NBC News – On Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission, Ed Dwight became the oldest person to reach space at age 90. He was the U.S.’s first Black astronaut candidate, when President John F. Kennedy selected Dwight in 1961.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Creating Space Intel Hub
Courtney Albon, DefenseNews – The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is building the Joint Mission Management Center, a hub to integrate data collected from the Defense Department, intelligence agencies, and international partners.
Blue Origin Successfully Launches its First Crewed Mission Since 2022
Anthony Ha, TechCrunch – Blue Origin successfully completed its NS-25 mission, resuming crewed flights for the first time in nearly two years. The mission brought six tourist crew members to the edge of space, including former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight.
National Space Council Will Explore Military Space and Intelligence Roles and Responsibilities
Debra Werner, SpaceNews – Chirag Parikh, the National Space Council’s executive secretary, said he is mediating the tug-of-war between military leaders concerned with speedy access to data, and intelligence agency leaders who emphasize verifying information.
Satellite Applications Catapult and The Aerospace Corporation UK Collaborate on In-Orbit Servicing Capabilities
Integration of these facilities will allow faster validation and verification of emerging in-space servicing capabilities; reduce the time companies take to develop products; and deliver proofs of concept for funders, investors, and insurers more quickly.
Amplifying the Global Value of Earth Observation
A new report by the World Economic Forum and Deloitte highlights the exponential growth in satellite technology and its applications across various sectors.
NASA’s Strategy For Space Sustainability
Jeff Foust, SpaceNews – In a speech unveiling NASA’s first Space Sustainability Strategy, deputy NASA administrator Pam Melroy said the agency’s goal is to create a space sustainability framework, before developing technology to manage space debris.
Defense Chiefs From U.S., Australia, Japan, and Philippines Vow to Deepen Cooperation
Audrey McAvoy, AP — Defense chiefs from the four countries vowed to deepen their cooperation as they gathered on May 2 in Hawaii for their second-ever joint meeting, amid concerns about China’s operations in the South China Sea.
Rocket Lab Announces Supplier Agreements for Military Satellite Project
Sandra Erwin, SpaceNews — Rocket Lab unveiled the suppliers it selected to support the production of 18 satellites for the U.S. military.
NGA to Tap Commercial Satellites to Patrol Maritime Hotspots
Sandra Erwin, SpaceNews — Speaking at the GEOINT Symposium, Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth announced the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s first-ever solicitation for commercial solutions focused specifically on maritime domain awareness.