Commercial
SpaceX’s record-setting rideshare mission a challenge for space traffic control
SpaceX's Transporter-1, a rideshare mission scheduled to launch Jan. 23 could set a new record for the most satellites ever launched in a single flight.
French startup demonstrates iodine propulsion in potential boost for space debris mitigation efforts
French startup ThrustMe has performed the first on-orbit tests of an innovative iodine-fueled electric propulsion system, proving its ability to change a CubeSat’s orbit.
Google to shut down Loon
Google announced Jan. 21 it is shutting down Loon, a venture to provide wireless connectivity by balloon that has been seen as both complementary to and competitive with satellite networks.
Green propellant successfully demonstrated on NASA mission
A recent NASA mission successfully demonstrated the performance of a non-toxic “green” propellant, creating opportunities for its use in a wide range of future spacecraft.
Space industry executive calls on Biden to keep the National Space Council
The chief executive of Virgin Orbit's sister company VOX Space called on the Biden administration to continue the National Space Council.
Satellogic signs multi-launch contract with SpaceX
Earth observation company Satellogic announced Jan. 19 it signed a contract with SpaceX covering several rideshare launches of its satellites through next year.
SpaceX surpasses 1,000-satellite mark in latest Starlink launch
SpaceX launched its latest set of Starlink satellites Jan. 20, bringing the total number of spacecraft launched so far for that broadband constellation to more than 1,000.
Rocket Lab launches secretive communications satellite for OHB
Rocket Lab successfully launched a communications satellite for German company OHB Group Jan. 20 in the first Electron mission of the year.
Former U.S. Air Force secretary Heather Wilson joins Maxar’s board of directors
Former secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson has joined the board of directors of Maxar Technologies, the company announced Jan. 19.
Redwire acquires Oakman Aerospace
Redwire has acquired Oakman Aerospace, a Littleton, Colorado firm known for digital engineering and spacecraft development. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
China’s iSpace advances with IPO plans, reusable launcher landing leg tests
Chinese private rocket firm iSpace is planning an IPO while also making progress on technology for a reusable launch vehicle.
Boeing Starliner completes software requalification
Boeing has completed a requalification of software on its commercial crew spacecraft as it prepares to launch the vehicle on a second test flight as soon as late March.
Aurora Insight to launch cubesats for RF sensing
Aurora Insight, a Denver startup that gathers data on terrestrial and satellite communications, plans to launch the first of two cubesats on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission scheduled for liftoff Jan. 21.
Virgin Orbit reaches orbit on second LauncherOne mission
Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket reached orbit on its second flight Jan. 17, demonstrating the performance of the air-launch system.
Policy directive on GPS issued in closing days of Trump administration
Space Policy Directive-7 highlights the United States’ ever growing dependence on space-based positioning, navigation and timing.
FCC C-band auction raised nearly $81 billion so far
The U.S. Federal Communication Commission’s C-band auction of 280-megahertz of C-band has raised nearly $81 billion and it’s not quite over.
