Olis Robotics sees many space applications for autonomy software

Olis Robotics is working to demonstrate the application of its autonomy software for NASA, the Air Force and others space customers to support internal and external space servicing, assembly, manufacturing and operational concepts,” said Blaine Levedahl, Olis Robotics’ U.S. government programs director.

Momentum grows for nuclear thermal propulsion

With congressional funding and industry support, nuclear thermal propulsion technology is making progress for potential use on future NASA deep space missions, although how it fits into the agency’s exploration architectures remains uncertain.

Are laser links ready for prime time?

Although NASA’s Mars Laser Communications Demonstration never flew, the project proceeded far enough to establish a price for terminals to relay data for the Mars Telecommunications Orbiter: $90 million.

Companies encourage NASA to press ahead with LEO commercialization efforts

Companies interested in developing commercial space stations and related facilities in low Earth orbit are wondering if NASA’s support for such efforts havsbeen overshadowed by the agency’s rush back to the moon.

Inflection point coming for antenna equation

As the cost of phased array antennas drops, the technology becomes increasing attractive to commercial customers like Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), the Norwegian company that operates 179 antennas at 22 different sites around the world.

U.S. launch companies not worried about Chinese competition

Despite a surge in Chinese launch activity and growth of commercial Chinese launch developers, executives with American companies said they’re not worried about potential competition with them.

Defense Innovation Unit aims to award contracts in 60 days

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), an agency created in 2015 to accelerate the adoption of commercial technology to solve national security problems, is trying to reduce the time it takes to award contracts from 90 days to 60 days.

Industry seeks more time to review revised commercial launch regulations

Dissatisfied with the length and content of proposed rules to streamline commercial launch and reentry regulations, industry officials say they will ask for an extension of an ongoing public review period for those rules.

Air Force SMC seeks to expand development testing

The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) is eager to increase development testing.

Suppliers hope to tap into growing space market

A supplier base of hardware and service vendors sees opportunities for new business from the growing number of satellite and launch vehicle ventures, even if space remains a small part of their overall business.

To trim rocket costs, Virgin Orbit leans on manufacturing software

Virgin Orbit’s campaign to design, build and fly LauncherOne, its air-launched rocket for small satellites, relies heavily on manufacturing software.

NASA to begin buying rides on commercial lunar landers by year’s end

PASADENA — NASA intends to begin buying rides on small commercial lunar landers by the end of the year and start looking …

ICEYE raises another $34 million for radar satellites

ICEYE raised $34 million in a Series B investment round, bringing the Finnish company’s total funding to $53 million, ICEYE announced May 24.

How long should a satellite last: five years, ten years, 15, 30?

PASADENA, California — Satellite manufacturers and operators attending the Space Tech Expo here offered contrasting views on how long satellites should continue to work in orbit.

For years, government and commercial operators sought t…

DARPA working group begins addressing concerns related to proximity operations and satellite servicing

A major challenge facing companies planning to perform on-orbit servicing will be ensuring satellite operators do not view their activities as potential threats.

Air Force focus on resilience means big changes for spacecraft manufacturing and testing

The U.S. Air Force's plans to respond to emerging threats by launching constellations of satellites. That strategy has important implications for spacecraft manufacturing and testing.