Space Brief 24 Aug 2024

Welcome to today’s Space Brief, where we cover the latest developments in space technology, satellite operations, and space policy. Today’s highlights include updates on space debris mitigation, new launch preparations, and advancements in space infrastructure.

Space Debris and Regulatory Concerns

Supreme Court case could affect orbital debris mitigation rules

A recent Supreme Court ruling has introduced uncertainty regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) authority to enforce orbital debris mitigation measures. This development could potentially delay or complicate efforts to enforce debris mitigation, increasing collision risks in orbit. Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, understanding the long-term impact this ruling might have on space sustainability endeavors.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

New Launches and Infrastructure

Blue Origin sets date for next New Shepard flight after completing parachute investigation

Blue Origin is preparing for the next mission of its New Shepard suborbital vehicle, scheduled for August 29, 2024. The company has successfully concluded an investigation into a parachute malfunction from the previous flight, resolving identified issues to ensure the safety and reliability of future missions.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

SpaceX completes second launch tower at Starbase as Flight 5 preps continue

SpaceX has achieved a significant milestone at its Starbase facility in Texas by completing the assembly of Launch Tower 2 at Orbital Launch Pad B. Preparations are also underway on Orbital Launch Pad A’s Tower 1 for Flight 5, which may include the historic catch of Booster 12.

Read the full story: NASASpaceFlight

Military and Defense Activities

Space Force awards $200 million contract to Northrop Grumman for UK radar site

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a $200 million contract to develop a radar site in the United Kingdom as part of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) program. This initiative aims to establish a network of global radar systems that can detect and track objects in geosynchronous orbit, enhancing space domain awareness.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

SpaceWERX awards contracts to nine space tech firms for defense projects

SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force, has announced contracts worth $300 million under the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program. Nine space technology firms have been selected to develop advanced defense projects, ranging from satellite communications to on-orbit servicing capabilities.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Satellite of the Day: CAPELLA-13 (ACADIA)

Today’s featured satellite is CAPELLA-13 (ACADIA), part of the Capella Space constellation.

• Satellite Name and ID: CAPELLA-13 (ACADIA), NORAD ID: 60419
• Launch Date: 2024 (exact date unspecified)
• Purpose/Mission: Earth observation using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
• Orbital Parameters:
  • Inclination: 53.0085°
  • Period: 96.94 minutes
  • RAAN: 76.3946°
• Owner/Operator: Capella Space (USA)

CAPELLA-13 is part of Capella Space’s third-generation “Acadia” satellites, representing a significant improvement over previous generations. These new satellites offer increased radar bandwidth (from 500 MHz to 700 MHz), providing better resolution and higher imaging quality. They are also equipped with optical communication terminals (OCTs), making Capella Space the first commercial SAR company to demonstrate Optical Inter-Satellite Links.

Capella Space, founded in 2016, specializes in providing high-resolution, all-weather SAR imagery to both government and commercial customers. Their satellites can collect imagery through clouds and at night, offering unique capabilities for Earth observation.

TLE Data for CAPELLA-13 (ACADIA):

1 60419U 24142A   24234.94284040  .00017166  00000-0  19894-2 0 99993
2 60419  53.0085  76.3946 0009734 318.3170  41.7067 14.85519739  1541

Lunar Exploration

Thales Program Manager Shares Italian Lunar Habitat Details

Nicola Genco, Program Manager at Thales Alenia Space, has detailed plans for Italy’s innovative lunar habitat, a first for permanent human presence on the Moon. The Italian Space Agency (ASI), in collaboration with NASA, is leading the design and preliminary phases of this Multi-Purpose Habitation module, aimed at supporting long-term lunar missions.

The habitat will feature advanced life support systems, radiation shielding, and modular construction to adapt to the challenging lunar environment. This project represents a significant step in international cooperation for sustainable lunar exploration and eventual Mars missions.

Read the full story: European Spaceflight

Launch Setbacks

Rocket Factory Augsburg pushes maiden flight to 2025 after launchpad explosion

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has delayed its maiden RFA ONE rocket flight to 2025 following a launchpad explosion during a static-fire test. The incident resulted in the loss of a part of the rocket, prompting RFA to conduct a thorough investigation to improve safety protocols and design robustness before attempting another launch.

The delay signifies the challenges faced by new aerospace companies in ensuring the reliability and safety of their launch systems. RFA remains committed to overcoming this setback and successfully entering the competitive small launch market.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

NASA Updates

NASA shines spotlight on innovative personnel: August 2024 Transformer and Stars of the Month

Selina Salgado, a Human Resource Business Partner at NASA, has been named the August 2024 Transformer of the Month. In her role, Salgado excels in applying technological solutions to human resources challenges, particularly in community building and knowledge sharing, which are vital for NASA’s Digital Transformation (DT) initiatives.

Additionally, the NASA Ames Science Directorate has recognized several outstanding contributors for August 2024: Sangsavang Stevie Phothisane, Taryn Kavanagh, Andro Rios, and Hami Ray. These individuals have been acknowledged for their exceptional dedication and innovative efforts in support of NASA’s mission of exploration and scientific discovery.

Read more about Selina Salgado: NASA Read more about NASA Ames Stars of the Month: NASA

First Look at Hybrid Electric Research Aircraft

NASA and magniX have unveiled the Dash 7 aircraft, the centerpiece of the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project. This hybrid-electric aircraft will serve as a testbed for sustainable aviation research, focusing on developing technologies to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.

The unveiling, which took place at King County International Airport in Seattle, marks a significant step toward demonstrating the feasibility of electric propulsion systems in commercial aviation. The project highlights NASA’s commitment to advancing greener aviation solutions through innovation and collaboration with industry partners.

Read the full story: NASA