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DARPA is looking for innovative technology to support the Space Force's efforts to respond to real-time threats in orbit by rapidly launching new payloads or tapping into commercial constellations. The goal is to expand the scope of gap-filler capabilities the U.S. military can leverage in a crisis.
Chinese startup Spark Space has successfully tested an engine and raised funds for an electric-pump-fed rocket, claimed to be the world's largest. The funding rounds will support the development of this innovative rocket technology.
The Pentagon has awarded a contract to Quantum Space to demonstrate a fuel depot spacecraft, built on its Ranger platform, that can refuel other spacecraft in orbit. The project aims to create a working gas station in orbit, a capability that has never been flown before. The contract is funded through the Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund.
Blue Origin has started rebuilding a launch pad damaged in a New Glenn explosion, aiming to resume launches by year's end. The rebuilding effort comes less than three weeks after the incident.
Gina Rinehart suggests Australia offer Elon Musk islands to launch satellites into space, aiming to attract investment to northern Queensland. She also proposes giving land to skilled Israelis to build advanced war drones.
Katalyst Space Technologies has raised $12 million for a geosynchronous orbit demonstration mission to boost the orbit of a NASA observatory. The mission is nearing launch.
PiLogic, a startup, is partnering with an Air Force lab to test its satellite fault-prediction software, which uses probabilistic reasoning to diagnose spacecraft anomalies. The software aims to improve satellite reliability and performance. The partnership will help evaluate the software's effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
The traditional approach to space architecture focused on placement and position-holding, but this framing is now considered too narrow. Sustained maneuverability in space is becoming increasingly important, but it poses significant propulsion problems. Spacecraft must be able to maneuver reliably and efficiently to achieve their objectives.