NASA has selected Firefly Aerospace, Inc. of Cedar Park, Texas, to provide launch services for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) QuickSounder mission.

The selection is part of NASA’s Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) launch services contract. This contract allows the agency to make fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity awards during VADR’s five-year ordering period, with a maximum total value of $300 million across all contracts.

The QuickSounder mission will support NOAA’s next generation satellite architecture for its future low Earth orbit program, which will provide mission-critical data for the agency’s National Weather Service, the nation’s weather industry, and other users worldwide.

QuickSounder is the first small satellite in NOAA’s Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON). A collaborative effort between NASA and NOAA, NEON will provide a new approach to developing a new global environmental satellite system by quickly building small to medium-sized satellites with Earth-observing instruments for weather forecasting, disaster management, and climate monitoring. QuickSounder has a launch readiness date of February 2026.

NASA will manage the development and launch of the satellites for NOAA. As the mission lead, NOAA provides funding, technical requirements, and will manage post-launch operations. NASA and NOAA will work with commercial partners to design and build the network’s spacecraft and instruments.

AAC Clyde Space has won a 1.025 million euros order for four Starbuck power systems and related services — the company expects to have completed delivery of the order during the second quarter of 2025.

The power systems will be used in a planned constellation. The name of the client cannot be disclosed at this time.

BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) won the 2024 Novaspace Leading Earth Observation Business Award at World Space Business Week. BlackSky is recognized for excellence and innovation in Earth observation by delivering commercial real-time, space-based intelligence at mission speed and scale using high-cadence, rapid-revisit satellite imagery and AI-driven analytics.

The annual WSBW awards recognize the most forward-thinking businesses and innovators shaping the future of the global space sector. A panel of industry experts evaluate qualitative and quantitative criteria, including innovation, strategic decisions, market impact, financial and commercial indicators.

This year, BlackSky made notable achievements in transforming the adoption model for commercial real-time, space-based intelligence and furthering the EO industry’s transition from static mapping to dynamic, AI-driven monitoring of critical areas of interest while expanding its product offering to revolutionize non-Earth imaging.

Through a first-of-its kind $50 million contract supporting the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, BlackSky is pioneering a new, software-first adoption model, offering customers immediate access to subscription-based Assured monitoring services over priority areas of interest with very little risk and without spending hundreds of millions on capability that will not materialize for years.

In January, BlackSky won a contract from the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) to move forward into the third and final phase of the multi-year Space-based Machine Automated Recognition Technique (SMART) program. With the core technology developed under the SMART program, BlackSky’s AI tools have detected and classified more than two million change observations with a high degree of accuracy over 120 thousand distinct sites after having analyzed five years of historic broad area satellite imagery from government and commercial sources.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) recently announced BlackSky was selected as a vendor under the five-year, $290 million Luno A multi-award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. The five-year deal focuses on monitoring economic and environmental activity and military capabilities using commercial geospatial intelligence and analytics services. BlackSky today monitors over more than 30 million square kilometers of the Earth’s surface for the NGA.

BlackSky was recently awarded a seven-figure space domain awareness contract from HEO to bring automated low-latency capabilities to non-Earth imaging (NEI) services for defense, intelligence and commercial use. Under the agreement, the companies will partner to bring BlackSky’s current constellation into HEO’s NEI sensor network. The contract is now moving into its second phase with a focus on automating the entire tasking-to-delivery process, following a successful initial proof of concept phase.

“BlackSky is honored to receive the Novaspace 2024 Leading Earth Observation Business Award at the World Space Business Week,” said Brian O’Toole, BlackSky CEO. “This recognition is only possible with the collective passion and commitment displayed every day by the entire BlackSky team as we lead the Earth observation industry into a new era of dynamic, real-time, low latency monitoring. Our software-first approach has made space more accessible for nations seeking sovereign, space-based intelligence capabilities and is reshaping how customers see and understand the most important security and economic events in our world.”

Interstellar Technologies Inc. successfully passed the stage-gate review for the Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase 3 (SBIR Phase 3) on September 19, 2024. Administered by the Government of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to promote R&D in startups, the program will grant Interstellar up to 4.63 billion Yen in new funding.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program aims to promote the practical application of advanced technologies developed by startups and similar entities. Under this initiative, companies in the space sector focused on the development and testing of private rockets can receive up to ¥14 billion by Phase 3, with the program running through fiscal year 2027. Interstellar was selected for Phase 1 of this project in September 2023, with a grant of up to ¥2 billion. After successfully passing the stage-gate review, the company has now advanced to Phase 2, securing a grant of up to ¥4.63 billion.

Global demand for small satellite launches has surged since the 2010s, driven by the rise of private space enterprises, growing importance in the security sector, and the emergence of new applications like satellite constellations. The number of satellites weighing 1,200 kg or less launched increased from 2,429 in 2022 to 2,860 in 2023, marking a 20-fold rise since 2016. Despite this growth, the supply of space transportation services continues to lag behind demand, creating a significant bottleneck in the industry. In Japan, launch opportunities remain scarce, with only a few conducted annually, leading many Japanese satellite operators to rely on overseas providers.

In response to these challenges, the Japanese government has set a target of achieving 30 domestic rocket launches annually by the early 2030s. This goal, part of the Space Strategy Fund Basic Policy, involves utilizing both government and commercial rockets to address various launch needs both domestically and internationally. Interstellar is committed to advancing Japan’s independent access to space through the development of ZERO, a low-cost, high-frequency rocket designed for launching small satellites. The company also aims to establish a globally competitive space transportation system.

ZERO Specifications

Height: 32 m
Diameter: 2.3 m
Launch Mass: 71 ton
Fuel: Liquid Bio-methane Oxidizer: Liquid Oxygen
Number of Engines: 1st Stage x 9, 2nd Stage x 1
Payload Capacity: LEO 800 kg / SSO 250 kg

ZERO is an orbital class launch vehicle designed to meet the growing demand for small satellite launches. Building on the expertise gained from the successful launch of MOMO, Japan’s first private suborbital launch vehicle, Interstellar is advancing toward the inaugural launch of ZERO.

In response to growing global and regional demand, ZERO is increasing its capacity to launch satellites of up to 800 kilograms into LEO. This strategic enhancement strengthens Japan’s independent space transportation capabilities and positions Interstellar to establish a strong foothold in both the Asia-Oceania and European markets.

Takahiro Inagawa, Chief Executive Officer of Interstellar Technologies Inc., said, “We are honored to have our achievements over the past year in the SBIR Phase 3 project recognized and selected for the next phase following a rigorous evaluation process. We feel the growing demand for rockets, which are essential for autonomy and the expansion of the space market within Japan, on a daily basis. Building on the extensive accomplishments we have achieved since our founding, we will continue our unwavering efforts to become a comprehensive infrastructure company in the space industry.”

ZERO’s space transportation service stands out with competitive pricing—under ¥800 million per launch (in mass production)—enabled by an integrated development and manufacturing process. Additionally, ZERO offers the flexibility of customized launches, tailored to the specific needs of satellite companies. For satellite operators in Japan, Asia, and Oceania, proximity to the launch site provides added convenience, reducing both launch-related time and costs, ultimately enhancing overall value.

The solar sail aboard NASA‘s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) satellite, using a spacecraft bus built by Kongsberg NanoAvionics (NanoAvionics), has successfully deployed — the deployment, a primary objective of the ACS3 mission, was confirmed by telemetry and images captured by the satellite’s onboard cameras.

The ACS3 mission, led and operated by NASA’s Ames Research Center in California‘s Silicon Valley, is a groundbreaking technology demonstration designed to test an 860-square-foot (80-square-meter) solar sail and new deployable composite boom technologies for future space missions. This novel propulsion method harnesses the pressure of sunlight on large reflective polymer sheets, offering a potential new means of propelling smallsats on long-duration missions without the need for traditional propellants.

The composite booms may also be used for building complex structures on the Moon or even Mars, such as trusses for communications towers, surface shelters like hangars or very long antennas for rovers.

NanoAvionics contributed to this mission by designing and manufacturing the 12U smallsat bus, which serves as the test-bed for NASA’s solar sail technology. The satellite was deployed into its designated orbit on April 24, 2024, by Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle from Mahia, New Zealand. With NanoAvionics support, NASA integrated the solar sail and other mission components into the satellite bus and has been managing the satellite’s operations.

Data gathered from the solar sail deployment will support the advancement of this in-space propulsion technology. The following mission steps will re-engage the spacecraft’s attitude control system that was put in idle just before the deployment of the booms as part of the planned deployment sequence.

Next, NASA’s mission operators will test the maneuvering capabilities of the sail in space. Raising and lowering the orbit of the ACS3 spacecraft will provide valuable information that may help guide future concepts of operations and designs for solar sail-equipped science and exploration missions.

NanoAvionics remains committed to providing reliable and innovative smallsat platforms for NASA’s and other federal agencies’ diverse mission needs, helping push the boundaries of space exploration.

NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology program office, based at NASA Ames and led by the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, funds and manages the mission.

Atle Gjerløw Wøllo, CEO of NanoAvionics, said, “We are immensely proud to have provided enabling technology to NASA in this pioneering technology demonstration. The entire NanoAvionics team is honored to have contributed to a mission with such importance and potential to improve humanity’s advancements in interplanetary exploration and settlement in space.”

First image: The International Space Station as it passed over the Philippines on September 12, 2024. The space station was 85 kilometers away at the time of capture. According to NASA the space station travels at a speed of 5 miles (8 kilometers) per second. Second image: A Starlink satellite orbits above the Pacific Ocean near Alaska on August 28, 2024, 120 kilometers away from the BlackSky satellite at the time of capture. (Photos: BlackSky)

BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) has been awarded a seven-figure data services contract from HEO to bring automated, low-latency capabilities, to non-Earth imaging (NEI) services for defense, intelligence and commercial use.

Under the agreement, the companies will partner to bring BlackSky’s current constellation into HEO’s NEI sensor network. The contract is now moving into its second phase with a focus on automating the entire tasking-to-delivery process, following a successful initial proof of concept phase. 

BlackSky will provide proprietary mid-inclination orbit, high-resolution imagery to HEO. BlackSky’s high-cadence imaging capabilities are expected to increase the feasibility of capturing NEI data over the middle latitudes of Earth. Activating NEI capabilities gives BlackSky the ability to leverage unused capacity typically associated with satellites passing over the ocean or satellites in eclipse, traveling across the dark side of Earth.

Customers will be able to request NEI products through HEO’s automated tasking and delivery platform, HEO Inspect. Upon request, HEO’s software automatically finds imaging opportunities and sets tasks on BlackSky’s mission scheduling system via API. Once collected, BlackSky NEI imagery and metadata from its current constellation will be transferred into HEO Inspect where object detection and identification algorithms will generate advanced analytics reports that include information such as a satellite’s attitude and location, subsystems identification and pattern-of-life analyses. 

“Leveraging the power of real-time dynamic monitoring in the space domain unlocks additional value from BlackSky’s high-resolution constellation,” said Brian O’Toole, BlackSky CEO. “Space situational awareness is critically important for our customers as the space domain continues to become a highly contested operational environment. Automatically tasking and receiving NEI products reflects yet another pioneering innovation that gives customers reliable and actionable space-based intelligence about spacecraft or on-orbit objects of interest at mission speed.” 

“HEO is driving innovation in space by delivering non-Earth imaging solutions at scale, giving our customers in-orbit insights when timing is crucial,” said Dr. Will Crowe, Co-Founder and CEO of HEO.  “Adding BlackSky’s high-resolution constellation to HEO’s sensor network through this partnership will unlock even more applications of NEI data across industries.” 

Sirius Space Services has signed a contract with Equatorial Launch Australia for a multi-year, multi-launch campaign from the Arnhem Space Centre.

The agreement will see Sirius become a ‘Resident Launcher’ at the spaceport from 2025, taking up residency at their own dedicated Space Launch Complex (SLC) for the extended term of their multi-year contract. Sirius has elected to take up a ‘full service’ solution to be provided by ELA, taking advantage of the full suite of launch and mission support services and facilities available at the remote but ‘cutting edge’ commercial East Arnhem Land spaceport.

The campaign will begin with the development and test flights of SIRIUS 1 in 2026, followed by launches of the larger SIRIUS 13 (800 kg payload capacity) in 2027.

Artist impression of SIRIUS 1 rocket on an Advanced Launch Pad at the Arnhem Space Centre.

The flexibility to access a range of orbits, including medium and low inclination orbits, SSO and equatorial, along with ELA’s full-service offering, were the key reasons behind the decision by Sirius to sign with ELA for launches from the ASC. The deal significantly emphasizes the desirability and market-fit of launching from the Arnhem Space Centre and the industry leading advanced engineering and technology solutions and launch services provided by ELA. Sirius, whose planned launch cadence could scale up over time to 18 launches per year, develops competitive launch solutions designed to meet the growing needs of the commercial space market.

Sirius has selected Space Launch Complex No.3 (SLC3) or ‘Le Mans’ for their home base. The Le Mans SLC will have a dedicated 45m x 26m x 12m high Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) with ISO 8 vertical payload integration clean room with its own full span, 20T gantry crane. Le Mans SLC also has two ASC Advanced Launch Pads (ASCALP) where one will be fully developed with the ability to accommodate Sirius’ three variants of rocket, SIRIUS 1, SIRIUS 13 and, in future, the large 4 booster SIRIUS 15 variant. The other launch pad will be part-developed as a back-up.

The Sirius range. SIRIUS 1, SIRIUS 13 and SIRIUS 15.

Services to be provided by ELA as part of the deal include joint design, manufacturing, integration of a range of essential launch system equipment (under Sirius lead) as well as a comprehensive systems and services for launch and mission operations (under ELA lead). It will cover a very wide scope including: strongback and support/clamping equipment design and integration, propellant, oxidizer and gases provision and delivery to the rockets, launch management, mission control functions, assistance with launch permit applications, logistics to and from Paris to the ASC spaceport, on-site accommodation and detailed support for assembly, integration and test of both engines and rocket systems.

Sirius’ has an innovative approach to rocket engine design which comprises metal additive manufacturing / 3D printing using copper and nickel-chromium superalloys. Its STAR-1 engine is fueled by liquid oxygen and methane – producing 55kN of thrust.

The agreement marks the second ‘Resident Launcher’ contract for ELA; further validating ELA’s innovative business model. Several other contracts and commercial alliance deals are expected to be announced in the near future.

“I’m delighted and excited to announce this contract with Sirius Space Services,” said ELA’s Group CEO, Michael Jones. “Sirius will become the second resident launcher at the Arnhem Space Centre which means they will leverage ELA’s advanced commercial spaceport concept, taking advantage of our comprehensive suite of launch solutions, innovative commercial offering and the best customer service and support to increase efficiency, safety, mission assuredness and commercial benefit to Sirius. It was key for Sirius to have the ability to access unique orbit options to service their clients and we are probably the only place on the planet that could provide access to these orbits, the support level required, and access to the scope of launch services in the timeframe required. We absolutely love working with Sirius who we believe are among the most mature and advanced launch service providers we work with.“

Jones added, “When you combine the list of services and equipment offered with physical attributes of the spaceport including: minimal jet stream and stable upper atmosphere, low maritime and air traffic and all the attendant infrastructure assets in our area such as a sealed B737 capable runway and airport within 15 kms, deepwater port, weather monitoring facilities, hospital and no population within 30 kms, it’s quite compelling. When added to the most important element – the access to more orbital inclinations for Earth Observation, Communication/IOT and Defence applications – the ASC can be almost be considered a ‘designer spaceport. Sirius is bringing innovation into the small launch market by developing a range of agile and affordable and flexible launch solutions. They are an extremely impressive rocket company. The rate of progress during each of our visits to their premises in the past few years has been remarkable and their vision for sustainable and reusable space systems is world leading.”

Mr. Jones stated that in addition to contracted rocket companies Innospace and Sirius, inbound enquiry relating to ELA’s services has been ‘hot’ meaning the Space Launch Complexes are filling fast. “We are currently in the final stages of negotiation with three more launchers about our resident launch contracts, so our remaining orbital complexes are filling fast. The feedback we are receiving is that our comprehensive, full-service approach is really resonating with these rocket companies and their payload customers and that is why we’ve developed our new tagline: ‘You build the rockets… we’ll take care of the rest’,” said Jones.

In addition to its seven dedicated ‘Resident Launcher’ Space Launch Complexes, ELA has expanded its offering to include common use, multi-user launch pads for ad hoc or ‘one-off’ launches as well as a suborbital multi-user launch pad facility.

“This contract demonstrates the potential for the ASC to deliver on our goal of being the pre-eminent commercial launch site globally. With the combination of our launch pad design/technology, launch inclination options, respected geopolitical reputation, infrastructure, logistics and engineering support solutions, we know we offer a highly competitive and attractive spaceport solution,” said Jones.

François Maroquene-Froissart, Co-founder & CTO of Sirius Space Services, said, “Our decision to select ELA was driven by their advanced commercial spaceport concept, which includes state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative commercial offerings, and exceptional customer service and support. ELA’s commitment to safety, operational excellence, and service aligns with our mission to deliver agile and competitive launch solutions to our global clientele.”

Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT) has selected Calian Group Ltd. (TSX:CGY), an Ottawa-based company with deep experience in delivering advanced technology solutions for the space, defence, and terrestrial sectors, to design, develop, deliver and deploy the Element Management System (EMS) within the Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network as well as to provide lifecycle maintenance and support for the system.

The EMS will be instrumental in connecting and maintaining operations for various components within the Telesat Lightspeed network, identifying and addressing issues to ensure optimal performance. With the EMS, Telesat will be able to manage the configuration and capabilities of Telesat Lightspeed Landing Stations, User Terminals, and the satellite onboard processors as needed. In addition, Telesat will leverage the EMS to collect and share Telesat Lightspeed system data with the company’s Operations Support Systems and Network Operations Centers to gain full visibility into the state of the entire constellation.

The Telesat Lightspeed constellation is a network of advanced LEO satellites and integrated terrestrial infrastructure that will offer high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to remote locations across Canada and worldwide. The Telesat Lightspeed network will support multi-Gbps data rates for government, aeronautical, maritime and enterprise customers, including industries such as oil and gas that operate in locations without access to fibre. Telesat Lightspeed will also help to bridge the digital divide, by expanding the reach of telecom networks in unserved and underserved areas.

Calian’s EMS technology will play a crucial role in in the network operations for Telesat Lightspeed, the largest space program in Canada’s history. In addition to helping to bridge the digital divide, the Telesat Lightspeed network is creating and sustaining thousands of high-quality Canadian jobs and puts Canada at the forefront of the burgeoning New Space Economy.   

“We are excited to support the Telesat Lightspeed LEO network with essential software and services for this cutting-edge satellite constellation,” said Valérie Travain-Milone, President, Advanced Technologies, Calian. “By enabling high-speed connectivity in remote and underserved areas, Telesat Lightspeed will empower industries and communities across Canada and beyond. We’re proud to contribute to this transformative project, ensuring reliable, affordable internet access on land, at sea and in the air.”  

“The EMS is a critical component of the orchestration of system segments in this advanced, enterprise-class network,” said Aneesh Dalvi, Vice President for Telesat Lightspeed Systems Development. “We conducted a thorough search to find an innovative partner that could meet our requirements and Calian demonstrated the technological knowledge and expertise to deliver this capability; selecting them is a significant milestone as we push toward the launch of the Telesat Lightspeed network.”  

Rocket Lab’s 53^rd Electron mission is scheduled for lift-off on September 19 NZST (September 18 UTC).

Mission Name: Kinéis Killed the RadIOT Star

Customer: Kinéis – space-based IoT connectivity everywhere, all the time (kineis.com)

Satellite Payload: Five satellites to build out the Kinéis IoT constellation

Launch Site: Launch Complex 1, Pad A, New Zealand

Target Launch Time:

• NZDT |11:00 am, September 19
• UTC | 11:00 pm, September 18
• EST | 07:00 pm, September 18
• PST | 04:00 pm, September 18

Full Mission Details: www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-mission

Watch Live: A live webcast will be available approximately 20 minutes prior lift-off on launch day YouTube.   

Follow @RocketLab on X for real-time updates on launch day!

OneWeb Technologies, Inc. recently announced the commercial availability of the firm’s Astra solution that is designed to ensure seamless LEO SATCOM connectivity and operational performance when GPS/global navigation satellite signals (GNSS) are unavailable or compromised.

Astra is the first packaged solution consisting of a software-defined outdoor receiver with access to A-PNT broadcast service to enhance connectivity resilience available in the market. The Astra receiver processes PNT signals from GNSS and other alternate sources and frequency bands.

This advanced capability enables continuous connectivity and situational awareness even in very harsh spectrum-contested campaigns by adversaries. In fitting with the military’s Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency (PACE) communications plan considerations, Astra establishes options for resilient communications capabilities and ensures the continuity and success of critical missions.

Astra’s key features include:

• Pairs with a non-GNSS A-PNT broadcast services, such as Iridium
• Identifies the best source of PNT, and produces an output signal compatible with the standard GPS L1 interface
• Maintains robust PNT resilience in GNSS-challenged environments globally

“Astra is a game-changer for defense users operating in difficult environments,” said Kevin Steen, President and CEO of Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies.” Astra A-PNT ensures that mission-critical operations can continue seamlessly — enhancing both connectivity and situational performance — by providing a reliable alternative to traditional GPS/GNSS.”