<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        NASA signed an unfunded space act agreement with SpaceX, in partnership with the Polaris program led by billionaire astronaut Jared Isaacman to understand the possibility of extending the life of the Hubble telescope by 15&ndash;20 years through a private crewed mission to move the telescope to a higher orbit with the Dragon spacecraft.
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        The analysis opens the possibility of a SpaceX launch even though it does not guarantee a mission to Hubble.&nbsp;
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        The study, which is expected to take up to six months, will gather technical data for the study from both Hubble and the SpaceX Dragon mission which will be used to assess whether it would be safe to dock, rendezvous, and transfer the telescope to a more stable orbit.
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        <b>Analyst Quicktake: </b>
        Launched in 1990 aboard the space shuttle Discovery, the 
        <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/about">
          Hubble Telescope
        </a>
         was one of the vital research tools that made over 1.5 million observations over the course of its lifetime. The telescope was serviced on-orbit 
        <a href="https://hubblesite.org/mission-and-telescope/servicing-missions">
          five times
        </a>
         by astronauts aboard the space shuttle. It has lost ~30kms of altitude since the last servicing mission in 2009 and will need to be deorbited by the end of this decade if a reboot mission is not done. Hubble lost its place as the world&rsquo;s most famous space telescope after the more powerful 
        <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/">
          James Webb Space Telescope
        </a>
         unveiled its first photographs this summer.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
  </p>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


Space Travel and Exploration Tech

NASA and SpaceX to study feasibility of Hubble’s orbit reboost mission

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Rocket Lab's Electron rocket experienced a failure during the launch of Capella Space's radar imaging satellite. The rocket encountered an issue about two minutes and 30 seconds into the flight, resulting in the mission being terminated. The failure was due to a malfunction in the rocket's upper stage. Rocket Lab apologized for the failure and pledged to investigate and resolve the issue promptly. However, this is the third failure for the Electron rocket, raising concerns about its reliability and the company's ability to increase launch rates. Capella, a satellite management company, has had previous successful deployments with Rocket Lab.

Rocket Lab’s Electron fails during Capella Space launch

ABL Space Systems has been awarded a $15 million task order by the US Space Force to demonstrate its ability to launch payloads on short notice. ABL has developed the RS1 small launch vehicle, which can place up to 1,350 kg into low-Earth orbit. The company's mobile infrastructure allows launches from sites with minimal infrastructure. The Space Force aims to enhance its tactically responsive space capabilities, and ABL's ability to launch quickly aligns with this objective.

ABL gets contract for US Space Force ‘responsive launch’ mission

Aerospace startup Stoke Space has successfully tested its second-stage prototype rocket, Hopper2, which aims to develop a fully reusable launch vehicle. The prototype flew to a height of 30 ft and landed vertically. Stoke Space plans to build the entire orbital system, including the first stage, engines, ground systems, and launch complex, for an orbital flight test in 2025. The Hopper2 prototype features a unique oxygen-hydrogen rocket engine, integrated fully with the vehicle, and operates as a distributed system with thrusters around the second stage. Stoke Space believes its fully reusable rocket design will reduce launch costs and promote sustainability.

Stoke Space completes milestone test in quest to build fully reusable rocket

Germany has become the latest country to sign the Artemis Accords, joining 28 other countries in a pledge to engage in sustainable space exploration. By signing, Germany has reiterated its commitment to the Outer Space Treaty and other related international agreements. The primary objective of the accords is to put into action the principles outlined in the Outer Space Treaty, with the aim of fostering a peaceful and prosperous future in space.

Germany signs Artemis Accords

Astroscale France SAS, a subsidiary of Astroscale Holding Inc., has appointed Philippe Blatt as its managing director. Blatt will focus on growing Astroscale France by establishing a team that works closely with CNES and other stakeholders. Blatt brings three decades of experience, having previously worked at Thales Group and held leadership roles. Astroscale France aims to address the issue of space debris and has signed a contract with CNES to conduct a study on active debris removal (ADR) and identify specific debris in early 2024.

Astroscale France appoints Philippe Blatt as managing director

Firefly Aerospace has conducted a successful launch for the US Space Force, demonstrating its ability to launch in a shorter timeframe for national security missions. The launch involved the Firefly Alpha rocket and aimed to showcase Tactically Responsive Space capabilities. The mission included the rapid integration of a space vehicle by Millennium Space Systems, as well as fueling operations and mating with the Alpha rocket's payload adapter, all completed in under 58 hours.

Firefly launches Space Force ‘Victus Nox’ mission

The Exploration Company has reached a preliminary agreement with Axiom Space to provide cargo delivery services for the private space station industry. The company is developing a reusable vehicle called "Nyx" to transport cargo and potentially humans to and from space stations. They plan to conduct an initial demonstration mission in January 2024 and a larger demonstration prototype later in the year. Originally scheduled to launch with Ariane 6, the mission will now use the Indian Space Research Organization's launch vehicle due to delays. The Exploration Company recently closed a funding round and is bidding on a contract with the European Space Agency.

The Exploration Company signs agreements with Axiom, Indian Space Research Organization

Rocket Lab has converted Virgin Orbit's former headquarters into an engine development center. The facility will be used for the production of Rocket Lab's Rutherford engine and the development of the Archimedes engine for the Neutron launch vehicle. Rocket Lab won the complex in a bankruptcy auction for $16.1 million. The acquisition allows Rocket Lab to increase its engine production capabilities and support its goal of producing larger volumes of engines and composite components. Rocket Lab is also building a production complex and launch pad at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility for the Neutron launch vehicle. In Q2 2023, Rocket Lab secured contracts for 10 launches of its Electron rocket.

Rocket Lab turns old Virgin Orbit facilities into engine development complex

Techstars has launched its 2023 Space Accelerator program, which will support 12 startups in the aerospace and defense industry. The program will provide mentorship and support to these startups, who offer various solutions including reusable launch vehicles and robotics development operating systems. The companies will have the opportunity to connect with leaders and mentors in key aerospace and defense hubs, enhancing their network and potential partnerships. The previous Space Accelerator program in 2019 was successful, with companies like Orbit Fab and Pixxel securing substantial revenue and partnerships.

Techstars welcomes 12 startups to 2023 Space Accelerator

Telesat, a Canadian satellite operator, has partnered with SpaceX to launch its Lightspeed broadband constellation. SpaceX will launch 198 low-Earth orbit satellites over 14 missions starting from mid-2026. The satellites will be manufactured by MDA, and each Falcon 9 rocket could carry up to 18 of them. Telesat aims to offer multi-terabit polar and global services, with plans to launch its commercial LEO services in late 2027.

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