Tag: Satellite Servicing
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Pegasus Rocket to Launch Mission to Extend NASA Swift Observatory’s Orbit
A Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket is scheduled to launch a robotic servicing spacecraft this weekend on a mission to extend the operational life of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory by boosting it into a higher orbit. The mission will carry Katalyst Space’s LINK servicing spacecraft, which is designed to rendezvous with the Swift Observatory…
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Katalyst Space Raises $12 Million to Advance GEO Satellite Servicing Vehicle
Katalyst Space has secured $12 million in new funding to support the development of its first geostationary orbit (GEO)-capable robotic servicing spacecraft, NEXUS, which is scheduled to launch aboard an Arianespace Ariane 6 rocket in 2027. The funding round was led by Geodesic Capital, with participation from Fortitude Ventures and several undisclosed investors. The capital…
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Applied Atomics Emerges From Stealth With $500 Million in Demand Commitments for Space Mobility Network
Space technology startup Applied Atomics has emerged from stealth mode, unveiling plans to develop a new orbital mobility infrastructure platform backed by more than $500 million in demand commitments from prospective customers and partners. The company announced on June 11 that it has secured over $500 million in Letters of Intent (LOIs) and Memoranda of…
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Quantum Space to Go Public in $1.2 Billion SPAC Deal Backed by Former NASA Chief Jim Bridenstine
Quantum Space has agreed to go public through a merger with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. VI in a transaction valuing the combined company at approximately $1.2 billion. The deal includes a $300 million private investment in public equity (PIPE) led by Inflection Point Asset Management and is expected to close…
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Infinite Orbits Selects Open Cosmos for ‘Tom & Jerry’ Satellite Inspection Mission
European space companies Infinite Orbits and Open Cosmos have partnered on a new satellite mission designed to demonstrate rendezvous, proximity and inspection operations in low-Earth orbit (LEO). The mission, dubbed “Tom & Jerry,” will involve two satellites that will perform a series of maneuvering and inspection activities after launch, which is currently targeted for mid-2027.…
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A unique NASA satellite is falling out of orbit—this team is trying to rescue it
BROOMFIELD, Colorado—One of NASA’s oldest astronomy missions, the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, has been out of action for more than a month as scientists await the arrival of a pioneering robotic rescue mission. The 21-year-old spacecraft is falling out of orbit, and NASA officials believe it’s worth saving—for the right price. Swift is not a…
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Infinite Orbits Acquires UK-Based Lúnasa Space to Expand In-Orbit Servicing Capabilities
French space services company Infinite Orbits has acquired UK-based Lúnasa Space, marking the company’s expansion into the United Kingdom and adding capabilities in rendezvous, proximity operations and docking technologies. The acquisition is intended to support the development of Infinite Orbits’ satellite life-extension servicer known as Endurance, which is designed to extend the operational life of…
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Spaceium Demonstrates High-Precision Robotic Actuator for Future In-Orbit Refueling
U.S. robotics startup Spaceium has demonstrated a high-precision actuator in orbit, a technology it says could enable future robotic refueling and servicing of satellites. The component flew aboard a SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission launched in November and was tested in space rather than in laboratory conditions. According to the company, the device achieved rotational accuracy…
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Quindar to Provide Automated Mission Control for Starfish Space’s Otter Servicing Missions
Quindar will supply secure, automated mission control infrastructure to Starfish Space for the first three missions of its Otter satellite servicing vehicle, the companies announced. Starfish Space is developing the Otter spacecraft to provide on-orbit life-extension and end-of-life services for satellites, including docking, maneuvering and disposal support. Quindar said its automation-focused platform will enable Starfish…
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India’s Aule Space Raises $2 Mln to Develop Autonomous Satellite Servicing
Indian deep-tech start-up Aule Space said on Thursday it has raised $2 million in a pre-seed funding round to advance development of autonomous satellites capable of docking with and servicing other spacecraft in orbit. The round was led by venture capital firm pi Ventures, with participation from angel investors including Eash Sundaram, a former Intelsat…