max q: Smashing a Spacecraft into an Asteroid

Max Q: A Year-End Update and Space Event Announcement

Greetings and welcome back to Max Q! It’s quite remarkable to consider that the year 2021 is drawing to a close. This milestone signifies the imminent arrival of TC Sessions: Space, a key event for the space industry.

TC Sessions: Space – Registration Still Open

Those interested in attending this two-day event still have the opportunity to register. Further details regarding the event can be found below.

Your input is highly valued. Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments, and any feedback you may have by reaching out to aria.techcrunch@gmail.com.

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We appreciate your continued readership and look forward to sharing more space industry news with you.

A Critical Test: NASA’s Asteroid Deflection Mission

NASA has initiated a groundbreaking mission focused on asteroid deflection. The core objective involves intentionally colliding a spacecraft with a small asteroid to evaluate the feasibility of altering its course.

This endeavor, known as the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, launched Wednesday morning amidst considerable excitement. It represents humanity’s inaugural attempt to manipulate an asteroid’s trajectory. Fortunately, the chosen asteroid presents no immediate threat to Earth.

The spacecraft is projected to require approximately ten months to reach its destination. Precise engine burns and thruster adjustments will be crucial for a direct impact with the smaller asteroid within a binary system.

The collision is anticipated to modify the asteroid’s orbital velocity by a fraction of a percent. However, even this slight change should be sufficient to reduce its orbital period by several minutes.

The Importance of Planetary Defense

“For decades, the field of Planetary Defense has been dedicated to addressing this challenge,” stated Thomas Zurbuchen, leader of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. “Now is the time to develop and refine the necessary tools, as the need for such capabilities is growing.”

Zurbuchen further noted that support for the program has significantly increased in recent years. The selected target asteroid has been under consideration for at least five years, due to its suitability for ground-based observation of the mission’s outcome, eliminating the need for additional investigative missions.

Below is an animation detailing the mission, provided by NASA:

The mission aims to test a potential method for protecting Earth from future asteroid impacts.
The target asteroid poses no current danger to our planet.
Success will be measured by observing changes in the asteroid’s orbital period.

NASA’s DART mission marks a significant step forward in planetary protection strategies. It demonstrates a proactive approach to mitigating potential risks from near-Earth objects.

Post-Launch Insights from Astra’s Chris Kemp and Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck

This week, both Peter Beck of Rocket Lab and Chris Kemp of Astra provided detailed post-launch briefings to members of the press. These discussions outlined future strategies for their respective space ventures.

Let's begin with Astra. The company recently achieved a significant milestone with its first successful orbital launch. Astra, which became a publicly traded company through a SPAC merger earlier this year, successfully delivered a payload for the U.S. Space Force under the Space Test Program.

Kemp indicated that the company is now prepared to initiate commercial launch services utilizing its Rocket 3.3 vehicle. Furthermore, flight testing of a larger rocket variant, designated Rocket 4.0, is scheduled to begin next year.

He emphasized the inherent difficulty of spaceflight, stating, “The complexities are substantial, and a single issue can lead to failure.”

Turning now to Rocket Lab, the company also celebrated a recent success: the third successful recovery of a rocket booster. The subsequent phase of their recovery program involves capturing the booster mid-air with the aid of a helicopter.

This airborne capture represents the long-term objective of Rocket Lab’s reusability initiative. Beck stated that extensive preparation has been undertaken for this mission, anticipated to occur during the first six months of the coming year.

Ultimately, approximately 50% of Electron launches are projected to utilize reusable boosters, as opposed to expendable ones. This contrasts with the design of their future Neutron rocket, which is intended for full reusability on every flight.

“We are incredibly grateful for the reusability efforts currently underway with Electron,” Beck explained. “These endeavors provide invaluable practical lessons that cannot be replicated through wind tunnel testing or analytical modeling. Real-world flight experience is essential.”

He continued, “Electron has proven to be an exceptional platform for learning about reentry dynamics, controlling reentry trajectories, and managing thermal stresses. Reusability isn’t primarily a structural challenge; it’s a matter of thermal management and precise control. Electron has allowed us to refine these capabilities.”

max q: get in loser, we’re smashing a spacecraft into an asteroid

Recent Developments in Space Exploration and Industry

Blue Origin has scheduled its upcoming crewed spaceflight for December 9th. The flight roster features several notable individuals, including Michael Strahan, co-host of Good Morning America.

Also on board will be Laura Shepard Churchley, the daughter of Alan Shepard, alongside Voyager Space CEO Dylan Taylor. Evan Dick, managing member of Dick Holdings, and the father-son duo of Lane Bess and Cameron Bess are also confirmed passengers.

Pangea Aerospace, a company headquartered in Barcelona and focused on orbital launch vehicle development, has achieved a successful test of a scaled-down “aerospike” engine. These engines are theorized to offer improved efficiency, though significant hurdles in design and manufacturing have historically limited their implementation.

SpaceX is currently experiencing changes in its leadership structure, according to reports from CNBC citing anonymous sources. Will Heltsley, previously the VP of propulsion, and Lee Rosen, formerly the VP of mission and launch operations, have reportedly departed the company after extended periods of service.

Voyager Space Holdings continues its expansion through strategic acquisitions, with its latest being Space Micro. Space Micro specializes in the production of orbital communications and digital subsystems for satellites.

This acquisition represents Voyager’s sixth since its establishment in October 2019. The company aims to establish itself as a comprehensive space solutions provider, encompassing robotics, launch assistance, and communications technologies.

TC Sessions: Space 2021 – A First Look at the Schedule

Following the success of our inaugural space-focused event last year, we are pleased to announce TC Sessions: Space will return in 2021. The conference is scheduled for December 14th and 15th.

This year’s event will again be held entirely online, ensuring global accessibility for attendees worldwide. Participation is open to everyone interested in the space industry.

Explore the Preliminary Agenda

A preview of the initial agenda is now available. You can view the schedule by clicking here.

The sessions planned are expected to be highly informative and engaging, making this a crucial event for space enthusiasts and professionals. Don't miss this opportunity to stay current with the latest developments.

Key highlights and discussions will cover a wide range of topics within the space sector.

Expect insights from leading experts.
Discover emerging trends in space technology.
Network with professionals from across the globe.

We anticipate a high level of interest, so early registration is encouraged. This virtual format allows for convenient access and participation from any location.

The burgeoning space industry is attracting significant investment and innovation. Recent events, such as TC Sessions: Space 2021, highlight the growing momentum within this sector.

Investment Trends in Space Technology are rapidly accelerating. Venture capital firms are increasingly focusing on companies developing technologies for space exploration, satellite communications, and Earth observation.

Several key areas are driving this investment surge. These include advancements in rocket technology, the development of small satellites, and the expanding market for space-based data.

TC Sessions: Space 2021 served as a platform for showcasing these advancements. The event featured discussions with leading figures in the space industry, including entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.

Discussions centered around the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Topics included the need for regulatory frameworks that support innovation, the importance of international collaboration, and the ethical considerations surrounding space exploration.

Key Takeaways from the event emphasized the transformative potential of space technology. It was noted that space-based solutions can address critical global challenges.

These challenges include climate change monitoring.
Improved communication infrastructure is also a key area.
Furthermore, advancements in resource management were discussed.

The event also highlighted the growing role of the private sector in space exploration. Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Future Outlook for the space industry remains exceptionally positive. Continued investment and technological breakthroughs are expected to fuel further growth.

The development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced materials, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of space exploration. The industry is poised for continued expansion and innovation in the years to come.

Satellite technology is also expected to become more sophisticated, offering enhanced capabilities for Earth observation and communication. This will lead to new applications in areas such as agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.