➀ Glasgow University's patent supports the development of space factories; ➁ The technology uses a granular material suitable for microgravity and space; ➂ The research aims to embed electronics into materials during the printing process, enabling functional components for space devices.

➀ NASA has awarded four contracts to Alphacore in 2024; ➁ The contracts aim to advance the development of cutting-edge microelectronics systems; ➂ Alphacore specializes in analog, mixed-signal, and RF integrated circuit design intellectual property.

➀ Nokia has completed the final integration of its Lunar Surface Communication System (LSCS) into Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 lander; ➁ The Athena lander will be equipped with LSCS for communication in the lunar south pole region; ➂ The system is designed to support high-definition video streaming, command-and-control communications, and telemetry data.

➀ The ESA and Telesat have established a world-first 5G connection to a non-geostationary spacecraft. This is a significant step towards making space-based connections as simple as using a mobile phone. ➁ The connection was made using 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology in the Ka-band frequency range. ➂ The initiative showcases the collaboration between ESA, Telesat, and Amarisoft, aiming to support services requiring real-time, interactive connections, such as rural healthcare and remote industrial operations.

➀ Ukraine is set to become one of the first countries in the world to receive satellite-to-smartphone service following an agreement with Elon Musk and Kyivstar, a Ukrainian mobile operator. ➁ The service will utilize modems on Starlink satellites to beam signals to handsets, with a messaging service expected to begin in Q4 2025. ➂ Starlink has already provided military communication services to Ukraine since 2022, and the new service is seen as a sign of continued U.S. government support for Ukraine.

➀ ION-X, an electrospray propulsion specialist, has raised €13 million to industrialize the production of its ion thrusters. The goal is to produce 200 ion thrusters per year by 2028. ➁ The company is a spin-off from CNRS and Technofounders, with funding from Expansion, Technofounders Participation, EIC Fund, and Île-de-France Region. ➂ ION-X aims to revolutionize the space mobility market with its propulsion solutions, contributing to sustainable and cost-effective space missions.

➀ The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully launched the VEGA-C rocket and its Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite, which has provided the first radar images of Earth. The satellite features a state-of-the-art C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instrument. ➁ Sentinel-1C will orbit 700km above the Earth’s surface and provide high-resolution imagery day and night, in all weather conditions. ➂ The satellite will play a vital role in marine surveillance, including oil-spill detection and maritime security.

➀ NASA has been exploring the challenges of radiation in space; ➁ The agency acknowledges that more information is needed before discussing manned space flights beyond low Earth orbit; ➂ NASA is working on new launching vehicles to address these challenges.

➀ Gitai USA, a space robotics startup, has raised $15.5 million in its latest Series B Extension round. This brings the total raised in Series B Extension rounds to $60.5 million. ➁ The lead investor in this round was Maezawa Fund, operated by Japanese billionaire entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa. ➃ Gitai USA plans to use the additional funding to advance on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure construction in the U.S. space and defense market.

➀ Optimum Technologies has secured a contract from the U.S. Space Force for an optical imaging payload. The payload is for the VICTUS SURGO mission, scheduled for 2026 launch. ➁ The contract is worth $4.5 million and is a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 3 agreement. ➂ The payload includes a telescope, camera, processing electronics, and software, to be built at the company's expanded satellite manufacturing facility.

➀ Sony Space Communications Corporation and Astro Digital are partnering to design, manufacture, and launch two micro-satellites for laser communication; ➁ The satellites will showcase SSCC's optical communication technology and push for laser communication to become the industry standard for space comms; ➂ The collaboration aims to address the need for efficient and reliable communication in space exploration.

➀ Spire Global has won a contract from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to improve wildfire detection; ➁ The company will work with OroraTech to develop an early detection and active monitoring system; ➂ The system aims to provide near real-time satellite data for improved decision-making and response times in fire management.

➀ Orbit Fab, specializing in spacecraft refueling systems, has partnered with four space sector companies; ➁ The agreements aim to deepen partnerships and expand expertise in spacecraft technology, propulsion, and in-orbit servicing; ➂ Orbit Fab's focus is on extending the lifespan of satellites, moving away from the single-use paradigm; ➃ The partnerships were signed at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan.

➀ The article discusses a discrete RF sampling transceiver reference design suitable for space applications; ➁ The design is developed by Texas Instruments and supports up to 5GHz bandwidth; ➂ It is capable of handling wide instantaneous bandwidths for reliable communication and control in space missions.

➀ Ramon.Space has been chosen for a UK Space Agency-funded program to develop its NuComm onboard processor; ➁ The processor is designed for large-scale communication satellite constellations and will deliver high-capacity, low-power digital communication systems; ➂ The modular, software-defined platform allows for in-orbit updates and reconfiguration, enhancing operational efficiency and resilience.

➀ Marconi has confirmed conducting satellite tracking experiments to contribute to space technology research. ➁ Dr. E. Eastwood emphasizes the need for intensive R&D in telecommunications for satellite communication between Britain and the US. ➂ Marconi is also engaged in studies on electronic storage, information encoding, and solar-powered devices, with a focus on reliability.

1. The UK Space Agency has announced £10.9 million in funding for five Scottish space sector projects. 2. Major projects include a sub-orbital rocket test by HyImpulse and technology development by Spire Global for unique weather forecasting data. 3. Additional 'Kick Starter' projects focus on lunar exploration energy resources, low noise amplifier technology, and a modular astro-robotic system.

1. The ISS National Lab announces funding opportunities up to $750,000 for projects with commercial applications. 2. The funding covers various technology areas such as chemical synthesis, translational medicine, and in-space manufacturing. 3. Interested parties must submit a concept summary by July 12, 2024, with full proposals due by October 2, 2024.

1. IENAI Space, a Madrid-based startup, has raised €3.9 million in its latest funding round to develop electric propulsion technologies. 2. The total funding now stands at €7 million, with investors including Inveready, WA4STEAM, DPM, GED Conexo Ventures, and CDTI. 3. The company plans to expand its manufacturing and testing facilities across Europe and increase its workforce from 22 to 30 employees.