by Douglas Messier
Managing Editor

Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit launch company will acquire an equity stake in Sky and Space Global (SAS) and sign new strategic launch services and mutual reseller agreements with the struggling communications satellite company.

SAS announced on Oct. 28 that Virgin Orbit would take no less than a 14.7% stake in the company by purchasing shares at a price of A$.020 (US$0.14) each.

• DLR is building a new research observatory to determine the nature and trajectory of objects in low-Earth orbit quickly, precisely and reliably. Accurate data are important to avoid collisions between satellites and space debris.
• Construction work will begin at the end of May 2020 at the Empfingen Innovation Campus in Baden-Württemberg. The inauguration is planned for spring 2021.
• The project focuses on particularly accurate measurement of distances using specialised lasers.
• The research telescope will be the largest of its kind in Europe.

Baden-Württemberg, Germany (DLR PR) — With the construction of a new research observatory, the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is taking the next step in determining the nature and trajectory of objects in low-Earth orbit as quickly, precisely and reliably as possible. This is fundamental for the future of spaceflight as it is the only way to prevent collisions between objects such as space debris and active satellites.

ARLINGTON, Va. (AIA PR) — The Aerospace States Association (ASA) an association of state Lt. Governors and the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) representing aerospace manufacturers have signed a historic agreement to grow high paying jobs, increase economic development and inspire America’s youth to join the aerospace workforce of the future.

ASA Chair, Alabama Lt. Governor Kay Ivey said “America’s aerospace industry is our nation’s and our states’ lifeblood. It provides for national security, provides transportation for our economy, and provides the ability to explore space, the next frontier. The aerospace industry grows our state economies, employs more than one million high-paying jobs, and is a source of innovation and inspiration for our youth to enter our STEM workforce.”

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