Space Passive Component Days (SPCD) 2024 Symposium

https://www.spcd.space/

European Space Agency organized conference to exchange technical expertise about the latest advances in EEE (Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical) passive components for space applications. Noordwijk, The Netherlands. October 15-18, 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.

Space Diplomacy Symposium 2024

https://web.cvent.com/event/378205cd-cc3b-4768-b200-4963c67988d0/summary

The annual SDS aims to situate diplomacy in global space activities to foster cooperation, coordination and collaboration among space actors. Free. Seattle, WA. October 25, 2024.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/20/announcing-the-agenda-for-the-space-stage-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/

Explore the challenges and possibilities for stakeholders in space at this year’s conference, which includes a dedicated Space Stage and "The Space Challenge" pitch competition. $125-$3500. San Francisco, CA. October 28, 2024.

2024 von Braun Space Exploration Symposium

https://astronautical.org/events/vbs/

The 17th annual von Braun Space Exploration Symposium will feature topics around the theme, “Expanding Exploration: From Vision to Reality,” with a focus on how to take plans and strategies to fruition. $20-$925. Confirmed participants include Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth and NASA Chief Technologist A.C. Charania. Huntsville, AL. October 28-30, 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.

International Conference on Space Science and Communication

https://www.pagesconferences.org/2024/space-science

Multi-disciplinary international group of scientists, engineers, researchers and industry stakeholders share cutting-edge ideas around planetary science, aerospace, astronomy and satellite networking. Vancouver, CA. November 4-6, 2024.

APSCC Satellite Conference & Exhibition 2024

https://apsccsat.com/

This year’s event aims to bring satellite and space industry professionals together for market insight, partnerships and deals under the theme “Navigating an Unchartered Future: Facing Disruptions and Opportunities in the Space Industry”. $630-1,500. Bangkok, Thailand. November 5-7, 2024.

Beyond Earth Symposium 2024

https://beyondearthsymposium.org/

200 stakeholders from government, space industry and academia gather to discuss public policy and international law topics such as what happens in a post-ISS era and the creation of a lunar-based economy. $55-$550. Washington, DC. November 12-13, 2024.

Space Tech Expo Europe

https://www.spacetechexpo-europe.com/

Join Europe's largest B2B space event, to network and explore cutting-edge products and technologies driving the future of space exploration. Among this year’s exhibitors are ArianeGroup, Kepler Communications, and Sierra Space. Free. Bremen, Germany. November 19-21, 2024.

Space Resiliency Summit

https://space.dsigroup.org/

Join senior leaders, experts, and innovators as they discuss innovative technologies, strategies, policies, and operations with the aim of ensuring that the U.S. is postured to maintain its dominance in space. Confirmed speakers include Keynote Speaker U.S. Air Force Under Secretary Melissa G. Dalton and U.S. Space Command Global Space Operations Director Maj Gen Troy L. Endicott. $690-$1,290. National Harbor, MD. December 4-5, 2024.

AGU24: What’s Next for Science

https://www.agu.org/annual-meeting

AGU's (American Geophysical Union) annual meeting is the largest gathering of Earth and space scientists, with 25,000+ attendees from over 100 countries who gather to share research to increase awareness of our planet and address climate change. $0-$1,060. Washington, DC. December 9-13, 2024.

SmallSat Symposium

https://smallsatshow.com/

Gain market insights and develop meaningful connections with leading space companies, key decision-makers and innovators in the SmallSat industry. $200-$1,695. Silicon Valley, CA. February 4-6, 2025.

International Conference on Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering

https://aerospace2025.com/

Join academic scientists and researchers as they share experiences, research results, and solutions adopted in the fields of aerospace and aeronautical engineering. $299-$1099. Rome, Italy. February 20-22, 2025.

SATELLITE 2025

https://www.satshow.com/

Satellite developers, manufacturers, service providers, and customers gather for updates on the satellite market and opportunities for collaboration on shared technical, policy, and financial challenges. Free-$2999. Washington, DC. March 10-13, 2025.

Space-Comm Expo 2025

https://space-comm.co.uk/

Space-Comm Expo brings together delegations for exhibits, talks, roundtables, and more around the theme, “Accelerating the commercial future of space” as the UK continues to grow its contribution to the global space market. London, UK. March 11-12, 2025.

Farnborough International Space Show

https://farnboroughspaceshow.com/

This annual exhibition and conference connects the space ecosystem across industry, defense, government and academia around six major themes - commercial space, operational space, sustainable space, defending space, exploring space, and earth and space. Farnborough, England. March 19-20, 2025.

CubeSat Developers Workshop 2025

https://www.cubesatdw.org/

Join hundreds of attendees for this annual global small-satellite conference hosted by CubeSat. Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. April 22-24, 2025.

SmallSat Europe

https://2025.smallsateurope.com/

Insights from technical experts and interactive collaboration on in-depth workshops at Europe's leading SmallSat event. €66.50-€495. Amsterdam, Netherlands. May 27-28, 2025.

Image Credit: Kevin M. Gill

Find Me on the Moon: NASA Lunar Navigation Challenge

https://www.freelancer.com/contest/Find-Me-on-the-Moon-NASA-Lunar-Navigation-Challenge-2442541/details

$50,000 total prize purse for developing a low-tech orienteering device for Artemis astronauts, or creating a method to survey and map the bottom of Shackleton Crater, which may have water ice trapped beneath the surface. Zoom informational webinar on October 2, 2024. Challenge closes November 25, 2024.

Let It Go: (After Latching)

https://grabcad.com/challenges/let-it-go-after-latching

NASA challenge to design a synchronized antenna deployment system. The primary objective is sequential deployment of hexagonal panels, crucial for maintaining the antenna's structural integrity and operational efficiency. The design must be compatible with and adaptable to existing NASA technologies. Close Date: November 25, 2024.

NASA’s LunaRecycle Challenge

https://www.nasa.gov/prizes-challenges-and-crowdsourcing/centennial-challenges/lunarecycle/

This competition around sustainable space exploration seeks to encourage innovative waste management and recycling solutions that can improve the sustainability of longer-term lunar missions. The design that passes the two track, two-phase challenge stands to win $3 million. Phase 1 Submissions Due: March 31, 2025.

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.

Add your event or campaign. Contact us for details.

Spacecraft delivery startup founded by former SpaceX rocket guru raises $150 million, led by Founders Fund

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/01/impulse-spacecraft-delivery-startup-raises-150-million-led-by-founders-fund.html

Impulse raised $150 million in a new round led by venture capital firm Founders Fund to scale its line of orbital transfer vehicles. The Los Angeles-based space startup is currently upgrading its smaller space tug Mira, and developing a larger Helios vehicle.

Gogo buys rival to tackle Starlink aviation expansion

https://spacenews.com/gogo-buys-rival-to-tackle-starlink-aviation-expansion/

Gogo is acquiring inflight connectivity rival Satcom Direct for $375 million in cash and 5 million shares from Gogo in a bid to better compete with SpaceX’s Starlink in providing Wi-Fi to business jets. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals, and Gogo will pay up to $225 million if Satcom Direct meets performance targets over the next four years.

D-Orbit raises 150 million euros in two-part Series C round

https://spacenews.com/d-orbit-raises-150-million-euros-in-two-part-series-c-round/

D-Orbit has raised 150 million euros ($168 million) in a two-part Series C funding round led by Japan’s Marubeni Corp., with participation from Avantgarde, CDP Venture Capital, Iberis Capital and others. The Italian space logistics firm can now develop space-based cloud computing and in-orbit servicing systems.

All.Space gets $44 million to debut multi-orbit terminal

https://spacenews.com/all-space-gets-44-million-to-debut-multi-orbit-terminal/

All.Space raised $44 million in a Series C funding round led by Boka Group to push through with the commercial launch of its first multi-orbit flat panel antenna. All.Space says they are set to ship their first terminals in the coming weeks.

Argo Space’s plan to power orbital tugs with moon water pulls in $7.9M

https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/argo-spaces-plan-to-power-orbital-tugs-with-moon-water-pulls-in-7-9m/

Argo Space Corporation raised $7.9 million led by Crosslink Capital, with participation from existing investors Stellar Ventures and Type One Ventures, to develop the Argonaut, their reusable orbital transportation spacecraft. Argo has also developed a method to extract water from lunar regolith for refueling.

Billionaire Robinhood co-founder launches Aetherflux, a space-based solar power startup

https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/09/billionaire-robinhood-co-founder-launches-aetherflux-a-space-based-solar-power-startup/

New startup Aetherflux is developing a novel system for using space-based solar energy. The idea is to use a massive constellation of LEO satellites equipped with a solar arrays, batteries, and a near-optical infrared laser to accumulate and transmit massive amounts of energy. Aetherflux aims to demo the system in space by early 2026.

Interstellar secures billion ¥ SBIR grant from the Japanese Government

https://news.satnews.com/2024/09/19/interstellar-secures-billion%C2%A5-sbir-grant-from-the-japanese-government/

After receiving up to ¥2 billion in September 2023, Interstellar successfully passed the stage-gate review to Phase 2, securing a grant of up to ¥4.63 billion to continue developing private rockets for small satellite launches to loosen the bottleneck in the industry, particularly in Japan.

French startup gets state-backed seed funds for VLEO broadband constellation

https://spacenews.com/french-startup-gets-government-funds-for-vleo-broadband-constellation/

French startup Constellation Technologies & Operations has received about $10 million from France’s state-backed Expansion Ventures fund to develop a Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) broadband constellation comprised of 1500 5G satellites. VLEO satellites orbit closer to Earth than traditional satellites, offering lower latency and higher performance for broadband services. 

Volta Space Technologies unveils plans for lunar power satellite network

https://spacenews.com/volta-space-technologies-unveils-plans-for-lunar-power-satellite-network/

Volta Space Technologies raised an undisclosed seed round of funding from MaC Venture Capital and Industrious Ventures to develop the LightGrid system. Volta is developing a network of satellites to collect and transmit power via lasers to spacecraft on the lunar surface, helping them either survive lunar night or operate in permanently shadowed craters.

Seraphim chooses 11 startups for 14th space accelerator

https://spacenews.com/seraphim-chooses-11-startups-for-14th-space-accelerator/

Seraphim Space announced the 11 startups chosen for its 14th networking and mentoring accelerator round, including early-stage space businesses from Saudi Arabia, Chile and Turkey for the first time.

Liftoff of Starship for its fifth integrated flight test. Image Credit: Steve Jurvetson 

SpaceX launches fifth Starship, catches Super Heavy booster

https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-fifth-starship-catches-super-heavy-booster/

SpaceX successfully recovered its Super Heavy booster during its Flight 5 test. The booster launched then performed precise landing burns, guiding Booster 12 to be caught in mid-air by two mechanical arms attached to the tower at the launch pad. The success is considered critical to SpaceX’s ambitions of reusability and achieving a rapid launch cadence.

NASA awards Rocket Lab study contract for Mars Sample Return

https://spacenews.com/nasa-awards-rocket-lab-study-contract-for-mars-sample-return/

Rocket Lab is set to study an end-to-end mission concept to deliver samples being collected by the Perseverance rover to Earth sooner and at much lower cost. NASA didn’t initially select Rocket Lab’s concept for Mars Sample Return, but then re-evaluated the mission based on Rocket Lab's focus on innovation.

This Could Be the Closest We’ve Ever Been to Detecting Dark Matter

https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/a62503987/dark-matter-detection/

A new paper in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics asserts that we might be closer to a direct observation of dark matter. The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) experiment running on the International Space Station expected to detect antihelium about once every few decades or so, but has detected this antimatter particle about 10 times since its activation in 2011. This might indicate decay of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), a proposed candidate for dark matter.