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• Jeff Foust
Rocket Lab launched the eighth Japanese iQPS radar-imaging satellite on Aug. 6, more than a month after an earlier launch attempt was aborted. The mission highlights the company’s continuing role in deploying iQPS’s growing Earth-observation constellation and the operational recovery required after a launch interruption.
Commercial Space
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A Redwire subsidiary focused on space biotechnology and pharmaceuticals has agreed to fly dedicated microgravity research payloads aboard SpaceX’s Starfall reentry vehicle. The mission will provide a purpose-built platform for biotech and pharmaceutical experiments in the space environment.
An arbitration panel rejected NorthStar Earth & Space’s claims that four Spire-built satellites underperformed and awarded Spire approximately $12.4 million in counterclaims. NorthStar maintains that it is still entitled to four replacement satellites under the parties’ agreement.
As the U.S. prioritizes returning humans to the moon, commercial space companies are turning to a downstream challenge: producing food in lunar environments. Three firms are developing technologies intended to grow crops on the moon, addressing a critical requirement for sustained human presence beyond Earth.
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Rocket Lab launched the eighth Japanese iQPS radar-imaging satellite on Aug. 6, more than a month after an earlier launch attempt was aborted. The mission highlights the company’s continuing role in deploying iQPS’s growing Earth-observation constellation and the operational recovery required after a launch interruption.
Chinese commercial launch company Orienspace has begun preparations for an IPO coaching process and is closing a funding round to accelerate development of its reusable Gravity-2 rocket. The moves signal parallel efforts to strengthen the company’s capital base and advance its next-generation launch vehicle.
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EQT’s Scaleup Europe Fund made its first investment by co-leading ICEYE’s €1 billion Series F, underscoring continued investor backing for the synthetic-aperture radar operator. ICEYE is also deepening its Gulf footprint by appointing a CEO for its UAE business.
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Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp said a problem with one of New Glenn’s BE-4 engines triggered the rocket’s massive May explosion. The company is investigating the failure while preparing repairs and targeting a return to flight later this year, a schedule that will depend on vehicle and pad readiness.
Viasat CEO Mark Dankberg said the company has not abandoned Equatys, its direct-to-device mobile satellite service joint venture with UAE-based Space42. The partners still plan a constellation that could include co-owners, with securing satellite financing identified as the next step.
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