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Space Impulse
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Happy Friday, Space Enthusiasts!
A clear takeaway from the news this week: 2024 is set to be a banner year in the space industry. From massive contracts between government agencies and commercial entities, to boosts in startup funding, and exciting discoveries that give reason to be optimistic about sustaining life in space, we've got your weekly space industry roundup covered below.
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The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded aerospace giants L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, and Sierra Space $2.5 billion in contracts to construct and operate 54 advanced missile tracking satellites set to be launched in 2027. The satellites will feature a variety of infrared sensors including some that are capable of generating “fire control-quality tracks” for precise interception of incoming missiles.
Mars Express Unveils Buried Water Ice at Equator: A Game-Changer for Martian Exploration
The European Space Agency’s Mars Express has revisited Mars’s Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF), uncovering layers of water ice extending 3.7 kilometers beneath the planet’s equator. If melted, this buried ice in the MFF could cover Mars with a layer of water 1.5 to 2.7 meters deep, presenting a wealth of resources for potential human missions. While the ice deposits remain inaccessible for now, due to dust cover, this new discovery holds promise for future human exploration missions, providing an essential resource.
With a record number of launches and government contracts, the space industry is poised for a strong year in 2024 as investors inject billions into space startups. Global investments in space startups reached $4.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, a 31% boost, contributing to a total of $17.9 billion for the year. This resurgence in space startup investments follows a two-year downturn attributed to high interest rates and economic uncertainty. Legacy space companies are adapting to the changing landscape as well, doubling the number of acquisitions in 2023 compared to the previous year.
PierSight, has secured $6 million in a seed funding round. With Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) integrated satellite technology, PierSight aims to provide real-time “eyes and ears” at sea, offering 30-minute interval monitoring capabilities. The startup plans to utilize the newly raised capital to procure and test critical hardware, expand its team, and design and launch both demo and operational satellites.
Chinese space startup, Orienspace has successfully launched its Gravity 1 rocket at sea. This achievement establishes Gravity 1 as the world’s largest solid launch vehicle and China’s most extensive commercial space launch system. While SpaceX and other U.S. companies have focused on landing reusable rocket parts at sea, Orienspace’s successful sea launch demonstrates a notable deviation from the industry norm.
Italian aerospace innovator, Space Product and Innovation S.r.l (SPiN) has raised €1.63 million in a seed funding round led by Galaxia. The funding will be used to scale the startup, intensify research and development, explore commercial opportunities, and qualify the hardware in an operational environment. With plans for expansion, the company aims to hire senior executives and further advance the commercial space market by commercializing its products by 2024.
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Although at the rumor stage, credible scientists and space experts are hinting that new, high-powered space observations systems have detected life on exoplanets. Now, here’s a lot of ifs: If, indeed, astronomers and astrobiologists have collected data that suggests signs of life on other planets, and if these scientists have written a paper, and if after its review, that work holds up – I told you, a lot of ifs – what would be the effect on the space industry?
Global entrepreneurship hub, Berkeley SkyDeck has unveiled its revamped Air and Space Track in partnership with the Berkeley Space Center at NASA Research Park. The partnership with SkyDeck further solidifies its role as a connective hub linking SkyDeck, NASA Ames Research Center, and private tech investors. The Air and Space Track will be accepting applications from January 17 to February 14 for Batch 18.
Astrobotic has announced in a press release that the Peregrine spacecraft will be intentionally destroyed upon re-entry to the Earth’s atmosphere. The decision to prevent the lander from remaining in space and posing a collision hazard for future missions was based on recommendations from several government agencies and experts in the space community, including NASA.
Voyager Space and Airbus have finalized their joint venture – Starlab Space LLC, a company dedicated to developing and operating the Starlab commercial space station. Starlab Space LLC’s completion of the System Definition Review is the result of meticulous planning and a robust foundation for the ambitious project.
The company already has authorities to operate in the United States and with US government agencies, and is also expected to have a European affiliate to best serve the European Space Agency, as reported by Starlab.
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