**NASA Awards SpaceX $843 Million Contract for Deorbit Vehicle**
The big news in the space industry this week is the $843 million contract that NASA has awarded to SpaceX. The purpose of this contract is to develop a vehicle that will safely deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) once its mission is complete. The vehicle, known as the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, will ensure that the ISS safely reenters the Earth’s atmosphere and burns up without causing harm to humans on the ground. While there are limited details available about this vehicle, one NASA official mentioned that it will be based on the “Dragon heritage” hardware.
This contract signifies a major milestone for SpaceX and highlights their continued success in the space industry. It also showcases NASA’s confidence in SpaceX’s capabilities, as they have been entrusted with the important task of safely deorbiting the ISS. This collaboration between NASA and SpaceX further solidifies the relationship between government agencies and private space companies, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing space exploration and technology.
**Starfish Space’s Partnership with Intelsat Signals Progress in GEO Servicing Market**
Another significant development in the space industry is the recent agreement between Starfish Space and Intelsat. This partnership is a step forward for the GEO servicing market, which is still a few years away from becoming a reality. However, deals like this demonstrate that progress is being made, contrary to what skeptics may believe.
The GEO servicing market refers to the ability to service and repair satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO), which is around 36,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. This market has the potential to revolutionize satellite operations by extending their lifespan and reducing costs. The partnership between Starfish Space and Intelsat highlights the growing interest and investment in this market, indicating that it is closer to becoming a reality than ever before.
**Fourth of July Celebrations in Space: A Delightful Tradition**
NASA recently published an article titled “Fourth of July Holidays in Space,” which sheds light on the history of Independence Day celebrations aboard the ISS. Surprisingly, the first July 4 celebration in space did not occur until 1982, and it took another 10 years for the second one to happen. However, with the continuous presence of NASA astronauts on board the ISS, Fourth of July celebrations have become an annual tradition.
This article showcases the unique experiences and traditions that astronauts have while spending holidays in space. It also serves as a reminder of the incredible advancements in space exploration and the international cooperation that allows astronauts from different nations to come together and celebrate holidays in orbit. The photos of NASA astronauts wearing stars-and-stripes pants in space add a touch of patriotism and highlight the unity between space exploration and national pride.
In conclusion, this week’s news in the space industry highlights several exciting developments. From NASA’s contract with SpaceX for a deorbit vehicle, to the partnership between Starfish Space and Intelsat in the GEO servicing market, to the Fourth of July celebrations in space, there is much to be celebrated and anticipated in the world of space exploration. These advancements not only push the boundaries of human knowledge and technology but also inspire a sense of wonder and unity among people on Earth.