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Space Impulse
Making Space Technology accessible through media, news, insights and data
Happy Friday, Space Enthusiasts!
Here's your weekly dose of space tech industry insights, guidance, and news! In this edition of the Space Impulse Newsletter you'll find:
As always, we want to hear from you! Whether it's to collaborate on a guest post or to offer feedback on what you'd like to learn about and see from us, feel free to reach out at [email protected].
Space Impulse Market Intelligence Platform ??
2024 Q1 Update
The first quarter of 2024 saw robust financing activity in the Space industry, despite macroeconomic uncertainty and a broader "VC slowdown."
Total funding amounted to $3.2 billion - a big jump in comparison to the first quarter of last year, 2023 which totalled $2.2 billion (+41% YoY). While a significant increase, levels are not quite back to the “boom years” of 2021-2022, when the first quarters saw fundraises between around $4-5 billion.
It should be noted that there are many ways to measure funding – the Space Impulse Platform takes publicly announced debt financing rounds into account including but not limited to venture debt, mezzanine, convertible, and post-IPO. This means that “upstream” Manufacturing and Launch companies will naturally be some of the largest funding activities.?
Some large tickets skewed funding including:
?? Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) raised $933 million for its mega LEO constellation, led by the Chinese National Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrading Fund (NMTUF).
?? Rocket Lab closed $355 million convertible senior notes (capped call), plus $120 million in equipment financing from Trinity Capital following a $515 million contract with the SDA.
?? Kratos Defense and Security Solutions raised $288 million in net proceeds from a public offering.
Want to see the full breakdown? Get in touch with our team ([email protected]) for access to the world’s largest, curated dataset on the Space industry – including data from all the way back to 1987!
5 Ways The Discovery Of Life Beyond Earth Could Affect The Space Industry ??
The confirmation of life on distant exoplanets would rewrite textbooks, but it may also redraw the horizons of the space industry. In an unprecedented blend of excitement, apprehension, and sheer curiosity, we would stand at the cusp of a new era, where the stars are more than just twinkling lights.
The following is speculative – but it’s informed speculation.
Here are 5 ways this recently rumoured news could play out.
1. A Surge of Interest and Investment
The most immediate and palpable impact of this discovery might be the skyrocketing interest in space exploration. Beyond a scientific breakthrough; it would be a cultural phenomenon.
That surge of interest in exoplanet life could result in an increase in funding for space startups and, in time, more talent could pour into the industry. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, once the torchbearers of private space exploration, would find themselves amid a growing ecosystem of competitors and collaborators.
2. Technological Innovation: Leaps, Bounds and Beyond
Let’s say this interest and investment does increase, the most immediate effect would be that technology would advance at warp speed. Concepts like nuclear thermal rockets and ion drives, which were once relegated to theoretical discussions, could be positioned as mainstream projects that are in line for billions in funding.
Beyond the immediate space industry, these technological innovations are poised to ripple out into other sectors. The possibility of high-efficiency energy systems or advanced materials developed for space missions could also have far-reaching implications on Earth.
3. The New Space Race: Collaboration vs. Competition
This discovery could reignite a space race, not just among nations but also among private entities. However, unlike the Cold War era, this race might have a more collaborative undertone with many companies and their complex supply chains being international.
Yet, a complex web of geopolitical tensions would, no doubt, seethe beneath this cooperation. The palpable fear of the ‘colonization’ of these newfound worlds is leading to urgent calls for space laws that govern extraterrestrial exploration and exploitation.
4. Societal Impacts: Hope and Fear
Society’s reaction to the discovery of alien life would undoubtedly form a tapestry of hope and fear. On one hand, there would be an overwhelming sense of unity – a collective realization that in the grand scheme of the universe, humanity is but a speck.
On the other hand, many would fear this news. Fear of the unknown, fear of the implications of non-human intelligence, and fear of what this means for humanity’s place in the universe. This could increase funding for biosecurity and planetary defense, as governments grapple with the potential risks of extraterrestrial life.
5. Ethics in Exoplanets: Space Ethics Become Real
A discovery like this also poses profound ethical questions. How do we interact with these life forms? What rights do they have? The space industry, long focused on exploration and exploitation, now finds itself in the realm of interstellar environmentalism and ethics.
Looking Forward: An Uncharted Future
We don’t know if any of these rumours are true, of course. But, many experts suggest with new technology, this is not a matter of if, but when.
The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but one thing is clear – the discovery of extraterrestrial life would be a pivotal moment in human history, one that will shape our approach to space, technology, and our very understanding of life itself.
We should be ready for it.
Want to learn more about how the discovery of life beyond Earth could affect the Space Industry? Read the full article by Matt Swayne here.
Weekly Space News Roundup
Partnerships and investments were keeping the space industry buzzing this week showcasing a boost in confidence for the sector's commercial and academic entities! Read on to learn more.
Check out Space Impulse for more news, insights, and exclusives on the space industry.
领英推荐
The Indian Institute of Management Mumbai has entered a strategic partnership with Starburst. The collaboration was formalized with a signing ceremony on March 26, 2024. Startups that go through the program will receive mentorship, funding opportunities, and international networks.
Interstellar Technologies Inc. has signed a collaboration agreement with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to offer launch transport services for small satellite missions. The company has been designated as “Launch Operator A,” making it a priority recipient for future procurement contracts. The announced partnership aligns with Japan’s new Space Basic Plan which was approved by the Cabinet in June 2023.
Telesat announced the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry on behalf of the Canadian Government has committed to investing C$2.14 billion in Telesat Lightspeed by way of loan. This investment will support the development and deployment of the Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) global broadband satellite constellation. In addition to the loan, Telesat LEO Inc. will issue warrants to the Government of Canada for 10% of its common shares, based on an equity valuation of US$3 billion for Telesat LEO.
Helicity Space has received an investment for an undisclosed amount from Lockheed Martin Ventures. The company’s innovative fusion propulsion technology leverages plectonemic plasma jets, magnetic reconnection, and peristaltic magnetic compression to push the boundaries of energy density and efficiency.
The UK Space Agency has announced a new office in Cardiff, Wales. The region already contributes ￡79 million annually to the space sector and employs over 600 individuals. The agency’s new structure is expected to capitalize on growth areas such as Earth observation and satellite broadband, while also pioneering emerging markets like spacecraft servicing and space debris removal.
Scientists at Washington University, in collaboration with Impossible Sensing have secured a $3 million grant from NASA. The grant will contribute to the development of a cutting-edge sensor tailored for future moon missions. The project aims to deliver a flight-ready instrument within three years and is planned to be deployed aboard Commercial Lunar Payload Service missions.
The Pentagon has released the first US Commercial Space Integration Strategy. The plan outlines how the military intends to effectively utilize commercial space services and technologies to support national security missions. This initiative aligns with the National Defense Strategy, recognizing commercial space’s ability to enhance resilience and deterrence through innovative tech, scalable production, and rapid upgrades.
FOSSA Systems and Microsoft Research have collaborated to explore what is known about low-power industrial satellite IoT solutions and how they can be applied. Microsoft Research is scheduled to present the invaluable insights gained from this project at the upcoming USENIX NSDI conference in April 2024.
Planet Labs has announced a $20 million?multi-year data-license agreement with Carbon Mapper. The contract extension will allow Carbon Mapper to access hyperspectral core imagery from Planet’s Tanager satellite constellation until 2030. The Tanager satellites are set to launch in 2024.
Interested in Deep Tech? Check out The Metaverse Insider, The Quantum Insider, AI Insider, and Climate Insider to take your knowledge of deep tech further and even deeper.
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