s multi-orbit services. Last year, Intelsat also revealed plans to equip Alaska Airlines’ fleet…