This Week In Space Industry(6/1/2024)

Greetings Detectives

Welcome to Rocket Roundup, Your favorite Saturday space newsletter!
We're thrilled to announce our first deep dive into the world of space startups, and our debut feature is on SpinLaunch – a satellite launcher utilizing kinetic energy, Read it here.

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

• SpaceX Launches Direct-to-Smartphone Starlink Satellites

• SpaceX Files Lawsuit

• Rocket Lab Lands $515 Million Contract

Terran Orbital Receives Key Payment from Rivada Space Networks

Terran Orbital announced that it received a key payment from Rivada Space Networks, its largest customer, related to the construction of 300 internet satellites. While the exact payment amount was not disclosed, Terran Orbital adjusted its anticipated year-end cash balance to over $70 million, up from $38.7 million reported in Q4. The payment comes as welcome news for investors skeptical of the massive $2.4 billion contract with newcomer Rivada.

Terran Orbital expects additional milestone payments in 2024 as it prepares to start delivering buses in 2025. Rivada, a new player in the satellite internet market, plans to deploy a nearly 600-satellite communications constellation. (Read More)

SpaceX Launches Direct-to-Smartphone Starlink Satellites

SpaceX has launched the first batch of Starlink satellites designed to connect directly to unmodified smartphones. Six of the 21 satellites carry a payload that can provide connectivity for most 4G LTE devices when in range. SpaceX aims to start enabling texting from space in partnership with cellular operators this year, with voice and data connectivity set to begin in 2025, pending regulatory approval.

The initial tests will use cellular spectrum from SpaceX's US mobile partner, T-Mobile. SpaceX has also partnered with mobile operators in Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, and Switzerland. (Read More)

Sidus Space Secures NOAA License for LizzieSat Launch

Sidus Space has obtained a Tier 1 remote sensing license from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for its upcoming LizzieSat satellite. The license grants the capability for Panchromatic (PAN) and Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) imaging, enabling the collection and distribution of images and data to government and commercial customers. The approval also covers subsequent LizzieSat satellites.

The advanced imaging capabilities will facilitate applications such as monitoring marine traffic, detecting illegal fishing activities, identifying methane emission locations, and assessing vegetative stress impact on crop production. The LizzieSat satellite is set to launch in March 2024 on SpaceX's Transporter-10 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. (Read More)

SpaceX Files Lawsuit Against NLRB Over Alleged Unconstitutional Structure

SpaceX has filed a lawsuit against the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), claiming that the board's structure is unconstitutional. The NLRB had filed a complaint against SpaceX, accusing the company of violating federal labor law by firing eight workers who had signed a letter criticizing CEO Elon Musk for making sexist comments. SpaceX argues that the structure of the NLRB, which allows removal of administrative judges only for cause, is unconstitutional.

The lawsuit seeks to block the NLRB case from proceeding. SpaceX previously used a similar tactic to block an administrative case by the US Department of Justice. (Read More)

SynMax Secures $13 Million in Funding for Satellite Data Analytics

SynMax, a satellite data analytics company, has raised $13 million in a funding round at a $50M pre-money valuation led by energy trader Bill Perkins, co-founder of SkyFi, with participation from Palantir co-founder Alex Moore and SynMax customers. The company is focused on delivering actionable analytics using commercial satellite imagery.

Its products include Hyperion, which analyzes oil and gas rig supply data; Theia, which tracks dark vessels using ocean imagery; and Vulcan, which provides insights on coal plant capacity and predicted outputs. SynMax plans to use the funding to expand its markets, hire new talent, and enhance its analysis algorithms. (Read More)

Rocket Lab Lands $515 Million Contract for 18 U.S. Government Satellites

Rocket Lab has secured a substantial contract worth $515 million from a U.S. government agency, according to a regulatory filing. The contract, awarded to Rocket Lab National Security, involves the design, manufacturing, delivery, and operation of 18 space vehicles. While further details remain undisclosed, sources suggest that the Space Development Agency (SDA) could be the likely customer. The SDA is working on the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a mesh network of military satellites in low Earth orbit.

The contract includes a base amount of $489 million, with incentives and options totaling $26 million. The satellites are slated for launch in 2027, with operations expected through 2030 and an option to extend to 2033. This contract represents a significant development for Rocket Lab's satellite operations, marking its largest deal to date. (Read More)

• Satellite imagery analysis shows immense scale of dark fishing industry

• Top Satellite Launches to Watch in 2024

• SpaceX launches U.S. military spaceplane on Falcon Heavy rocket

• Rocket Lab Enters Into Equipment Financing Agreement

• China completes new commercial launch pad to boost access to space

• India selects Falcon 9 for communications satellite launch

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