Payload
• Jacqueline Feldscher
Exobiosphere says its Orbital High-Throughput Screening Device (a compact, automated mini lab sized for standard mid-deck lockers) will be supported by Voyager for an International Space Station mission. The system is designed to enable automated sample testing aboard crewed and/or uncrewed space stations.
SpaceNews.com
• Jeff Foust
By SpaceNews.com: Varda Space Industries has signed its first major agreement with a pharmaceutical company to develop improved drugs in microgravity.
Space.com
• Mike Wall
By Space.com: SpaceX is officially targeting May 19 for the debut of Starship Version 3, an advanced new vehicle that could help humanity take its first steps on the moon and Mars.
NASA Spaceflight
• Justin Davenport
By NASA Spaceflight: Just over two weeks after Progress MS-34 docked to the Station, the ISS is set to receive a new visiting vehicle loaded with cargo.
SpaceNews.com
• Jason Rainbow
By SpaceNews.com: SpaceX has the FCC’s blessing to buy EchoStar spectrum to improve direct-to-device services in the United States, subject to a $2.4 billion escrow tied to disputes over the seller’s abandoned terrestrial 5G network buildout.
Space Intel Report
• Peter B. de Selding
By Space Intel Report: JAKARTA — Satellite fleet operators SES and Eutelsat said negotiations on the final cost, configuration and schedule of Europe’s Iris2 multi-orbit secure connectivity constellation will require several weeks of additional work before being finalized with the European Commission.
Via Satellite
• Rachel Jewett
By Via Satellite: AST SpaceMobile still expects to have 45 BlueBird satellites in orbit this year despite the recent failure on a Blue Origin launch. CEO Abel Avellan told investors on Monday that it is preparing to launch with SpaceX in mid-June, in mission that will launch three BlueBird satellites.
Via Satellite
• Mark Holmes
By Via Satellite: SES’s latest results are broadly in line with analyst expectations and show the business in good shape with the Networks side of SES’s business.
