[Space] 2024.01.01

Challenges | Solicitations | Resources

NASA’s BIG Idea Challenge | NASA

Student teams from accredited and Space Grant Consortium affiliated US-based colleges and universities are welcome to participate, supporting NASA’s efforts to rapidly mature innovative and high-impact capabilities and technologies for future missions. Entry Deadline: February 1, 2024. 

NASA Seeks Development of Universal Payload Interface | NASA

For NASA's third TechLeap Prize, join NASA’s Flight Opportunities program to create a seamlessly adaptable payload interface system for diverse technology payloads and various host commercial flight vehicles. Entry Deadline: February 1, 2024. 

Who Let the Gas Out? NASA Tank Venting Challenge | NASA Tournament Lab (NTL)

Register to submit your novel solution to NASA’s spacecraft ullage venting challenges in microgravity for extended space travel. Chosen concept designs will win a share of the $80,000 prize. Deadline: February 22, 2024. 

Mars Technology Institute Crowdfunding Campaign

Mars Technology Institute Crowdfunding Campaign Credit: MTI

Mars Technology Institute (MTI) Crowdfunding Campaign | The Mars Society

Help fund the Mars Technology Institute to develop the biotech, agtech, artificial intelligence and advanced energy solutions needed to facilitate Mars settlements. Accredited investors who contribute $5,000 or more will be given opportunities to invest in MTI spinoff companies.

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

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

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.

Upcoming Events

2024 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (AIAA SciTech Forum)

AIAA SciTech Forum calls together over 1,500 aerospace professionals and students from 43 countries to discuss the theme “Ignite the Future: Explore the Frontiers of Aerospace.” $199-$1,499. Orlando FL. January 8-12, 2024.

ESA Annual Conference on Commercialisation in Space Exploration | ESA Business in Space Growth Network

Commercial space entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors will convene at Space for Inspiration 2024 to learn about discoveries and groundbreaking ventures in the LEO and lunar economies. January 18-19, 2024.

The Breakthrough Listen Initiative | Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society

The meeting will feature Breakthrough Listen's Principal Investigator, Berkeley SETI Research Center Director Andrew Siemion. Breakthrough Listen is funded with $100 million from Yuri Milner and searches for radio signals and laser transmissions from extraterrestrial civilizations. £2.88. Online. Friday, January 25, 2024.

GSA Spaceport Summit | Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA)

The GSA summit focuses on the future needs of spaceports and the initiatives to enable commerce. Free - $625. Orlando, FL. January 29, 2024.

Commercial Space Week

Three conference programs including Global Spaceport Alliance's Spaceport Summit, 50th Space Congress, and Space Mobility Congress. Orlando, FL. January 29 - February 1, 2024.

SmallSat Symposium 2024

Three-day conference focusing on the business and technical aspects of the smallsat ecosystem. $595 - $1695. Mountain View, CA and virtual. February 6-8, 2024.

Small Satellites & Services International Forum (SSSIF)

SSSIF 2024 is an international workshop for small satellite designers, technicians, developers, and launchers. €100 - €400. Málaga (Spain). February 20-22, 2024. 

April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse | NASA

Passing from Mexico to Canada, it will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous US until 2044. April 8, 2024. 

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

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.

Add your event or campaign. Contact us for details.

Space Ecosystem | Startups | Deals

True Anomaly raises $100M to scale space security tech

True Anomaly raised $100 million in new funding for space situational awareness. The round was led by Riot Ventures, with participation from investors including Eclipse, ACME Capital, Menlo Ventures, Narya, 645 Ventures and Rocketship.vc.

SpaceX alums offer telemetry stack through startup Sift

Sift, founded by former SpaceX software engineers, will use $7.5 million from a recent investment round to grow their team and customer base as they develop a proprietary telemetry stack to improve and automate machine data management.

Two satellites acquired from Maxar's RF Solutions group. Credit: HawkEye 360

Two satellites acquired from Maxar's RF Solutions group. Credit: HawkEye 360

HawkEye 360 acquires Maxar’s RF Solutions business unit

HawkEye 360 acquired Maxar Intelligence RF Solutions for an undisclosed amount to add its complementary on-orbit assets and expertise to existing satellite geolocation and signal capabilities.

Space Exploration | Development

Blue Origin’s suborbital rocket flies for first time in 15 months

Fitted with redesigned engine components, the New Shepard rocket reached the edge of space carrying 33 payloads for NASA, research institutions, and commercial companies. Some of the payloads were flown again after failing to reach space on the failed September 2022 mission.

Jeff Bezos: Amazon and Blue Origin | Lex Fridman Podcast

Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos talks with Lex Fridman about space exploration and rocket engineering, physics, the New Glenn rocket, and the lunar program.