This Week In Space Industry (3/02/2024)

Greetings Detectives

Welcome to Rocket Roundup, Your favorite space newsletter! This week's in-depth exploration takes us into the dynamic realm of space startups. Our spotlight feature is on Stell Engineering - Simplifying Engineering Documentation with User-Friendly Software, Read it here.

Let's embark on this cosmic journey together! In This Issue:

• Private space station buys SpaceX launch

• Space Force Prefers Northrop Grumman’s Fuel Port

• Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Raises $933 million Series A

U.S. Government Moves to Dismiss Ligado's $39 Billion Lawsuit Over Spectrum Rights

The U.S. government has filed a motion to dismiss Ligado's lawsuit over spectrum rights, challenging the court's jurisdiction and disputing Ligado's claims. Ligado had sued the U.S. government in October 2022 to recover $39 billion, claiming that the Department of Defense (DoD) had "taken Ligado’s spectrum for the agency’s own purposes operating previously undisclosed systems that use or depend on Ligado’s spectrum without compensating Ligado." The government's filing argues that FCC licenses are not property under the Takings Clause, and no court has held that an FCC license is property for takings purposes. (Read More)

DOD Prioritizing Cooperation With Allies in Space

Dr. John F. Plumb, the assistant secretary of defense for space policy, emphasized the importance of cooperation among allies in space, citing the increasing recognition of space capabilities as crucial to military effectiveness. Plumb highlighted the efforts to address emerging risks and modernize policies to protect and defend U.S. security interests. He noted that cooperation with allies and partners strengthens deterrence and broadens the options for diplomatic and military responses in crisis situations. The Department of Defense has prioritized combined space operations through initiatives involving multiple nations, aiming to outpace threats and prevent conflict in space. (Read More)

Starlab, meet Starship: Private space station buys SpaceX launch for later this decade

SpaceX has entered into a deal with Starlab, a private space station joint venture between Voyager and Airbus, to launch on the Starship rocket. Starlab, developed by Voyager Space and Airbus, is one of several private space stations under development in the U.S. as NASA plans to retire the International Space Station by 2030. The launch is targeted for as early as 2028, making Starlab one of the earliest commercial customers for a SpaceX Starship launch. The space station is designed for microgravity research and is expected to continuously support a crew of four for up to 30 years in orbit. (Read More)

Space Force Prefers Northrop Grumman’s Fuel Port

The U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command has designated Northrop Grumman’s Passive Refueling Module (PRM) as the preferred interface for in-space refueling of military satellites. This move marks the first time the Space Force has publicly identified a preferred system, potentially shaping the emerging in-orbit satellite servicing market. Northrop Grumman’s PRM, which enables the transfer of propellant to extend the life of satellites, has been selected based on its maturity, technical viability, and the company’s experience in servicing satellites in orbit.

The Space Systems Command will also support Northrop Grumman’s development of an orbital fuel tanker for geosynchronous orbit missions. The PRM, while not exclusive, provides a first-mover advantage in a market that is yet to adopt formal specifications. The technical specs of the PRM module will be made available to the industry, promoting standardization. (Read More)

Quindar Raises $6M Seed Extension Round

Quindar, a company focused on automating satellite constellation operations, has raised $6 million in a seed extension round led by Fuse, with participation from Y-Combinator and Funders Club. Quindar's platform simplifies the operational burden of satellite constellations, providing a unified solution for tasks such as orbital design and downlinking. The company plans to use the funding to build out its sales and engineering teams, onboard government and enterprise customers, and enhance its platform with new AI- and ML-driven capabilities. Quindar has also entered into a strategic integration partnership with ground station network operator KSAT to bring its platform to more customers in satellite manufacturing and operations.(Read More)

Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Raises ¥6.7B Series A

Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), backed by the Shanghai municipal government, has raised $933 million (6.7 billion yuan) in a series A funding round led by the National Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrading Fund (NMTUF), according to CAS Star, an investor in the firm. SSST, founded in 2018, aims to provide internet services based on a low-orbit satellite constellation. The funding will be used for the construction of the constellation, as well as for technological development, market expansion, and daily operations. (Read More)

• Sierra Space Hastens IPO Groundwork Ahead of Spaceplane Debut

• Rocket Lab Successfully Launches First Electron Mission of Busy 2024 Launch Schedule

• Startups call for streamlined US regulations for emerging space capabilities

• Iran said it launched three satellites into orbit.

• Japan's SLIM lunar lander has resumed operations

• China's Geely launches 11 low-orbit satellites for autonomous cars

DISCLAIMER: (Rocket Roundup is an independent publication and is not affiliated with any government agency or space organization)