Pavel Ryzhikh’s Post

New details on the revolutionary Astroscale US in-space refueler for the United States Space Force Astroscale US has been awarded a $25.5 million contract to design and deliver to the United States Space Force (USSF) a satellite to refuel other compatible satellites in space. The launch-ready Astroscale Prototype Servicer for Refueling, or APS-R, will be delivered by 2026.  “The advent of in-air refueling completely changed the equation for the duration and distance of aircraft missions,” said President and Managing Director of Astroscale US, Ron Lopez. “The space industry is on the cusp of a similar fuel-led technological revolution, and I am thrilled that SSC has selected Astroscale US to develop APS-R to bring fuel to its client spacecraft. This innovation in on-orbit servicing will ultimately extend the range and mobility of satellites in orbit, allowing the USSF to do more with their operational assets. APS-R opens the door to rethinking the way satellites are designed and operated, marking a significant leap forward in the capabilities and sustainability of satellites in orbit.” #Space #US #USSpaceForce #Refueler #Satellite #Orbit #Spacecraft https://lnkd.in/dassGXYA

[China launches secret space plane on 3rd-ever mission] China has launched its reusable space plane for the third time. A Long March 2F rocket lofted China's experimental spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Thursday (Dec. 14) to conduct space science experiments and "provide technical support for the peaceful use of space," according to Xinhua news. The launch comes just seven months after the spacecraft's last mission, a much quicker follow-up compared to the first and second launches which happened 23 months apart, SpaceNews reports. Hours prior to the secretive spacecraft's launch, SpaceX stood down from the 7th planned liftoff of the U.S. Space Force's own X-37B reusable space plane, and even removed the Falcon Heavy rocket containing it from the Kennedy Space Center launch pad. The mission, known as USSF-52, was scrubbed on Wednesday (Dec. 13) to "perform additional system checkouts." Exact reasons for this delay remain unknown, and a new date has yet to be set for launch. #galaxyaerosgh #space #spaceexploration #spacenews

New Zealand’s Frond Space Systems has signed a contract with Gilmour Space Technologies to supply a drag sail system for the Australian space company’s MMS-1 satellite mission. Frond confirmed the deal in a March 11, 2024, statement. The drag sail increases the drag and deorbiting of a spacecraft. As a result, the spacecraft is more likely to burn up as it re-enters Earth’s atmosphere. Frond says this should reduce the risk of space debris and collisions, making flights more environmentally sustainable and less likely to run afoul of regulators. It also frees up an orbit for another satellite. “This is a great opportunity to showcase our innovative deployable space technology and contribute to the responsible use of space,” said Ben Taylor, CEO and Co-Founder of Frond Space Systems. Additional comment by Kody Cook, head of satellites at Gilmour Space Technologies. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gdh-B6gQ #contract #NewZealand #Australia #satellite #spacecraft #Earth #spacedebris

New Zealand’s Frond Space Systems has signed a contract with Gilmour Space Technologies to supply a drag sail system for the Australian space company’s MMS-1 satellite mission. Frond confirmed the deal in a March 11, 2024, statement. The drag sail increases the drag and deorbiting of a spacecraft. As a result, the spacecraft is more likely to burn up as it re-enters Earth’s atmosphere. Frond says this should reduce the risk of space debris and collisions, making flights more environmentally sustainable and less likely to run afoul of regulators. It also frees up an orbit for another satellite. “This is a great opportunity to showcase our innovative deployable space technology and contribute to the responsible use of space,” said Ben Taylor, CEO and Co-Founder of Frond Space Systems. Additional comment by Kody Cook, head of satellites at Gilmour Space Technologies. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gdh-B6gQ #contract #NewZealand #Australia #satellite #spacecraft #Earth #spacedebris

On May 1st 2024 Space Inventor celebrated an important anniversary - one year since the launch of the Geostationary spacecraft GS-1! The CubeSat weighs approximately 23 kg and is exclusively built by Space Inventor, for Gravity Space, using only Space Inventor’s products, apart from the thrusters and the payloads. 🚀✨ GS-1 was launched on May 1st 2023 by SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy and was deployed 1000 km under the Geostationary orbit (approx. 34 600 km from Earth), and since then has been operated and maintained by Space Inventor. 🛰️ 🌍 Read more about the Gravity Space satellite here: https://lnkd.in/d3q-yPs5 #newspace #space #spaceindustry #gravityspace

What are your thoughts on standardizing satellites with a deorbit interface? I like the concept and would go a step further and say sats should also have a mechanical boom for deorbit as a mechanical drag device can still deliver controlled and safe deorbit in the event of propulsion failure or help sats that do not have propulsion. A drag device would be a great back-up and should be standard. Orbotic Systems Inc More importantly, we have to find someone to pay to clean up space junk. That’s the biggest issue. Is it time to add a surcharge to all satellites to cover these costs?

The Gold Coast's Gilmore Space Technologies has officially opened the Bowen Orbital Spaceport with Rocket 'Eris TestFlight 1' ready to launch. The rocket is capable of launching smaller satellites into low earth orbit and will be known as Australia's first ever orbital rocket launch. Gilmore Space Technologies' Founder and CEO, Adam Gilmour, states, "Thanks to the vision and support of our investors, partners, the Queensland Government and local Juru people and community in this region, Australia will soon bridge ‘Country to Sky’. The Bowen Orbital Spaceport will provide valuable access to space from Australia, enabled by rockets and satellites developed, manufactured, and launched right here in Queensland." What an exciting time for Gilmour Space Technologies, Queensland and Australia! The launch will be in a couple of weeks with pending approval of the Australian Space Agency. #tagaimc #GilmourSpaceTechnologies #AustralianSpaceAgency #QueenslandSpace #AustralianSpace #rocketlaunch #Bowen #BowenOrbitalSpaceport #SpaceInnovation

**Ariane 6 Rocket Launches into Space** ESA's new Ariane 6 rocket has successfully launched into space, marking a major milestone in the European space program. The rocket lifted off from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana at 22:15 CEST on July 13, 2023. The Ariane 6 is a more efficient and cost-effective successor to the Ariane 5, with a lighter and more powerful engine. It is designed to carry a range of payloads, from small satellites to large spacecraft, and is expected to play a key role in Europe's future space missions. The rocket's maiden flight was a crucial test of its capabilities, and it successfully placed two test satellites into orbit. The mission was declared a success by ESA, marking a major achievement for the European space industry. https://lnkd.in/gjZRcCTj? #Ariane6 #ESA #Space #RocketLaunch #EuropeanSpaceAgency

Dream Chaser is an American reusable lifting-bodyspaceplane being developed by Sierra Space. Originally intended as a crewed vehicle, the Dream Chaser Space System is set to be produced after the Dream Chaser Cargo System cargo variant is operational. The crewed variant is planned to carry up to seven people and cargo to and from low Earth orbit. The cargo Dream Chaser is designed to resupply the International Space Station with both pressurized and unpressurized cargo. It is intended to launch vertically on the Vulcan Centaur rocket and autonomously land horizontally on conventional runways. A proposed version to be operated by ESA would launch on an Ariane space vehicle.