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: Mastering Space ITAR Compliance Half-Day Workshop

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

Professionals in the aerospace and defense sectors are invited to 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. 

Asia Satellite Business Week 2024

https://asiatechxsg.com/satelliteasia/asbw/

Join executives and decision-makers in the space industry for discussions surrounding the theme, “Mobilizing Asia's Key Space and Satellite Players.” $0-$415. Singapore. May 29-31, 2024. 

GLAC AUSA Symposium 2024

https://www.glac-ausa.org/2024-space-symposium

The Association of the United States Army’s symposium on “Space: Enabling Multi-Domain Operations” will feature topics including army formations, sensors, and the challenges of urban terrain conflicts. $250-1000. Long Beach, CA. May 30-31, 2024. 

7th Annual SmallSat & Space Access Summit

https://smallsat.dsigroup.org/

Defense Strategies Institute hosts this summit on advancements in commercial and government small spacecraft. Speakers include Maj Gen Christopher S. Povak of NRO and Deidra Eberhardt of Space Systems Integration Office. $790-1290. National Harbor, MD. June 5-6, 2024.

Seattle Space Week

https://www.spacenorthwest.org/seattle-space-week

Space Northwest hosts Seattle Space Week in the heart of the Pacific Northwest's space industry. Join business leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals in a variety of engaging events. $0-30 per event. Washington. June 8-13, 2024.

Ignite Space 2024

https://www.ignite-space.co.uk/

Ignite Space conference and exhibition 2024 welcomes businesses with space-applicable technologies to network with UK space industry stakeholders for accelerated growth across the sector. Free. Leeds, England. June 11-12, 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.

Computer-generated image showing objects in Earth orbit, 95% of which are debris. Image Credits: NASA Orbital Debris Program Office

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.

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.

Mars. Image Credits: Kevin M. Gill

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.

Satellite Innovation

https://satelliteinnovation.com/

Part of Silicon Valley Space Week (SVSW), the Satellite Innovation conference brings together industry leaders to discuss “Pushing Boundaries, Bridging Worlds: The Satellite Ecosystem Connected.” $300-1,595. Mountain View, CA. October 21-22, 2024.

MilSat Symposium 

https://milsatshow.com/

Part of Silicon Valley Space Week (SVSW), join commercial industry leaders and defense decision-makers in dialogue and collaboration on cutting-edge solutions. $50-1,595. Mountain View, CA. October 23-24, 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.

Lunar Living

https://www.herox.com/LunarLiving

Help NASA solve the challenges of establishing safe and sustainable lunar living. First Place prize: $5,000. Submit an idea before September 30, 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.

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Wozniak's space firm, Privateer, buys Orbital Insight, raises $56.5 million

https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/wozniaks-space-firm-privateer-buys-orbital-insight-raises-565-million-2024-05-06/

Space data startup Privateer has raised $56.5 million in a Series A round led by Aero X Ventures with participation from Lux Capital, BOKA Group, Starburst Ventures, and the Winklevoss twins. Privateer also acquired analytics firm Orbital Insight for its mapping and intelligence services capabilities.

Intelsat satelline dishes. Image Credits: Heidas

SES to acquire Intelsat for $3.1 billion

https://spacenews.com/ses-to-acquire-intelsat-for-3-1-billion/

Spurred by increased competition from LEO constellations, SES is acquiring Intelsat for $3.1 billion plus contingent value rights, to expand its multi-orbit space network, ground infrastructure and managed service solutions.

Astroscale to go public on Tokyo exchange

https://spacenews.com/astroscale-to-go-public-on-tokyo-exchange/

Shares of satellite servicing and debris removal company Astroscale will start trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market on June 5, with 20.8 million shares in the initial public offering. Astroscale has raised more than $375 million from mostly Japanese investors, including Mitsubishi Electric.

Xona raises $19 million Series A funds for satellite navigation service

https://spacenews.com/xona-raises-19-million-series-a-funds-for-satellite-navigation-service/

Satellite-based navigation startup Xona Space Systems has raised $19 million in Series A funding led by Steve Jurvetson's Future Ventures and Seraphim Space to develop a commercial positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) service as an alternative or backup to the Global Positioning System (GPS).

Search engine focused on Earth data gets new investors

https://spacenews.com/search-engine-focused-on-earth-data-gets-new-investors/

AI startup Danti secured $5 million in seed funding led by Shield Capital. The Department of Defense and intelligence community are among the users of Danti’s search engine for Earth observation data from satellite imagery, drone footage, social media information, and government databases.

New space company seeks to solve orbital mobility with high delta-v spacecraft

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/04/new-space-company-seeks-to-solve-orbital-mobility-with-high-delta-v-spacecraft/

Portal Space Systems, founded by ex-SpaceX VP of propulsion Jeff Thornburg, proposes solar-thermal propulsion as an alternative to conventional rocket or ion thrusters for on-orbit maneuverability, to significantly lower the costs of delta-v.

In the Race for Space Metals, Companies Hope to Cash In

https://undark.org/2024/05/08/asteroid-mining-space-metals/

Companies such as AstroForge, TransAstra and Karman+ have raised venture funding to pursue space minining despite previous failures. Others, such as Asteroid Mining Corporation, are focusing on terrestrial applications that can generate revenue in the near term instead of relying on outside capital.

Starliner launch delayed to mid-May

https://spacenews.com/starliner-launch-delayed-to-mid-may/

A faulty valve in the Atlas 5 launch vehicle delayed the Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner until May 17 at the earliest. United Launch Alliance will roll its rocket back to the Vertical Integration Facility hangar to replace the liquid oxygen pressure regulation valve in the Centaur.

NASA Selects Commercial Service Studies to Enable Mars Robotic Science

https://www.nasa.gov/solar-system/planets/mars/nasa-selects-commercial-service-studies-to-enable-mars-robotic-science/

NASA has selected nine US companies to conduct early-stage studies for how commercial services might be applied to allow lower-cost, higher-frequency science missions to Mars. Each awardee will receive up to $300,000 to produce a detailed report.

Analyst on Starlink’s rapid rise: “Nothing short of mind-blowing”

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/05/just-5-years-after-its-first-launch-the-starlink-constellation-is-profitable/

Research firm Quilty Space estimates SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband business will generate $6.6 billion in revenue and $600 million in free cash flow in 2024, five years after its first 60 satellites were launched. SpaceX has more than 5,200 operational Starlink satellites and 2.7 million customers in 75 countries.

Artist’s concept of small primordial black holes. In reality, tiny black holes would have a difficult time forming the accretion disks that make them visible here. Image Credits:  NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

How NASA’s Roman Mission Will Hunt for Primordial Black Holes

https://www.nasa.gov/missions/roman-space-telescope/how-nasas-roman-mission-will-hunt-for-primordial-black-holes/

A University of California Santa Cruz study says NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, scheduled for launch in May 2027, will be able to detect elusive smaller “primordial” black holes, including some with masses similar to Earth’s, formed during the universe’s inflation phase. Small primordial black holes cannot be formed by known physical processes.

Collapsing Sheets of Spacetime Could Explain Dark Matter and Why the Universe ‘Hums’

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/collapsing-sheets-of-spacetime-could-explain-dark-matter-and-why-the/

A new study posits that domain walls, large hypothetical sheets of spacetime that divide regions of the universe, may have formed then mostly annihilated in fractions of a second after the big bang, creating the universe’s background gravitational wave “hum”. Remaining domain walls would appear as black holes of about one solar mass, or in some scenarios be numerous enough to account for dark matter.