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G’day — and welcome to the 101 Trailblazers who have joined us since last time!

We’re Trailblazers, the Space Newsletter that keeps you in the loop on the latest space regulations, because even in the final frontier, it's important to have your paperwork in order.

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#LAUNCHPAD

In today’s edition

• Orbital Brinkmanship and the Peril of Weapons in Space

• Licensing of In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing

• StarGraph: Groups of Objects in LEO (Jan 2024)

• 5 Resources to Boost Your Workflows

• Deal Flow: The Latest Investments in the Space Economy

• GhostInTheMachine: Life in the Solar System as Art Deco Art

#TOGETHER WITH NOTION

Space Pros: Achieve More in 2024 with Goal Setting!

With Notion, it’s never been easier to set goals… and follow through. Whether you’re kicking off a new gym routine, organizing a family trip, or tracking your space business goals, Notion makes following through on your plans easier than ever. Simply choose a template, add friends and teammates, and start making progress on your 2024 resolutions.

Click here to learn more and get started for free.

#NEWS

🍪 Space Economy Bites & Snaps

Bites…

⭐ Space Drugs: After months in orbit limbo, Varda Space Industries secures FAA approval to bring back its drug-manufacturing capsule, a pioneering move for space-produced pharmaceuticals, promising improved drug formulations.

⭐ Orbital Cleanup: LeoLabs and Secure World Foundation unite to tackle the escalating issue of orbital debris, setting the stage for an international summit aimed at cleaning up low Earth orbit for safer satellite operations.

… and Snaps

• Securing the Skies: Aerospace cybersecurity market to reach $58.8 billion by 2032 due to rising cyber threats.

• Starlink SA: Service disconnection causes uproar, raising questions on regulation and space industry dynamics.

• Odysseus Lander: Historic private Moon landing bid starts, eyes on Lunar south pole and NASA's future missions.

• China's Lunar Ambition: CNSA's Chang'e 8 mission in 2028 aims to build moon base with robot, using lunar bricks.

• Starship III: Elon Musk teases next launch in 3 weeks, hinting at rapid progress and exciting future missions.

#MARKETWATCH

💹 Investing in the Universe

Here's a list of funds that track companies in the space sector, giving investors access to the expanding space economy. These funds include firms in space exploration, satellite technology, and related areas, offering potential growth aligned with future technological advancements.

• Procure Space ETF (UFO) ▲ $17.31 (+1.4%)

• RK Space Exploration and Innovation (ARKX) ▼ $14.92 (-0.3%)

• S&P Kensho Final Frontiers (ROKT) ▲ $43.81 (+0.6%)

Prices as of February 15, 2024, 3:59 p.m. ET

#EVENTHORIZON

🆙 Trends in Space, Tech, and AI

Orbital Brinkmanship and the Peril of Weapons in Space

Russian ambitions to develop space-based nuclear weapons represent a dangerous escalation that threatens global security. If deployed, these weapons could target critical satellite infrastructure, potentially crippling civilian and military communication networks. This would violate international norms established by the 1967 Outer Space Treaty forbidding nuclear weapons in Earth's orbit.

The possibility of Russia breaching this long-standing prohibition has alarmed US lawmakers, who warn it could inspire other nations to follow suit. This could trigger a destabilizing orbital arms race. While Russia denies these allegations, the stakes are profoundly high. We stand at a pivotal juncture requiring unified diplomacy to contain this menace. The future of space exploration and international cooperation hangs in the balance as the stars above become potential harbingers of conflict rather than beacons of hope.

📚 Additional reading for a deeper dive:

• The Role of Nuclear Power and Nuclear Propulsion in the Peaceful Exploration of Space

• Policy Implications of Expanding Global Access to Nuclear Power

• Weapons in Space: Are We On The Verge Of A New Arms Race?

• Weapons in Space: Technology, Politics, and the Rise and Fall of the Strategic Defense Initiative

#STARGRAPH

📊 Groups of objects in LEO (Jan 2024)

#SPACEREGS

🧩 Developments in space governance, regulations & policy

FCC framework for licensing in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) activities

• FCC Proposal for ISAM Licensing: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed a framework for licensing in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) activities, which are an area of rapidly accelerating innovation and economic opportunity.

• ISAM Definition and Benefits: ISAM refers to a set of capabilities used on-orbit, on the surface of space objects and celestial bodies, and in transit. ISAM activities have the potential to support U.S. space leadership, including advance communications, space exploration, and national security.

• Space Innovation Agenda: The FCC’s proposal is part of its Space Innovation Agenda, which aims to support the development of novel space activities. The proposal builds on an inquiry adopted in August 2022 to open a proceeding on ISAM-specific licensing needs, and furthers the goals of the White House’s ISAM National Strategy.

• Commission Action: The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on February 15, 2024, by a unanimous vote. The NPRM seeks comment on changes to the FCC’s part 25 rules to facilitate ISAM activities.

The FCC has embarked on a pioneering initiative to regulate ISAM activities within the space industry. Motivated by the rapid evolution of space operations that now includes RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations), ADR (Active Debris Removal), and various ISAM capabilities, the FCC seeks to establish a regulatory framework that not only accommodates these novel activities but also promotes sustainable and safe space and electromagnetic spectrum usage. This initiative is crucial for nurturing innovation in a sector poised for significant expansion.

Proposed ISAM Framework

The FCC proposes a new licensing framework specifically for ISAM space stations, outlined in a new section 25.126. This framework is designed to simplify the application process, offering transparency and clarity to ISAM operators for obtaining U.S. authorizations and market access. It represents a forward-looking approach to regulatory adaptation, supporting industry growth and laying the groundwork for future ISAM-specific regulations.

Application Process and Exemptions

ISAM operators are encouraged to apply under the small satellite and small spacecraft streamlined processes if they meet the respective requirements. Those not meeting these criteria would follow the standard part 25 application process. The FCC also proposes to exempt ISAM operators from the processing round and first-come-first-served queue, subject to certain conditions, to facilitate timely and efficient licensing.

Surety Bonds

The FCC suggests deferring the posting of surety bonds for ISAM operators by one year after the grant of a license. This approach aligns with the treatment of small satellites and small spacecraft, recognizing that many ISAM operators may not require a bond due to the nature of their operations and the proximity to launch.

Frequency Use and Service Allocations

The FCC did not propose specific frequency allocations for ISAM use, opting instead to evaluate requests for frequency use on a case-by-case basis. This approach recognizes the diverse communication needs across different ISAM operations, allowing for the use of existing service allocations without prescribing rigid frequency designations.

So What?

The FCC's proposals are significant for several reasons. Firstly, they acknowledge the growing complexity and diversity of space operations, moving beyond traditional satellite communication to include ISAM activities. By creating a dedicated regulatory framework, the FCC aims to foster innovation and growth within this nascent industry. Secondly, the proposed rules reflect a balance between regulatory oversight and industry flexibility, offering streamlined processes for ISAM operators while ensuring the sustainable and safe use of space. Lastly, the emphasis on frequency use and service allocations highlights the FCC's commitment to managing the electromagnetic spectrum efficiently, ensuring that ISAM operations can coexist with other space and terrestrial services.

Next Steps

For stakeholders in the space industry, particularly those involved in ISAM activities, the FCC's NPRM represents an important development. It signals the FCC's recognition of ISAM's potential and its commitment to supporting the industry's growth through tailored regulations. Stakeholders should closely follow the rule-making process, participate in the public comment period, and prepare to adapt their operations to comply with the new regulatory framework. The success of these proposals could significantly impact the future of ISAM, paving the way for innovative space operations and contributing to the sustainable use of outer space.

You can find the draft NPRM here.

#PRODUCTIVITY

🎛️ 5 Resources to Boost Your Workflows

notesGPT → Turns your voice notes into concise summaries and clear tasks using AI.

Xembly → Making setting up a meeting as simple as sending an email or a Slack message.

Notion 🎫 → A collaboration platform that allows you to create, organize, and share various types of content, such as wikis, projects, notes, and documents.

Continuum → Cloud platform for space missions, providing high-fidelity simulations, satellite design, optimization, deployment, operation, and integration of NASA tools.

Brookings → How space exploration is fueling the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with a focus on the space economy and its societal benefits.

🎫 indicates a promoted resource, if any.

#DEALFLOW

🌄 The Latest Investments in the Space Economy

• Synthetaic secures $15M in Series B to enhance AI-driven image analysis solutions.

• BAE Systems acquires Ball Aerospace for $5.6 billion.

• Sierra Space plans public debut with over $5 billion valuation.

• K2 Space raises $50M for mega satellites, eyes demo launch with space industry veterans.

• Virgin Galactic faces potential bankruptcy amid financial struggles.

• Skylo raises $37M to bridge satellite and terrestrial comms with Intel, BMW, Samsung support.

• LeoLabs secures $29M to scale AI insights for global space operations.

• Heliux emerges with $2M funding, aiming to revolutionize enterprise OS with AI.

• Space Investments: Funding for space startups increased by 31% in Q4 2023; positive for 2024.

#GHOSTINTHEMACHINE

🤖 Inspiration from the World of AI

 Life in the Solar System as Art Deco Ads

Until Next Time

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#MISSIONDEBRIEF

🌠 Getting Better Together

I value your opinion, so if you have specific advice or anything interesting you’d like to share, please let me know by replying to this email.

Thank you for reading and see you at the next orbit!

Francois

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