Issue 60 | Breaking Space News: July 20 - 26, 2025

Explorer, welcome back!🚀

Thanks for joining us this week. Space Science has a lot to offer this week, with some updates from the commercial and defense sectors in space. NASA’s struggles continue.

Talk to us. We talk back on Discord, Instagram, LinkedIN, and TikTok. The publication reads better on the link below.

Hope you enjoy this Space!

• IMAGES

  • Rare Snowfall in the Atacama Desert

  • Long-Predicted Stellar Companion of Betelgeuse

  • A Newborn Planet

• SCIENCE

  • CosmoCube-Miniature Radiometer will Listen to Cosmic Dark Ages From the Lunar Far Side

  • Study Advances Matter-Antimatter Comparisons Using Quantum Techniques: Scientists Effectively Create an Antimatter Qubit

  • NASA–ISRO Earth Observation Satellite Set for July 30 Launch

  • Satellite and AI Analysis Reveals that Strong Marine Protections Effectively Deter Illegal Fishing

  • Ocean Temperature Anomalies Signal Climate Tipping Point

  • Standardized Supernovae Catalog Challenges Existing Cosmological Framework: Dark Energy is Evolving

  • Russia Completes Space Weather Constellation, Launches Iran’s Telecom Satellite

• GOVERNANCE

  • South Korea Unveils 2045 Lunar Base Roadmap

  • Scientists Flag Safety Risks as NASA Workforce Shrinks Under Budget Pressure

  • Spain Offers €400M Lifeline to Stalled Thirty Meter Telescope Project

  • US NOAA Satellite Division Head & Sharpiegate Investigator Placed on Leave

• MILITARY

  • US Reconnaissance Office Taps Hydrosat for On-Orbit Thermal Infrared Data

  • Space Force Simulates Commercial Satellite Mobilization in Orbital Crisis Drill

  • Space-Based Missile Defense Gains Momentum with Interagency Push Across US Initiatives

  • Spire Expands Space-Based RF Intelligence for Defense Applications

• COMMERCIAL

  • AST SpaceMobile Seeks FCC Approval for Direct Satellite Coverage to First Responders

  • China Introduces Sector-Wide Standards for Space Infrastructure

  • iRocket to Go Public Through $400 Million SPAC Merger

  • Lockheed Eyes Selling Commercial Orion Flights for Deep Space After Artemis

  • Spaceflux Secures £5.4M in Seed Funding to Expand Global SSA Network as Demand Rises for Non-US Situational Awareness Platforms

  • Blue Origin to Launch Scout's AI-Based Orbital Surveillance Sensor Aboard Blue Ring in 2026

• RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

  • Researchers Demonstrate Algae Growth Under Simulated Martian Pressures in Bioplastic Habitat Prototypes

  • Potentially Habitable Planet, a Super Earth, Confirmed Just 35 Light-Years Away

IMAGES

Rare Snowfall in the Atacama Desert : MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument, Terra Satellite, NASA

Long-Predicted Stellar Companion of Betelgeuse : Gemini North Telescope, Hawai’i

A Newborn Planet : ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), Chile

SCIENCE

CosmoCube-Miniature Radiometer will Listen to Cosmic Dark Ages From the Lunar Far Side

21 July, 2025

A UK-led consortium of scientists has proposed the CosmoCube mission to study the universe’s Cosmic Dark Ages, an era before the first stars and galaxies formed, by deploying a miniature radiometer-equipped satellite to orbit the Moon’s far side. This location offers a rare radio-quiet environment, shielded from Earth’s interference, ideal for detecting faint hydrogen signals emitted over 13 billion years ago. Operating at low frequencies (10–100 MHz), CosmoCube aims to capture redshifted 21cm radiation, potentially illuminating early cosmic structure formation and dark matter-baryon interactions.

The mission also seeks to address the Hubble tension, a persistent discrepancy in measurements of the universe’s expansion rate. Backed by the UK Space Agency’s Science Bilateral Programme, the project is undergoing prototype testing and targets launch within five years. If successful, CosmoCube could open a new observational frontier in cosmology, complementing Earth-based and orbital telescopes by accessing wavelengths otherwise blocked by the ionosphere and terrestrial noise.

Study Advances Matter-Antimatter Comparisons Using Quantum Techniques: Scientists Effectively Create an Antimatter Qubit

23 July, 2025

In a landmark experiment at CERN’s antimatter facility, the BASE collaboration has demonstrated the first coherent quantum transition in a single antiproton, effectively creating an antimatter qubit. By maintaining spin coherence for 50 seconds, researchers achieved unprecedented control over the particle’s quantum states, enabling more precise comparisons between matter and antimatter. This breakthrough refines tests of charge-parity-time (CPT) symmetry, a cornerstone of the Standard Model, and may expose subtle asymmetries that challenge current physics.

Spin coherence refers to the ability of a quantum system—typically involving particles like electrons or antiprotons—to maintain a stable and predictable quantum spin state over time. In simpler terms, it’s how long the “direction” of a particle’s spin remains well-defined before it gets scrambled by interactions with its environment. BASE stands for Baryon Antibaryon Symmetry Experiment. It’s a precision physics initiative at CERN focused on comparing the fundamental properties of protons and antiprotons—like their magnetic moments and charge-to-mass ratios—to test CPT symmetry and probe why the universe favors matter over antimatter.

The experiment’s success hinged on suppressing decoherence mechanisms and deploying advanced Penning trap systems. It’s basically a tiny, invisible cage built with magnets and electric fields, that lets researchers study particles in isolation for long periods, without smashing them or losing them.

While the antimatter qubit is unlikely to serve computational functions, it opens new avenues for high-precision spectroscopy and fundamental physics. Future upgrades, including BASE-STEP’s transportable trap system, aim to extend coherence times tenfold, potentially transforming baryonic antimatter research. The findings underscore the growing intersection of quantum control and particle physics in probing the universe’s deepest symmetries.

NASA–ISRO Earth Observation Satellite Set for July 30 Launch: Will Target Climate & Geohazard Monitoring at Sub-Centimeter Scale

23 July, 2025

NASA and ISRO are set to launch NISAR, a joint Earth-observation satellite, on July 30 from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The mission marks the first equal partnership between the two agencies and features dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar—NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band—designed to detect sub-centimeter changes in Earth’s surface. NISAR will scan the globe every 12 days, enabling sub-centimeter, high-resolution monitoring of tectonic shifts, glacier dynamics, vegetation, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. Its data could improve disaster preparedness by identifying precursors to earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activity.

The satellite’s 12-meter mesh antenna and repeat-pass interferometry will allow scientists to track subtle deformations over time. With a projected cost of $1.5 billion, NISAR is among the most advanced Earth science missions to date. The collaboration reflects a broader trend of bilateral space cooperation and underscores the strategic importance of Earth systems monitoring amid climate and geohazard challenges.

Satellite and AI Analysis Reveals that Strong Marine Protections Effectively Deter Illegal Fishing

24 July, 2025

A new peer-reviewed study published in Science demonstrates that fully and highly protected marine areas (MPAs) are effective in deterring industrial fishing, challenging assumptions that such zones are merely symbolic. Researchers combined satellite radar imagery, Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, and AI models to detect fishing vessels, including “dark” ships that evade tracking, across 1,380 MPAs. The analysis revealed that 78.5% of these zones showed no commercial fishing activity, and those with violations averaged less than 24 hours of activity annually.

Strictly protected MPAs had nine times fewer vessels per square kilometer than unprotected areas. The findings suggest that robust enforcement mechanisms and legal protections correlate with ecological benefits, including increased fish populations and spillover effects into adjacent waters. The methodology offers a scalable framework for monitoring compliance and guiding patrol efforts. As satellite and AI capabilities advance, the ocean is becoming increasingly transparent, reshaping global approaches to marine conservation and resource governance.

Ocean Temperature Anomalies Signal Climate Tipping Point: Satellite Data Confirms Record-Breaking Marine Heatwaves in 2023

24 July, 2025

In 2023, satellite data revealed an alarming surge in marine heatwaves, marking the most intense, widespread, and persistent ocean warming events on record. Covering 96% of global oceans, these anomalies lasted up to 525 days in regions like the North Atlantic and Southwest Pacific, with temperature spikes reaching 1.63°C during El Niño development. Researchers attribute the phenomenon to reduced cloud cover, weakened winds, and altered ocean currents—factors that intensified surface heating and disrupted vertical mixing.

In the study, Chinese researchers leveraged ECCO2 and OISST datasets, to suggest that these events may signal a shift in ocean-atmosphere dynamics, potentially approaching a climate tipping point. Ecological consequences include mass coral bleaching, species redistribution, and declining fisheries, with broader implications for coastal economies and global climate stability. While causality remains complex, the findings emphasize the urgency of advancing predictive models and mitigation strategies as ocean systems exhibit signs of systemic stress.

Standardized Supernovae Catalog Challenges Existing Cosmological Framework: Dark Energy is Evolving

24 July, 2025

A new standardized dataset of 2,087 Type Ia supernovae, Union3, has intensified scrutiny of dark energy’s behavior over cosmic time. Compiled by the Supernova Cosmology Project, the catalog spans 7 billion years and corrects for instrumental inconsistencies across 24 surveys. Its analysis suggests that dark energy, long assumed constant under the Lambda-CDM (Cold Dark Matter) model, may be evolving. This aligns with independent findings from DESI and the Dark Energy Survey, both hinting at a weakening force behind cosmic expansion. The Lambda-CDM model is the leading framework in cosmology for describing the structure and evolution of the universe.

Researchers used Bayesian Hierarchical Models to refine calibration and account for observational uncertainties, improving confidence in the results. While not yet conclusive, the convergence of multiple methodologies has prompted renewed debate about the universe’s long-term trajectory. Upcoming data from the Vera Rubin Observatory and Roman Space Telescope may clarify whether the cosmos will expand indefinitely or face a more complex fate. The findings mark a pivotal moment in observational cosmology, challenging long-held assumptions about the dark universe.

Russia Completes Space Weather Constellation, Launches Iran’s Telecom Satellite

25 July, 2025

Russia launched two Ionosfera-M satellites and Iran’s Nahid-2 communications satellite aboard a Soyuz 2.1b rocket from Vostochny Cosmodrome on July 25, completing a four-satellite constellation to monitor space weather phenomena. The Ionosfera-M 3 and 4 spacecraft entered an orbital plane perpendicular to their predecessors, enhancing three-dimensional coverage of the magnetosphere and ionosphere. Equipped with nine instruments—including spectrometers, magnetometers, and ozone sensors—the satellites will support geophysical research and civilian-military forecasting.

Iran’s Nahid-2, designed for telecommunications, reflects growing Russo-Iranian space cooperation following prior launches of Kowsar, Hodhod, and Pars-1 satellites. The mission also included 17 Russian cubesats for remote sensing and technology demonstration. While Roscosmos faces budget constraints, the Ionozond program continues to advance Russia’s scientific capabilities. The launch underscores the strategic use of space infrastructure for environmental monitoring and geopolitical alignment, particularly as Iran seeks self-sufficiency in satellite development.

GOVERNANCE

South Korea Unveils 2045 Lunar Base Roadmap

20 July ,2025

South Korea has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to establish a lunar base by 2045, positioning itself among a growing cohort of nations pursuing long-term habitation on the Moon. The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), formed in 2024, outlined five core mission areas, ranging from low Earth orbit to deep space, with lunar exploration as a central pillar. Plans include developing indigenous landing and mobility technologies by 2040, followed by infrastructure to support a “lunar economic base” five years later.

Early groundwork is underway: prototype rovers are being tested in terrestrial mines to simulate lunar conditions, and the Danuri orbiter, launched in 2022, continues to relay data from lunar orbit. South Korea’s lunar ambitions mirror broader geopolitical trends, with the U.S., China, Russia, and India also targeting permanent Moon outposts. KASA’s roadmap reflects a strategic pivot toward resource utilization and autonomous capability, signaling the country’s intent to become a serious player in the off-Earth economy.

Scientists Flag Safety Risks as NASA Workforce Shrinks Under Budget Pressure

22 July, 2025

NASA is undergoing a period of acute internal disruption as nearly 4,000 employees—roughly 20% of its workforce, have accepted voluntary buyouts amid sweeping budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. The reductions, which preempt congressional approval, target science programs and workforce structures, prompting widespread concern over mission integrity and institutional knowledge loss. Protesters gathered on July 20 outside the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum to mark the anniversary of Apollo 11 and to denounce what they described as premature and unlawful implementation of budget directives.

Lawmakers have accused NASA leadership of overcompliance with the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which slashes the Science Mission Directorate by nearly 50% and threatens over 40 missions. In response, nearly 300 current and former NASA personnel signed the Voyager Declaration, warning that political interference and abrupt restructuring jeopardize decades of progress in space, aeronautics, and climate science. The declaration also highlights the erosion of NASA’s Technical Authority, a safety oversight system established after the Columbia disaster.

The Deferred Resignation Program has accelerated departures, including senior leadership, raising fears of a “brain drain” that could compromise astronaut safety and future exploration. Protesters and signatories argue that NASA’s public science mandate is being undermined by short-term political agendas, with some scientists considering relocation abroad. As Congress pushes back, the agency faces a critical juncture: whether it can preserve its scientific mission and workforce or risk long-term damage to U.S. space leadership.

Spain Offers €400M Lifeline to Stalled Thirty Meter Telescope Project

23 July, 2025

Facing potential cancellation under the Trump administration’s FY2026 budget proposal, the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) has received a lifeline from Spain. The Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities in Spain, Diana Morant, announced that Spain has formally offered up to €400 million/$471 million to host the stalled observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands. The proposal follows the Trump administration’s FY2026 budget request, which recommends withdrawing National Science Foundation’s (NSF) support for the TMT, citing a preference for the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile. Prior to Trump’s presidency, the NSF had faced government pressure to fund just one large ground-based telescope, capped at $1.6 billion—a concern given that these two such projects were already underway.

The offer was framed as a strategic investment in global scientific infrastructure, emphasizing La Palma’s readiness and existing permits. Originally slated for Hawaii’s Mauna Kea, the TMT has faced years of delays due to local opposition and funding constraints. Spain’s bid positions the Canary Islands as a northern hemisphere alternative, though the site’s lower altitude may affect observational quality. If accepted, the move could secure decades of research, skilled employment, and regional development. The TMT board is expected to review the proposal within months.

US NOAA Satellite Division Head & Sharpiegate Investigator Placed on Leave

25 July, 2025

Two senior officials at NOAA, Stephen Volz, head of the satellite division, and Jeff Dillen, deputy general counsel, have been placed on administrative leave, raising questions about political interference and scientific integrity. Both played key roles in investigating the 2019 “Sharpiegate” incident, in which NOAA backed President Trump’s altered hurricane forecast map. Their removal comes days before a Senate vote on Neil Jacobs, Trump’s nominee to lead NOAA, who was previously found to have violated agency ethics during the same scandal.

The timing has sparked concern among current and former NOAA staff, especially as the Trump administration pushes for deep budget cuts and privatization of satellite operations. Volz had publicly advocated for maintaining government-led satellite infrastructure while selectively partnering with private firms for data. With NOAA already facing staffing shortages and morale challenges, the sidelining of these officials adds to broader unease about the agency’s future direction and its ability to uphold scientific standards

MILITARY

US Reconnaissance Office Taps Hydrosat for On-Orbit Thermal Infrared Data

21 July, 2025

Washington D.C.-based thermal satellite data provider, Hydrosat has secured a Stage II contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), expanding its role in the Strategic Commercial Enhancements program. The agreement grants the NRO access to thermal infrared and electro-optical data from Hydrosat’s first two satellites, VanZyl-1 and VanZyl-2, which together image over 10 million square kilometers daily. This follows a Stage I contract awarded in 2023 for modeling and simulation work. The new deal enables on-orbit assessments and operational use of Hydrosat’s data for defense and intelligence applications, including nighttime surveillance and infrastructure detection.

Hydrosat’s thermal imagery is also used for agricultural monitoring, drought detection, and irrigation optimization. The company’s AI-ready datasets offer high-frequency, machine-readable surface temperature insights. CEO Pieter Fossel emphasized the strategic value of thermal data in overcoming limitations of optical systems, particularly in low-light conditions. The contract reflects growing demand for commercial sensing capabilities across U.S. government agencies.

Space Force Simulates Commercial Satellite Mobilization in Orbital Crisis Drill

21 July, 2025

In a recent two-day exercise in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Space Force tested its ability to mobilize commercial satellite assets during orbital emergencies, marking the second iteration of its Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) wargames. The drill simulated scenarios where private-sector capabilities could be rapidly integrated into military operations, reflecting growing interest in leveraging commercial infrastructure for national security. CASR draws conceptual parallels to the Civil Reserve Air Fleet, aiming to formalize partnerships that ensure surge capacity in contested space environments.

This rehearsal comes amid broader efforts to define “orbital warfare” and enhance space domain awareness, electromagnetic operations, and navigational resilience. While details remain sparse, the exercise underscores the Space Force’s intent to build a flexible, hybrid architecture that blends public and private assets. As geopolitical tensions rise and satellite vulnerabilities increase, such initiatives signal a shift toward distributed, responsive space defense strategies.

Space-Based Missile Defense Gains Momentum with Interagency Push Across US Initiatives: Golden Dome to be Functional in 3 Years

23 July, 2025

The U.S. national security space architecture is undergoing a rapid transformation, with multiple initiatives converging around missile defense, satellite surveillance, and commercial integration. The Space Development Agency (SDA) is nearing a pivotal moment as it prepares to deploy hundreds of low-Earth orbit satellites under its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. These launches will test whether SDA’s spiral development model—emphasizing speed, scale, and cost-efficiency—can deliver a resilient network for missile tracking and tactical communications.

Meanwhile, the Space Force is replacing its bespoke GSSAP satellites with commercially built alternatives for geostationary surveillance, aiming to reduce costs and improve interoperability with allies. At the strategic level, the Golden Dome initiative, announced by President Trump and led by Gen. Mike Guetlein, seeks to build a layered homeland missile defense system within three years. The plan includes space-based interceptors, which Guetlein claims are technically feasible and already tested in ground-based trials.

Golden Dome envisions a multi-domain shield against ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, integrating land, sea, and space-based interceptors with AI-driven sensor fusion. The initiative draws inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome but scales it to continental dimensions, requiring thousands of satellites and interceptors in orbit. Congress has allocated $25 billion as an initial down payment, with total costs projected to exceed $175 billion. The Pentagon is pursuing incremental demonstrations every six months, while leaning on commercial firms like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper to accelerate deployment.

Critics warn of technical and strategic risks, including feasibility concerns and the potential for an arms race. Nonetheless, Golden Dome reflects a broader shift toward distributed, responsive space defense, one that blends legacy systems, experimental platforms, and commercial capabilities into either a unified architecture or an improvised patchwork for homeland protection.

Spire Expands Space-Based RF Intelligence for Defense Applications

24 July, 2025

Spire Global has expanded its Space Reconnaissance portfolio with new AI enhanced, radio frequency (RF) geospatial intelligence capabilities aimed at defense and security sectors. The upgraded system enables persistent signal monitoring, real-time geolocation, and multi-layered situational awareness across land, sea, and air. Spire’s satellites, operating in VHF, UHF, and L bands, can detect unauthorized transmissions, track GNSS interference, and process unencrypted voice signals using AI for near-instant transcription and translation.

The data is delivered via secure cloud infrastructure, with sovereign-ready options for customers requiring full control. A $14 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory supports the deployment of satellite clusters designed to track moving objects on Earth, with launches planned through 2026. While Spire positions its RF tools as critical for modern threat detection, the expansion also reflects broader trends in commercial intelligence outsourcing and the growing role of private firms in national security architectures.

COMMERCIAL

AST SpaceMobile Seeks FCC Approval for Direct Satellite Coverage to First Responders

22 July, 2025

AST SpaceMobile, supported by AT&T, is advancing plans to commercially deploy direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity for emergency responders across the U.S. It has filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to use 700MHz frequency band, also known as Band 14—already employed by FirstNet’s terrestrial network—for satellite-based coverage in disaster-prone and remote areas. The initiative builds on recent trials using AST’s BlueBird satellites, which launched in 2024 and are designed to enable direct cellular communication without ground infrastructure.

FirstNet is the United States’ dedicated wireless broadband network for first responders and public safety personnel. It was established in response to communication failures during the 9/11 attacks, with the goal of creating a resilient, nationwide system that prioritizes emergency communications.

FirstNet currently relies on satellite-equipped mobile units, such as SatCOLTs, during outages, but the D2D service aims to make satellite access seamless and device-native. AST’s constellation plans have scaled down from 170 to 100 satellites, with backing from AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone. The move reflects growing interest in hybrid architectures that blend terrestrial and orbital assets for resilient public safety communications. As climate-driven disasters intensify, satellite-enabled redundancy is becoming a strategic priority for emergency infrastructure.

China Introduces Sector-Wide Standards for Space Infrastructure

23 July, 2025

China has introduced new regulatory measures to strengthen quality oversight across its rapidly expanding commercial space sector. The directive, issued by the China National Space Administration, outlines lifecycle management standards ranging from design and manufacturing to launch and decommissioning, aimed at curbing fragmentation and ensuring reliability. This move reflects growing concern over inconsistent practices among private firms, as the sector transitions from experimental launches to operational infrastructure.

Commercial space was designated a “new engine of economic growth” in China’s 2024 government work report, with projections placing its market value above 2.5 trillion yuan ($348 billion) by 2025. The new rules signal Beijing’s intent to shape the sector’s trajectory through centralized oversight, even as technological breakthroughs and launch capabilities accelerate. Analysts note that while the reforms may slow short-term innovation, they could stabilize long-term growth and reduce risk across public-private ventures. The shift underscores China’s evolving approach to industrial governance in space.

iRocket to Go Public Through $400 Million SPAC Merger

Used at higher altitudes, when less thrust but more Isp is reqruied.

23 July, 2025

Reusable launch startup iRocket (Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc.) is set to go public via a $400 million SPAC merger with BPGC Acquisition Corp., backed by former U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Founded in 2018, iRocket specializes in liquid oxygen and methane-fueled propulsion systems designed for rapid reusability, positioning itself within a growing niche of cost-efficient launch providers. With over $1 billion in non-binding customer interest and partnerships with U.S. defense agencies, the company claims to offer rapid, 24-hour turnaround launches using its patented engines and solid rocket motors. The deal reflects renewed investor appetite for space infrastructure, as macroeconomic uncertainty and regulatory hurdles push smaller firms toward alternative listing strategies.

The SPAC raised $345 million in March 2021 but returned nearly all of it to shareholders after failing to secure an acquisition by September 2024. Following an additional $28.8 million redemption two weeks later, only $1.6 million, just 0.5% of the original capital, remained in trust. Despite the depletion, the remaining shareholders, mainly the sponsors, agreed to extend the deadline for identifying a target to March 2026.

This acquisition marks a notable rebound in space-related special purpose acquisition (SPAC) deals, following a slowdown since the 2020–21 surge and amid broader IPO stagnation. SPAC activity in 2025 has outpaced previous years, with 58 filings already recorded, signaling a shift in capital flows toward speculative but potentially transformative technologies. iRocket’s Nasdaq listing, expected by Q4, aligns with broader projections of a $1.8 trillion space economy by 2035, though analysts caution that market saturation and technical risk remain high. The transaction underscores how financial engineering continues to shape the trajectory of emerging space ventures.

Lockheed Eyes Selling Commercial Orion Flights for Deep Space After Artemis

24 July, 2025

Lockheed Martin is exploring a shift in how its Orion spacecraft might be deployed, proposing future flights as fixed-price commercial services. This model could allow foreign space agencies to purchase crewed missions beyond Earth orbit, echoing recent private flights to the ISS by nations like Hungary and India. The company’s current NASA contract covers Orion capsules for the first six Artemis lunar landings, with an option for six more, but future missions may rely on refurbished vehicles to reduce costs.

This pivot comes amid political uncertainty: while the Trump administration’s FY2026 budget proposed phasing out Orion after Artemis III, Congress recently approved $20 billion to sustain the program through Artemis IV and beyond. Lockheed Martin’s strategy hinges on scaling production and enhancing reusability, positioning Orion as a platform not just for NASA’s lunar ambitions but potentially for broader international deep space access. The next crewed flight, Artemis II, remains slated for early 2026.

Spaceflux Secures £5.4M in Seed Funding to Expand Global SSA Network as Demand Rises for Non-US Situational Awareness Platforms

25 July, 2025

UK-based startup Spaceflux has secured £5.4 million/$7.31 million in seed funding to expand its global telescope network and enhance AI-powered space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities. The company aims to provide 24/7 tracking of satellites and debris across all orbital regimes, using optical sensors that combine visible and short-wave infrared imaging. Spaceflux’s Cortex analytics platform is central to its strategy, offering real-time insights for government, commercial, and insurance clients navigating orbital congestion and security risks.

Spaceflux intends to develop an independent catalog of space objects, potentially rivaling the U.S. Space Force’s database. The catalog could serve as a contingency for European stakeholders in the event of geopolitical tensions and data access limitations. Founded in 2022, Spaceflux has already partnered with the UK Space Agency and Ministry of Defence, positioning itself as a sovereign alternative in the increasingly contested domain of orbital surveillance. The funding reflects growing demand for resilient, non-U.S. SSA infrastructure.

Blue Origin to Launch Scout's AI-Based Orbital Surveillance Sensor Aboard Blue Ring in 2026

25 July, 2025

Blue Origin has announced that its modular Blue Ring satellite bus, will carry Scout Space’s Owl sensor on its first operational flight in spring 2026. Designed for geostationary orbit, the Owl sensor uses AI to autonomously detect, track, and characterize orbital objects—including satellites and debris—supporting both national security and commercial space domain awareness (SDA) efforts. The mission marks a shift in Blue Origin’s portfolio toward defense-oriented capabilities, aligning with U.S. Space Force priorities amid growing concerns over orbital congestion and geopolitical competition.

Blue Ring, which debuted with a pathfinder flight in January 2025, is capable of carrying 13 payloads and delivering up to 4,000 kg of payload to multiple destinations, including deep space. Its integration with Owl reflects a broader industry trend: leveraging AI and modular platforms to enhance orbital surveillance. Scout Space’s involvement underscores the increasing role of private actors in SDA, as governments seek resilient, distributed systems to monitor and secure critical orbital infrastructure.

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Researchers Demonstrate Algae Growth Under Simulated Martian Pressures in Bioplastic Habitat Prototypes

Harvard researchers have demonstrated algae growth inside bioplastic shelters under Mars-like conditions, advancing the concept of biologically generated habitats for space. Led by Robin Wordsworth, the international team of researchers used 3D-printed polylactic acid chambers to cultivate Dunaliella tertiolecta algae at 600 Pascals of pressure which is over 100 times lower than Earth’s, and in a CO₂-rich atmosphere. These chambers blocked harmful UV radiation while allowing photosynthesis, stabilizing liquid water through pressure gradients.

The experiment suggests a closed-loop system where algae can produce more bioplastic, reducing reliance on Earth-sourced materials. This approach contrasts with industrial terraforming, offering a biologically adaptive alternative for sustaining life in hostile environments. Combined with prior work using silica aerogels to retain heat, the research points to modular, self-sustaining habitats viable for Mars, lunar, or deep-space missions.

Beyond astrobiology, the findings hint at broader applications for sustainable infrastructure, challenging conventional assumptions about habitability and expanding the scope of life-support technologies in space.

Potentially Habitable Planet, a Super Earth, Confirmed Just 35 Light-Years Away

A team led by Université de Montréal’s Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets has confirmed a fifth planet in the compact L 98-59 system, located just 35 light-years away. The newly identified planet, L 98-59 f, resides in the star’s habitable zone and receives Earth-like stellar energy, raising prospects for liquid water. This non-transiting super-Earth was detected via radial velocity techniques using HARPS and ESPRESSO spectrographs.

The system’s other four planets, ranging from a sub-Earth to a possible water world, exhibit nearly circular orbits and diverse compositions, offering a rare laboratory for studying rocky planet formation around red dwarfs. Researchers achieved unprecedented precision by reanalyzing archival data from TESS, JWST, and ground-based observatories, applying novel analytical methods to filter stellar noise. The findings position L 98-59 alongside TRAPPIST-1 as a key target for atmospheric characterization and future biosignature searches, underscoring the scientific value of revisiting existing datasets with refined tools. The findings were published in the journal Earth and Planetary Astrophysics.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸