Weekly - Astroscale receives large contract to build refueling satellite and more

Weekly Space News - Quick and Easy

Attempt to revive Chandrayaan-3 fails

Last week ISRO tried to revive the Chandrayaan 3 lander and rover after the lunar night. Unfortunately, this revival was unsuccessful and no communication was received from the lander or rover. The mission was put to sleep on September 4th and ISRO was hoping to be able to bring it back after 24 days. The harsh night-time conditions on the moon may have damaged the mission components. The mission did however complete its expected life on the moon.

Astroscale receives large contract to build refueling satellite

A Japanese private firm - Astroscale recently won a large contract from the United States Space Force to develop a satellite capable of providing in-space refueling services to other satellites and aid in the removal of space debris. These new “on-orbit services” will help increase the lifespan of orbiting satellites significantly.

NASA proposes spacecraft to deorbit ISS

NASA recently proposed an idea for a spacecraft that will safely take the International Space Station out of orbit. The proposed craft called the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) will be able to pull the space station back to the Earth. Most of it will burn up in the atmosphere and the remaining will be crashed into the sea. The ISS will be decommissioned by 2031.