10 Feb 2023
Nations and companies redefining their roles in New Space
Similar stratospheric balloon caused diplomatic crisis (Image: Adobe Stock)
The presence of the Chinese stratospheric balloon (“stratellite”) in US airspace last week has further unpicked an already threadbare relationship between China and the US, and along with the impact of the Ukraine crisis, nations are finding themselves adopting different relationships and roles in New Space. It certainly seems that there’s little chance of the US and China working more closely together any time soon, at a time when the world is severely lacking in comprehensive, universal rules governing activities in outer space.
Though some nations are moving further apart, others may be moving closer together. This week US and Indian officials agreed on a number of projects on which they will cooperate, including NASA’s commercial lunar payload programme and training Indian astronauts. The role of India as a partner may become more important, as western nations continue to distance themselves from China and Russia.
Conversely, the UAE appear to be looking to build more ties with Russia, and is perhaps defining its role as a mediator between rival superpowers. A delegation from Roscosmos visited Abu Dhabi, and both parties outlined plans to build on sustainable development, and committing to peaceful utilisation of outer space. Similarly, Qatar this week released a statement following their involvement at the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), stating their commitment to the carry out space activities in accordance with international law, and pursue a sustainable and peaceful future in outer space. Perhaps the Middle East is defining its own role as a mediator for peaceful uses of outer space, and they would also have the benefit or being able to work with both the US and their adversaries.
Germany has also been building new ties, announcing this week that they will work with Israel’s SpaceIL on their second attempt on a lunar lander mission, Beresheet 2. Their first attempt crash landed in 2019. The German space agency, DLR, will provide software for the landing process, and the mission is slated for 2025. The prospect of lunar exploration appears to also be something that is generating new relations in space, such as the US-led Artemis Accords, China’s ILRS plans and Chang’e missions.
In regard to near-future lunar missions, NASA has instructed a change to the Intuitive Machines commercial lunar mission, asking that the lander now instead arrives at the lunar south pole. The new landing site is to support the ongoing Artemis programme, and land in the same area where NASA will sending astronauts in 2025. If anything, this goes to show the increasingly important role that the private sector is also playing in the future of lunar exploration. Astrobotic are also a step closer to their maiden lunar mission after the vertical stacking of ULA’s Vulcan rocket this week, and iSpace’s lander is ready on the way, due to arrive in April.
Challenge to SpaceX dominance?
One of the most highly anticipated moments in New Space may be arriving soon, as this week Elon Musk announced that SpaceX are eying the beginning of March for the first orbital launch of Starship. At the Smallsat Symposium in California this week, panelists warned that satellite manufactures need to prepare for the arrival of the new launch vehicle. Abhishek Tripathi, mission operations director at the University of California, said that “If you are not preparing for how you’re going to launch your product on Starship and how you’re going to change your business model to work with Starship, you are going to be in trouble,” (Space News, 2023).
There’s clearly much excitement about Starship and the number different applications it will have, and SpaceX have already revolutionised the launch market, and driven costs way down. Executives at the symposium agreed that there was a growing demand in the launch market, but that they may also be struggling to make money as competitors, particularly SpaceX, are reducing launch costs by so much. Elon Musk and his rocket company seem to be almost single-handedly shaping the industry, and pushing out their competition. But is this the way that governments and commercial customers want to industry to be? SpaceX may have dramatically reduced costs and significantly increased access to space, but reliance on one supply chain comes with its own risks, and furthermore, eliminating competition may impact innovation.
Despite this market dominance, there are competitors pushing through, many of which are facing their maiden launches this year. Relativity Space has put together the first two stages of their 3D printed Terran-1 rocket, ahead of a possible launch later this month. The launch of their first rocket paves the way for their bigger, fully reusable Terran-R, designed with the purpose of competing with SpaceX’s Falcon-9. China are also working towards a reusable rocket, and this week the launch corporation CAS Space began the first phase production of their new facilities. Amongst plans for their rocket family are designs for a reusable launch vehicle, comparable to Falcon-9.
Firefly Aeorspace are set to carry out a responsive launch demonstration on behalf of the US Space Force in May, using their Alpha rocket. The mission is to demonstrate how a private company can carry out a quick launch, within 24 hours, in order to allow rapid access to space. The US Tactically Responsive Space program is designed to give them the upper hand should they e.g. be required to replace a satellite should one be knocked out during conflict. Furthermore, the demonstration could also go some way improving to potential customers that small launch companies have what it takes to prove quick and rapid access to space, and for specific and tailored purposes.
And there appears to be no slowing in the number of customers either, with the space industry continuing to defy the odds in the backdrop of economic turmoil. Demand for launch to Earth orbit remains high, and this week, Amazon received FCC approval to launch over 3,000 satellites to form their Kuiper constellation, perhaps rivalling SpaceX’s Starlink system. Furthermore, Amazon have selected to not only work with SpaceX to launch the satellites, but also with ULA and Blue Origin. We must also consider the opportunities that will open up in maintaining as servicing the vast numbers of new satellites in orbit, and this may be an area where SpaceX won’t dominate. Starfish Space have announced that in autumn they will aim to carry out the first ever satellite docking with high-performance, low-thrust propulsion, and the first commercial satellite docking in LEO. Success in this demonstration could open up the door to a wealth of new opportunities, such as satellite repair and refuelling.
Europe to be leader in sustainable space? (Image: Adobe Stock)
Geopolitics and regulatory environment influencing role of space nations
SpaceX supremacy has had a significant impact on the shape that New Space has taken, but we are increasingly seeing the current state of geopolitics influence that shape as well. NASA chief Bill Nelson has once again taken aim at China and their space development, saying in regards to their lunar exploration plans "They would go to the South Pole, where we think the resources are, and say this is our territory.” Nelson also added that despite the poor sate of relations, some cooperation will have to occur between the two at some point.
ESA have recently taken the decision to distance themselves from China, announcing that they will no longer send astronauts to the new Chinese station, Tiangong. Joseph Aschbacher put the decision down to finances and politics, and an article from ARS Technica explored this further. They cite that one reason for ESA initially wanting cooperate on Tiangong was the fact that they were previously unsure of how long ISS would operate, and that they simply don’t have enough resources to work simultaneously on two stations. However, the decision appears to be largely a political one. ESA played a major role in the success of Artemis-1 last year, and will be drawn to commit to the long-term project. Furthermore, the impact of Ukraine, and the closer relationship between Russia and China may have pushed them to “choose sides”. The emergence of a Chinese stratellite in the US may well have validated their decision.
European nations also appear to be developing their role as leaders in sustainable space, and this week ESA successfully deployed its solar sail on an orbiting cubesat, in an effort to use drag to quickly de-orbit satellites and effectively manage debris. In Germany, Sensor specialist HENSOLDT will cooperate with the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Technology (FHR) with the aim of cooperating on space surveillance radar to track debris. Also, the UK released a statement after their involvement at this week’s COPUOS meeting, stating that “Space Sustainability continues to be a key priority for the UK”, and highlighted their achievements in this field last year, including hosting the 4th Summit for Space Sustainability and the commencement of missions studies that will establish the preliminary design and programmatics of a national Active Debris Removal Mission. Whilst the Middle East may be lining up to be the mediator of peaceful space, European nations may be working to become the leaders of sustainable space.
As New Space and geopolitics become increasingly intertwined, roles are being redefined, old relationships are coming undone, and new ones are being established. This trend will likely continue as our journey into space continues, and commercial interest are realised. Whilst it may be some time before bridges are rebuilt between the US, Russia and China, there are still important roles to be played in building a successful future in outer space. Furthermore, and for the time being at least, it will be critical that adversaries continue to communicate, even through tough times.
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This Week
*News articles posted here are not property of ANASDA GmbH and belong to their respected owners. Postings here are external links only.
Our future in space
Similar stratospheric balloon caused diplomatic crisis (Image: Adobe Stock)
10 February 2023
Nations and companies redefining their roles in New Space
The presence of the Chinese stratospheric balloon (“stratellite”) in US airspace last week has further unpicked an already threadbare relationship between China and the US, and along with the impact of the Ukraine crisis, nations are finding themselves adopting different relationships and roles in New Space. It certainly seems that there’s little chance of the US and China working more closely together any time soon, at a time when the world is severely lacking in comprehensive, universal rules governing activities in outer space.
Though some nations are moving further apart, others may be moving closer together. This week US and Indian officials agreed on a number of projects on which they will cooperate, including NASA’s commercial lunar payload programme and training Indian astronauts. The role of India as a partner may become more important, as western nations continue to distance themselves from China and Russia.
Conversely, the UAE appear to be looking to build more ties with Russia, and is perhaps defining its role as a mediator between rival superpowers. A delegation from Roscosmos visited Abu Dhabi, and both parties outlined plans to build on sustainable development, and committing to peaceful utilisation of outer space. Similarly, Qatar this week released a statement following their involvement at the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), stating their commitment to the carry out space activities in accordance with international law, and pursue a sustainable and peaceful future in outer space. Perhaps the Middle East is defining its own role as a mediator for peaceful uses of outer space, and they would also have the benefit or being able to work with both the US and their adversaries.
Germany has also been building new ties, announcing this week that they will work with Israel’s SpaceIL on their second attempt on a lunar lander mission, Beresheet 2. Their first attempt crash landed in 2019. The German space agency, DLR, will provide software for the landing process, and the mission is slated for 2025. The prospect of lunar exploration appears to also be something that is generating new relations in space, such as the US-led Artemis Accords, China’s ILRS plans and Chang’e missions.
In regard to near-future lunar missions, NASA has instructed a change to the Intuitive Machines commercial lunar mission, asking that the lander now instead arrives at the lunar south pole. The new landing site is to support the ongoing Artemis programme, and land in the same area where NASA will sending astronauts in 2025. If anything, this goes to show the increasingly important role that the private sector is also playing in the future of lunar exploration. Astrobotic are also a step closer to their maiden lunar mission after the vertical stacking of ULA’s Vulcan rocket this week, and iSpace’s lander is ready on the way, due to arrive in April.
Challenge to SpaceX dominance?
One of the most highly anticipated moments in New Space may be arriving soon, as this week Elon Musk announced that SpaceX are eying the beginning of March for the first orbital launch of Starship. At the Smallsat Symposium in California this week, panelists warned that satellite manufactures need to prepare for the arrival of the new launch vehicle. Abhishek Tripathi, mission operations director at the University of California, said that “If you are not preparing for how you’re going to launch your product on Starship and how you’re going to change your business model to work with Starship, you are going to be in trouble,” (Space News, 2023).
There’s clearly much excitement about Starship and the number different applications it will have, and SpaceX have already revolutionised the launch market, and driven costs way down. Executives at the symposium agreed that there was a growing demand in the launch market, but that they may also be struggling to make money as competitors, particularly SpaceX, are reducing launch costs by so much. Elon Musk and his rocket company seem to be almost single-handedly shaping the industry, and pushing out their competition. But is this the way that governments and commercial customers want to industry to be? SpaceX may have dramatically reduced costs and significantly increased access to space, but reliance on one supply chain comes with its own risks, and furthermore, eliminating competition may impact innovation.
Despite this market dominance, there are competitors pushing through, many of which are facing their maiden launches this year. Relativity Space has put together the first two stages of their 3D printed Terran-1 rocket, ahead of a possible launch later this month. The launch of their first rocket paves the way for their bigger, fully reusable Terran-R, designed with the purpose of competing with SpaceX’s Falcon-9. China are also working towards a reusable rocket, and this week the launch corporation CAS Space began the first phase production of their new facilities. Amongst plans for their rocket family are designs for a reusable launch vehicle, comparable to Falcon-9.
Firefly Aeorspace are set to carry out a responsive launch demonstration on behalf of the US Space Force in May, using their Alpha rocket. The mission is to demonstrate how a private company can carry out a quick launch, within 24 hours, in order to allow rapid access to space. The US Tactically Responsive Space program is designed to give them the upper hand should they e.g. be required to replace a satellite should one be knocked out during conflict. Furthermore, the demonstration could also go some way improving to potential customers that small launch companies have what it takes to prove quick and rapid access to space, and for specific and tailored purposes.
And there appears to be no slowing in the number of customers either, with the space industry continuing to defy the odds in the backdrop of economic turmoil. Demand for launch to Earth orbit remains high, and this week, Amazon received FCC approval to launch over 3,000 satellites to form their Kuiper constellation, perhaps rivalling SpaceX’s Starlink system. Furthermore, Amazon have selected to not only work with SpaceX to launch the satellites, but also with ULA and Blue Origin. We must also consider the opportunities that will open up in maintaining as servicing the vast numbers of new satellites in orbit, and this may be an area where SpaceX won’t dominate. Starfish Space have announced that in autumn they will aim to carry out the first ever satellite docking with high-performance, low-thrust propulsion, and the first commercial satellite docking in LEO. Success in this demonstration could open up the door to a wealth of new opportunities, such as satellite repair and refuelling.
Europe to be leader in sustainable space? (Image: Adobe Stock)
Geopolitics and regulatory environment influencing role of space nations
SpaceX supremacy has had a significant impact on the shape that New Space has taken, but we are increasingly seeing the current state of geopolitics influence that shape as well. NASA chief Bill Nelson has once again taken aim at China and their space development, saying in regards to their lunar exploration plans "They would go to the South Pole, where we think the resources are, and say this is our territory.” Nelson also added that despite the poor sate of relations, some cooperation will have to occur between the two at some point.
ESA have recently taken the decision to distance themselves from China, announcing that they will no longer send astronauts to the new Chinese station, Tiangong. Joseph Aschbacher put the decision down to finances and politics, and an article from ARS Technica explored this further. They cite that one reason for ESA initially wanting cooperate on Tiangong was the fact that they were previously unsure of how long ISS would operate, and that they simply don’t have enough resources to work simultaneously on two stations. However, the decision appears to be largely a political one. ESA played a major role in the success of Artemis-1 last year, and will be drawn to commit to the long-term project. Furthermore, the impact of Ukraine, and the closer relationship between Russia and China may have pushed them to “choose sides”. The emergence of a Chinese stratellite in the US may well have validated their decision.
European nations also appear to be developing their role as leaders in sustainable space, and this week ESA successfully deployed its solar sail on an orbiting cubesat, in an effort to use drag to quickly de-orbit satellites and effectively manage debris. In Germany, Sensor specialist HENSOLDT will cooperate with the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Technology (FHR) with the aim of cooperating on space surveillance radar to track debris. Also, the UK released a statement after their involvement at this week’s COPUOS meeting, stating that “Space Sustainability continues to be a key priority for the UK”, and highlighted their achievements in this field last year, including hosting the 4th Summit for Space Sustainability and the commencement of missions studies that will establish the preliminary design and programmatics of a national Active Debris Removal Mission. Whilst the Middle East may be lining up to be the mediator of peaceful space, European nations may be working to become the leaders of sustainable space.
As New Space and geopolitics become increasingly intertwined, roles are being redefined, old relationships are coming undone, and new ones are being established. This trend will likely continue as our journey into space continues, and commercial interest are realised. Whilst it may be some time before bridges are rebuilt between the US, Russia and China, there are still important roles to be played in building a successful future in outer space. Furthermore, and for the time being at least, it will be critical that adversaries continue to communicate, even through tough times.
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This Week
*News articles posted here are not property of ANASDA GmbH and belong to their respected owners. Postings here are external links only.
10 Feb 2023
Nations and companies redefining their roles in New Space
Similar stratospheric balloon caused diplomatic crisis (Image: Adobe Stock)
The presence of the Chinese stratospheric balloon (“stratellite”) in US airspace last week has further unpicked an already threadbare relationship between China and the US, and along with the impact of the Ukraine crisis, nations are finding themselves adopting different relationships and roles in New Space. It certainly seems that there’s little chance of the US and China working more closely together any time soon, at a time when the world is severely lacking in comprehensive, universal rules governing activities in outer space.
Though some nations are moving further apart, others may be moving closer together. This week US and Indian officials agreed on a number of projects on which they will cooperate, including NASA’s commercial lunar payload programme and training Indian astronauts. The role of India as a partner may become more important, as western nations continue to distance themselves from China and Russia.
Conversely, the UAE appear to be looking to build more ties with Russia, and is perhaps defining its role as a mediator between rival superpowers. A delegation from Roscosmos visited Abu Dhabi, and both parties outlined plans to build on sustainable development, and committing to peaceful utilisation of outer space. Similarly, Qatar this week released a statement following their involvement at the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), stating their commitment to the carry out space activities in accordance with international law, and pursue a sustainable and peaceful future in outer space. Perhaps the Middle East is defining its own role as a mediator for peaceful uses of outer space, and they would also have the benefit or being able to work with both the US and their adversaries.
Germany has also been building new ties, announcing this week that they will work with Israel’s SpaceIL on their second attempt on a lunar lander mission, Beresheet 2. Their first attempt crash landed in 2019. The German space agency, DLR, will provide software for the landing process, and the mission is slated for 2025. The prospect of lunar exploration appears to also be something that is generating new relations in space, such as the US-led Artemis Accords, China’s ILRS plans and Chang’e missions.
In regard to near-future lunar missions, NASA has instructed a change to the Intuitive Machines commercial lunar mission, asking that the lander now instead arrives at the lunar south pole. The new landing site is to support the ongoing Artemis programme, and land in the same area where NASA will sending astronauts in 2025. If anything, this goes to show the increasingly important role that the private sector is also playing in the future of lunar exploration. Astrobotic are also a step closer to their maiden lunar mission after the vertical stacking of ULA’s Vulcan rocket this week, and iSpace’s lander is ready on the way, due to arrive in April.
Challenge to SpaceX dominance?
One of the most highly anticipated moments in New Space may be arriving soon, as this week Elon Musk announced that SpaceX are eying the beginning of March for the first orbital launch of Starship. At the Smallsat Symposium in California this week, panelists warned that satellite manufactures need to prepare for the arrival of the new launch vehicle. Abhishek Tripathi, mission operations director at the University of California, said that “If you are not preparing for how you’re going to launch your product on Starship and how you’re going to change your business model to work with Starship, you are going to be in trouble,” (Space News, 2023).
There’s clearly much excitement about Starship and the number different applications it will have, and SpaceX have already revolutionised the launch market, and driven costs way down. Executives at the symposium agreed that there was a growing demand in the launch market, but that they may also be struggling to make money as competitors, particularly SpaceX, are reducing launch costs by so much. Elon Musk and his rocket company seem to be almost single-handedly shaping the industry, and pushing out their competition. But is this the way that governments and commercial customers want to industry to be? SpaceX may have dramatically reduced costs and significantly increased access to space, but reliance on one supply chain comes with its own risks, and furthermore, eliminating competition may impact innovation.
Despite this market dominance, there are competitors pushing through, many of which are facing their maiden launches this year. Relativity Space has put together the first two stages of their 3D printed Terran-1 rocket, ahead of a possible launch later this month. The launch of their first rocket paves the way for their bigger, fully reusable Terran-R, designed with the purpose of competing with SpaceX’s Falcon-9. China are also working towards a reusable rocket, and this week the launch corporation CAS Space began the first phase production of their new facilities. Amongst plans for their rocket family are designs for a reusable launch vehicle, comparable to Falcon-9.
Firefly Aeorspace are set to carry out a responsive launch demonstration on behalf of the US Space Force in May, using their Alpha rocket. The mission is to demonstrate how a private company can carry out a quick launch, within 24 hours, in order to allow rapid access to space. The US Tactically Responsive Space program is designed to give them the upper hand should they e.g. be required to replace a satellite should one be knocked out during conflict. Furthermore, the demonstration could also go some way in proving to potential customers that small launch companies have what it takes to prove quick and rapid access to space, and for specific and tailored purposes.
And there appears to be no slowing in the number of customers either, with the space industry continuing to defy the odds in the backdrop of economic turmoil. Demand for launch to Earth orbit remains high, and this week, Amazon received FCC approval to launch over 3,000 satellites to form their Kuiper constellation, perhaps rivalling SpaceX’s Starlink system. Furthermore, Amazon have selected to not only work with SpaceX to launch the satellites, but also with ULA and Blue Origin. We must also consider the opportunities that will open up in maintaining as servicing the vast numbers of new satellites in orbit, and this may be an area where SpaceX won’t dominate. Starfish Space have announced that in autumn they will aim to carry out the first ever satellite docking with high-performance, low-thrust propulsion, and the first commercial satellite docking in LEO. Success in this demonstration could open up the door to a wealth of new opportunities, such as satellite repair and refuelling.
Europe to be leader in sustainable space? (Image: Adobe Stock)
Geopolitics and regulatory environment influencing role of space nations
SpaceX supremacy has had a significant impact on the shape that New Space has taken, but we are increasingly seeing the current state of geopolitics influence that shape as well. NASA chief Bill Nelson has once again taken aim at China and their space development, saying in regards to their lunar exploration plans "They would go to the South Pole, where we think the resources are, and say this is our territory.” Nelson also added that despite the poor sate of relations, some cooperation will have to occur between the two at some point.
ESA have recently taken the decision to distance themselves from China, announcing that they will no longer send astronauts to the new Chinese station, Tiangong. Joseph Aschbacher put the decision down to finances and politics, and an article from ARS Technica explored this further. They cite that one reason for ESA initially wanting cooperate on Tiangong was the fact that they were previously unsure of how long ISS would operate, and that they simply don’t have enough resources to work simultaneously on two stations. However, the decision appears to be largely a political one. ESA played a major role in the success of Artemis-1 last year, and will be drawn to commit to the long-term project. Furthermore, the impact of Ukraine, and the closer relationship between Russia and China may have pushed them to “choose sides”. The emergence of a Chinese stratellite in the US may well have validated their decision.
European nations also appear to be developing their role as leaders in sustainable space, and this week ESA successfully deployed its solar sail on an orbiting cubesat, in an effort to use drag to quickly de-orbit satellites and effectively manage debris. In Germany, Sensor specialist HENSOLDT will cooperate with the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Technology (FHR) with the aim of cooperating on space surveillance radar to track debris. Also, the UK released a statement after their involvement at this week’s COPUOS meeting, stating that “Space Sustainability continues to be a key priority for the UK”, and highlighted their achievements in this field last year, including hosting the 4th Summit for Space Sustainability and the commencement of missions studies that will establish the preliminary design and programmatics of a national Active Debris Removal Mission. Whilst the Middle East may be lining up to be the mediator of peaceful space, European nations may be working to become the leaders of sustainable space.
As New Space and geopolitics become increasingly intertwined, roles are being redefined, old relationships are coming undone, and new ones are being established. This trend will likely continue as our journey into space continues, and commercial interest are realised. Whilst it may be some time before bridges are rebuilt between the US, Russia and China, there are still important roles to be played in building a successful future in outer space. Furthermore, and for the time being at least, it will be critical that adversaries continue to communicate, even through tough times.
Share this article
External Links
This Week
*News articles posted here are not property of ANASDA GmbH and belong to their respected owners. Postings here are external links only.