Commercial Space

Space traffic coordination needs massive amounts of data analysis to operate safely and efficiently. — Traffic etiquette, once learned, can seem intuitive: a driver stops their car at a red light, understanding that cross-traffic will have a green light and the right-of-way. Coordinating these simple signals have enabled a vast transportation system that continuously accommodates over 275 million motor vehicles across the United States. …

Originally written March 2019. I’m going to tell you something I usually don’t broadcast: I didn’t always know what I wanted to do. All my life, I’ve been a person who wanted to be challenged, to succeed, to be admired, and to be seen. From leading storytime in kindergarten to…

A renewed interest in launch rideshares for small satellites is enabling more frequent opportunities to reach orbit at a competitive price. We look at who’s involved and what’s next for the industry. — Generally, rockets go to space to place satellites with a payload, like a camera or radio, for observation or communication. Around they year 2000, it became increasingly easy to make small, inexpensive satellites to rideshare into space as part of a larger satellite launch.

Shrinking technology and lower costs are making on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing an area of emerging technology and growth in the space domain. — On-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (OSAM) refers to the use of refuelers and space tugs for on-orbit maneuvering and refueling. Several companies are now competing in the trade space of these exciting missions in the U.S. and European marketplace.

Today marks Blue Origin New Shepard’s 18th mission, NS-18, which will lift off on Wednesday, October 13, carrying four astronauts, Dr. Chris Boshuizen, Glen de Vries, Audrey Powers, and William Shatner, to space and back. William Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk on “Star Trek,” will become the oldest…

Meet the FAA’s new Space Data Integrator — This is an exciting time to work in the aerospace sector and the FAA is a big part of our nation’s new space ventures. It’s the FAA’s job to manage the airspace so all users, including space launch and reentry vehicles, can safely share the sky. This may seem complicated…