Short Takes – 11-14-26 - Space Geek Edition

Meteorite that landed in Cape Cod was a 'lone wolf' from the outer solar system, scientists find. Space.com article. Pull quote: “While the Cape Cod meteoroid was much smaller than the asteroid that exploded over Chelyabinsk in 2013, which was about 18 meters across and exploded with an energy equivalent to between 400 and 500 kilotons of TNT, being able to trace meteoroids back to their orbits may in future reveal new populations of potentially hazardous impactors.” 

Pentagon mulls placing fleet of military satellites around the Moon. ArsTechnica.com article. Pull quote: “Officials have emphasized the military’s role at the Moon is to protect US interests there as the United States and China ramp up their lunar programs, with a series of robotic missions culminating in crewed lunar landings in the next few years. Some US officials foresee a competition for real estate and resources at the Moon, where there are a finite number of safe landing zones that can access the Moon’s water ice at the south pole.” 

Reflect Orbital raises $73.5 million. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “” When the FCC authorized Eärendil-1, Reflect Orbital was planning to launch that satellite later this year. However, on Oct. 30, the company announced a change in plans. It will instead start with a different test satellite, Eärendil-0, that will test spacecraft control and communications systems and not carry a reflector. The company plans to launch Eärendil-0 on a rideshare mission in April 2027. 

Sierra Space gets FAA reentry license for Dream Chaser. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “The company pivoted last year from its original plans to use Dream Chaser for ISS cargo transportation. NASA and Sierra Space agreed in September 2025 to fund a single “free flight demonstration” in which Dream Chaser would go to orbit but not to the ISS. The contract no longer includes firm orders for cargo missions to the station, but NASA said at the time it retains the option to order such missions.” 

Caltech robot makes history by building a structure in space. ScienceDaily.com article. Pull quote: “The team encountered technical difficulties and scheduling constraints that prevented it from finishing the entire antenna. Nevertheless, the robot successfully assembled an initial section, providing evidence that this construction method can work in orbit. Researchers believe the same basic approach could eventually support much larger frameworks carrying enormous reflective surfaces.” 

Highlights From the Starship Landing. NYTImes.com article. Pull quote: “Experts say SpaceX is farther away from showing that its spacecraft’s heat shield and engines would be rapidly ready to launch again after taking a beating through the atmosphere.”