Space-as-a-Service

Accion to supply thrusters for Xplore ESPA-class satellite
Accion Systems plans to supply miniature ion thrusters for Xplore Inc.’s 150-kilogram LEO Xcraft satellite, under an agreement announced Aug. 10.

Space Tugs as a Service: In-orbit service providers are bracing for consolidation
Orbital transfer and servicing providers are bracing for a space tug of war as they jostle for position in an increasingly crowded market.

Lunar Exploration as a Service: From landers to spacesuits, NASA is renting rather than owning
NASA’s Human Landing System program is the biggest bet the agency has made on the commercial space industry since the commercial crew program a decade ago.

Software-as-a-Service model takes the space sector by storm
As the space sector expands, companies are adopting new business models, including Space Data as a Service, Satellite as a Service, and Ground Station as a Service, which promise the benefits of space without many of the demands.

Moving space into the cloud: Q&A with Microsoft Azure Global’s Tom Keane
Tom Keane, corporate vice president for Microsoft Azure Global, speaks with SpaceNews about adopting satellite communications, supporting Earth observation and establishing partnerships.