Weekly New Space Economy Newsletter February 3, 2025

New Space Economy
Market Research, Analysis, and Resources

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Articles From The Previous Week

The space supply chain is a critical infrastructure supporting the space industry, encompassing the manufacture, assembly, integration, and testing of components used in satellites, launch vehicles, and other space systems.…

6 Things to Know About SPHEREx, NASA’s Newest Space Telescope

Shaped like a megaphone, the upcoming mission will map the entire sky in infrared light to answer big questions about the universe. Expected to launch no earlier than Thursday, Feb.…

Lunar Oddities: Exploring the Moon’s Geological Anomalies

The Moon, Earth's nearest celestial neighbor, has captivated humanity for millennia. While it may appear as a serene, unchanging orb in the night sky, the lunar surface is a dynamic…

Unveiling the Secrets of Mars: A Look at the Red Planet’s Geological Anomalies

Mars, our neighboring planet, has always held a special place in human imagination. From ancient myths to modern science fiction, the red planet has inspired countless stories and spurred relentless…

Hubble Space Telescope by NASA/ESA, Robotic Space Exploration Mission 1990

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is an iconic astronomical observatory jointly developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA). It was designed to…

Vostochny Cosmodrome: Russia’s Modern Spaceport

The Vostochny Cosmodrome, located in the Amur Oblast in Russia’s Far East, represents one of the most ambitious and significant infrastructure projects undertaken by the Russian space program in the…

Landsat: Monitoring Earth’s Land Surface for Decades

Landsat has played a pivotal role in shaping how scientists, researchers, and policymakers understand Earth's land surface over the decades. Its technological journey began with the launch of Landsat 1…

Top 10 TV Series from the Golden Age of Science Fiction

The "Golden Age of Science Fiction" in television, roughly spanning the late 1950s to the early 1970s, is remembered as a formative period that set the foundation for the genre.…

The Enduring Legacy of Apollo: What We Learned From Reaching for the Moon

The Apollo program, a monumental undertaking of the 1960s and early 1970s, stands as a testament to human ambition and ingenuity. This ambitious endeavor, which successfully landed humans on the…

Charting the Red Planet: A Comprehensive Review of Martian Cartography

Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, has captivated human imagination for centuries. Its reddish hue, visible to the naked eye, has inspired myths and legends, while its potential for…

Charting Earth’s Companion: A Comprehensive Review of Lunar Cartography

The Moon, Earth's only natural satellite, has been a source of wonder and inspiration for millennia. Its familiar face, etched with light and dark patterns, has guided travelers, marked the…

Charting Our Home: A Comprehensive Review of Earth Cartography

Earth, our home planet, is a dynamic and complex world. Understanding its diverse landscapes, oceans, and intricate systems begins with mapping its surface. Cartography, the science and art of mapmaking,…

The Green Revolution Takes to Space: Transforming Agriculture with Satellite Data

Agriculture is fundamental to human survival. For centuries, farmers have worked tirelessly, relying on traditional methods passed down through generations, their own observations, and a fair bit of luck to…

Microgravity in space may cause cancer − but on Earth, mimicking weightlessness could help researchers develop treatments

Cells function differently under low gravity conditions. Rather than send lab samples to space, researchers are developing Earth-bound tools to more easily study microgravity’s effects on biology.

Why building big AIs costs billions – and how Chinese startup DeepSeek dramatically changed the calculus

State-of-the-art artificial intelligence systems like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude have captured the public imagination by producing fluent text in multiple languages in response to user prompts. Those…

DOOMSDAY: Mark Your Calendars for December 22, 2023

Imagine a scenario where we look up at the night sky, and instead of the serene dance of distant stars and planets, there looms a threat, a rock from space,…

NASA to Talk Science, Tech Aboard Next Intuitive Machines Moon Flight

NASA will host a media teleconference at 1 p.m. EST Friday, Feb. 7, to discuss the agency’s science and technology flying aboard Intuitive Machines’ second flight to the Moon. The…

SPHEREx’s Concentric Cones

NASA’s SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) observatory rests horizontally in this April 2024 image taken at BAE Systems in Boulder, Colorado.…

What’s Up: February 2025 Skywatching Tips from NASA

A Month of Bright Planets Venus blazes at its brightest for the year after sunset, then Mars and Jupiter to rule the night amid the menagerie of bright winter stars.…

NASA Radar Imagery Reveals Details About Los Angeles-Area Landslides

Analysis of data from NASA radar aboard an airplane shows that the decades-old active landslide area on the Palos Verdes Peninsula has expanded. Researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in…

Sols 4439-4440: A Lunar New Year on Mars

Earth planning date: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 We’re planning sols 4439 and 4440 on the first day of the Lunar New Year here on Earth, and I’m the Geology/Mineralogy Science…

Hubble Spots a Supernova

The subject of this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image is a supernova-hosting galaxy located about 600 million light-years away in the constellation Gemini. Hubble captured this image roughly two months…

Building an Antenna

A crane lowers the 112-foot-wide (34-meter-wide) steel framework for the Deep Space Station 23 (DSS-23) reflector dish into position on Dec. 18, 2024, at the Deep Space Network’s (DSN) Goldstone…

Property and sovereignty in space − as countries and companies take to the stars, they could run into disputes

Space isn’t lawless, but the agreements governing it don’t cover everything nations will have to grapple with as they develop their space programs.

Star Trek’s Mirror Universe: A Reflection of Our Own Failed Utopias?

The Star Trek universe, a vast tapestry of interstellar exploration, technological marvels, and philosophical quandaries, offers more than just a glimpse into a potential future. It presents alternate realities, divergent…

Advances in Time Measurement

The measurement of time is a fundamental aspect of human understanding and organization of the world. From ancient sundials to modern atomic clocks, the pursuit of more accurate and precise…

Space Stations in the Star Trek Universe

The Star Trek universe presents a future replete with advanced technology and interstellar travel, where humanity, along with a multitude of alien species, has expanded its presence across the galaxy.…

India’s Space Odyssey

India's journey into space, spanning over six decades, is a fascinating narrative of ambition, innovation, and a persistent drive to establish itself as a significant player in the global space…

Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation

Alright, taking on the best of Star Trek: The Next Generation is another exciting, yet daunting challenge! TNG has so many incredible episodes, and narrowing it down to ten is tough. Considering popularity, critical…

Prime Timeline of the Star Trek Universe

The Star Trek universe, a sprawling tapestry of intergalactic adventures, civilizations, and technologies, unfolds across a vast and meticulously crafted timeline. This timeline, a cornerstone of the Star Trek canon,…

Top 10 Movies of the Star Trek Universe

Alright, let's set a course for the big screen and rank the Star Trek movies! This is where opinions can really get heated among fans, as everyone has their favorites and least…

Problematic Paper Screener: Trawling for fraud in the scientific literature

Science sleuths are stepping up efforts to detect bogus science papers. This includes building tools that comb through millions of journal articles for signs of tortured phrases spawned by AI.

Ethical Obligations of Human Creators Toward Self-Aware AI

The emergence of self-aware artificial intelligence (AI) represents a monumental shift in technological and philosophical landscapes. It compels humanity to address profound ethical challenges and responsibilities. As creators of potentially…

Top 10 Q Episodes From Across The Star Trek Universe

Alright, let's snap our fingers and summon the mischievous, omnipotent being known as Q! This character, brilliantly portrayed by John de Lancie, has been a recurring presence in the Star Trek universe,…

Star Trek Canon: A Comprehensive Guide to the Star Trek Universe

The Star Trek universe, with its vast tapestry of television series, films, books, comics, and games, is a sprawling epic that has captivated audiences for over half a century. But…

Top 10 Borg Episodes From Across the Star Trek Universe

Alright, let's get assimilated! The Borg are one of the most iconic and formidable adversaries in the Star Trek universe, and they've been featured in some truly memorable episodes. Compiling a Top…

Top 10 Episodes From Star Trek The Original Series

Okay, creating a "best of" list for Star Trek: The Original Series is always a fun, yet challenging task, as opinions will certainly vary! However, taking into account popularity, critical acclaim, influence…

Perseverance Rover by NASA, Robotic Space Exploration Mission 2020

The Perseverance rover, launched by NASA in 2020 as part of the Mars 2020 mission, was designed with a focused set of mission objectives and scientific goals centered around exploring…

A History of Temporal Conflict in the Star Trek Universe

The Star Trek universe, a tapestry woven with exploration, diplomacy, and the pursuit of knowledge, also harbors a hidden conflict, a shadow war fought not on battlefields but across the…

The Enduring Legacy of Trekkies: A Cultural Phenomenon Within the Star Trek Universe

The term "Trekkie" has become synonymous with the devoted fans of the Star Trek science fiction franchise. More than just casual viewers, Trekkies represent a diverse and passionate community that has actively…

Bridging Fiction and Reality: How the Star Trek Universe Has Inspired Real-World Science and Technology

The enduring appeal of the Star Trek franchise extends beyond its captivating storylines and memorable characters. Across its various iterations, Star Trek has presented a compelling vision of the future,…

Navigating Utopia: Social Change in the Star Trek Universe

The Star Trek universe, a sprawling tapestry of interstellar civilizations and diverse species, has captivated audiences for decades. While its futuristic technology and thrilling space adventures draw viewers in, the franchise's enduring…

The Human Body in Space: Insights from NASA’s Twin Study

In 2015, NASA conducted an unprecedented investigation into the effects of prolonged spaceflight on human biology by studying identical twin astronauts Scott Kelly (340 days aboard the International Space Station)…

Characters of the Star Trek Universe

Star Trek, a sprawling science fiction franchise, has captivated audiences for decades with its optimistic vision of the future and its exploration of complex social and philosophical themes. A significant…

Book Review: The Big Time by Fritz Leiber, Hugo Award Winner 1958

Fritz Leiber’s The Big Time, which earned the distinguished Hugo Award in 1958, stands as a remarkable entry into the realm of speculative fiction. Demonstrating a unique approach to time…

Book Review: Stations of the Tide by Michael Swanwick, Nebula Award Winner 1991

Michael Swanwick's Stations of the Tide is a puzzle box of intricate themes and an inventive narrative structure, weaving together speculative fiction and philosophical inquiry. Set on the planet Miranda,…

NASA Invites Media to Discuss PUNCH Mission to Study Solar Wind

NASA will hold a media teleconference at 2 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 4, to share information about the agency’s upcoming PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission,…

The Legacy of Michael Collins, the Apollo 11 Command Module Pilot

Michael Collins, the Apollo 11 Command Module Pilot, played an indispensable role in one of humanity’s most iconic achievements: the first successful lunar landing. While much of the public’s focus…

Sols 4437-4438: Coordinating our Dance Moves

Earth planning date: Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 I was Geology and Mineralogy (Geo) Science Team lead today, and my day started with a bang and a drum roll — delivered…

Geyser Season on Mars

This Oct. 29, 2018, image from the HiRISE camera on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captures geysers of gas and dust that occur in springtime in the South Polar region of…

NASA’s Asteroid Bennu Sample Reveals Mix of Life’s Ingredients

Studies of rock and dust from asteroid Bennu delivered to Earth by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security–Regolith Explorer) spacecraft have revealed molecules that, on our planet,…

Wolf Moon in Washington

A NASA photographer captured the full “wolf” moon rising over the Lincoln Memorial and Memorial Bridge on Jan. 13, 2025. The Maine Farmers’ Almanac began publishing Native American names for…

NASA Juno Mission Spots Most Powerful Volcanic Activity on Io to Date

Even by the standards of Io, the most volcanic celestial body in the solar system, recent events observed on the Jovian moon are extreme. Scientists with NASA’s Juno mission have…

UK’s £20 Million Orbex Gamble: Space Dreams vs. Economic Reality

The UK government has made a significant financial commitment to the space sector by investing £20 million into Orbex, a Scottish spaceflight company. This investment marks a step forward in…

Curiosity Rover by NASA, Robotic Space Exploration Mission 2011

The Curiosity Rover, developed by NASA as part of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, embodies cutting-edge engineering and innovation, setting a new standard for planetary exploration. Launched on November…

Bennu asteroid reveals its contents to scientists − and clues to how the building blocks of life on Earth may have been seeded

New findings reveal that a NASA mission traveled to an asteroid that may have once been covered in salty lakes containing organic molecules.

NASA, Partners to Welcome Fourth Axiom Space Mission to Space Station

NASA and its international partners have approved the crew for Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, launching from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida…

‘Sorry, I didn’t get that’: AI misunderstands some people’s words more than others

Speaking with an AI bot can be amusing and even helpful – if it understands you. How well AIs do that is a matter of whose speech they’ve been trained…

Why building big AIs costs billions – and how Chinese startup DeepSeek dramatically changed the calculus

A machine learning expert breaks down where the money goes in building big AIs, and how DeepSeek found ways to do it far more cheaply.

Fake papers are contaminating the world’s scientific literature, fueling a corrupt industry and slowing legitimate lifesaving medical research

‘Paper mills’ are contaminating the world’s scholarly output with fake papers that hinder research. Lifesaving biomedical fields are especially hard hit.

How to Fly NASA’s Orion Spacecraft

On NASA’s Artemis II test flight, the first crewed mission under the agency’s Artemis campaign, astronauts will take the controls of the Orion spacecraft and periodically fly it manually during…

Europe’s Competitiveness Compass: A Roadmap to Space Supremacy or Corporate Welfare?

The European Union has embarked on a transformative journey to reassert its economic prowess in the global arena, particularly through initiatives like the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic policy framework aimed…

Themes and Tropes in the Star Trek Universe

The Star Trek franchise, spanning over five decades, has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its vision of a future where humanity has overcome its limitations and ventured into…

Borg in the Star Trek Universe

The Borg are a cybernetic species in the Star Trek universe that are best known for their pursuit of “perfection” through the forcible assimilation of diverse species and technologies into…

A Technological Tour of the Star Trek Universe

The Star Trek universe presents a captivating vision of the future, filled with advanced technology that has captured the imaginations of generations. From faster-than-light travel to matter replication, the technology…

Stranded or Staged? Trump’s Dramatic SpaceX Intervention

In a surprising twist of events that blends space exploration with political maneuvering, President Donald Trump has publicly directed Elon Musk's SpaceX to undertake an immediate mission to retrieve two…

How Peggy Whitson Became NASA’s Record-Breaking Astronaut

Throughout her years at NASA, Peggy Whitson not only reached unprecedented heights in a literal sense but also broke barriers that had long shaped the field of space exploration. Becoming…

Company Needs Your Money to Send Space Junk to the Moon

In an unprecedented blend of humor, technology, and cosmic ambition, Alien Cube has embarked on a project that plans to send the first-ever billboard and collection of memes to the…

Starfleet Starships in the Star Trek Universe

The Star Trek universe, a sprawling science fiction franchise, has captivated audiences for decades with its imaginative vision of the future. Central to this vision are the starships of Starfleet,…

How does the International Space Station orbit Earth without burning up?

The International Space Station is an engineering feat that has led to countless scientific discoveries. Like the thousands of satellites in orbit, it manages to stay up in the atmosphere.

The Prime Directives of Starfleet: Guiding Principles in the Star Trek Universe

The Star Trek universe, a sprawling and intricate science fiction setting, is built upon a foundation of ideals, ethics, and principles that guide the actions of its characters and institutions.…

Starship Captains in the Star Trek Universe

Starship captains serve as the unifying force behind exploration, conflict resolution, and organizational cohesion in the Star Trek universe. They lead diverse crews through dangerous encounters and diplomatic negotiations while…

Trump’s ‘Iron Dome’ Plan: A Bold Vision or Impractical Ambition?

On January 27, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating the development of a missile defense system for the United States, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome. This directive…

Vast and SpaceX Jointly Announced a Request for Research Proposals

On January 28, 2025, Vast and SpaceX jointly announced a request for research proposals from the global space science community, aiming to advance long-term human habitation and exploration in space.…

Every Movie in the Star Trek Universe

Star Trek stands as one of the most recognizable science fiction franchises in popular culture. Its legacy encompasses television series, feature films, fan conventions, and an extensive impact on the…

TV Series in the Star Trek Universe

Star Trek stands as one of the most recognizable franchises in televised science fiction. Over several decades, it has produced a collection of series that introduce new characters, explore fresh…

Human Cognitive Biases in the Context of Artificial Intelligence

Human cognitive biases have profound effects on how artificial intelligence (AI) systems are envisioned, designed, deployed, and understood. While AI is often presented as an objective or neutral technology, any…

Human Cognitive Biases: A Comprehensive Exploration

Cognitive biases are patterns of thought that distort an individual’s perception of information, other people, and even personal memories. They appear in everyday life, shaping how individuals form judgments, make…

Alien Species in the Star Trek Universe

The Star Trek universe presents a vast tapestry of cultures and civilizations, each offering unique perspectives on philosophy, politics, science, and ethics. From well-known groups such as the Vulcans and…

The Nature of Human Consciousness: An Exploration of Its Essence, Constraints, and Mysteries

Human consciousness is one of the most profound and elusive subjects of study. It is the essence of our subjective experience, the foundation of our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. Despite…

Time in the Star Trek Universe: Understanding Metrics, Travel, Manipulation, and Alternate Timelines

Time as presented in the Star Trek franchise functions as both a storytelling device and a symbol for the infinite possibilities of progress and exploration. From the original series to…

The Universe of Star Trek: An Overview

The Star Trek universe is a richly detailed and expansive setting that has captivated audiences for decades. It is a fictional universe created by Gene Roddenberry, first introduced in the…

Voyager 2 by NASA, Robotic Space Exploration Mission 1977

Launched on August 20, 1977, Voyager 2 was part of NASA’s ambitious Voyager Program aimed at exploring the outer planets of the solar system and beyond. The mission took advantage…

Gravity Assist: The Cosmic Slingshot for Space Probes

Space exploration has always been a challenging endeavor, requiring innovative techniques to overcome the vast distances and limited fuel resources. One such technique, known as gravity assist, has become a…

When you wish upon a star, is it already dead? An astronomer crunches the numbers

Killjoys on social media say there’s no point wishing on stars because they are already dead – but the naysayers are completely wrong.

The Dual-Edged Sword: A Comprehensive Review of AI’s Potential for Misuse

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century. Its applications span across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment. However, like any…

The Complex Landscape of Artificial Intelligence: Major Controversies and Issues

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, influencing industries, economies, and daily life. However, its rapid development has also sparked significant…

Book Review: Dune by Frank Herbert, Hugo Award Winner 1966

Dune by Frank Herbert is widely praised for its richly intricate themes and profound worldbuilding, which set it apart as one of the most influential works in science fiction literature.…

A History of DeepSeek Software Updates: Key Milestones and Their Significance

Over the past year, DeepSeek has consistently pushed the boundaries of AI technology through a series of impactful software updates. Each release has introduced significant advancements, addressing critical areas such…

DeepSeek: The Chinese AI Startup Shaking Up the Global Tech Landscape

In a stunning turn of events, DeepSeek, a relatively unknown Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup, has sent shockwaves through the United States' tech industry and financial markets. Founded in 2023,…

The Evolving Landscape of the Space Economy: Key Trends Shaping the Future

The space economy, once dominated by government agencies and large-scale scientific missions, has transformed into a dynamic and multifaceted sector. Today, it encompasses a wide range of activities, from satellite…

Book Review: The Healer’s War by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough, Nebula Award Winner 1988

Elizabeth Ann Scarborough’s The Healer’s War is a fascinating fusion of stark realism and delicate magical elements set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. What makes the novel particularly…

The Observable Universe vs. the Entire Universe: Understanding the Boundaries of Cosmic Exploration

The universe is a vast and mysterious expanse that has fascinated humanity for centuries. From ancient civilizations gazing at the stars to modern astronomers using advanced telescopes, the quest to…

The Economy of the Star Trek Universe: A Post-Scarcity Society

The economy of the Star Trek universe represents a radical departure from contemporary systems, envisioning a future where scarcity has been largely eradicated through technological advancement and societal evolution. Set…

The Hubble Constant: Understanding the Expansion of the Universe

The Hubble constant is one of the most important numbers in cosmology. It represents the rate at which the universe is expanding, providing a key piece of information about the…

The Cosmic Architecture: Structures of the Universe Explored in Cosmology

Cosmology, the scientific study of the universe's origin, evolution, and large-scale structure, offers a framework to understand how matter and energy are organized across vast scales. From subatomic particles to…

Understanding Star Trek’s Metrics: Speed, Time, Distance

The Star Trek universe presents a richly detailed fictional future where interstellar travel, advanced technology, and interactions with countless species have become part of everyday life. One of the most…

The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP): Mapping the Early Universe

The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) stands as one of the most significant missions in the history of cosmology. Launched by NASA in 2001, WMAP was designed to measure the…

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey: Mapping the Universe in Unprecedented Detail

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) is one of the most ambitious and influential projects in the history of astronomy. Since its inception in 2000, it has transformed our understanding…

The Infinite Universe: Exploring the Evidence for an Unbounded Cosmos

The question of whether the universe is infinite has fascinated humanity for centuries. From ancient philosophers to modern cosmologists, the nature of the universe has been a central topic of…

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