Pose Bowl: Spacecraft Detection and Pose Estimation Challenge

https://www.drivendata.org/competitions/group/competition-nasa-spacecraft/

NASA is inviting developers to create algorithms that conduct low-cost in-space inspections of other spacecraft. Prizes awarded for object detection and identifying changes in position and orientation (pose) of the chaser spacecraft camera. Ends May 14, 2024.

The solar system's biggest space jobs site | Space Crew

https://spacecrew.com/

Accelerate your space career with email alerts for key space industry insights and over 4000 space company jobs.

Jobs in the Space Field & Tech Industry | Space Talent

https://www.spacetalent.org/

Space Talent is a resource for careers at the intersection of space and tech. They match employers with top talent while providing insights and resources to grow your career.

Business of Space Conference

https://www.uah.edu/opce/program-topics/business-of-space

This conference brings together leading academics, business leaders, innovators, and policy influencers working on the new space economy for curated sessions under the theme “Economics, Commerce, and Sustainability of New Space”. $150-$525. Huntsville, AL. April 21-23, 2024

CubeSat Developers Workshop 2024

https://www.cubesatdw.org/

Join over 600 attendees from 50 countries for this global small-satellite conference hosted by CubeSat. Select the 3-day registration option to join the additional NASA JPL F Prime Tutorial. Space is limited. $175-$700. Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. April 23–25, 2024. 

12th Inter-Planetary Small Satellite Conference

http://www.intersmallsatconference.com/

Conference organized by staff and students from Caltech, MIT, Cornell and other institutions to explore mission concepts, discuss emerging technologies, and foster “outside the box” thinking on interplanetary small satellite missions. Tucson, AZ. April 30-May 2, 2024. 

USGIF GEOINT Symposium 2024

https://usgif.org/geoint-symposium/

Join industry experts, government officials, and thought leaders in exploring the role of geospatial intelligence in providing decision advantage under the theme, “Essential in All Dimensions and Domains”. $249-$2,199. Kissimmee, FL. May 5-8, 2024.

COSMIC Convergence 2024

https://cosmicspace.org/convergence2024/

Stakeholders from government, industry, and academia will gather for a collaborative workshop focused on encouraging In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities. $150 in-person in Logan, UT, or free virtual option. May 15-16, 2024

47th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium

https://aeromechanisms.com/

The Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium provides a social and technical forum for mechanisms technology personnel and information for enthusiasts around hardware developments, design, fabrication, test, and operational use. Free-$775. Virginia Beach, VA. May 15-17, 2024.

Navigating the Stars Half-Day Workshop

https://clearedsystems.com/shop/navigating-the-stars-half-day-workshop/

Professionals in the aerospace and defense sectors are invited to “Navigating the Stars: Mastering Space ITAR Compliance,” a workshop on compliance, regulatory requirements, and best practices in International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) as they apply to the space industry. $375. Fairfax, VA. May 24, 2024.

Small Satellites Systems and Services Symposium

http://www.4s-symposium.com/

Join presentations around “Space Transformation” toward a circular economy, clean space, and how new technology impacts satellite design and data use. The program will also cover sessions including mission and system analysis, Earth observation, and small satellites access. €500-1100. Palma de Mallorca, Spain. May 27-31, 2024. 

AI4Space 2024

https://aiforspace.github.io/2024/

AI4Space presents its 3rd workshop in conjunction with Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR) Conference 2024, highlighting space capabilities that draw from computer vision and machine learning research and overcoming unique difficulties presented by space applications. Seattle, WA. June 17, 2024.

6th Summit for Space Sustainability

https://www.swfsummit.org/

Join hundreds of global experts and stakeholders at this year’s policy forum on space sustainability to discuss themes such as active debris removal, space situational awareness, and space sustainability. Tokyo. July 11-12, 2024.

Test subjects evaluate lunar field geology tasks as part of the Exploration Extravehicular Activity (xEVA) night operations development tests conducted at Johnson Space Center’s Rock Yard. Image Credit: NASA Johnson Space Center / Norah Moran – NASA – Johnson

2024 Lunar Development Conference

https://www.moonsociety.org/conferences/lunar-development-conference-2024/

The fifth LDC showcases various research and ideas for the human future on the moon. Free with Moon Society membership ($20-35). Online. July 20-21, 2024.

2024 ASCEND

https://www.ascend.events/

2024 ASCEND will include technical exchanges, debates, and collaboration with the aim of building a sustainable off-world future. Connect with civil, commercial, and national security professionals to discuss opportunities and challenges of increased activity in space. Las Vegas, NV. July 30-August 1, 2024.

36th Small Satellite Conference

https://smallsat.org/

This year’s Small Satellite Conference explores the theme, Automation: Enabling New Capabilities. Keynotes from Aerospace Corporation CEO Steve Isakowitz and National Reconnaissance Office Director Christopher Scolese. $350-1000. Logan, UT. August 3-8, 2024.

2024 International Mars Society Convention

https://www.marssociety.org/news/2024/03/12/save-the-date-2024-international-mars-society-convention/

The Mars Society's 27th convention, themed “The Road to Mars,” will bring together a diverse array of experts to discuss humanity’s journey to Mars in the coming years. Attendees can expect state-of-the-art projects showcasing how humans can live and work on Mars, including a live demonstration of MarsVR. Virtual and in-person in Seattle, WA. August 8-11, 2024.

International Space Elevator Consortium Conference 2024

https://www.isec.org/events/isec2024

The ISEC conference will feature presentations on space elevator topics such as design, dynamics, applications, scientific value, and economic impact. In-person in Chicago, IL. September 7-8, 2024.

75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2024 | International Astronautical Federation

https://www.iafastro.org/events/iac/international-astronautical-congress-2024/

IAC 2024 will highlight efforts to keep the space environment secure and open to exploration through international cooperation. Over 8,000 are expected to attend the event, which will feature the theme “Responsible Space for Sustainability.” Milan, Italy. October 14-18, 2024.

The Future of PanAmerican Space Exploration

https://www.panamspace.org/

Workshop to encourage global coordination among key space agencies, research institutions, and industry players to explore artificial intelligence and machine learning opportunities for the future of space exploration. $250 (estimated). Mendoza, Argentina. October 28-31, 2024.

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Varda Space’s orbital drug factory success fuels $90M in new funding

https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/05/varda-space-closes-90m-to-scale-on-orbit-pharma-manufacturing/

Varda Space Industries closed a $90 million Series B funding round to scale up from its successful first drug manufacturing demonstration mission. The round was led by Caffeinated Capital, with participation from Lux Capital, General Catalyst, Founders Fund and Khosla Ventures.

Mitsubishi takes stake in Starlab Space

https://spacenews.com/mitsubishi-takes-stake-in-starlab-space/

Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. became a strategic partner of Starlab Space, taking an undisclosed equity stake in the commercial space station joint venture between Voyager Space and Airbus Defence and Space. Starlab announced that Mitsubishi plans to use space research to support terrestrial product development in a range of industries.

Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in Helicity Space

https://spacenews.com/lockheed-martin-ventures-invests-in-helicity-space/

California fusion engine developer Helicity Space announced an undisclosed investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures. Helicity is developing technology to propel spacecraft with short bursts of fusion. Other strategic partners in Helicity include Airbus Ventures and Voyager Space Holdings.

Sierra Space CEO unveils new satellite product ahead of Dream Chaser launch, possible IPO

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/10/sierra-space-ceo-talks-ipo-plans-satellite-launch-and-dream-chaser.html

Sierra Space, recently valued at $5.3 billion, unveiled its Eclipse line of satellite buses, which will serve a wide range of missions in orbits ranging for low Earth to cis-lunar. Sierra is considering an IPO as soon as next year and preparing for its NASA-contracted, reusable Dream Chaser spaceplane’s maiden flight.

NASA picks 3 teams to design the next generation of moon buggy

https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/03/nasa-picks-3-teams-to-design-the-next-generation-of-moon-buggy/

NASA has chosen Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab to compete for the next-generation lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) design. After a 12-month “feasibility phase,” the companies will compete for a demonstration task order, then the final awardee will design, launch, and land the LTV on the moon before the Artemis V mission, currently slated for 2029.

In exchange for a lunar rover, Japan will get seats on Moon-landing missions

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/04/japan-will-be-first-among-nasas-partners-to-have-an-astronaut-on-the-moon/

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has worked with Toyota and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for several years on the design of a pressurized rover. A Japanese astronaut will get a seat under the NASA-led Artemis lunar landing mission and will possibly be the first non-American to land on the Moon.

The Space Force is planning what could be the first military exercise in orbit

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/04/the-space-force-is-planning-what-could-be-the-first-military-exercise-in-orbit/

The US Space Force announced contracts with Rocket Lab and True Anomaly to execute a realistic military threat response to "on-orbit aggression". The Victus Haze mission, an on-orbit space domain awareness demonstration, will see a Rocket Lab spacecraft chase down a True Anomaly satellite to demonstrate investigation of unusual activity. The Space Force wants the capability to deter adversaries from taking action or to defend a US satellite from an attack.

Noirlab2218a neutron star merger. Image Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/J. da Silva/Spaceengine

Gravitational waves reveal “mystery object” merging with a neutron star

https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/04/gravitational-waves-reveal-mystery-object-merging-with-a-neutron-star/

The LIGO/VIRGO/KAGRA gravitational-wave detectors found a signal indicating a merger between a neutron star and an unknown compact object, possibly a very low-mass black hole that would fall within the "mass gap", denoting a range of objects between the heaviest known neutron star and lightest known black hole that have rarely been observed.