Issue 61 | Breaking Space News: July 27 - Aug 02, 2025

Explorer, welcome back!🚀

We had an eventful week in space news. Lot of new research and findings, some intriguing, others alarming.

Click the link below to read the unclipped publication. ↓

I’ll let you get on with it.

• PRIMER

  • Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) & Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

    • Key Characteristics

    • Use Cases by Orbit Type

    • Common Uses of GEO

    • Advantages

    • Limitations

    • Notable Examples

    • Policy Sidebar

• IMAGES

  • Planetary Nebula NGC 6072

  • Pressurized Subglacial Waters Break Through Greenland Ice Sheet

  • Blazar OJ 287

• SCIENCE

  • Starlink Satellites' Electronics Emit Incidental Signals Affecting Radio Astronomy, Raise Regulatory Questions

  • Study Warns of Widespread Freshwater Decline Affecting 75% of Population

  • Speculative Paper Questions Natural Status of Interstellar Visitor Comet 3I/ATLAS

  • Research Suggests Arterial Health in ISS Astronauts Remains Stable After Spaceflight

  • NASA & ISRO Launch NISAR to Detect Centimeter-Scale Earth Surface Changes

  • Webb Telescope Detects Methane & CO₂ in Atmosphere of Super-Earth K2-18 b

  • Prebiotic Chemistry Detected in Planet-Forming Disc

  • Satellite Data Aids Coexistence Between Humans & Endangered Desert Elephants in Namibia

  • JUICE Flyby Validates Radar Instrument for Future Alien Life Search on Jupiter’s Moons

• GOVERNANCE

  • NASA & Roscosmos Leaders Meet During Crew-11 Launch to Discuss ISS Cooperation as ISS Leak Persists in Russian Segment

• MILITARY

  • U.S. Space Force to Launch X-37B Mission with Quantum & Laser Payloads

  • Slingshot Aerospace's New TALOS AI Agent Simulates Orbital Maneuvers for US Space Force Training

  • Five Firms Awarded Contracts to Develop Protected Tactical SATCOM for US Space Force

  • Albedo’s Clarity-1 Satellite Selected by US NRO to Provide High-Resolution Visible & Thermal Data

• COMMERCIAL

  • EraDrive, Canada, & EarthDaily Secure Funding for Next-Gen Space Infrastructure

  • Orbital Launches by iSpace, Gilmour Space, & SpaceX-NASA Shape a Week of Commercial Space Activity

  • NASA Picks Firefly Aerospace to Launch International Payloads to Lunar South Pole in 2029

  • KSAT Partners with AWS to Enhance Cloud-Based Ground Services

  • MDA Space to Build EchoStar’s Direct-to-Device LEO Constellation

• RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

  • Mars’ Glacial Ice Reveals Unexpected Purity & Global Consistency

  • Refined Double-Slit Experiment Challenges Einstein’s Quantum Assumptions

PRIMER

Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) & Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

A couple of weeks ago we covered low Earth orbit. This week’s Primer covers the Geosynchronous and Geostationary Orbits.

Altitude: ~35,786 km (directly above the equator for Geostationary Orbits)

Definition: Any orbit with a 24-hour period—meaning a satellite returns to the same position in the sky at the same time each day.

Orbital Period: 24 hours (synchronous with Earth’s rotation).

Geosynchronous orbit encompasses multiple subtypes, depending on inclination and eccentricity:

Key Characteristics

• GEO is a special case of geosynchronous orbit, defined by its equatorial positioning and stationary appearance from the ground. The stay fixed above the equator—ideal for continuous coverage.

• Positioned above the outer Van Allen radiation belt, GEO minimizes exposure compared to MEO environments.

• GEO enables stable thermal conditions and continuous solar exposure, ideal for satellite power systems.

• Molniya & Tundra orbits, with high inclination and eccentricity, dwell longer over high latitudes, filling coverage gaps for regions like Siberia or the Arctic.

• All GSO satellites have synchronous rotation, but only GEO appears truly stationary.

Use Cases by Orbit Type

• GEO: Weather monitoring (GOES), broadcast TV (Astra, DirecTV), telecom (Inmarsat).

• Molniya: Military and civilian comms in polar regions (e.g. Russia’s Meridian constellation).

• Tundra: GNSS augmentation, persistent polar coverage with less orbital drift.

Common Uses of GEO

• 🌤️ Meteorology: e.g., NOAA’s GOES satellites for weather imaging

• 📡 Broadcast and Telecom: e.g., DirecTV, Eutelsat, Intelsat

• 🛰️ Navigation augmentation and data relay: e.g., Inmarsat, satellite radio

Advantages

• Long dwell times over key regions//////

• GEO enables persistent regional coverage with one satellite per target zone.

• GEO has simplified ground infrastructure due to fixed pointing.

• GEO has global reach with fewer satellites than LEO or MEO systems.

• High solar consistency aids power and thermal management.

Limitations

• GEO has high latency (~250 ms round-trip), i.e., the time it takes for data to travel from sender to receiver and back which impairs time-sensitive applications. In GEO systems, this delay is inherent due to the orbital altitude.
  Real-time applications like video calls, online gaming, or financial transactions can suffer from noticeable lag.

  Terrestrial networks (like fiber or cellular) typically have latency under 50 ms—making GEO’s delay 5–10× longer.

  While GEO is excellent for broadcasting and wide-area coverage, its latency makes it less ideal for interactive or time-sensitive services. That’s why newer systems like LEO constellations (e.g. Starlink) are gaining traction—they orbit much closer and offer latency as low as 20–40 ms.

• Launch complexity and propulsion demands for orbital insertion. Significant launch energy needed for insertion and stationkeeping.

• Orbital slot congestion: Limited “real estate” at GEO longitude bands. Orbital crowding and debris risk in GEO belt.

• Poor coverage for high-latitude and polar regions, requiring alternative orbits.

• Molniya & Tundra orbits require complex ground tracking

Notable Examples

• GOES-R series (U.S. weather)

• Astra 1KR (European TV)

• Inmarsat-6 (global mobile connectivity)

• Tundra: Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) (Japan)

• Tundra: EKS (Kupol) System (Russia)

Policy Sidebar

Access, Competition, and Sovereignty in GSO

While GEO gets most attention, the broader geosynchronous belt is a critical domain for strategic positioning. Here’s how policy dynamics unfold:

• ITU Role: The International Telecommunication Union coordinates GEO slot assignments and frequency rights, attempting to mitigate congestion and interference.

• Equity Concerns: Emerging space nations often face difficulty accessing prime orbital slots—especially those historically filled by legacy actors (U.S., EU, Russia).

• Sovereignty Tensions: The 1976 Bogotá Declaration challenged the notion of orbital commons, asserting national ownership over orbital spaces above territory—though rejected by international norms.

• Commercial Pressures: Increasing privatization (e.g. data relay satellites, telehealth, orbital payload hosting) risks outpacing governance, particularly with hybrid GSO architectures.

• Environmental Responsibility: GEO satellite disposal, collision avoidance, and post-mission cleanup are becoming central to sustainable use of this limited domain.

As more nations and companies eye GSO for strategic and commercial gains, the debate is shifting from access to long-term stewardship.

IMAGES

Planetary Nebula NGC 6072 : NIRCam & MIRI Image, JWST

Pressurized Subglacial Waters Break Through Greenland Ice Sheet, Harder Glacier, Northern Greenland : CryoSat & Copernicus Sentinel 1, 2

Blazar OJ 287 : Spektr-R Satellite’s Ten-Meter RadioAstron Antenna

The radio image was produced using a ground-space interferometer composed of the Spektr-R satellite’s ten-meter RadioAstron antenna and a global network of 27 terrestrial radio observatories. This configuration effectively created a virtual telescope with a resolution equivalent to an instrument five times the Earth’s diameter. The enhanced clarity results from the wide separation between individual observatories. The imaging technique relies on the wave properties of light, combining overlapping signals to reconstruct fine structural details. The study involved institutions across six countries and was published in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

SCIENCE

Starlink Satellites' Electronics Emit Incidental Signals Affecting Radio Astronomy, Raise Regulatory Questions

23 July, 2025

A comprehensive study led by Curtin University has revealed that unintended radio emissions from satellite internet constellations—particularly SpaceX’s Starlink—are increasingly interfering with radio astronomy. Researchers analyzed 76 million sky images using a prototype station for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and cataloged over 112,000 emissions from 1,806 Starlink satellites. These signals, often leaked from onboard electronics, were found in protected frequency bands such as 150.8 MHz, where no transmissions should occur. In some datasets, up to 30% of images showed interference. The emissions are not part of intentional communications, making them unpredictable and difficult to filter.

While Starlink is not violating current regulations, the study highlights a gap in international policy: existing ITU rules focus on deliberate transmissions and overlook incidental emissions. As satellite constellations grow, researchers urge regulatory bodies to update protections for radio astronomy, warning that without intervention, scientific discovery could be compromised by the very infrastructure designed to expand global connectivity.

Study Warns of Widespread Freshwater Decline Affecting 75% of Population: Expanding Mega-Drying Zones in Northern Hemisphere Linked to Groundwater Overuse & Climate Shifts

25 July, 2025

A major study led by Arizona State University and published in Science Advances reveals that Earth’s continents have undergone unprecedented freshwater loss since 2002, driven primarily by groundwater depletion, climate change, and intensifying droughts. Using satellite data from NASA’s GRACE and GRACE-FO missions, researchers identified four “mega-drying” regions across the Northern Hemisphere, expanding annually at twice the size of California. These regions include the American Southwest, Northern Canada, Northern Russia, and a vast belt stretching from North Africa through the Middle East to Asia.

Notably, 68% of terrestrial water loss in non-glaciated regions stems from groundwater extraction—now contributing more to sea level rise than melting ice sheets. The study found that dry areas are drying faster than wet areas are wetting, reversing long-standing hydrological patterns. With 75% of the global population living in countries experiencing net freshwater decline, the findings raise urgent concerns for food security, climate migration, and geopolitical stability. Researchers warn that humanity is drawing from a poorly understood “trust fund” of ancient aquifers, many of which may take millennia to replenish, underscoring the need for coordinated global water governance.

Speculative Paper Questions Natural Status of Interstellar Visitor Comet 3I/ATLAS, Spurs Discussion on Alien Technology Hypotheses

29 July, 2025

The newly discovered interstellar object, 3I/ATLAS, has sparked debate following a speculative paper co-authored by Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb and researchers from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies. The paper explores whether 3I/ATLAS could be a technological artifact—possibly hostile—based on its unusual trajectory, lack of cometary volatiles, and close planetary flybys. Loeb links the object to the “dark forest hypothesis,” which posits that intelligent civilizations remain silent to avoid detection.

Critics, however, strongly reject the claim, citing observational data consistent with a natural comet and warning that such speculation distracts from legitimate scientific inquiry. While Loeb acknowledges the alien hypothesis is unlikely, he argues it merits consideration given the potential consequences. The broader scientific community maintains that 3I/ATLAS is a typical interstellar comet, likely ejected from another solar system. The episode echoes earlier controversy around ‘Oumuamua and raises questions about the boundaries between scientific exploration and speculative theorizing. The paper has not been peer-reviewed.

Research Suggests Arterial Health in ISS Astronauts Remains Stable After Spaceflight

29 July, 2025

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology suggests that long-duration spaceflight aboard the International Space Station (ISS) does not pose significant risks to astronauts’ arterial health. Researchers tracked 13 NASA astronauts, between the ages of late 30s and late 50s, for over five years. Using ultrasound imaging, they assessed carotid and brachial arteries before, during, and after missions lasting four to twelve months, and also at the one-, three-, and five-year marks following spaceflight. The results showed no signs of arterial thickening, stiffness, or cardiovascular disease attributable to spaceflight. While temporary markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were detected shortly after return, they resolved within a week .

The findings offer cautious optimism about the cardiovascular resilience of astronauts in microgravity. However, researchers stress the need for continued monitoring, especially for missions beyond low Earth orbit, where exposure to deep space radiation may introduce new risks. As human spaceflight ambitions expand toward lunar and Martian destinations, understanding long-term health impacts remains essential for mission planning and crew safety.

NASA & ISRO Launch NISAR to Detect Centimeter-Scale Earth Surface Changes

30 July, 2025

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite launched on July 30 aboard India’s GSLV Mk II from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. The $1.5 billion Earth observation satellite is equipped with dual-frequency radar capable of imaging through clouds, vegetation, and darkness. Designed to detect surface changes as small as one centimeter, NISAR combines NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band radar systems, enabling high-resolution imaging regardless of weather or lighting. Its 12-meter deployable antenna, the largest of its kind, will scan nearly all land and ice-covered regions every six days, with a mission life of five years. The satellite will enter a sun-synchronous orbit and complete global coverage every 12 days.

The mission aims to monitor glacier shifts, fault line movements, land subsidence, infrastructure shifts, agricultural patterns, and groundwater depletion—critical for climate research and disaster preparedness. The goal is to also offer early indicators of natural hazards and human-induced changes, and deliver open-access data to researchers worldwide. The satellite’s precision and revisit rate mark a leap in Earth system monitoring, addressing gaps left by traditional optical satellites. Beyond its technical achievements, the decade-long partnership that resulted in NISAR, represents a rare model of international collaboration focused on planetary resilience and shared scientific infrastructure.

Webb Telescope Detects Methane & CO₂ in Atmosphere of Super-Earth K2-18 b

31 July, 2025

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed that exoplanet K2-18 b possesses a water-rich atmosphere, strengthening the case for its classification as a potential “Hycean” ocean world. Located 124 light-years away, the super-Earth shows clear signs of methane and carbon dioxide, suggesting a volatile-rich interior. However, the absence of detectable water vapor may indicate condensation processes that trap water below the atmosphere, a phenomenon known as the “cold trap” on Earth.

The team conducted observations during four distinct transits of K2-18 b—moments when the planet passed in front of its host red dwarf star along its 33-day orbit. As starlight filters through the planet’s atmosphere during these transits, atmospheric molecules imprint unique spectral signatures by absorbing and emitting light at specific wavelengths, allowing scientists to infer the planet’s chemical composition.

While earlier claims of biosignatures like dimethyl sulfide remain statistically inconclusive, the new data offers stronger signals than previous observations. Researchers caution that distinguishing biological from abiotic sources will require further spectral analysis and theoretical modeling. The findings highlight both the promise and limitations of current instrumentation, with JWST’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph playing a central role. As the search for life continues, K2-18 b remains a key target for refining biosignature detection and understanding planetary habitability beyond the solar system.

Prebiotic Chemistry Detected in Planet-Forming Disc

01 August, 2025

Astronomers led by Abubakar Fadul from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA), using ALMA have identified complex organic molecules (COMs)—including ethylene glycol and glycolonitrile—in the protoplanetary disc of V883 Orionis, a young star system 1,300 light-years away. These molecules, considered precursors to amino acids and nucleobases, were released from icy dust grains during a stellar outburst that heated the surrounding disc.

The findings challenge the long-standing “reset” hypothesis, which assumed that energetic protostellar phases destroy earlier chemical complexity. Instead, the study suggests a continuous chemical evolution from interstellar clouds to planetary systems, implying that the building blocks of life may be widespread across the cosmos. The detection of 17 COMs in this disc marks a key step in tracing prebiotic chemistry beyond the Solar System. While further spectral analysis is needed to confirm all signatures, the results support the idea that life’s molecular precursors can form early and persist through planet formation, raising broader questions about the universality of life’s origins. The research is available as a preprint on the paper repository arXiv.

Satellite Data Aids Coexistence Between Humans & Endangered Desert Elephants in Namibia

01 August, 2025

In western Namibia, drought is driving critically endangered desert elephants toward human settlements, increasing the risk of conflict and fatalities. A conservation initiative is using GPS collars and high-resolution satellite imagery to monitor elephant movements and reduce encounters. The Earth Ranger system alerts communities in real time when elephants approach, while satellite data from Airbus’s Pleiades Neo helps researchers identify patterns in habitat use across seasons.

These elephants, known for their memory and adaptability, choose risky areas when water and vegetation outweigh threats, often moving stealthily at night. With only around 150 individuals remaining, the project aims to protect natural water sources and negotiate safe corridors with local farmers. One farmer, recognizing elephant activity through satellite data, agreed to set aside part of his land. The effort highlights how space-based tools can support conservation, offering a model for mitigating human-wildlife conflict in fragile ecosystems.

JUICE Flyby Validates Radar Instrument for Future Alien Life Search on Jupiter’s Moons

During its 2024 lunar flyby, ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) successfully tested its Radar for Icy Moon Exploration (RIME) instrument by scanning the iconic Anders’ Earthrise crater—immortalized in Apollo 8’s 1968 photograph. RIME, designed to probe beneath the icy surfaces of Jupiter’s moons, used radio wave echoes to map the crater’s elevation, 750 km away. To minimize interference, all other instruments aboard JUICE were silenced for eight minutes. The resulting radargram closely matched NASA’s earlier LOLA data, confirming RIME’s operational readiness.

The test also revealed electronic noise issues within JUICE, prompting a months-long algorithmic correction effort. With the issue resolved, RIME is now poised to investigate subsurface structures on Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, the key targets in the search for extraterrestrial habitability.

GOVERNANCE

NASA & Roscosmos Leaders Meet During Crew-11 Launch to Discuss ISS Cooperation as ISS Leak Persists in Russian Segment

01 August, 2025

In the first in-person meeting between U.S. and Russian space leaders in over seven years, Roscosmos Director Dmitry Bakanov met with NASA’s acting administrator, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, during the Crew-11 launch of a joint U.S.-Japanese-Russian crew to the International Space Station. The talks focused on extending ISS operations through the end of the decade and maintaining technical collaboration despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

While broader cooperation—such as Russian participation in NASA’s Artemis lunar program—has stalled, both sides emphasized the importance of keeping existing partnerships functional. Bakanov noted that further progress would require clearance from Presidents Putin and Trump, acknowledging the political sensitivities surrounding bilateral space efforts.

Russia’s pivot toward China for lunar exploration and technology exchange underscores shifting alliances, but the ISS remains a rare domain of sustained U.S.-Russia cooperation. The meeting signals cautious continuity in space diplomacy, even as terrestrial relations remain strained.

Meanwhile, despite repeated repair efforts, the Russian Zvezda module aboard the ISS continues to leak air—a problem first identified in 2019. Roscosmos officials report that recent fixes have slowed the leak but failed to fully seal it. NASA elevated the issue to its highest risk level last year, and the unresolved pressure loss has already delayed missions. A permanent hatch closure remains under consideration if repairs prove ineffective

MILITARY

U.S. Space Force to Launch X-37B Mission with Quantum & Laser Payloads

28 July, 2025

The U.S. Space Force is preparing to launch its eighth X-37B mission on August 21 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, continuing its long-running program of orbital experimentation under tight secrecy. This flight, dubbed OTV-8, will test a quantum inertial sensor designed to navigate without GPS—potentially enabling autonomous operations in deep space environments. Also onboard is a laser communications payload intended to interface with proliferated satellite networks like Starlink, signaling a shift toward more resilient and decentralized architectures.

While officials tout these technologies as steps toward operational adaptability, the lack of transparency surrounding the X-37B’s broader objectives continues to raise questions about the U.S. military’s expanding footprint in low Earth orbit. There has been growing interest in quantum and optical systems for secure, high-speed data transfer. The launch shows a strategic posture that blends commercial infrastructure with defense experimentation, blurring the lines between public innovation and classified capability development.

Slingshot Aerospace's New TALOS AI Agent Simulates Orbital Maneuvers for US Space Force Training

29 July, 2025

Slingshot Aerospace has unveiled TALOS, an autonomous AI agent designed to simulate satellite tactics and support mission planning within physics-accurate orbital environments. Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Space Force’s Operational Test and Training Infrastructure, TALOS replicates real-world spacecraft behaviors, including maneuvering, threat response, and space combat, at machine speed. The 57th Space Aggressors Squadron has already employed TALOS to enhance training realism and scenario complexity ahead of Space Flag exercises.

Beyond simulation, TALOS integrates Slingshot’s space object tracking and mission intelligence datasets to provide real-time decision support for operational spacecraft. It continuously evaluates orbital conditions, identifies strategic options, and executes optimal maneuvers to improve mission safety and agility. The launch may be seen as a response to growing interest in AI-driven autonomy for both military and commercial space operations, as agencies seek scalable tools to manage increasingly contested and congested orbital environments. Slingshot positions TALOS as a force multiplier in preparing for future space conflict scenarios.

US Space Force Shifts SATCOM Strategy Toward Commercial & Modular Systems, Selects Viasat, Boeing, Astranis, Intelsat, & Northrop for Prototypes

30 July, 2025

The U.S. Space Force is reshaping its satellite communications (SATCOM) strategy by leaning into commercial technologies and streamlining acquisition. Following the cancellation of the $2 billion Protected Tactical SATCOM–Resilient (PTS-R) program, Space Systems Command (SSC) awarded $37.5 million in contracts to five firms—Viasat, Northrop Grumman, Astranis, Intelsat, and Boeing—to develop and demonstrate commercial-based designs for the Protected Tactical Service–Global (PTS-G) initiative.

PTS-G aims to deploy small, anti-jamming satellites in geosynchronous orbit by 2028, with additional launches planned for 2031. The program complements existing systems like Wideband Global SATCOM and commercial constellations such as Starlink. SSC officials describe the shift as a transformation in how SATCOM capabilities are acquired, emphasizing speed, modularity, and cost-efficiency. Meanwhile, the Space Development Agency and the Commercial Space Office are expanding their roles in low-Earth orbit communications and procurement, signaling a broader pivot toward hybrid architectures and diversified vendor pools across the Department of Defense.

Albedo’s Clarity-1 Satellite Selected by US NRO to Provide High-Resolution Visible & Thermal Data

01 August, 2025

Albedo has secured a Stage II contract from the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), advancing its role in the Strategic Commercial Enhancements (SCE) program. The agreement enables NRO to begin tasking and acquiring data from Albedo’s Clarity-1 satellite, which launched in March aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-13. Operating in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), Clarity-1 is designed to deliver 10 cm visible imagery co-collected with 2 m thermal infrared data—an unprecedented combination in commercial Earth observation.

The fused Vis-Sharp Thermal™ product aims to support time-sensitive target detection and activity monitoring in denied or contested environments. The contract comes in the wake of a growing interest in VLEO platforms as alternatives to aerial surveillance, offering higher revisit rates and improved resilience. Albedo’s inclusion in Stage II allows the NRO to conduct on-orbit demonstrations and evaluate the utility of multi-modal sensing for defense and intelligence applications. The move signals a broader shift toward integrating emerging commercial providers into national overhead architecture.

COMMERCIAL

EraDrive, Canada, & EarthDaily Secure Funding for Next-Gen Space Infrastructure: Investments Advance Satellite Autonomy, Lunar Mobility, & Earth Observation

28 July, 2025

This week’s funding developments underscore the accelerating convergence of autonomy, mobility, and data intelligence in the global space sector. Stanford spinoff EraDrive has secured a $1 million NASA contract to develop onboard tracking and navigation systems for satellites. The technology, which includes vision-based swarm coordination, aims to reduce reliance on ground control and enhance satellite autonomy—an increasingly critical capability as orbital traffic grows and multi-satellite constellations become the norm.

29 July, 2025

Canada is investing $14.6 million in three contracts to advance its Lunar Utility Rover, a modular vehicle designed to support astronauts with cargo transport, construction, and surface logistics. The rover builds on Canada’s heritage in space robotics and is part of a broader $1.43 billion commitment to lunar exploration. Over the next 18 months, Canadensys Aerospace, MDA Space, and Mission Control will study design options for the lunar rover, evaluating capabilities across varying sizes and mission scopes. Its development signals a shift toward sustained human and robotic presence on the Moon, with emphasis on infrastructure and operational versatility.

31 July, 2025

In Earth observation, EarthDaily Analytics has secured $60 million in financing from Trinity Capital to deploy a 10-satellite constellation capable of delivering high-frequency, AI-ready data. The system is tailored for environmental monitoring, agricultural forecasting, and disaster response—applications that increasingly rely on near-real-time analytics.

Together, these initiatives reflect a strategic pivot across spacefaring nations and startups: toward autonomous systems that reduce operational overhead, mobility platforms that enable surface permanence, and data infrastructures that translate orbital imagery into actionable insight. The investments suggest a maturing ecosystem where technical capability is being matched by long-term planning and diversified funding.

Orbital Launches by iSpace, Gilmour Space, & SpaceX-NASA Shape a Week of Commercial Space Activity

29 July, 2025

On July 29, Chinese private launch firm iSpace returned to flight with its Shuangquxian-1 or the the Hyperbola-1 Y10 rocket, marking its eighth mission and first in over a year. Liftoff occurred at 4:10 UTC from Site 95A at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, deploying and successfully placing the HS-9 satellite into sun-synchronous orbit. The third in the constellation Kunpeng, this Earth observation payload is capable of sub-meter resolution imaging. The launch follows a year-long hiatus after the rocket’s seventh flight ended in failure, prompting upgrades aimed at improving reliability. With four failures in seven previous attempts, iSpace now seeks to stabilize its launch cadence and raise its success rate to 50%.

The company’s roadmap includes the development of the reusable Hyperbola-2Y and the larger Hyperbola-3, reflecting broader trends toward cost-effective access and long-term sustainability.

29 July, 2025

That same day, Australia’s Gilmour Space conducted its first orbital launch attempt with the Eris rocket from Bowen Orbital Spaceport. The vehicle veered off course just 14 seconds after liftoff, crashing without injuries or environmental damage. Despite the failure, the test marked Australia’s first homegrown orbital launch in over 50 years. Gilmour emphasized the value of flight data and the successful operation of key systems, including its hybrid propulsion engines and newly licensed spaceport.

01 August, 2025

Meanwhile, NASA and SpaceX launched Crew-11 to the International Space Station on August 1, carrying four astronauts from the U.S., Japan, and Russia. The mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, will support research on lunar landing simulations, stem cell production, and microgravity’s effects on human biology—experiments aimed at enabling deeper space exploration.

These launches reflect a sector where technical maturity, national ambition, and commercial resilience coexist. While outcomes varied, each mission contributes to a broader narrative: the decentralization of launch capability and the steady expansion of orbital access across geopolitical and institutional lines.

NASA Picks Firefly Aerospace to Launch International Payloads to Lunar South Pole in 2029

29 July, 2025

NASA has awarded Firefly Aerospace a $176.7 million contract to deliver two rovers and three scientific instruments to the Moon’s South Pole by 2029, as part of the Artemis campaign and the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. The mission, known as Blue Ghost Mission 4, marks Firefly’s fifth CLPS task order and reflects NASA’s growing reliance on commercial partners for lunar surface operations.

The payloads include MoonRanger, an autonomous microrover developed by Carnegie Mellon and Astrobotic, and a Canadian Space Agency rover designed to explore permanently shadowed regions. Instruments aboard the mission will study hydrogen-bearing volatiles, rocket plume effects on lunar soil, and regolith composition using a laser ionization mass spectrometer. A laser retroreflector array will also be deployed to enable long-term precision ranging.

This marks the first time NASA will deploy multiple rovers and three diverse instruments in a single CLPS mission. Firefly’s earlier CLPS missions have targeted both near and far sides of the Moon, with its first successful landing in March 2025. As NASA prepares for sustained human presence on the Moon, these robotic deliveries will help characterize the South Pole’s terrain, resources, and environmental conditions—critical for future crewed missions and eventual Mars exploration. The initiative also reflects broader efforts to foster a commercial lunar economy through recurring, competitively awarded surface delivery contracts.

KSAT Partners with AWS to Enhance Cloud-Based Ground Services

30 July, 2025

Norway-based ground network services provider, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), is partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to integrate AWS Ground Station capabilities into KSAT’s global satellite ground network. The move aims to streamline space mission operations by offering unified access to satellite communications, cloud-based data processing, and low-latency delivery mechanisms. As satellite operators increasingly demand scalable and resilient infrastructure, the partnership positions KSAT to serve commercial missions with rapid onboarding and expanded global reach.

The integration allows mission users to access AWS’s secure cloud tools directly through KSAT’s interface, enhancing connectivity across orbital regimes. While the announcement emphasizes technical synergy, it also reflects broader industry trends toward cloud-native architectures and commercial ground station consolidation. KSAT’s expanded offerings include 24/7 support and launch-phase services, reinforcing its role as a key infrastructure provider. The collaboration signals a shift in how satellite data is managed, processed, and delivered, potentially redefining operational norms for future space missions.

MDA Space to Build EchoStar’s Direct-to-Device LEO Constellation

01 August, 2025

EchoStar has selected Canada-based MDA Space as prime contractor for a planned direct-to-device (D2D) low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, marking the first 3GPP 5G-compliant non-terrestrial network (NTN) using Open RAN architecture. This refers to a satellite-based 5G system that meets global telecom standards (3GPP) and connects directly to regular mobile devices. It uses Open RAN architecture, meaning its hardware and software are modular and interoperable across different vendors—making the network more flexible and cost-effective.

The initial $1.3B contract covers over 100 software-defined satellites, with options to expand to 200 and future scaling into the thousands. Satellites will be manufactured at MDA’s Montreal facility, with service expected to begin in 2029.

The constellation aims to deliver voice, text, and broadband directly to standard 5G devices, without hardware modifications. It will also support IoT and mobile platforms, leveraging optical intersatellite links and onboard processing for seamless integration with terrestrial networks. EchoStar’s use of high-priority S-band spectrum and NTN standards reflects growing convergence between satellite and cellular infrastructure.

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Mars’ Glacial Ice Reveals Unexpected Purity & Global Consistency

A new study published in Icarus finds that Mars’ debris-covered glaciers are far purer than previously thought, with over 80% water ice content across five globally distributed sites. Led by scientists from the Weizmann Institute, Israel and Planetary Science Institute in Tuscon, Arizona, the team standardized radar-based methods to assess glacier composition, revealing consistent dielectric properties and loss tangents. This uniformity suggests either a single widespread glaciation event or multiple episodes with similar dynamics.

The findings refine models of Martian climate history and offer practical implications for future crewed missions, where access to subsurface ice could support long-term habitation. Critically, the study also exposes methodological gaps in prior research, emphasizing the need for global comparisons and standardized techniques to better understand Mars’ subsurface ice reservoirs. As Mars exploration shifts toward resource utilization, understanding the purity and distribution of glacial ice becomes increasingly vital—not just for science, but for survival. Further investigations aim to expand the dataset and test these conclusions planet-wide.

Refined Double-Slit Experiment Challenges Einstein’s Quantum Assumptions: Single-Photon Test Validates Quantum Theory Without Mechanical Detectors

MIT physicists have conducted a stripped-down version of the iconic double-slit experiment, using individual atoms as slits and single photons to probe light’s dual nature. Their findings reaffirm a central tenet of quantum mechanics: light behaves as both a wave and a particle, but never simultaneously. By tuning the “fuzziness” of atoms—how precisely their position is known—the team could control whether photons exhibited wave-like interference or particle-like scattering. The results directly challenge Einstein’s century-old proposal that both behaviors could be observed at once, instead supporting Niels Bohr’s interpretation.

Crucially, the experiment removed mechanical “spring-like” elements often used to detect photon paths, showing they are irrelevant to the outcome. As quantum science marks its centennial, this study not only clarifies a historic debate but also demonstrates the precision achievable in modern atomic experiments. The work underscores the enduring complexity of quantum measurement and the limits of classical intuition in describing fundamental phenomena. The research was published on July 22 in the journal Physical Review Letters.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸