Tag: Launch
-
Astrobotic’s Vertical Solar Array Enters Thermal Vacuum Testing
Astrobotic’s Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) is a key technology that will be used to harness solar energy for our commercial lunar power grid is being prepped to enter thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing in Chamber A at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. This follows recent testing of our rover for VOLT, or VSAT Optimized for Lunar…
-
ESA’s Next Planetary Defence Mission to Explore Asteroid Apophis
30 years ago, on 16 July 1994, astronomers watched in awe as the first of many pieces of the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet slammed into Jupiter with incredible force. The event sparked intense interest in the field of planetary defence as people asked: “Could we do anything to prevent this happening to Earth?” ESA’s Space Safety…
-
Maxar Intelligence Reveals the First Images from its WorldView Legion Satellites
Maxar Intelligence, a provider of secure, precise geospatial intelligence, released the first images from its next-generation WorldView Legion satellites, the first two of which were launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on May 2, 2024. The high-resolution, 30 cm-class images were collected on July 16, 2024, by one of Maxar’s WorldView Legion satellites on…
-
NASA Discontinues VIPER Moon Exploration Project Citing Cost Increases and Launch Delays
Following a comprehensive internal review, NASA announced its intent to discontinue development of its VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) project. NASA stated cost increases, delays to the launch date, and the risks of future cost growth as the reasons to stand down on the mission. The rover was originally planned to launch in late…
-
Renesas Unveils Power Management Solution for AMD’s Space-Grade Versal AI Edge Adaptive SoC
Renesas Electronics Corporation, a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, announced a complete space-ready reference design for the AMD Versal AI Edge XQRVE2302 Adaptive SOC. Developed in collaboration with AMD, the ISLVERSALDEMO3Z power management reference design integrates key space-grade components for power management. It targets the cost-effective AI Edge with both rad-hard & rad-tolerant plastic…
-
Astrobotic’s VOLT Lunar Rover Completes Surface Stability Testing at NASA Glenn Research Center
Astrobotic is one step closer to establishing a lunar power grid with the initiation of a summer-long test campaign for its VSAT Optimized for Lunar Traverse (VOLT). VOLT is a specialized lunar rover equipped with a vertical solar array designed to drive across the Moon, and harness solar energy to charge a variety of lunar…
-
Axelspace Introduces New Service for In-Orbit Demonstration of Space Components
Axelspace Corporation announced the launch of AxelLiner Laboratory (AL Lab), a new service under AxelLiner introduced in 2022. This service specializes in in-orbit demonstration of space components with sales set to begin in the near future. Additionally, a new memorandum was signed between Axelspace and ASPINA Shinano Kenshi, a partner in developing a reaction wheel…
-
Intuitive Machines Successfully Qualifies its VR900 Engine for IM-2 Lunar Mission
Intuitive Machines, one of the leading space exploration, infrastructure, and services companies, has qualified the VR900 engine for its IM-2 lunar mission, which also advances the development of the Company’s VR3500 engine for larger cargo class landers. Designed, 3D-printed, and tested in-house, the IM-2 VR900 engine completed a full-duration hot-fire test that confirmed increased engine…
-
LeoLabs to Provide Support for UK’s First Intelligence and Surveillance Satellite in Low Earth Orbit
LeoLabs, one of the leading providers of integrated solutions that persistently monitor activity in space to reveal threats to safety and security, announced it was selected to support the launch and operations of the United Kingdom (UK) Space Command’s Project Tyche by delivering space tracking and monitoring, and collision avoidance services. Tyche, scheduled to launch…
-
iLAuNCH Trailblazer Project Advances Space Tech with Onshore Manufacturing of New Space Camera
The Australian defence and space industry is set to achieve onshore manufacturing of new eye in the sky technology, a space camera that can provide images back to Earth at high speed that will aid in disaster resilience operations, land management, and defence. This multi-sensor camera for Earth observation is now in development with Leonardo,…