The Pulse
Space Impulse
Making Space Technology accessible through media, news, insights and data
Happy Friday Space Enthusiasts!
Please read below -- and check out Space Impulse as well -- to review the most interesting space industry and science news that showcase how scientists and engineers are leveraging the power and resources of space to solve problems on Earth.
From agriculture, the insurance sector, through maritime and infrastructure, Earth observation satellites even help mitigate problems arising from climate change on our planet. Space-based research in microgravity environments improve healthcare, while numerous scientific experiments and technical demonstrations give us deeper understanding of the world surrounding us as well as making everyday life easier for us.
Airbus’ patented Detumbler device designed to prevent satellites at the end of their lives from tumbling, was launched last Saturday. Magnetic damping device will ensure satellites remain more stable to improve future active debris removal. Dead satellites, especially in low Earth orbit (LEO), often end up tumbling which is natural behaviour due to orbital flight dynamics.
Chris Kemp?and Dr. Adam London, co-founders of Astra Space, haveproposed a plan to privatize the launch vehicle and spacecraft propulsioncompany for an estimated total of US $30 million. Kemp and London?hold?all Class B stock in Astra, giving them 66%?votingpower. A?special committee made up of the majority of the company’s independentdirectors will review the?CEO and CTO’s?offer?to?determine the best courseof action for the company’s unaffiliated shareholders.
Firefly Aerospace announced the closing of another tranche of financing, valuing the company at US $1.5 billion pre-money. The round is being led by existing investors including AE Industrial Partners, LP, as well as new investors including Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Firefly has raised approximately US $300 million in funding since February 2023.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), prepared a National Spectrum Strategy to both promote private-sector innovation and further the missions of federal departments and agencies. The Strategy reflects collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), recognizing the FCC’s unique responsibilities with respect to non-Federal uses of spectrum, and coordination with other Federal departments and agencies. The comprehensive strategy will modernize spectrum policy and make the most efficient use possible of this vital national resource to enhance the quality of life for all Americans.
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Nabtesco Technology Ventures and Indico Capital Partners have invested into FOSSA Systems, which provides satellite-based Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions. The round will help FOSSA build out its constellation of satellites to provide low latency, direct-to-device communications across the globe. FOSSA builds and launches satellites to provide secured end-to-end IoT data services for connected devices.
Telespazio – through its subsidiary Telespazio UK – announces acquisition of leading UK independent space systems engineering and consultancy group – e2E Group. e2E deep satellite communications engineering expertise provides Telespazio UK with enhanced capability in the delivery of space-enabled services. The larger Telespazio UK business will benefit the whole Telespazio Group, strengthening the opportunities to leverage and collaborate with its Space Alliance partner, Thales Alenia Space, and its shareholders, Leonardo and Thales.
Europe’s first space-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system achieves new milestone with optical ground station developments to be delivered by EAGLE-1 consortium partners. The SES-led consortium of European companies, responsible for development of the quantum secure space-based EAGLE-1 system and working in close collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), is joined by TNO and Airbus Netherlands B.V., to design and build an optical ground station for the mission. TNO is responsible for the design, the adaptive optics and overall system engineering, and the Airbus team in the Netherlands will develop the support technologies, control platform, and implementation.
ispace unveiled the final design of its micro rover, which will be transported to the surface of the Moon by its lunar lander as part of exploration activities during Mission 2. Mission 2, part of the HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program, will serve as the company’s second technological demonstration. During Mission 2, ispace will conduct initial resource exploration activities, primarily with its micro rover, which is being designed, manufactured, and assembled by engineers in its ispace EUROPE office.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently launched a dedicated space academy aimed at fostering the next generation of Emirati talent in the burgeoning space sector. This initiative, discussed by Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing in the high-tech industry.
Interested in Deep Tech? Check out?The Metaverse Insider ,?The Quantum Insider , AI Insider and Climate Insider ?to take your knowledge of deep tech farther and even deeper.