New Space EconomyResearch, Analysis, and Resources

The Valkyrie robot, also known as R5, is a humanoid robot developed by NASA. Designed to operate in a variety of environments, including those hostile to human life, Valkyrie is part of NASA's efforts to advance robotics technology for use in space exploration and other applications. This robot represents a significant step in the development of autonomous systems that can assist or substitute humans in complex tasks, especially in environments that are beyond Earth.

Space debris, the ever-growing collection of defunct satellites, rocket bodies, and fragments from collisions, is an escalating threat to our continued safe operation within Earth's orbit. With each launch and every accidental collision, we contribute to this cosmic junkyard, endangering active spacecraft, the International Space Station (ISS), and the vital services we rely on from space. The time for decisive action is now. But with hundreds of thousands of pieces of space debris in orbit, how do we prioritize what should be removed first? This article explores the factors determining which objects pose the greatest risk and outlines strategies for effective space debris removal.

This year marks a major milestone as the United States' Global Positioning System (GPS) celebrates its 50th anniversary. Over the past five decades, GPS has evolved from a military tool to a ubiquitous global utility that underpins countless civilian and commercial applications.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it will generally not authorize the launch of reentry vehicles as payloads unless the reentry vehicle operator has obtained the appropriate reentry authorization. This notice, which took effect on April 17, 2024, aims to address safety concerns associated with launching reentry vehicles that have not received proper authorization to return to Earth.

Silicon Valley venture capitalist Marc Andreessen penned a 5,000-word manifesto in 2023 that gave a full-throated call for unrestricted technological progress to boost markets, broaden energy production, improve education and strengthen liberal democracy.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has spent the last two decades integrating commercial cloud capabilities into its vast information technology architecture. The goal has been to realize key benefits like resilience, rapid innovation, and agile implementation that the commercial sector can provide. Over this time, the DOD has learned valuable lessons about the enablers and tradeoffs required to successfully leverage commercial services.

The ambitious goals of NASA's Artemis program herald a renewed era of lunar exploration. With plans for a sustained human presence on the Moon and future expeditions to Mars, there's a pressing need for innovative technologies and approaches to overcome the unique challenges of operating in the lunar environment. The Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium (LSIC), established by NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), plays and important role in addressing this need.

CisLunar Industries is a space technology company on a mission to enable a sustainable industrial revolution in space. Founded in 2018, the Denver-based startup is developing innovative solutions to address immediate challenges for industry and government entities, focusing on mitigating space debris, improving space mobility, securing space-based resources for future missions, and creating scalable power systems.

Space exploration and satellite operations face a persistent challenge: propulsion. Traditional chemical rockets, while powerful, are limited by their bulky fuel tanks and the inherent dangers of storing volatile propellants. In recent years, a new breed of thrusters called electric propulsion systems has gained attention. The Neumann thruster, developed by Neumann Space, presents an innovative paradigm shift in electric propulsion technology, promising a simpler, safer, and more sustainable solution. By utilizing a solid-state fuel source, the Neumann thruster eliminates the need for complex propellant storage and offers exciting possibilities for missions ranging from small satellite maneuvering to ambitious deep-space expeditions.

In the quest to establish a sustainable human presence beyond Earth, construction on the lunar surface is a critical challenge that must be solved. Traditional building materials and techniques are impractical due to the harsh environment, limited resources, and astronomical cost of transporting supplies from Earth. However, an innovative solution is on the horizon thanks to the visionary work of ICON, a construction technologies company based in Austin, Texas. Through their groundbreaking Project Olympus, ICON is pioneering methods to construct lunar infrastructure using only the raw materials already found on the Moon.

With a renewed focus on lunar exploration through NASA's Artemis program and the ambitions of other nations and private enterprises, the need for a robust lunar search and rescue (LunaSAR) system is becoming an urgent priority. In contrast to missions in low Earth orbit, lunar missions pose significant logistical and operational challenges due to the distance, environment, and limited infrastructure. This article reviews the complexities of establishing LunaSAR, examining the essential technologies, coordination frameworks, and international collaboration required to protect astronauts and ensure mission success in this uncharted territory.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has embarked on an ambitious endeavor to lay the groundwork for a prosperous lunar economy within the next decade. The 10-Year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) capability study aims to unite what the agency perceives as isolated efforts within the scientific and commercial sectors, fostering a collaborative environment that will drive innovation and expedite the establishment of a self-sustaining lunar infrastructure.

Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Amazon's Jeff Bezos, is on the cusp of revolutionizing the space industry with its highly anticipated New Glenn rocket. Named after the first American astronaut to orbit Earth, John Glenn, this massive launch vehicle is set to become a key player in both commercial and government space missions. As Blue Origin prepares for New Glenn's maiden flight, the space community eagerly awaits the impact this rocket will have on the future of space exploration and commercialization.

2022 global space economy estimates from Bryce Tech and Euroconsult

The United States operates the most advanced and extensive satellite network in the world, playing a critical role in safeguarding national security, supporting military operations, and gathering vital intelligence.