Author: starpathwp-production
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Rocket Lab Completes Tenth Dedicated Synspective Launch
Rocket Lab has successfully launched another satellite for Japanese Earth observation company Synspective, completing the tenth dedicated Electron mission for the customer with a 100% mission success record. The mission, named “Ten Owl Of Ten,” lifted off aboard an Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 5:43 a.m. NZST on 27 June…
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Firefly Aerospace Acquires Space-ng to Expand Autonomous Spacecraft Capabilities
Firefly Aerospace has acquired AI-powered spacecraft navigation company Space-ng, strengthening its software capabilities for future lunar, orbital and defence missions. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Space-ng will be fully integrated into Firefly, with Space-ng co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Ethan Rublee assuming the newly created role of Chief Engineer of Software, where…
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ESA and European Commission Expand Flight Ticket Initiative for European Launchers
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission (EC) have launched a new call for proposals under the European Flight Ticket Initiative, expanding opportunities for European launch providers to compete for institutional launch contracts. The two-part call invites European launcher developers to apply for framework contracts while also opening competition for the fifth batch…
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Tototheo Global Expands SES Partnership for FlexMaritime Service
Tototheo Global has expanded its partnership with SES to deploy the FlexMaritime connectivity service across the maritime sector. The agreement will enable Tototheo Global to offer the satellite-based connectivity solution to shipping customers, supporting a range of operational and onboard communication services. Expanding Maritime Connectivity FlexMaritime combines SES’s satellite network with integrated terrestrial infrastructure to…
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Calian to Acquire Galaxy Broadband in Deal Worth Up to C$52 Million
Calian Group has agreed to acquire Canadian satellite communications provider Galaxy Broadband Communications in a transaction valued at up to C$52 million (US$36.6 million), expanding its communications and connectivity business. The acquisition includes an upfront payment of C$24 million (US$16.9 million), with up to C$27.5 million (US$19.3 million) in additional earnout payments tied to performance…
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Firefly Buys the Vision Navigation Company Behind Its Blue Ghost Moon Landing
Financial terms were not disclosed. Space-ng will be fully integrated into Firefly, with Rublee overseeing the company’s spacecraft software suite. The two companies were already closely linked, since Space-ng’s vision navigation software handled autonomous hazard detection and real-time terrain avoidance during Blue Ghost Mission 1’s lunar descent. Space-ng also brings high-resolution spacecraft cameras and AI…
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AiRanaculus Wins NASA Contract to Advance Lunar Communications Technologies
Networking technology company AiRanaculus has secured a US$5 million contract from NASA to further develop communications technologies designed for future lunar and cislunar missions. The award, announced on 25 June under NASA’s Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program (CCRPP), will support the advancement of the company’s CLAIRE and INSPiRE platforms over a 24-month development programme. Advancing…
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SpaceX Alumni Have Founded More Than 1,300 Companies, Data Shows
SpaceX’s influence on the space industry extends well beyond its launch vehicles and spacecraft, with new data indicating the company has become a major source of entrepreneurial talent across multiple technology sectors. According to data compiled by Crustdata from publicly available sources and shared with Payload, approximately 1,330 former SpaceX employees have gone on to…
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Boeing Wins $2 Billion Space Force Contract for MUOS Satellites, Unseating Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin built the existing MUOS fleet of four operational satellites and one spare. The decision to award the new satellites to Boeing signals that the Space Force is willing to switch primes on an established program rather than continue with the original manufacturer. The two new satellites will use Boeing’s 702MP spacecraft platform, which…
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ReOrbit Launches OrbitCloud Space Computing Programme with €4.6 Million Backing
ReOrbit has launched its OrbitCloud research and development programme to develop a space-based edge computing network, supported by an initial €4.6 million (US$5.3 million) funding award from Business Finland. The company said the overall value of the programme is expected to exceed €40 million (US$46 million) as development progresses. Space-Based Edge Computing ReOrbit describes OrbitCloud…