NASA

A small spacecraft earlier this year successfully demonstrated edge autonomy — or the capability of a satellite to analyze data and make decisions independently without waiting for instructions from ground control.The demonstration was conducted by Arlington, Virginia-based startups NOVI and Sedaro. NOVI, which specializes in edge computing systems that leverage AI and machine learning algorithms for satellite intelligence, built the spacecraft for an undisclosed U.S. government customer. The satellite launched to low Earth orbit on SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rideshare mission Jan. 14, with most of the demonstration activities completed in February.To perform autonomous operations, the spacecraft’s onboard computer uplinked Sedaro’s mission and system simulation software, which f...

WASHINGTON — Airbus Defence and Space will build the landing platform for the European Space Agency’s ExoMars rover, replacing a critical component originally to be provided by Russia.Airbus announced late March 28 (Eastern time) that it was selected by ESA and Thales Alenia Space, the prime contractor for the mission, to build the landing platform for that rover mission, scheduled to launch in 2028.The landing platform is the part of the ExoMars spacecraft that handles the final phases of its descent to the Martian surface in 2030, including performing the final landing burn. After landing, the platform will deploy ramps to allow the ExoMars rover, named Rosalind Franklin, to roll onto the Martian surface.Airbus did not disclose the value of the contract. ESA awarded a contract wor...

WASHINGTON — Nearly 30 former NASA astronauts have signed a letter endorsing Jared Isaacman as the agency’s next administrator, calling on the Senate to consider his nomination as soon as possible.The letter, sent to the leadership of the Senate Commerce Committee, said Isaacman is “uniquely qualified” to lead the agency and asked them to hold a confirmation hearing for him as soon as possible.“We believe that Jared Isaacman is uniquely qualified to lead NASA at this critical juncture. As an entrepreneur, pilot, and having commanded two groundbreaking space missions, he brings credibility and capability to make a difference now,” states the letter, signed by 28 former NASA astronauts and posted to social media March 21 by one of them, Garrett Reisman.I am one of 28 former NASA Astro...