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1 |  A report by N.Y.-based VC firm Space Capital reveals that investments in the U.S. space sector plummeted 53% to $2.2B in Q1 2023, making it the lowest quarter since 2015. The $2.2B was distributed across 89 companies, with growth-stage companies receiving 55% of the total.
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2 | SpaceX's Starship was designated for its first orbital launch but exploded mid-flight last Thursday, Apr. 20. The spacecraft launched from the company's Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, but blew up in mid-air roughly four minutes after lift-off. |
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3 | French aerospace giant Airbus has unveiled its new ‘LOOP’ space station concept. The orbital module is designed to host up to eight crew members and will feature a greenhouse, a gym, three levels, and a centrifuge that can simulate gravity conditions. |
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4 | On Apr. 19, Virgin Orbit announced the completion of its investigation into the failed LauncherOne mission, which took place on Jan. 9. The company confirmed that the launch failure was linked to a dislodged fuel filter in the spacecraft’s propulsion system in the rocket’s second-stage engine, which resulted in the engine shutting down prematurely, leaving the payloads unable to reach orbit. Despite filing for bankruptcy last month, Virgin Orbit announced that it aims to conduct another launch before the end of 2023. |
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5 | SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch vehicle was slated to launch the ViaSat-3 Americas and Astranis Arcturus satellites from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on Apr. 18 but is facing delays that have pushed the launch to Apr. 26. This rescheduling may affect upcoming flights to the ISS, including Axiom Space’s private astronaut mission, which is scheduled for May 8. |
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6 | Hydrosat, a provider of geospatial intelligence for food security, critical infrastructure, and the environment, has secured $20M in private investments and U.S. government grants. The D.C.-based company plans to use its funds to build new satellites, onboard more staff, and launch a new commercial data fusion and analytics product. |
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7 | Colorado-based commercial space company Sierra Space is teaming up with Delaware-based specialty engineering and manufacturing company ILC Dover to develop inflatable space station modules and spacesuits. Contractual terms state that ILC Dover will be the exclusive provider of soft goods for Sierra Space’s Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) Habitat modules. |
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