Short Takes – 12-4-24 – Space Geek Edition

Tollways in space: from sci-fi to saving grace. TheSpaceReview.com article. Pull quote: “The proposed Orbital Tollway Framework draws from the concept of Orbital-Use Fees (OUF) and terrestrial congestion measures. It introduces mandatory fees for highly congested LEO subregions, assessed annually and based on an object’s duration in orbit. The fee structure operates on a deposit-refund model to incentivize operators to deorbit objects and comply with debris mitigation guidelines. Operators receive partial refunds upon successful deorbiting, while non-compliance results in penalties. Collected fees and fines are allocated to sustainability initiatives, primarily debris removal.”

Single Network Future: Supplemental Coverage From Space Information Collection Approval for Space Station and Earth Station Applications. Federal Register FCC final rule effective date announcement. Summary: “In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved, for a period of three years, the information collection associated with certain rules adopted in a Report and Order, FCC 24-28, in GN Docket No. 23-65 and IB Docket No. 22-271 (SCS Report and Order) for space station and earth station applicants wishing to provide supplemental coverage from space (SCS). The SCS Report and Order stated that the Commission would publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of rules which were delayed indefinitely. With this document, the Commission is announcing the effective date of the rules applicable to space station and earth station applicants.”

SpaceX just got exactly what it wanted from the FAA for Texas Starship launches. ArsTechnica.com article. Pull quote: “However, it seems unlikely that this document—which has been in the works for more than a year—was unduly influenced by Trump's election. It was prepared by an FAA still under the Biden administration. Rather, the tone of the environmental assessment signals that SpaceX was probably already on a path to complying with federal regulations. Looking ahead, if those regulations become looser during the Trump administration as anticipated, it is likely that the development and testing of the ambitious Starship vehicle will proceed at a high rate.”

China quietly tested its first inflatable space module in orbit. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “The Shijian-19 test echoes tests such as the BEAM demonstration by Bigelow Aerospace on the International Space Station, though smaller in scale and much shorter in duration. A number of companies including Lockheed Martin and Sierra Space are testing inflatable habitat technology, which could be deployed in post-ISS low Earth orbit commercial space stations.”

Lockheed Martin unveils solar power array for Artemis program. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “For now, LVSAT’s future depends on NASA’s next steps. An agency spokesperson confirmed that all three designs in the program are close to completing testing, with final reports due in early 2025. NASA is not treating the LVSAT program as a competitive selection process. If the agency moves forward with a lunar technology demonstration, it would issue a new solicitation, potentially laying the groundwork for an operational deployment.”

Private Japanese moon lander arrives in Florida ahead of January SpaceX launch. Space.com article. Pull quote: “"The Mission 2 Resilience lander is the culmination of the Hakuto-R program, incorporating the data and know-how gained from Mission 1," said Takeshi Hakamada, ispace founder and CEO, in a statement. "We will continue to make final preparations until the day of the launch, when the lander, which carries so many hopes, will be launched."”

Robotic Mechanic for Satellites Set to Transform Space Operations. I-HLS.com article. Pull quote: “The RSGS [Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites] technology could not only extend the lifespans of valuable satellites but also pave the way for future space-based construction, such as building observatories and solar power stations, according to Interesting Engineering. The Northrop Grumman MRV, with the robotic payload, is expected to launch in 2026, bringing us closer to a future where satellites can be serviced and repaired in orbit.”