NASA Expands Artemis Accords with Ireland and Malta
NASA has announced the inclusion of Ireland and Malta as the latest signatories to the Artemis Accords, a set of principles aimed at guiding the exploration and utilisation of the Moon. This development marks a significant expansion of international cooperation in space exploration. The Accords, which were initially established in 2020, now include over 30 countries committed to peaceful and transparent space activities.
Close Approaches in Orbit
Recent data from Orbital Radar indicates several close approaches between active satellites. Notably, SUPERVIEW NEO-2 05 and SUPERVIEW NEO-2 06 came within approximately 1.30 km of each other. Such proximity events, while not uncommon, underscore the importance of precise orbital tracking and manoeuvring capabilities to prevent potential collisions. Users can monitor these events using the Orbital Anomalies page.
NRO Expands Commercial Data Pipeline
The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has selected EarthDaily, Iceye, and Pixxel to enhance its commercial data pipeline. This initiative aims to integrate commercial satellite data into national defence and intelligence operations, providing more comprehensive Earth observation capabilities. The collaboration highlights the growing role of private companies in government space programmes.
What to Watch
Firefly Aerospace plans to launch its first Alpha Block 2 rocket in late summer, marking a significant milestone for the company. This launch will test enhancements made to the Alpha rocket design, aiming to increase payload capacity and reliability. While no launches are scheduled for today, users can check the launch schedule for updates on upcoming missions.
