Focus: In-Space Services

New startup Portal Space Systems, led by SpaceX’s former vice president of propulsion Jeff Thornburg, emerged from stealth mode last week with plans to build capabilities for in-space maneuverability.  The...

The ClearSpace-1 debris removal mission changed its objective after detecting a space debris collision of the target with untraceable debris. In-space debris removal company ClearSpace announced the decision on April...

The global space economy could be worth close to $2 trillion by 2035. This is according to a new World Economic Forum report released this week. The report says it...

Spire will deploy Neuraspace’s space traffic management (STM) platform to its constellation of 100+ multipurpose satellites. This combined setup will allow Spire to track and monitor potential conjunctions across its...

European satellite operator Hispasat is collaborating with Infinite Orbits on a life extension mission using Endurance, the Infinite Orbits Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellite life extension service solution.  Infinite Orbits will...

Exotrail’s orbital transfer vehicle successfully deployed its first passenger in orbit, completing the demonstration of its new satellite delivery service, “spacedrop.” Launched in November 2023 aboard the SpaceX Transporter 9...

Viasat selected Rocket Lab to produce a spacecraft bus and mission operation support to Viasat’s hybrid space network. The demonstrations will advance Viasat’s portfolio of space relay communication services in...

NASA made the decision to cancel the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) mission, citing technical, cost, and schedule challenges. NASA announced the decision on March 1, which affects...

The Federal Communications Commission proposed a framework for licensing in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) activities at its most recent meeting on Feb. 15. All five commissioners voted in favor...

It’s not every day that the FCC proposes an entirely new rule section to address an emerging technology. But it may be a signal of the technology’s potential when it...