Weekly New Space Economy Newsletter February 17, 2025

New Space Economy
Market Research, Analysis, and Resources

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Articles From The Previous Week

Mercury: Closer Than You Think, More Mysterious Than You Imagine

Mercury has long been one of the least understood planets in the solar system. As the closest planet to the Sun, it presents unique challenges for astronomical observation and space…

Unveiling the Largest Structures in the Nearby Universe: The Discovery of the Quipu Superstructure

The study Unveiling the largest structures in the nearby Universe: Discovery of the Quipu superstructure, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, introduces the Quipu superstructure, the largest cosmic structure discovered to…

Is Alien Dust from α Centauri Already in Our Solar System?

The study A Case Study of Interstellar Material Delivery: α Centauri investigates whether interstellar material from α Centauri, the closest star system to the Sun, has already reached our Solar…

What is Planetology and Why is it Important?

Planetology, a branch of planetary science, explores the formation, structure, composition, and processes of planets and other celestial bodies in the solar system and beyond. This multidisciplinary field combines aspects…

Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: Short Treks

Okay, let's explore the bite-sized brilliance of Star Trek: Short Treks! These short films offer unique glimpses into the Star Trek universe, expanding on existing characters and introducing new ones. Choosing just ten…

Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks

Star Trek: Lower Decks is a hilarious and affectionate animated take on the Star Trek universe. It's a show that's clearly made by fans, for fans, and it's packed with Easter eggs, references,…

Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Alright, let's talk about the newest addition to the fleet, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds! This series has been a breath of fresh air for many Star Trek fans, returning…

Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: Prodigy

Okay, let's jump into the animated adventure of Star Trek: Prodigy! This series is unique as it's the first Star Trek show aimed primarily at a younger audience, but it's crafted in a…

Why Does One Side of the Moon Always Face Earth?

The Moon’s rotation and orbital motion create a unique phenomenon known as tidal locking, causing the same hemisphere to always face Earth. This synchronized relationship between the Earth and its…

Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: Picard

Alright, let's talk about Star Trek: Picard! This series brought back one of the most beloved characters in Star Trek history, and while it received a mixed reception, it definitely had some…

Surprising Facts About Black Holes

Black holes have a profound impact on the flow of time. According to Einstein’s theory of general relativity, the immense gravitational pull of a black hole distorts both space and…

The Truth Behind Fake Flying Saucers: Understanding UFO Hoaxes

Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) have captivated the public's imagination for decades, sparking both serious scientific inquiry and widespread popular fascination. While some sightings remain tantalizingly unexplained, and the possibility of…

Decoding the Skies: How Scientists Investigate Unidentified Aerial Phenomena

Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), commonly known as UFOs, have captured the public imagination for decades. While often associated with speculation about extraterrestrial life, UAPs present a genuine puzzle that scientists…

Hypothetical Propulsion Mechanisms for UAPs of the Silver Sphere Type

Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) have long fascinated scientists, governments, and the public due to their seemingly impossible flight characteristics. Among the most frequently reported types are metallic silver spheres, which…

Delta Rockets: The Workhorses of Space Exploration

The Delta family of rockets has played a significant role in spaceflight for decades. Originating from the Thor intermediate-range ballistic missile, the first Delta rocket was developed in the late…

The Moon Is Moving Away from Earth

The Moon, Earth's only natural satellite, has played a significant role in shaping the planet's environment and supporting life. However, a gradual but steady change is taking place—the Moon is…

The Asteroid Belt: Leftovers of a Lost Planet, or Something Else Entirely?

The asteroid belt, a vast region of space between Mars and Jupiter, is populated by millions of rocky bodies, ranging in size from tiny pebbles to dwarf planets like Ceres.…

China’s Gateway to Space: A Concise History of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center

The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC) is far more than a collection of launch pads and buildings in the seemingly endless Gobi Desert. It represents a crucial element of China's…

How Scientists Hunt for Alien Civilizations

Researchers scan the cosmos for signs of intelligent life by detecting unusual signals that do not appear to have natural origins. Radio waves are among the most studied frequencies, as…

There’s a Planet Where It Rains Molten Glass

Thousands of light-years from Earth, astronomers have identified a planet with extreme weather conditions unlike anything found in the solar system. The exoplanet, designated HD 189733 b, orbits a star…

NASA’s asteroid sample mission gave scientists around the world the rare opportunity to study an artificial meteor

Earth is constantly bombarded by fragments of rock and ice, also known as meteoroids, from outer space. Most of the meteoroids are as tiny as grains of sand and small…

Exploring the Atlas Rocket: Pioneering Space Missions

The Atlas rocket traces its origins to the early days of the Cold War when the United States sought a reliable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Developed by Convair, the first…

How We Will Power the Moon

Establishing a sustainable energy infrastructure on the Moon requires reliable and abundant power sources. Given the unique conditions of the lunar environment, solar energy stands out as the most viable…

The Best Times and Locations for Stargazing

Observing the night sky at its clearest requires selecting the right time of year. While stargazing is possible year-round, certain periods offer optimal conditions for visibility, depending on location, weather…

The Mystery of Black Holes

Black holes form when massive stars reach the end of their life cycles and collapse under the force of their own gravity. During a star's lifetime, nuclear fusion generates energy…

How 3D Printing in Space Could Enable Long-Term Space Missions

3D printing presents a significant opportunity for manufacturing components directly in space, eliminating the need to transport every necessary part from Earth. By using raw materials sourced from the spacecraft…

The Strangest Moons in Our Solar System

Many moons in the solar system defy expectations with irregular shapes and orbits that challenge conventional understanding. Unlike the nearly spherical forms of larger moons, certain smaller ones resemble asteroids,…

SF Masterworks Novels That Redefined Science Fiction

Throughout the history of science fiction, certain novels have stood out as transformative works that pushed the boundaries of storytelling, scientific speculation, and philosophical inquiry. The SF Masterworks series showcases…

Pioneer 11 by NASA, Robotic Space Exploration Mission 1973

NASA's Pioneer 11 mission was designed to expand humanity’s understanding of the outer planets and the environment of deep space. Launched on April 6, 1973, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard…

The ESA’s Hera mission takes flight toward the asteroid deflected by NASA’s DART probe two years ago

The European Space Agency’s Hera mission set off from Cape Canaveral on 7 October on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It will travel several hundred million kilometres to reach the…

Earth Observation Satellites Set to Triple Over the Next Decade

The Earth Observation (EO) satellite market is expected to witness transformative growth, with the number of satellites in orbit nearly tripling by 2033. A report from Novaspace estimates the launch…

Summary of the 10th DSCOVR EPIC and NISTAR Science Team Meeting

Introduction The 10th Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) Earth Polychromatic Camera (EPIC) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Advanced Radiometer Science Team Meeting (STM) was held October 16–18, 2024. Over 50 scientists…

NASA Sets Coverage of Firefly’s First Robotic Commercial Moon Landing

With a suite of NASA science and technology on board, Firefly Aerospace is targeting no earlier than 3:45 a.m. EST on Sunday, March 2, to land the Blue Ghost lunar…

Evolving intelligent life took billions of years − but it may not have been as unlikely as many scientists predicted

Humans evolved late in Earth history. While this timing inspired the conclusion that humanlike life is a cosmic improbability, a new study pushes back.

Address science misinformation not by repeating the facts, but by building conversation and community

For science to have a meaningful impact on a group of people, new information needs to spread between trusted members of that community.

Enzymes are the engines of life − machine learning tools could help scientists design new ones to tackle disease and climate change

Enzymes significantly speed up the chemical reactions that keep you alive. Researchers are using AI to create new ones to tackle modern challenges.

2024 State-of-the-Art Small Spacecraft Technology Report is Released

NASA’s Small Spacecraft Systems Virtual Institute (S3VI) is pleased to announce the official release of the highly anticipated 2024 State-of-the-Art Small Spacecraft Technology report. This significant accomplishment was made possible by…

A Stellar Bouquet

This image, released on Feb. 12, 2025, is the deepest X-ray image ever made of the spectacular star forming region called 30 Doradus. By combining X-ray data from NASA’s Chandra…

Here’s how researchers are helping AIs get their facts straight

Having AI models say how confident they are in their answers could help minimize inaccurate responses. Just don’t be overconfident about their confidence scores.

Mirror life is a scientific fantasy leading to a dangerous reality − a synthetic biologist explains how mirror bacteria could conquer life on Earth

Synthetic cells that look just like natural cells but are chemically reversed could outcompete other living organisms − with dire consequences for human health and the environment.

How much does scientific progress cost? Without government dollars for research infrastructure, breakthroughs become improbable

It costs money to maintain the various facilities, utilities and personnel that allow scientists to conduct research in the first place. Without federal support, institutions are left scrambling.

Taking Flight: How Drones are Changing the Face of Agriculture

Agriculture is a constantly evolving industry. Farmers continually seek innovative methods to improve efficiency, boost crop yields, and manage resources more effectively. One of the most significant recent advancements has…

There’s a Hexagon on Saturn’s North Pole

Saturn’s north pole features a massive, persistent storm shaped like a hexagon. This unusual atmospheric pattern was first discovered by NASA’s Voyager spacecraft in the 1980s and later studied in…

One Day on Mars Is Very Close to a Day on Earth

A day on Mars, known as a "sol," is only slightly longer than a day on Earth. One sol lasts approximately 24 hours, 39 minutes, and 35.244 seconds. This means…

The Great Silence: Grappling with the Fermi Paradox

The universe is vast. Unfathomably so. Within its observable expanse lie billions of galaxies, each a swirling island universe containing billions of stars. Around many of these stars, we now…

How the 2019 U.S. Navy UAP Videos Were Officially Confirmed

In September 2019, the United States Navy took an unprecedented step by officially confirming the authenticity of three unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) videos that had been circulating online. These videos,…

Spirit Rover by NASA, Robotic Space Exploration Mission 2003

Launched by NASA on June 10, 2003, as part of the Mars Exploration Rover program, Spirit was designed to study the geology and climate of Mars, with a specific focus…

The 2004 Nimitz Encounter and What It Reveals About UAPs

In November 2004, the crew of the USS Princeton, part of the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, detected unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) exhibiting flight characteristics beyond known human technology. During…

NASA Readies Moon Rocket for the Future with Manufacturing Innovation

NASA’s Artemis campaign will send astronauts, payloads, and science experiments into deep space on NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) super heavy-lift Moon rocket. Starting with Artemis IV, the Orion spacecraft…

How NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer Will Make a Looping Voyage to the Moon

Before arriving at the Moon, the small satellite mission will use the gravity of the Sun, Earth, and Moon over several months to gradually line up for capture into lunar…

The Enigmatic Timekeeper: The Guardian of Forever

The Star Trek universe is filled with fantastic technologies and mysterious entities, but few capture the imagination quite like the Guardian of Forever. This sentient time portal has appeared in multiple series,…

Mars Has the Tallest Volcano in the Solar System

Olympus Mons is the most massive volcano in the solar system, towering over the Martian surface at approximately 22 kilometers (13.6 miles) in height. This extinct shield volcano is nearly…

Did You Know That a Tariff is Effectively a Federal Tax on Consumers and Businesses?

A tariff is essentially a tax imposed on imported goods (and, much less commonly, exported goods). Governments use tariffs as a tool to influence trade flows, protect domestic industries, generate…

The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks on Space Assets

Modern satellite networks have become essential for a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, navigation, weather forecasting, and national security. However, these systems are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats due…

Blue Origin Announces Reduction in Workforce

Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, has decided to reduce its workforce by about 10%. This decision affects around 1,400 employees from a total of roughly 14,000.…

Taking Flight: Why Drones Offer Advantages Over Satellites in Many Applications

For decades, satellites have served as our eyes in the sky, providing invaluable data that informs everything from daily weather forecasts to sophisticated global communication networks. Their contribution is undeniable,…

The United States’ Debt: A Deep Dive into the Numbers and Their Implications

The United States national debt is a topic frequently discussed in news headlines, political debates, and economic analyses. It's a large number that seems to grow constantly, but understanding what…

The U.S. Dollar: Reigning Supreme in a Changing World

The United States dollar isn't just the currency Americans use to buy groceries or pay rent. It's a global powerhouse, the linchpin of international trade, a preferred asset for investors…

Lunar Space Station Module Will Journey to US ahead of NASA’s Artemis IV Moon Mission

A key element of the Gateway lunar space station has entered the cleanroom for final installations after completing environmental stress tests.

Navigating the Waters of Global Commerce: Understanding the International Trading System

The international trading system is the complex network of rules, agreements, and practices that govern how countries exchange goods and services across borders. It's a system that has developed over…

The Near-Term and Long-Term Impact of Trump’s Tariff Strategy

President Trump’s tariff strategy—marked by steep, unilateral import duties and a willingness to disregard existing trade agreements—has significantly reshaped global economic interactions. His approach challenges long-standing multilateral systems and has…

Sovereign Capability in the Space Economy

Sovereign capability in the space economy is often described as the capacity of a nation to autonomously develop, deploy, and sustain space-related systems and technologies without depending on external entities…

Blue Origin Job Cuts

Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, is reportedly preparing for significant job cuts aimed at reducing costs and shifting focus toward increasing rocket launches after extensive research…

Charting the Kelvin Timeline: An Alternate Reality in the Star Trek Universe

The Star Trek universe, renowned for its exploration of the future and the human condition, encompasses not only the Prime timeline familiar to fans of the original series and its…

How Space Exploration Inspires Global Unity and Cooperation

Space exploration has long served as a platform for international scientific collaboration, bringing together researchers, engineers, and institutions from different nations in pursuit of common goals. The complexity of space…

NASA Invites Media to Artemis II Moon Mission Activities at Kennedy

Media are invited to visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, to capture imagery of the agency’s Artemis II Orion spacecraft and twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters…

NASA’s Advancements in Space Continue Generating Products on Earth

The latest edition of NASA’s Spinoff publication, which highlights the successful transfer of agency technology to the commercial sector, is now available online. For nearly 25 years, NASA has supported…

NASA’s Polar Ice Experiment Paves Way for Future Moon Missions

NASA’s Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment-1 (PRIME-1) is preparing to explore the Moon’s subsurface and analyze where lunar resources may reside. The experiment’s two key instruments will demonstrate our ability…

25 Years Ago: STS-99, the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission

On Feb. 11, 2000, space shuttle Endeavour took to the skies on its 14th trip into space on the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The international STS-99 crew included Commander…

A Rainbow-colored “Feather” in the Martian Sky

NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover captured this feather-shaped iridescent cloud just after sunset on Jan. 27, 2023. Studying the colors in iridescent clouds tells scientists something about particle size within the…

15 Years Ago: STS-130 Delivers Tranquility and Cupola to Space Station

On Feb. 8, 2010, space shuttle Endeavour began its 24th trip into space, on the 20A assembly mission to the International Space Station, the 32nd shuttle flight to the orbiting…

The Hidden Architecture of Belief: Understanding Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories have always been a part of the human story. They offer alternative explanations for events, often involving secret plots by powerful groups. While the specific details change, the…

Book Review: Dark Mission: The Secret History of NASA

Dark Mission: The Secret History of NASA, written by Richard C. Hoagland and Mike Bara, presents a controversial interpretation of NASA’s activities, alleging that the agency has concealed information from…

Sentinel-5P: Monitoring Air Quality from Space

Sentinel-5P provides detailed atmospheric data by detecting and measuring pollutants from space. Equipped with the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI), this satellite can track a wide range of gases that affect…

Cyberattacks on US Infrastructure Between November 2023 and April 2024

Recent cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure between November 2023 and April 2024 highlight vulnerabilities in critical systems, particularly in industrial control systems (ICS) used in the food and agriculture, healthcare, and…

Protecting Our Lifelines: Safeguarding Infrastructure from the Drone Threat

The increasing use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, has brought remarkable changes to many industries, offering benefits in areas like delivery services and aerial surveying. Yet, this technology…

10 Must-See Science Fiction Movies for Space Enthusiasts

Science fiction movies set in space captivate audiences by blending scientific imagination with cinematic adventure. These films offer a glimpse into the cosmos, exploring themes of exploration, survival, alien contact,…

Movie Review: Civil War

Civil War, a film by Alex Garland, presents a chillingly plausible vision of a fractured America. The movie deliberately avoids partisan politics, focusing instead on the visceral human cost of…

Protecting the Pillars: An Examination of U.S. Infrastructure

The smooth functioning of the United States depends on a complex network of systems and facilities that provide essential services. These systems, known collectively as infrastructure, support our daily lives,…

Navigating Complexity: Thinking Clearly in a Complicated World

We live in a world brimming with complex problems. From personal financial planning to understanding global events, the challenges we face often require more than simple solutions. The ability to…

The Ultimate Guide to Hard Science Fiction

Science fiction offers a vast landscape of possibilities, from whimsical space operas to introspective dystopian tales. Within this spectrum lies a subgenre known as hard science fiction, a category that…

Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise

Okay, here we go, boldly going back to the early days of Starfleet with Star Trek: Enterprise! This prequel series had a rocky run, but it also produced some excellent episodes…

Top 10 Episodes of Star Trek: The Animated Series

Okay, let's fire up the Filmation animation cels and talk about Star Trek: The Animated Series! This often-overlooked series is a fascinating piece of Star Trek history, continuing the adventures of the Enterprise crew after…

Self-Aware Artificial Intelligence Entities in Science Fiction

Self-aware artificial intelligence (AI) entities have been a significant and recurring theme in science fiction, capturing the imagination of audiences for decades. These entities often serve as reflections of humanity's…

NASA’s Mini Rover Team Is Packed for Lunar Journey

A trio of suitcase-size rovers and their base station have been carefully wrapped up and shipped off to join the lander that will deliver them to the Moon’s surface. Three…

Modern Dependencies: The Impact of Complex Systems on Society and Civilization

Modern society relies on an ever-expanding network of technological systems that influence almost every facet of daily life. Over time, these systems have grown in complexity, become tightly connected, and…

NASA Researcher’s AI ‘Eye’ Could Help Robotic Data-Gathering

When it comes to making real-time decisions about unfamiliar data – say, choosing a path to hike up a mountain you’ve never scaled before – existing artificial intelligence and machine…

Every USS Enterprise in the Star Trek Universe

The USS Enterprise, a name that resonates with the spirit of exploration, discovery, and the core ideals of Starfleet, has captivated audiences for generations. It's more than a recurring starship…

Book Review: Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson, Nebula Award Winner 1993

Kim Stanley Robinson’s Red Mars envisions a meticulously detailed trajectory of humanity’s colonization of the Red Planet, delving deeply into both the logistical challenges and the social evolution of such…

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station: Launching US Military and Civilian Missions

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), located on Florida's east coast, has played a major role in space exploration and national defense since the mid-20th century. Originally known as the…

Ice on Mercury? Exploring the Polar Craters

Despite being the closest planet to the Sun, Mercury harbors ice within its polar craters. This surprising discovery was first suggested in the early 1990s when Earth-based radar observations revealed…

GRACE-FO: Tracking Changes in Earth’s Water Storage

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission provides valuable data on Earth's changing water storage by continuously measuring variations in the planet's gravitational field. These changes reflect shifts…

The 1980 Cash-Landrum UFO Case and Its Lasting Impact

On the evening of December 29, 1980, Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Vickie’s young grandson, Colby Landrum, were traveling along a rural road near Huffman, Texas, when they encountered an…

Book Review: The Reliability of UFO Witness Testimony

The book The Reliability of UFO Witness Testimony, edited by V.J. Ballester-Olmos and Richard W. Heiden, presents a multidisciplinary examination of the credibility of UFO witness accounts. This collection of…

How the AATIP Program Studied UAPs in Secret

The Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) was a classified initiative within the U.S. Department of Defense focused on studying unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). Established in 2007, AATIP was spearheaded…

Today’s 10 Most Popular New Release Sci-Fi Novels

Science fiction continues to captivate readers with its ability to explore the boundaries of imagination, technology, and the human condition. As new authors emerge and established voices push the genre…

Repositioning Asteroids: Scenarios and Governance Considerations

Asteroids have long been a subject of fascination and study. Their presence in the solar system offers both opportunities and risks. For some, these rocky bodies represent a source of…

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