[Space] 2023.08.15

Hestia is a compact telescope designed to work with your smartphone without complex setups or extensive knowledge of astronomy. Ends August 17, 2023.

Help NASA overcome challenges inherent to living far away from Earth by submitting an idea for sustaining a human presence to, from, and around the Moon. Deadline: October 2, 2023.

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.

The Amateur Astronomers Association, founded in 1927, seeks funds to build a free public observatory in New York City. Funds will be used for site construction costs, see further updates and pictures here.

This presentation will look at space endeavors across the state, and how Texas is contributing to the next generation of space exploration. $5. Online. August 17, 2023.

Join experts as they discuss NASA's upcoming Psyche Mission slated to launch no earlier than October 2023 toward the solar system's largest metal-rich asteroid. Free. Online. August 20, 2023.  

Forum to bring together thought leaders, industry experts and government officials to discuss what lies ahead for space technology. $345. Falls Church, VA. August 29, 2023.

Global event with over 1,000 decision makers for deal-making and discussions shaping the future of the satellite industry. $580-$3730. Online and in-person in Paris. September 11-15, 2023.

2-day event addressing the NewSpace economy and sustainability. Special guests include NASA Chief Economist Alexander MacDonald and NASA Commercial Director Dan Rasky. CHF 269-649. Luzern, Switzerland. September 11-12, 2023.

The theme of the Global Aerospace Summit is Innovating the Skies, Connecting the World. Presenting Sponsors including Airbus and Raytheon Technologies will discuss the latest developments, trends, challenges, and opportunities in aviation and space. Washington DC. September 12-13, 2023.

UNIDIR’s Outer Space Security Conference provides a unique forum for the diplomatic community and, military experts, and more, to jointly consider challenges and solutions related to security in outer space. Free online and in-person. Geneva, Switzerland. September 13-14, 2023.

The 2nd annual South Florida Space Day is a full-day event comprised of keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking in support of space entrepreneurship. Free. Fort Lauderdale, FL. September 21, 2023.

Image of Mars taken by the OSIRIS instrument on the ESA Rosetta spacecraft during its February 2007 flyby of the planet.  Image Credit: ESA & MPS for OSIRIS Team

The 26th Annual International Mars Society Convention brings together leading scientists, engineers, commercial space executives and government policymakers to discuss current and future Mars exploration and planning for human missions. Tempe, Arizona. October 5-8, 2023.

Asia-Pacific satellite and space industry professionals gather for market insight and collaboration on the industry’s challenges and opportunities. $650-1,500. Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur. October 10-12, 2023.

Two satellite industry events hosted back-to-back. Satellite Innovation focuses on analyzing next-generation satellite technologies and the current business environment, while MilSat Symposium will focus on space defense. $50-2,195. Mountain View, CA. October 17-20, 2023.

Insights and discussions on key military issues. Get access to senior officials from a variety of nations, with representatives from India, South Africa, Portugal and Peru added in 2023. Tickets £1198-2898. London, UK. November 6-9, 2023.

A showcase of the latest technologies, networking opportunities, and topical debates around new technologies. Free. Bremen, Germany. November 14-16, 2023.

The annual workshop, organized by the Satellite Industry Association (SIA) in partnership with U.S. Space Command, brings together leaders from various DoD agencies to discuss policy and operational issues related to commercial and military satellite communications. Arlington, Virginia. December 12-14, 2023.

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Satellite TV and mobile operator Dish Network announced plans to merge with space connectivity company EchoStar, which was originally spun off in 2008. Dish shareholders would own 69% of the combined group while EchoStar investors would hold the rest.

German launch service provider Rocket Factory Augsburg secured €30 million ($32.9 million) from investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts for a first orbit launch attempt from SaxaVord, Scotland.

Ursa Major Hadley engine hotfire test Credit: Ursa Major

Rocket propulsion startup Ursa Major has received $1.2 million in additional funding from DoD-funded America Makes to produce 3D printed engine hardware. 

Veritas Capital company Frontgrade Technologies acquired high-power amplifier module and switch manufacturer Aethercomm, enabling them to supply satellite providers with RF payloads for communications.

Privateer Space, co-led by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, is launching Pono, a satellite operator module that aims to help make space data available at scale and far lower cost. The first prototype will launch on a D-Orbit space tug in late 2023. 

India and Russia are attempting the first successful landing on the Moon's South Pole, which potentially contains water ice. India's Chandrayaan-3 attempt is scheduled for around August 23, while the Russian lander, Luna-25, could reach the surface on August 21.

SpaceX performed a short-duration static fire test of 33 engines on a new Super Heavy booster. The test ended early as four Raptor engines shut down prematurely. The prior Starship launch occurred 70 days after the static fire test.

The Shanghai government has expressed backing for a "G60 Starlink" megaconstellation consisting of an initial 1,296 satellites with potentially more than 12,000 total. G60 is a separate project from the “Guowang” national satellite internet plan, thought of as China’s answer to SpaceX’s Starlink.

Stars fueled by the self-annihilation of dark matter might have been spotted for the first time by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Dark matter is thought to make up about 85 percent of the matter in the universe.