This Week In Space Industry(20/1/2024)

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 zeroes in on GITAI: Redefining Space Exploration Through Robotics, Read it here.

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

• Japan makes history as spacecraft lands on the moon

• Space investors banking on funding uptick in 2024

• SpaceX launches third Axiom mission to ISS

Japan Achieves Historic Lunar Landing with SLIM Spacecraft

Japan achieved a historic milestone with the successful lunar landing of its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) spacecraft. The landing, which aimed to demonstrate precise landing technology, makes Japan the fifth country, after the United States, the former Soviet Union, China, and India, to achieve a robotic soft landing on the Moon.

The SLIM mission focused on showcasing precise landing capabilities by targeting a specific landing site within the Shioli crater. While the landing itself was confirmed as successful, an issue with the spacecraft's solar cells, possibly related to its orientation, prevented the generation of electricity. Despite this setback, SLIM is operational on battery power, and teams are working to maximize data gathering and science output during its lunar daytime mission.

The spacecraft carries two small rovers, LEV-1 and LEV-2, which have successfully separated and are operating. The SLIM mission contributes to lunar exploration and scientific understanding, despite challenges, as international interest in the Moon continues to grow. (Read More)

Space investors banking on funding uptick in 2024

Investors in the space industry anticipate a rebound in funding in 2024 after a decline in 2023. A Space Capital report revealed that global space investments in 2023 amounted to $17.9 billion, representing a 25% decrease from the previous year and reaching a decade low. Factors such as higher interest rates contributed to reduced risk appetite, affecting investment levels. However, with expectations of stable or decreasing interest rates and controlled inflation in 2024, investors anticipate an improvement in the risk investment climate.

Despite challenges, government demand for space-based capabilities and the increasing visibility of the space industry, thanks to high-profile entrepreneurs like Musk, Bezos, and Branson, are seen as positive factors for the sector's growth. The aftermath of special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) mergers and subsequent underperformance has led to a "holding period," but investors believe the industry will recover due to strong demand and increasing familiarity among investors. (Read More)

Google and AT&T join $155 million AST SpaceMobile investment

Google and AT&T have joined a $155 million strategic investment in AST SpaceMobile, a company developing a direct-to-smartphone connectivity constellation. The investment also includes funding from existing shareholder Vodafone. AST SpaceMobile plans to raise an additional $51.5 million from an existing debt facility and at least $100 million by selling discounted shares.

The capital injection will support the company's efforts to deploy commercial services this year and produce larger spacecraft for its low Earth orbit constellation, designed to provide connectivity outside cell tower coverage. The strategic investment includes a debt instrument of $110 million, and both AT&T and Vodafone have made prepayments for future AST SpaceMobile commercial services as part of their investments. The collaboration with Google involves joint efforts on product development, testing, and implementation plans. (Read More)

Space Development Agency awards contracts worth $2.5 billion for missile-tracking satellites

The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded contracts worth approximately $2.5 billion to L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, and Sierra Space for the production and operation of 54 satellites equipped with infrared sensors. These satellites will be part of SDA's Tranche 2 Tracking Layer, operating in low Earth orbit to track hypersonic missiles throughout their flight phases.

The contracts, valued at $919 million for L3Harris, $890 million for Lockheed Martin, and $740 million for Sierra Space, include incentives for on-time delivery. The satellites are expected to launch in 2027, contingent on the passage of the 2024 defense budget by Congress. (Read More)

• Third Axiom Space private astronaut mission ready for launch

• China’s Landspace conducts first VTVL test for reusable stainless steel rocket

• Astrobotic to begin formal investigation into failed Peregrine mission

• SpaceX launches third Axiom mission to ISS

• SDA to acquire satellites with custom payloads to enable faster targeting on battlefields

• Impulse Space announces plan to develop high-energy kick stage

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