by Douglas Messier
Managing Editor
NASA needs to shift its strategy from preventing future space debris to leading a global effort to actively cleaning up the debris that is already in Earth orbit, according to a new report from the space agency’s Office of Inspector General (OIG).
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TOKYO — The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is conducting in-orbit demonstration of key components and new elemental technologies using microsatellite as part of the development of innovative basic satellite-related technologies shown in the Basic Space Plan.
We are promoting the “Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program” with the aim of implementing the above in a timely and inexpensive manner.
We are pleased to inform you that we have selected one additional demonstration theme below.
| Classification | Recruitment Issues | Theme Name | Proposing Organization (Representative) | Main Reasons for Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsatellite | Demonstration of technology and concept to create new space utilization market in Japan and overseas by new space utilization business concept | Debris capture technology demonstration using space tether technology | Shizuoka University (Kimihiro Nomi) | The business of utilizing debris as a recycling resource is novel. We can expect continuous human resource development in collaboration with space ventures. |
In the future, we will proceed with preparations such as concluding necessary arrangements, technical adjustments, and safety examinations for the launch.
by Douglas Messier
Managing Editor
Rocket Lab launched 30 satellites into orbit from Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand on Friday. For the first time, the company recovered the Electron rocket’s first stage.
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LONG BEACH, Calif., November 2, 2020 (Rocket Lab PR) – Leading space systems company, Rocket Lab, has today announced its next Electron mission will feature a diverse range of payloads from the United States, France and New Zealand.
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ESA PR — Space tethers hold intriguing potential for satellite manoeuvring, attitude control and even power generation. But about half of all orbital tether tests have either failed to deploy or snapped, probably due to micrometeoroid impacts.This scanning electron microscope image shows the new design of an ultra-thin and hopefully snap-proof solar sail tether soon to be tested on Estonia’s ESTCube-1, which is being launched into orbit along with ESA’s Proba-V satellite on the next Vega rocket in April. Harnessing manufacturing techniques from the microelectronics industry, this aluminium tether measures just 50 micrometres across – across half the diameter of the average human hair – with a smaller 25 micrometre wire interweaved onto it. (more…)
