Payload
• Douglas Gorman
CO-based LEAP Launch successfully flew its Bullfrog suborbital launch vehicle, a first major milestone that enables up to four additional flights this year. The demonstration also advances the company’s roadmap toward a 2028 first flight of its upgraded orbital launcher, Bighorn.
Space Intel Report
• Peter B. de Selding
By Space Intel Report: JAKARTA — Satellite fleet operator Eutelsat reported an 11.8% increase in government revenue for the three months ending March 31 as global military demand more than offset the slack in US government business.
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.
Payload
• Jacqueline Feldscher
By Payload: Exobiosphere has designed an Orbital High-Throughput Screening Device—an automated mini lab that fits into standard mid-deck lockers, aboard crewed or uncrewed space stations.
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.
SpaceNews.com
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.
SpaceNews.com
• Sandra Erwin
