Technology

After an initial review of the data from the HAKUTO-R Mission 1 lunar lander, ispace stated that as the lander was on final approach the “descent speed rapidly increased” after “the estimated remaining propellant reached at the lower threshold.” This resulted in a “hard landing,” essentially a crash landing.

As with any landing on the Moon there are many anxious moments. That was no different today, and even those around the world watching remotely through YouTube could sense it. At ispace mission control, and in the auditorium where executives, officials and invitees watched, looks spoke loudly. First there was the anticipation of a possible successful landing, then the resignation that something had gone wrong.

SpaceX commentators were simply giddy that the massive Starship launch vehicle cleared the launch tower on its first fully integrated test launch. And at one point it appeared they might make it to orbit.

Mission Control Space Services is pushing hard into the artificial intelligence (AI) space. The Ottawa-based mission control software company, which has an emphasis on education as well, announced the formation of an Orbital Autonomy Lab on Wednesday (Feb. 15). This page is for subscribers only. Already a subscriber? Log in. Fact-driven space news, columns, business, policy, technology and more. Support independent journalism. SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Montreal-based GHGSat plans to launch the world's commercial satellite focused on carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring later this year; launch provider and timing will be announced in the coming months. This page is for subscribers only. Already a subscriber? Log in. Fact-driven space news, columns, business, policy, technology and more. Support independent journalism. SUBSCRIBE TODAY

A new Department of National Defence (DND) IDEaS challenge is coming within the next week focused on “preparing for a quantum world,” including technologies used in the space sector.

After a year and a half of quiet research and development, Toronto-based STELLS has just emerged from stealth. They’re promising to resolve a potentially major problem with operations on the Moon in the years ahead: powering equipment (especially rovers) in the shadow of lunar craters.

Almost 50 years to the day, it was December 7, 1972, that NASA’s Apollo 17 mission launched on the last human mission to the Moon, NASA and its international partners, launched for the first time the rocket that will take humans back to the Moon.

On September 7, 2022, Apple announced that their new iPhone 14 would have satellite connectivity, thanks to a new deal with Globalstar.

NASA really wants to launch the Artemis I mission this month, but won’t rush repairs. Getting the Artemis Program on track is critical however.