NASA SpaceX Crew-11 Launches to ISS, Space Industry Updates & Space Traffic Report

Crew-11 Mission to ISS

• 🚀 NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 successfully launched to the International Space Station (ISS) after a weather-related scrub.
• 🧑‍🚀 The crew includes NASA astronauts Zena Hardman and Mike Fininky, JAXA astronaut Kimia Huie, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platinoff.
• 🤝 A significant meeting between acting NASA administrator Shawn Duffy and Roscosmos Director General Dmitri Bakenov confirmed an agreement to continue using the ISS until 2028.

Satellite Constellation Developments

• 🛰️ Echostar has selected MDA Space as the prime contractor for a direct-to-device (D2D) satellite constellation, valued at approximately $1.3 billion, with options to reach $2.5 billion.
• 📱 This constellation will feature over 100 software-defined MDA Aurora D2-D satellites, compliant with 3GPP non-terrestrial network standards, enabling services to standard phones without modifications.
• 🌕 ispace has partnered with Bridgestone Corporation to advance the application of tires for lunar rovers, aiming for practical application by 2029.

Space Force and NASA Infrastructure Updates

• 📡 The US Space Force has approved operational acceptance of a milestone upgrade to its ground-based optical sensor system (GBOSS) at White Sands Missile Range, enhancing space domain awareness.
• hangar NASA's Glenn Research Center is seeking proposals for the lease of its historic aircraft hangar, offering a 10-year base period with extension options.

Space Traffic Report Highlights

• 💥 The week saw numerous launches, including SpaceX's multiple Starlink missions, China's Chong Jang launches for the SATNET constellation, and India's NISAR satellite launch.
• 🇦🇺 Gilmore's first Australian-built orbital rocket launch experienced an engine shutdown and subsequent failure shortly after liftoff.
• passenger Blue Origin's New Shepard is scheduled to launch six passengers, including a winning bidder from a previous mission.
• 🧑‍🚀 Crew Dragon Endurance is set to undock from the ISS, returning the Crew-10 astronauts to Earth.

Political and Historical Space Discussions

• 🏛️ A debate is ongoing regarding the relocation of the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, with legal and logistical questions surrounding the move.
• 🇺🇸 The