Munich Re Ventures’ Post

#Isro's commercial arm #NewSpaceIndia (NSIL) and private space company #BellatrixAerospace signed an agreement to #integrate the #PushpakOrbitalTransferVehicle (OTV) in NSIL's #launch #missions. The #Pushpak is an in-space transportation spacecraft designed as a shared platform for smaller #satellites, to ferry them to multiple orbits. Think of it as UberPool or last mile delivery, for small satellites.

Space startup Astroscale shares rise 19% on $81M space debris removal contract Astroscale will create a new spacecraft called ADRAS-J2, which will be equipped with robotic arm technology to capture the debris by March 2029, according to a company statement. #SpaceDebris #Astroscale #SpaceCleanup #JAXA #OrbitalSafety #SatelliteTechnology #SpaceInnovation #ADRASJ2 #AerospaceEngineering #SustainableSpace #BusinessNews #IndiaNews #Business #Keralanews #Kerala #BusinessReviewLive #BRL #Keralabusiness

India has marked another historic milestone in space exploration with the successful launch of SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) on December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This achievement positions India among an elite group of nations capable of **autonomous in-orbit docking, a critical technology for future missions, including satellite servicing and the development of a space station. Key Highlights: 🔹 Deployment of two 220-kg spacecraft into a 470-km orbit. 🔹 First integration and testing of a rocket and satellites by a private company, Ananth Technologies. 🔹 PSLV’s fourth stage transformed into a **space laboratory (POEM) for startups and research experiments. This landmark achievement reflects ISRO's dedication and the power of public-private partnerships in advancing India's space technology. A proud moment for India as we continue to lead in innovation and exploration! #ISRO #SpaceDocking #IndiaInSpace #Innovation #Technology #SpaceExploration #MakeInIndia #PublicPrivatePartnership #ScientificAdvancements #NewIndia

Space manufacturing is taking off! Rocket Lab's Pioneer spacecraft is enabling Varda Space Industries to push the boundaries of innovation with in-space manufacturing missions. In my latest article for Space Voyaging I explore how this partnership is shaping the future of microgravity production. #SpaceManufacturing #RocketLab #VardaSpace #Innovation #SpaceVoyaging #BecomingSpacepolitans

Japanese startup Orbital Lasers and India’s InspeCity are partnering to develop laser-equipped satellites to address the growing issue of space debris. Using advanced laser technology, the system will de-orbit defunct satellites and extend spacecraft lifespans, with a demonstration planned post-2027. This initiative expands India-Japan cooperation beyond business into the domain of space, building on projects such as the LUPEX mission, set for launch by 2026. https://lnkd.in/g4TyfYw8  

In a press release on December 17, 2025, Rocket Lab announced the delivery of the second Pioneer vehicle to Vandenberg Space Force Base, ready to launch the Varda Space Industries W-2 mission in the first quarter of 2025. At the same time, the Long Beach company declared the completion of the production and testing of the third vehicle for Varda. The two Pioneer spacecraft are part of a contract signed in 2021 by Varda and Rocket Lab to produce four vehicles hosting Varda’s Winnebago, an in-space manufacturing test platform equipped with an innovative hypersonic reentry capsule. The first spacecraft enabled Varda’s successful W-1 mission, which launched in June 2023 and landed in February 2024. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dBhenHVw #RocketLab #Varda #Winnebago #spacemanufacturing #spaceeconomy

Exotrail’s GEO space van is set to ride aboard Ariane 6 in 2026, in a boost for European space mobility capabilities. ARIANESPACE announced the contract for launch on board a heavy-lift Ariane 64 rocket and launch will take place from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana during H2 2026. The space van is the geostationary version of French startup Exotrail’s Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), designed to transport and deploy other satellites into specific orbits. The company deployed a first satellite from its space van in February this year, following launch on a SpaceX Transporter mission in November 2023. #orbittransfer #geomission #spaceexploration https://lnkd.in/gMyGgMeD

Astroscale's UK division advances space sustainability with their ELSA-M servicer, a 500kg spacecraft designed to retrieve defunct OneWeb satellites from LEO by 2026. The mission, which entered critical design review in early 2024, features magnetic docking technology and aims to complete three de-orbit operations, marking the first commercial mission for active debris removal. #Astroscale #OneWeb #SpaceDebris #SpaceJunk #ELSAM https://lnkd.in/g6pVx4wM

K2 Space will fly its extra-large satellite for the first time in 2026 K2 Space, a futuristic startup, is making a bold prediction that the era of large spacecraft is just around the corner. They're actively building huge spacecraft, predicting that launch costs will go down as SpaceX's Starship and other hefty vehicles hit the market. Intriguingly, it seems the Space Force is aligning with K2 Space's vision. This glimpse into a future of colossal spacecraft is awe-inspiring, demonstrating how technology continues to shape and propel the exploration of space. This significant development in the space industry deserves close attention, as it highlights the exciting possibilities in store for the future of space hardware. Follow the space race closely, folks, because big things are on the horizon! https://lnkd.in/d6tQb-4T

Wonder how they’ll work out the surge pricing. “Orbital transfer vehicle developer Impulse Space will offer rideshare services for spacecraft going to geostationary orbit using its Helios tug, along with an upgraded version of its Mira vehicle.“Orbital transfer vehicle developer Impulse Space will offer rideshare services for spacecraft going to geostationary orbit using its Helios tug, along with an upgraded version of its Mira vehicle.” #spaceeconomy