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• Andrew Jones
A Beijing-based startup has secured about $14 million in funding to develop a satellite constellation focused on tracking orbital objects. The investment signals continued growth in China’s space situational awareness (SSA) sector as commercial providers expand SSA capabilities.
Space Debris & Traffic Management
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A Beijing-based startup has secured about $14 million in funding to develop a satellite constellation focused on tracking orbital objects. The investment signals continued growth in China’s space situational awareness (SSA) sector as commercial providers expand SSA capabilities.
China plans to launch Africa’s first space exploration mission using a trio of spherical probes carried on the Chang’e 8 lander. The mission is scheduled for 2029 and aims to conduct lunar-south-pole science as part of Chang’e 8 operations.
A look at how smallsat assembly is evolving into a more industrial, production-line model—expanding capabilities for a more diverse customer base while forcing manufacturers to balance speed, cost, quality and mission flexibility. The report outlines the process constraints shaping today’s smallsat build cycle.
The cluster argues that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission can approve large-scale private space projects that may alter the night sky globally, while international space law lacks effective mechanisms to halt or remedy the resulting impacts.
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SpaceX is preparing a second attempt at Starship Flight 13 no earlier than July 23 from Starbase in Boca Chica. The uncrewed suborbital test is set to deploy 20 Starlink V3 satellites and demonstrate in-space relighting of a Raptor engine, with additional Booster 20 and engine fixes intended to address issues seen on Flight 12.
High activity
The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun operations at its new Chemical Propulsion Laboratory, its first facility dedicated to testing small propulsion systems for space missions. The lab is intended to support verification and performance testing for propulsion elements used on ESA spacecraft.
NASA released a video featuring images and a time-lapse of Mars captured during the Psyche spacecraft’s flyby. The mission team also tested the spacecraft’s other instruments to verify they are functioning, using a Mars gravity-assist to gain speed and refine trajectory toward its eventual target.
High activity
SpaceX launched Northrop Grumman’s first Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV) on a private mission to rendezvous with and service geosynchronous communication satellites using a two-armed robotic system. The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload was integrated for cryogenic thermal vacuum testing ahead of orbit.
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