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- Issue 53 | Breaking Space News: June 01 - 06, 2025
Issue 53 | Breaking Space News: June 01 - 06, 2025
Côte d’Ivoire Establishes National Space Agency. This Week in Space: Stunning Images from Mars and the Sun, South Korea’s Venus Mission, Earth’s Atmospheric Heavy Metal Pollution, Global Space Security Updates, EU’s Space Act, US Space Force Launch Upgrades, and More.
Maharshi Bhattacharya
June 08, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 39 minutes
Explorer, welcome back!🚀
Plenty of new developments in space commerce, defense, and governance. Also we just hit the one year mark. Thanks for being part of the Lagrangian on week 53.
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Hope you enjoy this Space!
The Milky Way and Andromeda: A 50-50 Chance of Collision or Near Miss?
South Korea, NanoAvionics Set to Launch CLOVE—15-Year Venus Atmospheric Study Mission Using CubeSats
Satellite Megaconstellations Raise Environmental Concerns Over Heavy Metal Pollution
AI Enhances Binary Star Analysis, Solving Complex Models in Seconds
BAE Systems Secures $1.2B Contract for US Space Force Missile-Tracking Satellites
US Space Force Shifts Launch Range Upgrade Costs to Commercial Companies
Maxar’s Visual-Based Navigation Tech—Raptor Enhances Saab’s Autonomous Drone Systems
Senegal’s Military & Space Agency Partner to Integrate Space Technology into Defense Strategy
PRIMER
This week we will look into Other Transaction Authority (OTA), a flexible acquisition mechanism used primarily by U.S. federal agencies (especially in defense, space, and R&D) to bypass traditional procurement rules under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Federal agencies sue it to fund research, prototype development, and production projects. Unlike traditional government contracts, OTA agreements are not subject to standard federal acquisition regulations, allowing for faster negotiations and greater collaboration with non-traditional defense contractors. There are three main types of OTA agreements:
Research OTAs – Support basic, applied, and advanced research.
Prototype OTAs – Fund technology development directly relevant to military applications.
Production OTAs – Allow follow-on production after a successful prototype phase.
Key Features
Legal Basis
Granted by Congress (e.g., 10 U.S.C. § 4022 for DoD, 51 U.S.C. § 20113(e) for NASA).
Intended for prototypes, R&D, and niche projects where FAR compliance is impractical.
Flexibility
Exempt from FAR: Streamlined negotiations, custom terms, and faster awards.
IP Rights: Parties can negotiate intellectual property ownership (unlike strict FAR rules).
Payment Structures: Milestone-based or hybrid models (e.g., fixed-price + incentives).
Eligibility
Non-Traditional Contractors: Companies with minimal/no government work (<$50M/year).
Consortia: Industry groups (e.g., Space Enterprise Consortium) pool expertise.
Traditional contractors may join if partnering with non-traditional entities.
Common Use Cases
Prototyping: Rapid development of tech (e.g., SpaceX’s early NASA partnerships).
R&D: High-risk innovation (AI, hypersonics, space sensors).
Commercial Solutions: Leveraging private-sector tech (e.g., cloud computing).
Agencies Using OTA
Department of Defense (DoD): 80%+ of OTAs (e.g., Space Development Agency satellites).
NASA: Artemis program, commercial lunar payloads.
DHS, HHS: Cybersecurity, biomedical R&D.
Pros & Cons
Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
⚡ Faster awards (weeks vs. months) | 🔒 Limited to R&D/prototypes (not production) |
💡 Attracts startups & innovators | ⚖️ Scrutiny over "fair access" for small biz |
🛡️ Custom IP/data rights | 📉 Less oversight (GAO audit concerns) |
🤝 Collaborative consortia model | ❓ Complexity in compliance |
Example
The DoD’s Space Rapid Capabilities Office used OTA to accelerate next-gen missile-warning satellites, partnering with SpaceX and L3Harris—cutting delivery time by 50%.
IMAGES
Mount Etna Eruption : Copernicus Sentinel-2
The Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite captured striking images of Mount Etna’s powerful eruption on June 2, 2025, as a massive plume of ash, gas, and rock burst from Europe’s largest active volcano. Reports indicate that the blast caused tourists to flee, marking Etna’s most significant eruption since 2014.
According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory, early observations suggest a partial collapse of the volcano’s southeast crater’s northern flank. The satellite imagery clearly depicts lava flows and dense smoke, while additional data from Copernicus Sentinel-5P reveals sulphur dioxide emissions in the plume. (Credit: Copernicus Sentinel data (2025), processed by ESA)
Magnetic Curtains, Ultra-Fine Striations in Solar Surface : NSF Inouye Solar Telescope
The NSF Inouye Solar Telescope has captured the sharpest-ever images of the Sun’s surface, revealing ultra-fine magnetic striations just 20 kilometers wide—roughly the length of Manhattan. These bright and dark stripes, known as photospheric striations, ripple across solar convection cells, shaped by curtain-like magnetic fields that shift like fabric in the wind.
Scientists at the National Solar Observatory used high-resolution imaging to trace these structures, offering new insights into solar magnetism and its role in space weather phenomena. The findings could help refine models of solar eruptions, flares, and coronal mass ejections. (Credit: NSF/NSO/AURA)
The surface of the Sun (photosphere), captured with the VBI instrument at the Inouye Solar Telescope in the G-band (430 nanometers) with a resolution of approximately 20 kilometers. The zoomed-in area reveals unprecedented details of the solar photosphere – granular walls dominated by ultra-thin stripes approximately 20–50 kilometers wide. (Credit: NSF/NSO/AURA)
Deuteronilus Cavus Depression : European Space Agency’s Mars Express
The Deuteronilus Cavus depression reveals a diverse geological landscape, offering insights into Mars’s evolving history. Its terrain features ancient channels shaped by flowing water, glacial-driven formations along crater walls, eroded rock blocks, and layers of wind-swept volcanic dust.
This image was captured by Mars Express’s High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on October 25, 2024 (orbit 26275) with a ground resolution of approximately 18 m/pixel, centered at 36°N/14°E. It combines data from HRSC’s nadir channel, aligned perpendicular to the surface, and its color channels to enhance clarity. (Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin)
SCIENCE
The Milky Way and Andromeda: A 50-50 Chance of Collision or Near Miss?
The illustrations preview the merger as seen from Earth, beginning with a present day view of Andromeda and the Milky Way (top). At 2 billion years, the mutual pull of gravity between the two galaxies brings Andromeda closer, increasing its visibility (middle). At 3.75 billion years, Andromeda and the Milky Way prepare for their initial collision (bottom). (Credit: NASA)
02 June, 2025
For decades, astronomers believed that the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies were on a collision course, set to merge in 4–5 billion years. However, new research from the University of Helsinki suggests that this once near-certain fate is now a 50/50 possibility.
Using updated data from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and ESA’s Gaia mission, researchers ran 100,000 simulations, factoring in the gravitational influence of smaller galaxies like the Large Magellanic Cloud. Their findings indicate that Andromeda and the Milky Way may pass each other at a safe distance, avoiding a merger altogether.
While a direct collision remains highly unlikely, the study highlights the complex gravitational interactions shaping our galaxy’s future. More precise data in the coming years may provide a definitive answer on whether the Milky Way will ultimately merge with Andromeda or continue its cosmic journey independently. The study was published in on June 2, 2025 in the journal Nature Astronomy.
South Korea, NanoAvionics Set to Launch CLOVE—15-Year Venus Atmospheric Study Mission Using CubeSats
A render showing IBS’ CLOVESat-1 in orbit for the Venus observation mission. (Credit: Kongsberg-Nanoavionics)
02 June, 2025
South Korea’s Institute for Basic Science (IBS) is launching the CLOVE project (Chasing the Long-term Variability of Our Nearest Neighbor Planet Venus), a 15-year CubeSat mission designed to study Venus’s atmospheric variability from low Earth orbit (LEO). The first satellite, CLOVESat-1, built by the Lithuania-based small satellite manufacturer NanoAvionics, is scheduled for launch in 2026. This 8U Cubesat bus will be followed by additional satellites every three yeaUrs, spanning an entire solar activity cycle.
A NanoAvionics scientist works on an 8U CubeSat assembly. (Credit: Kongsberg NanoAvionics)
The CubeSats will investigate cloud top altitude, vertical cloud structure, sulfur dioxide abundance, and unidentified atmospheric absorbers. Equipped with ultraviolet to near-infrared instruments, they will work alongside ground-based observatories to provide continuous data.
This initiative reflects a growing trend of small satellite missions complementing larger planetary studies. As NASA faces budget constraints, affecting global space collaborations and larger space missions, South Korea’s approach highlights the cost-effectiveness and adaptability of CubeSats in long-term planetary research. The findings could enhance understanding of Venus’s climate evolution and its comparison to Earth.
Satellite Megaconstellations Raise Environmental Concerns Over Heavy Metal Pollution: In-Orbit Refueling Proposed as Solution
03 June, 2025
The rapid expansion of satellite megaconstellations is raising concerns about their environmental impact, particularly the release of heavy metals into Earth’s atmosphere. As satellites reach the end of their lifespan, they are deorbited and burned up, depositing metallic aerosols, including aluminum and lithium, into the stratosphere.
Studies suggest that this growing influx of metal vapor could alter atmospheric chemistry, potentially affecting wind patterns, temperatures, and ozone recovery. With tens of thousands of satellites expected to reenter in the coming decades, researchers warn that the cumulative effect may rival natural meteor dust levels.
One proposed solution is in-orbit refueling and servicing, which could extend satellite lifespans and reduce orbital debris. However, analysts caution that without strict environmental regulations, operators may not adopt reusable technology at scale.
AI Enhances Binary Star Analysis, Solving Complex Models in Seconds, Streamlining Binary System Identification
"What took two weeks plus on a supercomputer now takes mere minutes or seconds on a single laptop."
03 June, 2025
A new AI-powered system is revolutionizing the study of binary star systems, drastically reducing the time required to analyze their properties. The PHOEBAI neural network, developed by researchers at Villanova University, can determine key stellar characteristics—such as mass and size—in minutes or seconds on a single laptop, compared to the weeks-long process previously required on supercomputers.
Binary stars, which make up over 50% of sun-like and massive stars, are crucial for understanding stellar evolution. Traditionally, astronomers relied on complex thermodynamic models, making analysis time-consuming. PHOEBAI accelerates this process by identifying eclipsing binary systems, where two stars appear as a single light source from Earth.
This breakthrough could help clear a backlog of hundreds of thousands of binary systems, offering a treasure trove of stellar population data for future research. The team's research was published in February 2025, in The Astrophysical Journal.
Terraforming Mars: Could Science Turn the Red Planet Green?
A realistic visualization of terraformed Mars by Daein Ballard. (Credit: Daein Ballard, CC BY-SA))
A growing number of scientists argue that terraforming Mars—once considered pure science fiction—should now be taken seriously. Recent advancements in synthetic biology, planetary engineering, and launch technology have made the idea more feasible, prompting researchers to explore whether Mars could be transformed into a habitable world.
A new study led by Pioneer Research Labs, with contributions from scientists at the University of Chicago, Harvard University. and Los Alamos National Laboratory, outlines a phased approach to warming the planet, enriching its atmosphere, and introducing life-supporting systems. The first steps involve engineered microbes that could produce oxygen through photosynthesis, potentially leading to stable liquid water and, eventually, a thriving ecosystem.
While full-scale terraforming could take centuries, proponents see Mars as a testbed for planetary engineering, with potential lessons for Earth’s climate challenges. However, researchers caution that ethical, financial, and technological hurdles remain, requiring further study before large-scale efforts can begin. The study was published in May 2025 in the journal Nature Astronomy.
Cosmic Magnetic Fields Exist in Large-Scale Structures, Dating Back to the Universe’s Origins—Where Did They Come From?
05 June, 2025
New research suggests that magnetic fields may have originated in the early universe, challenging long-standing theories about their formation. While most cosmic magnetic fields—such as those around galaxies, planets, and magnetars—have known origins, the largest structures in the universe, including galaxy clusters and cosmic filaments, host weak but persistent magnetic fields with unclear origins.
Scientists have debated whether these fields were born in the first moments of the universe or generated by extreme astrophysical events like supermassive black holes. A recent study led by Italian researchers measured magnetic fields in cosmic filaments, comparing them to simulated models, and found evidence supporting the early-universe formation theory.
If confirmed, this discovery could reshape our understanding of cosmic evolution, suggesting that magnetic fields played a fundamental role in shaping the universe’s structure from its infancy. The study is slated to be published in the journal Universe.
GOVERNANCE
US Senator Cruz Proposes $10 B Amendment to Preserve NASA Programs as NASA Withdraws Support for Conferences & Advisory Committees Restructure Amid Political Shifts, Funding Constraints
04 June, 2025
NASA is facing a turbulent period as political shifts, budget constraints, and policy changes reshape its operations. The agency’s advisory committees, once instrumental in shaping scientific priorities, have been largely suspended since the start of the second Trump administration. While the Aerospace Safety Advisory Committee remains active, NASA has halted its science subcommittees, consolidating them into a single advisory body. This restructuring follows executive orders aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy, raising concerns among scientists about diminished representation.
The NASA-led Gateway Program is a global collaboration to build humanity’s first lunar-orbiting space station, serving as a critical component of Artemis. If green-lit, Gateway will enable deep-space technology testing, support a sustained human presence beyond Earth, and lay the groundwork for future Mars exploration, despite ongoing budget challenges and policy shifts affecting NASA’s operations. (Credit: NASA)
05 June, 2025
Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has proposed a $10 billion budget amendment to counter cuts in NASA’s human spaceflight programs. His plan seeks to preserve the Space Launch System (SLS) with a $4.1 billion package, Orion spacecraft, and the Lunar Gateway with a $2.6 billion package, all of which were slated for cancellation under the administration’s budget proposal. The amendment also includes funding for a Mars Telecommunications Orbiter ($700 million) and additional support of $250 million for the International Space Station (ISS) through 2029, signaling congressional resistance to the administration’s cost-cutting measures.
05 June, 2025
Credit: ISRDC
NASA’s financial struggles have already led to operational changes. The agency has withdrawn support for key conferences, including the ISS Research and Development Conference, citing budgetary and regulatory challenges. The move reflects broader concerns about NASA’s ability to sustain research initiatives amid funding reductions. Additionally, NASA is considering reducing the ISS crew size and limiting research activities to focus on Moon and Mars exploration, as its budget for ISS operations faces a 25% cut.
Despite these challenges, some experts see an opportunity for reform, Jeff Foust writes for the SpaceNews. The proposed $6 billion budget cut—nearly 25% of NASA’s funding—could force the agency to restructure its priorities, potentially increasing reliance on commercial providers for human spaceflight. While critics warn of job losses and weakened international partnerships, others argue that streamlining operations could enhance efficiency and innovation.
As NASA navigates this uncertain landscape, the agency’s future will depend on congressional negotiations, industry partnerships, and strategic adaptations to maintain its leadership in space exploration.
US Lawmakers Push for Greater Space Coordination with Australia, India, & Japan
05 June, 2025
U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) have introduced the Quad Space Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at strengthening space cooperation among the United States, Australia, India, and Japan—the four nations of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad).
The legislation directs the Secretary of Defense to initiate discussions with Quad partners on space situational awareness, industrial policy, and best practices, with a report to Congress outlining potential steps for formal collaboration. While the bill does not allocate funding, lawmakers hope to integrate it into the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
The initiative reflects growing concerns over China and Russia’s space activities, including anti-satellite weapons and potential nuclear space threats. By deepening strategic alignment, the Quad Space Act aims to enhance regional security and expand U.S. role and influence in the region.
EU Space Act Could Reshape Compliance Standards—With Binding Obligations, Targets Sustainability, Security, & Resilience
05 June , 2025
Europe is preparing to introduce a comprehensive Space Act aimed at overhauling regulations for space services, creating a unified legal framework for companies operating in or selling to the European market. The legislation is expected to move away from voluntary guidelines toward binding obligations in areas such as space sustainability, safety, resilience, and security.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen European space sovereignty, including the ReArm Europe program, which allocates over $900 billion to reduce reliance on U.S. defense systems. Legal experts anticipate that the law could either harmonize regulations across EU member states or introduce new compliance challenges for businesses.
As Europe seeks to streamline its fragmented space market, the Space Act could reshape international partnerships, influencing how non-EU companies navigate conflicting legal standards and adapt to evolving space technologies
Côte d’Ivoire Establishes National Space Agency to Advance Space Development
05 June, 2025
Côte d’Ivoire has officially established the Space Agency of Côte d’Ivoire (ASCI) to oversee the peaceful use and exploitation of outer space. Approved by the Council of Ministers on June 4, 2025, ASCI will coordinate national space science and technology initiatives, focusing on Earth observation, environmental monitoring, agricultural development, and natural resource management.
The agency aims to expand satellite navigation and telecommunications, supporting geolocation systems and national connectivity. ASCI’s creation aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s broader strategy to modernize research and enhance its presence in regional and international scientific frameworks.
Prior to its formal establishment, the government signaled its commitment to space development at the 2023 NewSpace Africa Conference. Côte d’Ivoire now joins 11 other African nations with dedicated space agencies, reinforcing the continent’s growing investment in space-based technologies.
MILITARY
BAE Systems Secures $1.2B Contract for US Space Force Missile-Tracking Satellites
Illustration of the Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking (MWT) system deployed in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), developed by BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems. (Credit: BAE Systems)
02 June, 2025
The U.S. Space Force has awarded BAE Systems a $1.2 billion contract through an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement, enabling faster development of 10 missile-tracking satellites for the Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking (MWT) program in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). This marks the second phase, Epoch 2, of efforts to enhance hypersonic missile detection and ballistic missile tracking.
The satellites will integrate with existing missile defense architectures, complementing low Earth orbit (LEO) and geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) systems. The first delivery is scheduled for fiscal year 2029, with new satellites expected every two years.
BAE Systems, which acquired Ball Aerospace in 2024, will also develop a ground system for command and control operations. The contract reflects growing investment in space-based missile defense, as the U.S. seeks to counter evolving threats from hypersonic glide vehicles and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
US Space Force Shifts Launch Range Upgrade Costs to Commercial Companies: Jacobs Technology Secures $4B Contract for Space Launch Infrastructure
A Falcon 9 rocket carrying a GPS III-5 satellite into orbit launches from LC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., June 17, 2021. (Credit: Samuel Becker/USAF)
03 June, 2025
The U.S. Space Force has introduced a new funding model for launch range upgrades, shifting costs to commercial space companies under a $4 billion contract managed by Jacobs Technology. Previously, the government covered these expenses, but now launch providers will directly fund maintenance, sustainment, operations, and systems engineering for aging infrastructure. Jacobs Technology, headquartered in Tullahoma, Tennessee, became part of Amentum, a defense contractor based in Chantilly, Virginia, following their September 2024 merger.
The initiative aims to transform Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Base into high-capacity multi-user spaceports, addressing growing commercial launch demand. Over the past several years, launch activity at the ranges has grown by 30% annually, with 114 missions completed in 2024, the majority originating from Cape Canaveral. The Space Force is also investing $1.4 billion through 2028 to improve roads, airfields, communication lines, and power redundancy.
Congress has approved policy changes allowing the Space Force to collect fees from companies for indirect costs, similar to a port authority model. These shifts reflect the commercialization of space operations, ensuring long-term infrastructure sustainability amid increasing launch activity.
Lockheed Martin's Virtual Battleground, AI Fight Club will Simulate Combat Scenarios for US Military AI Advancement
A screengrab from the Lockheed Martin AI Fight Club™ promotional video. (Credit: Lockheed Martin)
04 June, 2025
There has never been a more important time to prove which AI technologies are the best, to help the United States stay ahead of the threats facing our nation and allies. AI Fight Club uses advanced simulation and visualization to evaluate AI in realistic and complex scenarios that mimic the challenges of modern warfare. Teams with the best AI will battle each other to determine the most robust, reliable and effective models.
Lockheed Martin has unveiled AI Fight Club, a competitive testing ground designed to accelerate the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) for military applications. The initiative will simulate AI performance across air, land, sea, and space domains, evaluating algorithms in realistic combat scenarios to determine their robustness and reliability.
Participants, including industry teams and government experts, will submit AI models for head-to-head matchups, testing their ability to handle contested airspace, coastal defense, and space-based surveillance. The program aims to identify vulnerabilities, foster innovation, and refine AI systems for national security.
Lockheed Martin is developing a virtual arena for these competitions, with the first event scheduled for late 2025. The company hopes AI Fight Club will push industry forward, ensuring AI technologies meet Department of Defense (DoD) standards and enhance warfighter capabilities.
Saab will use Maxar’s advanced geospatial intelligence and mission-focused products to develop new solutions for space-based C5ISR and autonomous drone systems. (Credit: Maxar Intelligence)
04 June, 2025
Maxar Intelligence has entered a strategic partnership with Swedish aerospace firm Saab to enhance battlefield intelligence using geospatial data. The collaboration will integrate Maxar’s satellite imagery and 3D terrain mapping with Saab’s defense systems, enabling autonomous drone navigation in GPS-denied environments. The collaboration will develop multi-domain battlespace solutions, focusing on space-based C5ISR systems (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and GPS-resilient autonomous drone operations.
A key component of the Teaming Agreement is Maxar’s Raptor technology, which allows drones to determine their position by comparing real-time camera feeds with pre-existing 3D terrain models, eliminating reliance on satellite signals. Saab has tested this system in military exercises, demonstrating ground coordinate extraction accuracy within 2 meters in real-world conditions and its potential for AI-powered drone swarms that operate as coordinated units.
The agreement reflects Europe’s growing investment in sovereign space-based defense capabilities, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions. As nations seek greater autonomy in military technology, collaborations like this highlight the increasing role of geospatial intelligence in modern warfare
Senegal’s Military & Space Agency Partner to Integrate Space Technology into Defense Strategy, Strengthen National Space Capabilities
05 June, 2025
Senegal’s General Staff of the Armed Forces (EMGA) and the Senegalese Agency for Space Studies (ASES) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic cooperation framework between the defense and space sectors.
The agreement aims to integrate space capabilities into national security, with a focus on satellite technologies for surveillance, secure communications, and defense readiness. Lieutenant General Mbaye Cissé, Chief of the General Staff, described the MoU as a historic step toward strengthening Senegal’s sovereignty.
ASES Director Maram Kaïré emphasized the long-term vision behind the initiative, stating that space technology will serve as a cross-cutting tool impacting multiple sectors, with security as a priority. The partnership will also receive technical support from PROMÉTHÉE Earth Intelligence, a European leader in Earth observation, to help develop Senegal’s sovereign space capabilities.
COMMERCIAL
US Satellite Firms Adapt to Budget Constraints by Targeting Foreign Clients Amid Rising Demand for Sovereign Earth Observation
A BlackSky very high-resolution first light image captured over Peter and Paul Fortress, in St. Petersburg, Russia in March 2025. (Credit: Black Sky)
U.S. satellite imaging companies are expanding their focus beyond domestic government contracts as foreign nations seek independent Earth observation capabilities. Firms like Maxar Intelligence, BlackSky, Planet Labs, and Capella Space are increasingly marketing their services to international customers looking for sovereign surveillance solutions.
At the 2025 GEOINT Symposium, held in St. Louis, Missouri, in May, executives from leading U.S. space firms discussed the growing demand for self-sufficient satellite intelligence. Dave Gauthier, former U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) official, noted that countries once reliant on American intelligence-sharing now prioritize independent surveillance amid geopolitical tensions.
This shift reflects the democratization of space-based intelligence, as countries that once relied on American intelligence-sharing now prioritize self-sufficiency amid geopolitical tensions. The demand extends beyond military applications, with sectors like energy, agriculture, and infrastructure monitoring benefiting from high-resolution satellite imagery.
At the same time, U.S. firms face budget constraints due to federal spending cuts, prompting them to diversify revenue streams. As the global market for commercial remote sensing grows, these companies are positioning themselves as key players in the evolving space economy.
Impulse Secures $300 Million for Orbital Mobility, Voyager Targets $1.6 Billion for Space Station Development
03 June, 2025
This week investments pouring into orbital mobility and space station development, reflects strong market confidence in space technologies despite broader economic uncertainties. These advancements also signal a growing reliance on private-sector leadership in shaping the future of space infrastructure and deep-space operations.
Impulse Space has secured $300 million in Series C funding, aiming to expand its in-space transportation capabilities and develop electric propulsion technologies. The company, founded by former SpaceX engineer Tom Mueller, is scaling production of its Mira and Helios space vehicles, which have gained traction in defense and commercial markets. With over 30 signed contracts valued at nearly $200 million, Impulse is positioning itself as a key player in orbital logistics.
A rendering of the Starlab space station in Low Earth Orbit, being developed by Voyager Space. (Credit: Voyager Space)
Meanwhile, Voyager Technologies has launched an IPO targeting a $1.6 billion valuation, capitalizing on rising defense and space investments. The company, known for its Starlab commercial space station project, plans to sell 11 million shares, raising up to $319 million. As NASA and private firms push deeper into space commercialization, Voyager’s move reflects growing investor confidence in long-term space infrastructure.
Astroscale Advances Satellite Debris Removal With Critical Design Review Completion
ELSA-M expands on a 2021 demonstration, where Astroscale deployed a servicer that released, recaptured, and re-released a small companion satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO). (Credit: Astroscale)
04 June, 2025
Astroscale has completed the critical design review for its ELSA-M (End-of-Life Services by Astroscale-Multiple) satellite servicer, marking a significant step toward active debris removal in low Earth orbit (LEO). The mission, backed by the UK Space Agency, aims to remove a defunct OneWeb broadband satellite using a magnetic docking mechanism.
Originally scheduled for 2024, the demonstration was delayed following OneWeb’s acquisition by Eutelsat. The 500-kilogram servicer will capture the satellite and guide it into controlled atmospheric reentry, preventing long-term orbital debris accumulation. Astroscale’s previous 2021 demonstration tested similar technology but faced thruster failures.
ELSA-M is designed to de-orbit multiple spacecraft in a single mission, advancing commercial debris removal services. The company is also competing for a UK Space Agency contract to remove additional satellites, alongside Swiss startup ClearSpace.
ispace Faces Second Lunar Landing Failure With Resilience Mission
A render of ispace's Resilience lander during its lunar landing attempt on June 5, 2025. (Credit: ispace)
05 June, 2025
Japan’s ispace has faced another setback in its lunar ambitions as its Resilience lander likely crashed during its June 5 moon landing attempt. The spacecraft, targeting Mare Frigoris (Sea of Cold), lost communication 1 minute and 45 seconds before touchdown, with preliminary data suggesting a laser rangefinder malfunction prevented proper deceleration.
This marks ispace’s second failed lunar landing, following the Hakuto-R Mission 1 crash in 2023 caused by a software issue. Resilience carried six scientific payloads, including European Space Agency’s Tenacious rover, a water electrolyzer experiment, and a deep-space radiation monitor, none of which could be deployed. The commercial payloads on the lander are valued at $16 million, according to ispace's financial reports. Tenacious also carries Moonhouse, an art project led by Swedish artist Mikael Genberg, featuring a 12 × 10 × 8 cm, 100-gram model of a traditional Swedish house.
Despite the failure, ispace remains committed to future missions, with plans for two additional lunar landings by 2027.
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
Astronomers Discover a Massive Planet Orbiting an Unexpectedly Small Star
A rendering of the red dwarf star TOI-6894 (foreground) and its giant planet orbiting in the background. (Credit: University of Warwick/Mark Garlick)
Astronomers have discovered TOI-6894b, a giant planet orbiting a tiny red dwarf star, TOI-6894, located 241 light-years away. This finding challenges planet formation theories, which suggest that low-mass stars lack the material to form gas giants.
The planet, slightly larger than Saturn, has only half its mass and completes an orbit in just three days. Researchers from University College London and the University of Warwick used NASA’s TESS telescope and ground-based observations to confirm its existence.
Current models struggle to explain how such a small star could host a massive planet. Scientists propose alternative formation mechanisms, including slow gas accumulation or disk instability. The discovery suggests that giant planets around low-mass stars may be more common than previously thought, prompting a reassessment of planetary formation theories. The finding was published on June 4 in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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