Paris, France (SPX) May 30, 2024
As ESA's Hera spacecraft undergoes pre-flight testing, its Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) system is also being finalized for space operations around a binary asteroid system. The GNC system is being validated through virtual maneuvers conducted in Spain and Germany. At GMV's headquarters in Madrid, Hera's On-Board Computer is tested using a model asteroid for realistic proximity ope

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 30, 2024
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new approach to mapping the Moon's surface, offering improved precision and efficiency. The study, published in the Planetary Science Journal, introduces enhancements to the shape-from-shading technique, which helps create detailed models of lunar terrain by analyzing light reflections. The technique, refined by Brown scholars Benjamin Boatw

Berlin, Germany (SPX) May 30, 2024
During a live broadcast, Kongsberg NanoAvionics ("NanoAvionics") announced the full standardization of its nano- and microsatellite buses. This move aims to cut lead times to as little as four months for bus manufacturing, reduce costs, and enhance reliability. The standardization enables quicker and more cost-effective mission launches. For missions with specific requirements, NanoAvionics cont

Sydney, Australia (SPX) May 30, 2024
Four innovative space startups from around the globe have joined South Australia's Venture Catalyst Space program. This initiative supports early-stage technology-based space startups in scaling their businesses. Since its inception in 2018, Venture Catalyst Space has supported 36 startups, helping them secure $31 million in investments and grants and create over 220 space jobs. The progra

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 30, 2024
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), and Verizon (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) have announced a strategic partnership with a $100 million commitment from Verizon to provide direct-to-cellular AST SpaceMobile service for Verizon customers when needed. "This new partnership with Verizon will enable AST SpaceMobile to target 100% coverage of the continental United States on premium 850 MHz spectrum wit

Redmond, Washington (SPX) May 29, 2024
Power to Explore is a NASA essay writing competition organized by Future Engineers. It invites K-12 students to envision an RPS-powered space mission to a "dark, dusty, or distant" destination. In 250 words or less, we were asked to describe: + the mission destination and goals br> + the importance of radioisotope power systems in the mission br> + our unique "power" that will help