This marks L3Harris’ second acquisition announcement of 2022, demonstrating its continued focus on delivering critical capabilities to warfighters while strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base through increased competition.

MELBOURNE, Fla., and EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (L3 Harris PR) — L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) and Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AJRD) together announced the signing of a definitive agreement for L3Harris to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne for $58 per share, in an all-cash transaction valued at $4.7 billion, inclusive of net debt.

Last week was a busy one with SpaceX launching three times in less than two days, China going three-for-four with the failure of a new booster on its maiden flight, and Europe conducting its fourth launch of the year.

Six more launches are scheduled to close out a record year that has already seen 181 orbital launch attempts across the globe.

Planet Labs reported third quarter earnings of $9.7 million that were up 57% over the same period last year, and forecast revenues for the year would be up 45 percent to $188-$192 million.

Profitability, however, remains a challenge for the Earth observation company. Planet reported a net quarterly loss of $40.2 million, down slightly from $41.5 million in the third quarter of 2021. Net loss for the first nine months of 2022 was $124.1 million, compared with $91.2 million for the same period last year.

WASHINGTON (NASA PR) — NASA has named 15 teams moving on to compete in the semifinal level of its Break the Ice Lunar Challenge. The $3.5 million multi-phase challenge invites problem-solvers from businesses, academia, maker communities, and more to play a role in building a lasting human presence and vibrant economy on the Moon by tapping into resources that are already there.

• Maxar stockholders to receive $53.00 per share in cash, a 129% premium to prior closing price
  Maxar to remain U.S.-controlled and operated company following close|
  Advent brings 35+ year investment track record with significant experience in global security and defense
• Transaction will support Maxar to accelerate investment in and development of the Company’s next-generation satellite technologies and data insights for its customers

WESTMINSTER, Colo. & BOSTON–(Maxar/Advent International PR)– Maxar Technologies (NYSE:MAXR) (TSX:MAXR) (“Maxar” or the “Company”), provider of comprehensive space solutions and secure, precise, geospatial intelligence, today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by Advent International (“Advent”), one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, in an all-cash transaction that values Maxar at an enterprise value of approximately $6.4 billion. Advent is headquartered in the United States and has a demonstrable track record as a responsible owner of defense and security businesses. Following the close of the transaction, Maxar will remain a U.S.-controlled and operated company.

Updated 12/16 at 12:08 p.m. PST with information about Planet Labs acquisition of Salo Sciences.

‘Tis the season for contracts, MOUs and LOIs. There’s been a lot going on as we enter the last weeks of 2022.

Let’s take a look at agreements involving OneWeb, Hughes, Boeing, Collins Aerospace, Arianespace, Kongsberg NanoAvionics, Hanwha Aerospace, Absolut Sensing, Gravitics, mPower Technology, Constellr, Vyom Space Exploration, Satellogic, Planet Labs, Salo Sciences and AST SpaceMobile. Space agencies involved include NASA, ESA, UK Space Agency, ISRO, KARI and the Mexican Space Agency.

Relativity Space’s 3D printed Terran 1 rocket reached the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida as the company continued preparations for the booster’s maiden flight early next year.

An announcement from the family of SpaceShipOne astronaut Brian Binnie.

You are cordially invited to join us as we celebrate the life of CDR William Brian Binnie at his interment ceremony.

Brian will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) with full military honors on the 30th of January 2023 at 12:45 pm. His widow and family invite you to attend the interment and to bring your fondest memories of Brian.

Space Act Agreement formalizes existing cooperation to protect assets in low Earth orbit

MIDLAND, Texas, December 15, 2022 (AST SpaceMobile PR) – AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones, today announced that its subsidiary, AST & Science, LLC, and NASA recently signed an agreement to formalize both organizations’ dedication to maintaining and improving safety in the shared environment of space.

The UK Space Agency has announced £2.7 million (USD $3.35 million) for 13 early-stage technology projects across England, Scotland and Wales to support the growing satellite launch sector. The finding comes from the agency’s new Launch UK Technology Investment Programme.

“Funding new science and technology developments is crucial to growing the UK space sector and catalysing further investment into our economy,” said Deputy CEO Ian Annett. “While we look forward to marking a major milestone in UK launch capabilities with the upcoming launch from Spaceport Cornwall, projects such as these ensure we have growing pipeline of new technologies ready for lift-off to support our long-term ambitions.”

NEW YORK (Satellogic PR) –Satellogic Inc. (NASDAQ: SATL), a leader in sub-meter resolution Earth Observation (“EO”) data collection, today announced that it has signed a letter of intent (the “LOI”) with Agencia Espacial Mexicana (“AEM”) to develop a fully-featured and operational Constellation-as-a-Service program to monitor approximately 2 million square kilometers of the nation.