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Orbit Fab to launch propellant tanker to fuel satellites in geostationary orbit

Orbit Fab, a startup offering a refueling service in space, will launch a propellant tanker to geostationary orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 lunar lander mission projected for late 2022 or early 2023.

Find more information here https://spacenews.com/orbit-fab-to-launch-propellant-tanker-to-fuel-satellites-in-geostationary-orbit/

RocketStar ready for second suborbital flight attempt

New York-based RocketStar plans to launch its aerospike-powered rocket for the first time this fall, carrying a prototype satellite for resource-mapping startup Lunasonde on a brief suborbital trip.

Find more information here https://spacenews.com/rocketstar-ready-for-second-suborbital-flight-attempt/

Atlas 5 launches Landsat 9

An Atlas 5 successfully launched the latest in the Landsat series of Earth science satellites Sept. 27, continuing a program that started nearly half a century ago.

Find more information here https://spacenews.com/atlas-5-launches-landsat-9/

Classified satellite declared lost after China launches twice in 2 hours

The status of a classified satellite launched from southwest China Sept. 27 remains unknown more than 12 hours after liftoff.

Find more information here https://spacenews.com/status-of-satellite-unknown-after-china-conducts-pair-of-launches-in-2-hours/

Space Development Agency revises Transport Layer procurement, with fewer satellites per launch

The Space Development Agency revised a request for proposals that previously had sought bids for 144 satellites. It is now seeking proposals for 126 satellites, and will procure the other 18 at a later time.

Find more information here https://spacenews.com/space-development-agency-revises-transport-layer-procurement-with-fewer-satellites-per-launch/

British government releases national space strategy

The British government released a highly anticipated space strategy Sept. 27 that outlines its plans to turn the country into a major global space power, but does away with a key metric it had been using to measure its progress.

Find more information here https://spacenews.com/british-government-releases-national-space-strategy/

Starfish Space raises $7 million for constellation-managing space tugs

Starfish Space has raised $7 million to develop space tugs that aim to extend the lives of satellites, move them to different orbits and remove debris.

Find more information here https://spacenews.com/starfish-space-raises-7-million-for-constellation-managing-space-tugs/

Slingshot launches interactive tool to make the complexities of space more accessible

An interactive simulation of the space environment developed by Slingshot Aerospace for military satellite operators is now being offered commercially, the company announced Sept. 29.

Find more information here https://spacenews.com/slingshot-launches-interactive-tool-to-make-the-complexities-of-space-more-accessible/

Spire and SpaceChain announce on-orbit blockchain demonstration

Spire Global is working with SpaceChain, a company focused on space applications for blockchain technology, to demonstrate the technology in orbit.

Find more information here https://spacenews.com/spire-spacechain-partnership/

Government shutdown could delay NASA’s Lucy asteroid mission

A NASA asteroid mission that has remained on schedule for a mid-October launch despite disruptions caused by the pandemic is now facing a new challenge: the threat of a federal government shutdown.

Find more information here https://spacenews.com/government-shutdown-could-delay-nasas-lucy-asteroid-mission/

Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, SpaceX, ULA win Space Force contracts for rocket technology projects

Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, SpaceX and United Launch Alliance were selected to participate in technology development projects to advance rocket engine testing and launch vehicle upper stages, the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command announced Sept. 24.

Find more information here https://spacenews.com/blue-origin-rocket-lab-spacex-ula-win-space-force-contracts-for-rocket-technology-projects/

NASA urged to avoid space station gap

NASA needs to ensure that commercial space stations are ready before the International Space Station is retired to avoid a “space station gap” with geopolitical consequences, industry officials and other advisers warn.

Find more information here https://spacenews.com/nasa-urged-to-avoid-space-station-gap/