SmallSat Symposium
Will Space Force oversight constrain SDA? Current and former bosses offer contrasting views.
The current and former directors of the Pentagon’s Space Development Agency (SDA) offered differing views of congressional direction placing SDA under the U.S. Space Force.
Industry puzzled by NASA withdrawal of CLPS task order
NASA has reissued a task order for its commercial lunar lander services program whose withdrawal, without explanation, in late January frustrated many of the companies involved.
Rocket Lab turns attention to satellite efforts
Small launch vehicle developer Rocket Lab plans to focus on its satellite program in 2020, offering a high-performance spacecraft bus that complements its existing rocket.
Opportunities grow for smallsat rideshare launches
SpaceX disclosed new details about its small satellite rideshare efforts Feb. 5 as it, and other programs like it by large launch vehicle operators, put new pricing pressure on small launch vehicle companies.
Aurora to test deorbit tether on Momentus mission
Finnish startup Aurora Propulsion Technologies signed a contract at the SmallSat Symposium to fly a deorbiting technology demonstration with Momentus Space.
Government, industry officials share small satellite cybersecurity concerns
Cybersecurity was a recurring theme at the SmallSat Symposium here.
PLD Space books first suborbital flight, nears resolution of engine setback
Spanish launch startup PLD Space says secured a second customer for the maiden flight of its Miura 1 reusable suborbital rocket while tackling development issues that prevented the mission from occurring last year.
Virgin Orbit nearing first launch
Virgin Orbit says it is weeks away from the first orbital launch of its LauncherOne rocket as the company makes plans to move quickly into operations if that flight is successful.
Smallsat industry faces challenges to growth
While the smallsat industry continues to grow, experts warn that several blind spots could slow its growth in the near future.
SMC wants to take “smart risks” with nontraditional partners
The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) will expand its effort to draw on the innovation of companies that have not traditionally worked with the government.
Momentus announces customers for in-space shuttle service
SteamJet Space Systems is the latest customer to sign up for Momentus' Vigoride space transportation service.
Kinéis raises 100 million euros to build and launch 25 IoT cubesats
French Internet of Things startup Kinéis has raised 100 million euros ($110.5 million) from private and public investors to fund a constellation of 25 cubesats.
Exolaunch arranges rides for Spire cubesats on Indian rocket
German launch services provider Exolaunch is arranging to send four Spire Global cubesats into low inclination orbits on an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.
Accion Systems raises $11 million Series B for space propulsion
Space propulsion startup Accion Systems has raised $11 million in a new round of funding designed to allow the company to increase production of its electric thrusters for smallsats.
Smallsat industry faces new challenges to growth
The small satellite field, which has enjoyed significant growth and investment in the last few years, will face new challenges this year demonstrating their business plans, with some expecting a shakeout in some parts of the sector.
