➀ Inversion, a Los Angeles-based startup, is developing an autonomous spacecraft called Arc for same-hour delivery from space to any point on Earth.

➁ The Arc spacecraft can deliver up to 500 pounds of cargo with precision, eliminating the need for runways or established receiving infrastructure.

➂ The company aims to transform the logistics industry by creating an on-demand logistics network in low-Earth orbit.

➀ The Science Museum in London unveiled an updated Space gallery, featuring historical artifacts like space capsules, lunar samples, and modern UK space industry innovations;

➁ The exhibition highlights female contributions to space exploration, including Helen Sharman, Katherine Johnson, and contemporary figures like Zoe Clark and Leicester University researchers;

➂ Showcases UK space technology advancements, such as CubeSats, propulsion prototypes, and Rolls Royce’s lunar nuclear power concept.

➀ The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has provided new clues about the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 e, located 40 light-years from Earth.

➁ JWST's initial findings hint at a nitrogen-rich atmosphere, increasing the chances of the planet being habitable.

➂ The planet is in the star's habitable zone, but its potential for life depends on maintaining a stable atmosphere.

➀ NASA and ISRO jointly launched the Nisar Earth observation satellite with dual-band (L/S) synthetic aperture radars, achieving meter-level resolution for all-weather monitoring;

➁ The satellite tracks ice mass, vegetation, sea-level changes, and groundwater monthly using a 12m mesh antenna, while providing natural disaster early warnings;

➂ Texas Instruments supplied radiation-hardened ICs including power modules, utilizing special QML Class P plastic packaging for lower orbit radiation requirements and cost efficiency.

➀ Norwegian Andøya spaceport partners with Astrobotic to use Xodiac reusable rockets for simulating lunar landings and testing flight systems;

➁ The collaboration starts in 2026, with Andøya providing ground operations and infrastructure support to enhance its commercial space capabilities;

➂ The U.S.-Norway Technology Safeguards Agreement (2025) facilitates hardware exports, positioning Andøya as a key European satellite launch hub.

➀ Exploration of energy-efficient solid-state cooling technologies for thermal management;

➁ Highlighting a novel approach to STEM education aimed at making learning more engaging;

➂ Introduction of radiation-tolerant power devices designed for NewSpace and low Earth orbit satellite (LEOSat) applications.

➀ Mars will appear very close to the crescent moon on the night of August 26, 2025, as part of the grand finale of August's planetary parade.

➁ To catch the breathtaking view, observe the western horizon quickly after sunset, as the event will last for about an hour.

➂ The crescent moon will be slightly brighter and will have moved past Mars and Spica by the next day.

➀ Rocket Lab acquires Geost, a specialist in electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems, for $275 million to enhance missile tracking capabilities for the U.S. Golden Dome defense initiative;

➁ The deal includes cash, stock, and future earnouts, integrating Geost's real-time situational awareness technology into Rocket Lab’s satellite systems to bolster national security;

➂ Geost’s EO/IR expertise supports missile warning, space domain awareness, and Earth observation, aligning with the U.S. vision for resilient space architecture under Golden Dome.

➀ Professor Michele Dougherty from Imperial College London becomes the UK’s first female Astronomer Royal, a historic role advising the Monarch on astronomical matters;

➁ She emphasizes promoting public engagement with astronomy and its relevance to everyday life, while retaining her positions at STFC and the Institute of Physics;

➂ The position was previously held by cosmologist Lord Rees, who is now retiring from the role.

➀ The global space economy grew 7.8% to $613 billion in 2024, driven by commercial sectors (78%) and government investments (22%), with U.S. civil and military spending at $77 billion;

➁ Record space launches in 2025 averaged one every 28 hours, led by SpaceX, while satellite broadband competition expanded with Amazon's Kuiper and OneWeb;

➂ U.S. military space funding prioritized the $25 billion Golden Dome missile defense system and infrastructure upgrades, signaling rapid growth in Earth Observation and sovereign space capabilities.

➀ A coalition of over 450 U.S. space, satellite, and defense companies has urged Congress to fully fund the Office of Space Commerce (OSC) at its Fiscal Year 2025 level of $65 million in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill.

➁ The industry leaders emphasize the critical role of the OSC in fostering economic growth, ensuring national security, and maintaining U.S. technological leadership in the increasingly competitive and congested orbital environment.

➂ The letter warns of severe consequences if the OSC is not adequately funded, including heightened risks for satellite operators and potential relocation of U.S. companies overseas.

➀ University of Illinois researchers developed a phase-change heatsink (using paraffin wax) for satellites, enhancing thermal management in space where convection cooling is unavailable;

➁ The wax-filled heatsink absorbs peak heat through melting (170kJ/kg) and releases it via radiation, validated by CubeSat orbital tests showing gravity-independent performance;

➂ Simplified models were created for design optimization, with future studies to include solar heating effects during spacecraft orbits.

➀ Honda successfully launched and landed an experimental reusable rocket, achieving a first successful landing after a modest hop of 271.4 m (890 ft).

➁ Honda's ultimate goal is to reach suborbital launch capability by 2029.

➂ Meanwhile, SpaceX's tenth Starship flight test faced a setback due to a pressure tank failure, resulting in an explosion.

➀ Impulse Space, a California-based space transportation startup, raised $300 million in Series C funding led by Linse Capital, bringing total funding to $525 million;

➁ The company aims to enhance in-space mobility and scale production, with achievements including Mira spacecraft missions, Helios kick stage development, and $200 million in government/commercial contracts;

➂ Helios, a high-energy propulsion system compatible with major rockets, targets communication, defense, and scientific payload delivery, with its first flight planned for 2026.

➀ The UK Space Conference 2025 will be held in Manchester on July 16-17, focusing on leveraging space exploration to drive long-term economic growth, workforce development, and regional inclusivity;

➀ UK Space Agency emphasizes that 16% of UK GDP relies on space technologies like navigation and communications, calling for broader industry participation;

➂ The event aligns with the upcoming government Industrial Strategy, serving as a key platform for the biennial space industry.

➀ The ISS National Lab's Orbital Edge Accelerator program, offering up to $500,000 funding and ISS-sponsored orbital research opportunities, closes applications on 19 May for space startups;

➁ Up to 20 finalists will pitch virtually in June, with six selected for mentorship and funding, announced on 7 July;

➂ The program aims to foster innovation in the space economy, managed by CASIS and TechConnect, leveraging the ISS's unique research environment for commercial and academic R&D.

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➂ Picture of the Day: IBDM – International Berthing and Docking Mechanism

➃ This is a very expensive and complicated connector, an IBDM. It is a docking mechanism for the European Space Agency’s habitation module for the Lunar Gateway (the Lunar I-Hab). The Gateway will be a lunar-orbiting outpost and is the NASA replacement for the International Space Station. The module will eventually...

Redwire has been awarded a contract to provide four docking mechanisms for the European Space Agency's habitation module for the Lunar Gateway, known as the Lunar I-Hab. This lunar-orbiting outpost is a replacement for the International Space Station and will support long-duration missions, potentially including a future human mission to Mars.

Redwire's Belgian subsidiary, Redwire Space NV, will deliver the International Berthing and Docking Mechanism (IBDM) for the Lunar I-Hab. The contract is with Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo.

The IBDM will enable safe transfers of crew and cargo within the Gateway station, using advanced automation and precision alignment. Other subsystems for the Lunar I-Hab are being provided by JAXA, including environmental control, life support, and batteries.

➀ Researchers from the University of Connecticut and Eascra Biotech are producing innovative nanomaterials in space to improve treatments for osteoarthritis and cancer.

➁ Janus base nanomaterials (JBNs) are developed to regenerate cartilage and could be used in precision cancer treatment.

➂ The ISS National Lab is used to test the production of JBNs in space, where gravity-driven forces are reduced, leading to better uniformity and patient outcomes.

➀ With the aid of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have found compelling evidence of biological life on a planet called K2-18b, located 124 light years from Earth.

➁ The team detected gases normally produced by biological activity on Earth, dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide, in the exoplanet's atmosphere.

➂ The concentration of sulfur gas levels on K2-18b is thousands of times higher than on Earth, suggesting a potentially habitable environment.