Space Ecosystem | Startups | Deals
They will fly a pressurized capsule to the upper edge of Earth’s atmosphere using a high-altitude balloon, capable of holding eight passengers for six hours at $125,000 per person. [Forward]
Astra's Rocket 3.0 — Source: John Kraus / Astra
Astra has raised about $100 million and will attempt an orbital launch as early as July 20, as the startup breaks into the business of launching small satellites. [Forward]
Relativity Space aims to almost entirely 3D-print rockets. The startup struck another launch deal and an agreement with the U.S. Air Force to build a launchpad on California’s coast. [Forward]
The FCC faces tough choices over backing 5G or SpaceX’s satellite internet. Their decision will be a good indicator as to how the commission views the future of satellite broadband. [Forward]
Space Exploration
NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is traveling to Mars attached to the belly of the Perseverance rover. It must safely detach to begin the first attempt at powered flight on another planet. [Forward]
The Prototank exploded during a test designed to understand the benefits of switching from 301 to 304 stainless steel. Results of the test have not yet been released. [Forward]
An overview of the potential path to sending humans to Mars after the successful Commercial Crew launch by SpaceX and NASA. [Forward]
The successful glide flight of SpaceShipTwo Unity puts Virgin Galactic on the path for space flight from New Mexico, and furthers their goal of opening space flight for all. [Forward]
Astronomy | Astrophysics | Cosmology
An examination of underrepresentation of Black women in astronomy and physics and recommendations on providing support for those entering these fields. [Forward]
July brings a lunar eclipse that will begin at 11:07 pm on July 4, Jupiter and Saturn will reach peak brightness mid-July, followed by dueling meteor showers on July 28-29. [Forward]
The New Horizons Spacecraft Just Helped Make First Stereoscopic Image Of A Star's Location - YouTube
An explanation of how astronomers use stellar parallax to measure interstellar distances, and a simple demonstration of the effect using New Horizons. [Forward]
While we can now estimate there may be billions of Earth-like planets in the galaxy, we do not know how frequently life arises or how often intelligent life emerges. [Forward]
Results from exoplanet searches are allowing scientists to narrow the search via technosignatures such as solar panels and pollutants. The project represents the first SETI-specific NASA grant in three decades. [Forward]
Scientists discovered gravitational waves originating from a collision between a blackhole and undefined space object, which may lie in the 'mass gap' between a neutron star and black hole. [Forward]
The last solar hurricane hit earth in 1859 and the next one could devastate our electrical systems. Solar storms are not preventable, but they are manageable if we are prepared. [Forward]
Events
Space News provides ongoing coverage and daily updates of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on the global space industry, including a list of all delayed or canceled space events. [Forward]
The NASA Exploration Science Forum on July 8-10, 2020 will be an all-virtual meeting due to COVID-19. A side conference for students will be held virtually on July 1 and 2. [Forward]
Conference organizers have announced that the 34th Annual Small Satellite Conference, scheduled for August 1-6 in Logan, Utah, will be held “in a virtual format with no on-site presence.” [Forward]
NASA is seeking new designs for a toilet that will work both in microgravity and lunar gravity. Submissions are due 5pm ET on August 17, 2020. The prize is $35,000. [Forward]
Join TechCrunch's editors in Los Angeles on December 17 for a day of fireside chats and panel discussion with the top investors, founders, and technologists forging the future of space. [Forward]