A sampling of links to recent space policy, politics, and government (US and international) related space news and resource items that I found of interest (find previous space policy roundups here):

• Schedule:
  • What’s Happening in Space Policy May 9-15, 2021 – SpacePolicyOnline.com
• NASA lunar programs:
  • Artemis human landing system selection:
    • By choosing SpaceX, NASA proves it is serious about returning to the moon – Washington Examiner
    • NASA has selected its deep space hardware—now comes the fun part – Ars Technica
    • For lunar cargo delivery, NASA accepts risk in return for low prices | Ars Technica
• Biden space:
  • Retaining both space policies and processes – The Space Review
  • Why is Space Not Part of Biden’s Infrastructure Plan? | Opinion – Newsweek
  • Biden Administration Likely Retaining Trump Doctrine on Cybersecurity in Space – Nextgov
  • China:
    • NASA Administrator Statement on Chinese Rocket Debris | NASA
    • NASA Scolds China After Out-of-Control Rocket Lands in Ocean – Gizmodo
    • Space experts slam China for “playing the odds” with “negligent,” out-of-control rocket re-entry – CBS News
    • No, NASA Shouldn’t Get in Bed With China’s Space Program | The Heritage Foundation
    • NASA Hails China Space Travel As ‘Unifying Force,’ But U.S. Law Bans Alliance – Newsweek
• NASA science programs:
  • NASA is Getting Serious About a Radio Telescope on the Moon – Universe Today
• Congressional space:
  • Artemis, Space Situational Awareness Among Top Priorities for New Space Subcommittee Chair – SpacePolicyOnline.com
• ISS & other space stations:
  • NASA, Axiom Agree to First Private Astronaut Mission on Space Station | NASA
  • Axiom Space and NASA detail first fully private human launch to the Space Station, set for January 2022 | TechCrunch
  • NASA increases prices for ISS private astronaut missions – SpaceNews
  • Human Research May Lead to New Vaccines, Increase Space Commercialization – Space Station
• Commercial space:
  • Op-ed | Getting Serious About the Office of Space Commerce – SpaceNews
  • Government cash is king for spaceflight – Axios
  • Human spaceflight:
    • NASA, Boeing Update Launch Target for Next Starliner Flight Test – Commercial Crew Program/NASA
    • Splashdown in Gulf of Mexico moves SpaceX closer to private human spaceflight – The Washington Post
• Space law:
  • How can space law address artificial intelligence in space? – Filling Space
  • This Is What Legally Happens If An Uncontrolled Rocket Damages Something – The Planetary Society
  • Insight – UN Resolution 75/36: How Changing the Question May Change the Results | Secure World
  • Keeping Peace in Space: U.S. Can Work with Rivals | National Review
• Space traffic & environment issues:
  • Connecting the Dots | Assessing top-down pollution – SpaceNews
  • Europe’s Galileo braces for more emergency in-orbit maneuvers – SpaceNews
  • Pentagon Has No Plans to Shoot Down Free-falling Chinese Rocket – Defense One
  • China’s Falling Rocket Body – High Sign of Bigger Problem – Leonard David (See China entry below for more about the LM-5B stage reentry)
  • Let’s take down the menace to our space dreams – The Space Review
  • SWF Announces Space Sustainability Essay Contest | Secure World
    • Young Professionals — Summit for Space Sustainability
  • Saving the World One Asteroid at a Time | The Planetary Society
  • Space debris: feel the burn – ESA
  • Where does space junk come from – and how do we clean it up? | World Economic Forum
• US states space:
  • Elon Musk’s SpaceX Is Buying Up a Texas Village. Homeowners Cry Foul. – WSJ
• Weather & remote sensing satellites:
  • Renewed climate change fight bodes well for Earth observation sectors – SpaceNews
  • Op-ed | The World Below: The need for free and open data in Earth observation activities – SpaceNews
• US Defense space:
  • Is space war inevitable? | Space.com
  • Exclusive: Army Plan May Loosen IC Grip On Sat-Based ISR – Breaking Defense
  • Don’t make space harder than it needs to be – The Space Review
  • There Must Be Rules for How We Use Space, Defense Leaders Say – Defense Department News
  • Space Force renames Florida-based launch wing Space Launch Delta 45 – SpaceNews
  • Space National Guard:
    • Plans for a new Space National Guard close to liftoff, top general says – POLITICO
    • Space National Guard could come soon, general tells House lawmakers – U.S. – Stripes
    • Space Force, Guard Closer on ‘Two-component’ Construct for the New Service – Air Force Magazine
    • Proposed Space National Guard Gathers Momentum – Defense One
  • Cybersecurity:
    • Space Force Looks to Boost Cyber Defenses of Satellites with Acquisition Reorganization – Air Force Magazine
  • Launch:
    • Space Force to clear refurbished Falcon 9 booster for upcoming GPS launch – SpaceNews
  • Technology:
    • Hughes and OneWeb to Demonstrate Low Earth Orbit Service in Arctic Region for U.S. Air Force Research Lab | OneWeb
    • Space Force Lays Out Its Vision As a Digital Service – SpacePolicyOnline.com
    • Study calls on U.S. to change how it buys space technology, reduce congestion in low orbits – SpaceNews
    • US ‘Will Fail’ If Space Acquisition Doesn’t Reform: CSPC – Breaking Defense
    • U.S. Air Force wants OneWeb and Hughes to connect Arctic – SpaceWatch.Global
  • Acquisition:
    • Defense appropriators ‘disappointed’ with management of Space Force acquisitions – SpaceNews
• General space policy topics, perspectives, etc:
  • Opinion: Five reasons why astronomy is important to our future in space. – SpaceWatch.Global
  • SWF May 2021 Newsletter

International space

• Multi-national:
  • How humanity will return to the Moon: The future of lunar exploration – BBC Science Focus Magazine
• Africa:
  • Space Café WebTalk with Temidayo Oniosun Recap: Crunching the numbers: comparing governments’ allocation of space funding [Video] – SpaceWatch.Global
• Australia:
  • ESA installs deep space dish in Australia and telescope in Chile – SpaceWatch.Global
  • Australia Appoints Its First Space Commander | Voice of America
• Brazil:
  • First companies to launch non-governmental launches from the Alcântara spaceport announced — Brazilian Space Agency (AEB)
• Canada:
  • Space Café Canada by Dr. Jessica West Recap: Does Space Need More Canada? – SpaceWatch.Global
• Chile:
  • ESA installs deep space dish in Australia and telescope in Chile – SpaceWatch.Global
• China:
  • China’s new bid to take on Elon Musk’s Starlink: a state-owned satellite enterprise | South China Morning Post
  • Long March-5B uncontrolled reentry:
    • China defends handling of rocket that fell to Earth – ABC News
    • NASA Scolds China After Out-of-Control Rocket Lands in Ocean – Gizmodo
    • No damage caused by China’s rocket remnants: Foreign Ministry – CGTN
    • China’s Rocket Body: Reentry Reactions – Leonard David
    • Long March 5B falls into Indian Ocean after world follows rocket reentry – SpaceNews
    • Remnants of China’s Long March 5B rocket land in Indian Ocean near the Maldives | South China Morning Post
    • NASA Administrator Statement on Chinese Rocket Debris | NASA
  • Space Station:
    • What should NASA do about the Chinese space station? | TheHill
    • China Focus: China’s space station designers extend its in-orbit life – Xinhua
    • Chinese rocket stage predicted to reenter atmosphere around May 8 – SpaceNews
    • Symphony concert accompanies the launch of China’s Long March-5B Y2 rocket, showing ‘Chinese pride and romance’ – Global Times
  • Science missions:
    • China mulls sending spacecraft to edge of solar system: scientist – Xinhua
• Europe
  • Space Café Germany 02 Recap: Thomas Reiter on the Past, Present and Future of Human Spaceflight (video) – Spacewatch Global
  • Europe’s Galileo braces for more emergency in-orbit maneuvers – SpaceNews
• Germany:
  • Germany funds Isar Aerospace to develop microlauncher – SpaceWatch.Global
• Israel:
  • The second Israeli in space: “I’m aware of the risks, but not afraid of the dangers” – Geektime.com
  • U.S., Israel expand cooperation to the space domain – United States Space Force
• Japan:
  • Japan bolsters capabilities in electronic warfare, space and cyber realms | The Japan Times
• Nepal:
  • Nepal is away from space, but researchers say it should exploit satellites first – OnlineKhabar English News
• South Korea:
  • South Korea’s space agency sets sight on missions that ‘won’t pay off until 2050’ – SpaceNews

Webcasts:

** Long March 5B Rocket Reenters the Atmosphere, JZYJ Tests Their Latest Methalox Engine – Ep 32 – Dongfang Hour – YouTube

1) China’s Long March 5B first stage re-enters Earth’s atmosphere and (seemingly) lands in the Indian Ocean …
2) JZYJ Completes Hot Test of Whole Engine …
3) CASSPACE announces B+ Funding Round …
4) OneSpace “close to” raising a new round of funding for its Linglong solid and liquid fueled rockets, plans to IPO in 2022 …

See also Dongfang Hour China Aerospace News Roundup 3 May – 9 May 2021 – SpaceWatch.Global

** Episode 36: Thoughts on Long March 5B Reentry – Space Thoughts (YouTube) – Space Law & Policy Solutions/Michael Listner

** Space Café WebTalk – Law Breakfast with Steven Freeland #2 – 25. March 2021 – spacewatch. global – News Room – YouTube

In the latest Space Café “Law Breakfast with Steven Freeland”, Steven Freeland and Torsten Kriening welcomed Prof Tanja Masson-Zwaan and Prof PJ Blount to the historic Café Barerra in Leiden.

Over croissant and coffee, the panelists, along with a lively audience engaged in a revealing and insightful discussion dealing with many legal issues arising from everyday space activities, including the following:

the proposed Dubai Space Court
the unique features of commercial space contracts
how to resolve space disputes
what to do when international events overlap with the delivery of space satellites (in this case from Japan to Myanmar)
making movies in space
space tourism (gone mad?)
the problems and benefits of large constellations of small satellites
our ‘rights’ to a dark sky
the overall balance needed to determine what might be ‘appropriate’ space activities in the future
The panelists also gave their ‘one word’ to describe the wonders of space law – a tradition for all guests at the Space Café Law Breakfasts. Space law certainly means many things to many people and is such an interesting and relevant concept, even to the non-lawyers in the audience.

** The Dark Arts in Space: Developments in Counterspace Weapons (Video) | Secure World

Secure World Foundation and the Center for Strategic and International Studies hosted a virtual event on April 8, 2021, to discuss our new reports on global counterspace capabilities. Analysts from SWF and CSIS provided summaries of changes over the past year along with the overall trends and implications for space security.

Moderator Kaitlyn Johnson is joined by Brian Weeden, Victoria Samson, and Joe Moye as they discuss their latest reports and answer audience questions.

** 101 – Zero Trust, Global Data Interoperability and Breaking Silos – Constellations Podcast

Listen to Nicolas Chaillan, U.S. Air Force Chief Software Officer, describe the importance of the U.S. DoD to bring relevant software features to the war-fighter in a timely manner. Space and Cyber are big domains that were often overlooked in the past; however, the next battles are definitely going to involve them. The warfighter will need access across all domains to share not only data, but the ability to reuse code and software. Mr. Chaillan talked about zero trust being foundational to enable connectivity across systems while ensuring people only have access to what is appropriate to their needs. He described how Cloud One and Platform One will bring about this interoperability; Cloud One providing access to the cloud and Platform One bringing DevSecOps – continuous integration, continuous delivery of software. He also provided information on the Iron Bank, a centralized repository of hardened containers for the industry to use as they pursue development alongside the DoD. He discussed having containers from the Iron Bank and the entire stack instantiating automatically across classification levels as being game changers. Mr. Chaillan talked about increasing the cyber posture of the department by having more eyes on code and more people to bring back value. Timeliness is essential, so there is always the most updated version effectively instantiating a DevSecOps environment at the edge – whether on a jet, on a bomber, anywhere required in the space system.

** E58: Andy Weir- Sci-Fi Author & The Thrill of Space – Aerospace Corp Space Policy (Vimeo) – Center for Space Policy & Strategy (CSPS)

** T+188: Starship SN15, and the HLS Protests – Main Engine Cut Off

** The Space Show – Sunday, May.9.2021 – Dr. Casey Handmer discussed “SLS analysis, SpaceX, Starship & the SpaceX lunar lander, market and cost analysis, Blue Origin, space stations, Casey’s blog, nuclear propulsion, Starlink and much more“.

3686-BWB-2021-05-09.mp3

** The Space Show – Friday, May.7.2021 – Tom McCarthy of Motiv Space Systems discussed “space robotics, Mars, and more”.

** Hotel Mars – John Batchelor Show/The Space Show – Wednesday, May.3.2021 – Rod Pyle spoke with John Batchelor and Dr. David Livingston about space settlement, which the National Space Society (NSS)’s quarterly publication Ad Astra devoted a special edition, “Living In Space“.

** The Space Show – Tuesday, May.4.2021 – Col. (USAF Ret) Karlton Johnson, Chairman of the National Space Society Board of Governors, discussed “the NSS, leadership, the space value proposition, space and our future, national security space, the meaning of the “high ground, space settlement, Ad Astra and much more”.

** May 7, 2021 Zimmerman/Batchelor podcast

** May 5, 2021 Zimmerman/Batchelor podcast

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America’s New Destiny in Space

A sampling of links to recent space policy, politics, and government (US and international) related space news and resource items that I found of interest (find previous space policy roundups here):

• Schedule:
  • What’s Happening in Space Policy April 25-May 1, 2021 – SpacePolicyOnline.com
  • Space Tourism Conference – Profiting from the Space Experience Economy – Wed., April 28 – Thu., April 29, 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT, Register
  • Date set for the European STM [Space Traffic Management] Conference for 7 July 2021 – SpaceWatch.Global
• NASA lunar programs:
  • NASA IG: Artemis Will Cost $86 Billion Through FY2025, Launch Dates “Highly Unlikely” – SpacePolicyOnline.com
  • Artemis Status Update – NASA OIG (pdf)
  • Artemis human landing system selection:
    • NASA’s bold bet on Starship for the Moon may change spaceflight forever | Ars Technica
    • NASA’s choice of Starship proves government now fully embraces capitalism in space – Behind the Black
    • Elon Musk: NASA goal of 2024 Moon landing is ‘actually doable’ – CNBC.com
    • SpaceX could land astronauts on the moon in 2024, Elon Musk says | Space.com
    • After NASA taps SpaceX’s Starship for first Artemis landings, agency looks to on-ramp future vehicles – NASASpaceFlight.com
    • Why NASA Picked SpaceX to Land Humans on the Moon And How the Decision Will Help Humans Land on Mars – Planetary Society
    • Analyst: NASA’s lunar lander decision a ‘major snub’ to Blue Origin – Puget Sound Business Journal
    • Elon Musk’s Economies Of Scale Won SpaceX The NASA Moonshot – Forbes
• Biden space:
  • Op-ed | The Senator and the Commander – SpaceNews
  • Bill Nelson as NASA administrator:
    • Bill Nelson & NASA: Flawed Vision | National Review
    • Bill Nelson is a born-again supporter of commercial space at NASA | TheHill
    • Bill Nelson: now an advocate of private commercial space? – Behind the Black
    • Bill Nelson backs NASA decision on lunar lander in confirmation hearing | Ars Technica
    • Bill Nelson backs 2024 for return to moon – The Washington Post
    • Former Sen. Nelson, Biden’s NASA nominee, gets a warm reception in Senate. Even from Ted Cruz. – Houston Chronicle
    • Nelson sails through NASA administrator confirmation hearing – SpaceNews
    • Nelson Greeted With Accolades at Nomination Hearing – SpacePolicyOnline.com
    • Bill Nelson gets GOP support at NASA confirmation hearing – TampaBay.com
• Commercial Crew:
  • NASA gets what it wanted: Independent, reliable access to space | Ars Technica
• Space technology:
  • NASA’s Perseverance Mars Rover Extracts First Oxygen from Red Planet | NASA
  • GER (Global Exploration Roadmap) Critical Technologies Portfolio – ISECG – In situ resource utilization
• ISS & other space stations:
  • • Commercialized low-Earth orbit may be the future of the ISS – MyNews13.com
    • NASA emphasizes good relationship with Roscosmos as Russia mulls exiting ISS – SpaceNews
    • Russia to jointly use ISS and new national orbital outpost for several years – TASS
• Commercial space:
  • Constellations
    • OneWeb adds 36 satellites to broadband constellation as deployment accelerates – SpaceNews
  • Finance:
    • Op-ed | Blank checks c/o the stars: Market analysis given short shrift as companies cash in on SPAC spree – SpaceNews
    • SPAC rule changes add complexity and delays for space companies eying public markets – SpaceNews
• Planetary defense:
  • Shoemaker NEO Grant Winners Advance Their Work | The Planetary Society
• Space law:
  • The battle for space is about to heat up – Prospect Magazine
• Regulation – spectrum, export control, launch, etc:
  • SpaceX Starlink competitor OneWeb misled the FCC, media with false “near-miss” narrative – Teslarati
  • Lockheed Martin removes Momentus from NASA technology demonstration mission – SpaceNews
• Space traffic & environment issues:
  • SpaceX denies claim that Starlink and OneWeb satellites almost collided | Ars Technica
  • Op-ed | Conjunction risk drives need for information sharing – SpaceNews
• US states space:
  • ‘This is not SpaceX property – this is my property’: SpaceX looks to recast South Texas town as ‘Starbase’ – ExpressNews.com
  • Senate passes bill to add lawmakers to Space Florida board – Florida Politics
  • No finders keepers under spacecraft parts bill that’s landed on DeSantis’ desk – Orlando Sentinel
• Weather & remote sensing satellites:
  • Space is critical to climate: If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it | TheHill
  • Op-ed | Space is Vital for Earth Day – SpaceNews
  • Albedo raises $10 million for business to offer ultra-high-resolution Earth imagery – SpaceNews
  • NASA and the new urgency of climate change – SpaceNews
• US Defense space:
  • Space Café WebTalk with Theresa Hitchens Recap: The scoop on war in space: could life imitate art? – SpaceWatch.Global
  • Lawmakers continue to question Space Command’s move to Alabama
 – SpaceNews
  • Counterspace:
    • SWF Staff Discuss Counterspace Proliferation and Space Arms Control at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency | Secure World
      • Global Counterspace Proliferation and Space Arms Control – Defense Threat Reduction Agency Strategic Forum – April 21, 2021 (pdf)
    • Study Sheds Light on Chinese Directed Energy Program – NationalDefenseMagazine.org
  • Orbital traffic:
    • Space Force sees need for civilian agency to manage congestion – SpaceNews
    • Congested orbits a top concern for U.S. Space Command – SpaceNews
  • Space based solar power:
    • The US Air Force wants to beam solar power to Earth from space (video) | Space.com
    • Space Power Beaming – Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) – See also the AFRL SSPIDR video below.
  •  Technology:
    • U.S. military’s appetite for information fueling demand for space technology – SpaceNews
    • JADC2: SDA To Upgrade Satellite Laser Links – Breaking Defense
    • Space Development Agency to add more laser links to satellites if the price is right – SpaceNews
    • Space Force Eyes Buying Commercial Satellite ISR – Breaking Defense
    • DARPA Nuke Sat To Target Cislunar Monitoring Mission – Breaking Defense
    • US military picks 3 companies to test nuclear propulsion in cislunar space | Space.com
  • Acquisition:
    • Space Force pushing procurement reforms but culture change is a slow go – SpaceNews
• General space policy, goals, commentary, etc.:
  • A Drake Equation for Alien Artifacts – Centauri-Dreams.org
  • Op-ed | A multicultural approach to space development – SpaceNews

International space

• Multi-national:
  • Why Global Collaboration, Not Competition, is the Future of the Space Industry – Via Satellite
• Canada:
  • Canada budgets for next-generation EO satellites and ground systems – SpaceNews
• China:
  • China is developing plans for a 13,000-satellite megaconstellation – SpaceNews
  • Space Station:
    • Rocket to lift space station core moves to launch tower – Chinadaily.com.cn
    • China Space Station: Busy Launch Schedule Ahead – Leonard David
  • China/Russia lunar co-op:
    • China, Russia open moon base project to international partners, early details emerge – SpaceNews
    • Joint declaration of Roscosmos and CNSA on creation of Lunar station – ROSCOSMOS
    • Russia, China Move Forward on International Moon Station – Leonard David
    • China, Russia welcome int’l partners in moon station cooperation – Chinadaily.com.cn
    • China-Russia lunar project strives for universal progress – China Space Administration – TASS
  • Science missions:
    • China aims to launch Chang’e-6 lunar probe around 2024 – Xinhua
    • China eyes asteroid defence system, comet mission | Reuters
    • China pushes forward exploration of small celestial bodies – Xinhua
    • China announces name for first Mars rover – Chinadaily.com.cn
  • Commercial space:
    • China’s commercial sector finds funding and direction – SpaceNews
    • Reusable plane project aims for low orbit – Chinadaily.com.cn
• Europe
  • ESA and FAO cooperate to address food security – SpaceWatch.Global
  • How can space support green financial innovation? – ESA
• France:
  • ASTERX 2021: French Space Forces Reach For Higher ‘Orbit’ – Breaking Defense
• Germany:
  • German DLR sends radiation detector on Astrobotic’s Peregrine to the Moon – SpaceWatch.Global
• India:
  • ISRO’s Rs 800 crore satellite to communicate with Gaganyaan mission after launch – Firstpost
  • ISRO on guard as virus rages – The Hindu
  • OneWeb: No wires or towers: Satellite broadband promises to be the next big thing in India – India Times
• New Zealand:
  • University of Auckland chosen as base for NZ’s first space mission control | Newshub
• Portugal:
  • Exploring Synergistic Potential of the Portuguese Space Strategy – SpaceWatch.Global
•  Russia:
  • Russian cosmonautics under huge financial restraints — Roscosmos chief – TASS
  • Talks on Russian RD-180 rocket engine deliveries to US may restart after Starliner’s tests – TASS
  • ISS:
    • NASA emphasizes good relationship with Roscosmos as Russia mulls exiting ISS – SpaceNews
    • Nauka module to become integral part of the ISS — Roscosmos chief – TASS
    • Russia to jointly use ISS and new national orbital outpost for several years – TASS
    • In Russia, they admitted that they would hand over the responsibility for their segment of the ISS to the United States – Russia news today
    • Russia to Quit Int’l Space Station in 2025 – Reports – The Moscow Times
    • ISS’s worsening state likely to trigger a disaster in the future, Russian deputy PM warns – TASS
  • New Russian station:
    • Russia to rework ISS research and power module for new national orbital station – TASS
    • Russia’s new orbiter’s creation commensurable with ISS maintenance after 2025 – TASS
    • Roscosmos chief expects 1st module of national orbital station to be launched in late 2025 – TASS
    • First crewed mission on yet-to-be created orbital station due 2026 – TASS
    • Russia’s cooperation with China on upcoming space station looks promising despite decision to build its own: experts – Global Times
    • First module for Russia’s new orbital station to be ready in 2025 – TASS
    • Russia Ready to Attract Foreign Partners to Project of New Space Station, Deputy Prime Minister Says – Sputnik International
    • Russian cosmonaut says there are no obvious reasons for cutting term of ISS operation – TASS
    • Russia is capable of building orbital station on its own, deputy prime minister says – TASS
  • China co-op:
    • China, Russia open moon base project to international partners, early details emerge – SpaceNews
    • Joint declaration of Roscosmos and CNSA on creation of Lunar station – ROSCOSMOS
    • Russia, China Move Forward on International Moon Station – Leonard David
    • China, Russia welcome int’l partners in moon station cooperation – Chinadaily.com.cn
    • China-Russia lunar project strives for universal progress – China Space Administration – TASS
• UAE
  • NASA contractor launches Abu Dhabi office as UAE builds space race reputation – Arabianbusiness
  • Dubai’s Courts of Space launches international working group to explore space-related legal innovations | ZAWYA
• UK:
  • The Integrated Review and UK Spacepower: A Mental Shift? – SpaceWatch.Global
  • Amazon executive in conflict of interest row over UK space role – CityAM
• Zimbabwe:
  • Meet Zimbabwe’s first space lawyer | The Chronicle

Webcasts:

** Episode 34 – What’s Hot 1st Quarter 2021 – Space Thoughts (YouTube) – Space Law & Policy Solutions/Michael Listner

** China’s Mars rover named Zhurong, China Space Day, Satellite Laser Comms, Tianbing Rockets – Ep 30 – Dongfang Hour – YouTube

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Dongfang Hour China Aero/Space News Roundup! Without further ado, the news update from the week of 19 – 25 April.

1) The 6th China Space Day took place in Nanjing on Saturday April 24 …
2) ChinaSat Made Some Big Statements about China’s Constellation Plans …
3) Spacety and Intane Optics complete China’s first private satellite-ground laser comms experiment …
4) Tianbing Aerospace Announces an Intelligent Rocket Manufacturing Base in Suzhou …

** Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research Project (SSPIDR) – AFResearchLab

SSPIDR is a series of Integrated Demonstrations and Technology Maturation efforts at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate to address space-based power collection and transmission capabilities. Space solar power beaming is not a new concept; yet until recently, the technology did not have a clear path forward. In conjunction with primary industry partner Northrop Grumman, AFRL established the SSPIDR project to mature technology critical to building an operational solar power transmission system for providing reliable and logistically agile power to expeditionary forces. Learn more: https://afresearchlab.com/technology/…

** Friday, Apr.23.2021 – The Space Show – James A. M. Muncy discussed “space policy and the new administration, Sen. Nelson, SLS, SpaceX and lots more“.

** Hotel Mars – John Batchelor Show/The Space Show – Wednesday, Apr.21.2021 – Rand Simberg spoke with John Batchelor and Dr. David Livingston about “the nomination of retired Senator Bill Nelson to the position of the new NASA Administrator. Rand talked about Sen. Nelson being considered the father of SLS, what might happen when the new SpaceX big rockets start flying which will likely impact SLS, plus Rand talked about risk taking and Sen. Nelson being risk averse.”

*** Space Café WebTalk – BLACK OPS by Ralph Thiele – Edition 3 – 11. March 2021 – spacewatch. global – News Room – YouTube

In this Space Cafè “Black Ops by Ralph Thiele #3”, Colonel (Ret`d) Ralph Thiele, Chairman of the Berlin based Political-Military Society, President of Euro Défense-Germany, and Managing Director of StratByrd Consulting, Germany talked with his guest about the Implication for Security & Defence coming with:

Outpace, Outthink, Outmaneuver – New Technologies and Competition in Space

Geostrategic competition is global in scope and includes outer space. The boundaries between civil and military competition have become fluid and are marked by multiple hybrid threat situations, attacks on businesses and critical infrastructure, and the threat of prolonged, low-intensity or shorter, high-intensity conflict. Across the threat spectrum, space holds a critical role. In particular, Russia and China are using new, disruptive dual-use technologies as the key to advancing their own capabilities and geopolitical ambitions. Both countries have weaponized space and have repeatedly demonstrated their capabilities for precise maneuvers in space. Space is becoming increasingly contested in multiple domains-physical, cyber and electromagnetic.

A discussion about threats, new technologies such as AI and warfare in space with : Robie I. Samanta Roy, Ph.D., Vice President, Technology, Intelligence, Cyber and Technology, Lockheed Martin Government Affairs

** Space Café WebTalk – José Achache – 16. March 2021 – spacewatch. global – News Room – YouTube

José Achache is the founder and CEO of ALTYN, a Geneva-based Swiss company that develops space-related projects such as space security. This week, he and SpaceWatch.Global publisher, Torsten Kriening, discuss trends in space, as well as space warfare and how the industry’s increasing value is increasing the margin for threats that could affect our everyday lives.

With over 40 years of experience spanning multiple countries, José’s experience is paralleled by few. In addition to his role as CEO of ALTYN, he is the Managing Director of AP Swiss, which administers the European Space Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Programme (ARTES), and is the chair of several space company boards, including Media Lario S.r.l and Dotphoton. His previous roles include the Deputy General for France’s space agency, CNES, and Director of Earth Observation for the European Space Agency, to name a few.

** JADO, 5G and the Speed of Mission Need – Constellations Podcast

Listen to Stacy Kubicek, Vice President and General Manager for Mission Solutions at Lockheed Martin talk about mission critical solutions that benefit the warfighter and support national defense. She will discuss getting data to the warfighter much faster with transformational technology that includes 5G. Ms. Kubicek discusses interoperability and battle space connectivity being critical to staying ahead of our adversaries, as well as an explanation of the types of assets that would support this kind of capability. Learn about the adoption of agile software development methods that accelerate delivery of software to address threats – hint, it is not the waterfall model. Finally, hear about the need to take a team approach to provide the best solutions for the military and the warfighter, which is essentially what matters at the end of the day.

** 20 years of ESA on the ISS – ESA

** Dodging debris to keep satellites safe – ESA

** April 23, 2021 Zimmerman/Batchelor podcast

** April 21, 2021 Zimmerman/Batchelor podcast

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A sampling of links to recent space policy, politics, and government (US and international) related space news and resource items that I found of interest (find previous space policy roundups here):

• Schedule:
  • What’s Happening in Space Policy April 18-24, 2021 – SpacePolicyOnline.com
  • Space Tourism Conference – Profiting from the Space Experience Economy – Wed. April 28 – Thurs. April 29, 2021, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm PT.
• NASA lunar programs:
  • Artemis human landing system contract selection:
    • NASA Picks SpaceX to Land Next Americans on Moon – NASA (See also accompanying NASA video below)
    • All in on Starship – The Space Review
    • NASA selects SpaceX to develop crewed lunar lander – SpaceNews
    • SpaceX Wins NASA Contract to Put Astronauts Back on the Moon – SpacePolicyOnline.com
    • NASA chooses SpaceX to land next astronauts on the Moon – Spaceflight Now
    • SpaceX wins competition to build Artemis manned lunar lander, using Starship – Behind the Black
    • Source Selection Statement: Appendix H: Human Landing System, Option A – Next Space Technologies for Exploration – Partnerships-2 (NextSTEP-2) – NASA (pdf)
    • Reaction:
      • SpaceX NASA Deal Sparks Reaction, As Blue Origin Seeks to ‘Learn More’ – BusinessInsider.com
      • Chairwoman Johnson Statement on NASA’s Artemis Human Landing System Award – House Committee on Science, Space and Technology
      • The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration Commends NASA on Selection of a Human Landing System for the Artemis Program – Explore Deep Space
      • Congressman Aderholt Questions Human Lander System Announcement | Congressman Robert Aderholt
  • Has the Biden administration abandoned the idea of a moon base? – TheHill
  • Why does Rep. Johnson oppose NASA’s commercial human landing system? – TheHill
  • Astrobotic selects Falcon Heavy to launch NASA’s VIPER lunar rover – SpaceNews
• Biden space:
  • A Moonshot to inspire: Building back better in space – The Space Review
  • Why venture? A memo for the Biden Administration – The Space Review
  • Pamela Melroy as Deputy NASA administrator:
    • NASA Statement on Nomination for Agency Deputy Administrator | NASA
    • National Space Society Applauds Nomination of Pamela Melroy for NASA Deputy Administrator – NSS
    • Pam Melroy To Be Nominated As NASA Deputy Administrator – SpacePolicyOnline.com
  • Bill Nelson as NASA administrator:
    • Nelson Confirmation Hearing Set for April 21 – SpacePolicyOnline.com
    • New NASA Administrator Should Reject Its Patriarchal and Parochial Past – Scientific American
    • Op-ed | Space Settlement Act should guide Nelson’s NASA tenure – SpaceNews
• NASA budget:
  • What’s in the New NASA Budget Proposal – Sky & Telescope
  • Op-Ed: NASA needs reform, not another astronomical budget – thecentersquare.com
• Commercial Crew:
  • NASA SpaceX Crew-2 ‘Go’ for April 22 Launch – Commercial Crew Program/NASA
  • Crew-2 Flight Readiness Review Begins as Falcon 9 Rocket and Crew Dragon Reach the Launch Complex – Commercial Crew Program/NASA
• NASA science programs:
  • Consortium unveils greenhouse gas monitoring constellation Carbon Mapper – SpaceNews
  • How NASA is Adapting to Busier and Noisier Communications With Mars – IEEE Spectrum
• Congressional space:
  • Luján Invites Secretary Buttigieg to Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo Launch – Senator Ben Ray Lujan
• Human spaceflight:
  • For human spaceflight, better late than never – The Space Review
• ISS & other space stations:
  • Russia Plans to Withdraw From ISS, Deploy Its Own National Space Station – Sputnik International
  • Russia to decide on pullout from ISS since 2025 after technical inspection – TASS
• Commercial space:
  • Putting SpaceX’s Starship program in the proper context – The Space Review
  • NASA delays starting contract with SpaceX for Gateway cargo services – SpaceNews
  • Space Café WebTalk with Robert Feierbach Recap: Along came the disruptors – a decade of change – SpaceWatch.Global
  • VOX Space’s Jeffrey Trauberman to Chair WashingtonExec’s New Space Council | WashingtonExec
• Planetary defense:
  • A small, car-sized asteroid just gave Earth a close shave | Space.com
• Regulation – spectrum, export control, launch, etc:
  • Space Café Summit 02 Recap “Occupy Space – Where are we going?” – SpaceWatch.Global
  • Opinion | GPS is endangered by a misguided FCC decision made during the Trump administration – The Washington Post
• Space law:
  • It’s not how big your laser is, it’s how you use it: space law is an important part of the fight against space debris – SpaceWatch.Global
  • Top EU court rejects European Aviation Network challenge, but legal action continues – SpaceNews
  • US Should Push New Space Treaty: Atlantic Council – Breaking Defense
• Space traffic & environment issues:
  • Orbital debris removal:
    • Ground-Based Lasers Could Push Space Debris off Collision-Course Orbits – Universe Today
• US states space:
  • House approves bill to let space companies keep their rocket debris – Florida Politics
  • Florida Tech powers ‘Silicon Valley of Space’ – Florida Politics
  • Spaceport announcement delay expected – The Brunswick News
  • Some Rio Grande Valley Locals Warn SpaceX Expansion Could Lead To More Environmental Harm And Gentrification | Texas Standard
• US Defense space:
  • Space Force wants to introduce commercial capabilities to all mission areas – c4isrnet.com
  • Do we need a Space National Guard? Colorado says yes, but Congress is not so sure. – AirForceTimes.com
  • China, Russia Are Launching the New Cold War Into Space – Bloomberg
  • The Future of Security in Space: A Thirty-YearUS Strategy – Atlantic Council
  • Atlantic Council calls for U.S. and allies to lead global efforts on space security – SpaceNews
  • Counterspace:
    • US Intelligence expects China to expand space weapons – SpaceWatch.Global
    • DoD Space Threat Intel Not Good Enough – Breaking Defense
  • Cyber-security:
    • DoD space agency: Cyber attacks, not missiles, are the most worrisome threat to satellites – SpaceNews
  • Technology:
    • Space Development Agency could select three manufacturers to produce its next batch of satellites – SpaceNews
    • DARPA selects Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin to develop spacecraft for nuclear propulsion demo – SpaceNews
    • Space Development Agency issues new request for information from satellite vendors – SpaceNews
    • Orbital Sidekick finalizes $16 million round led by Temasek – SpaceNews – Developing hyperspectral imaging satellite constellation with support from USAF.
    • Here’s how new space tech is helping electronic warfare forces on the ground – c4isrnet.com
• General space policy, goals, commentary, etc.:
  • Going To Space To Stay – SatMagazine
• Activism:
  • Why does Bernie Sanders want to quash Elon Musk’s dreams? | TheHill

International space

• Africa:
  • Space in Africa: Global Space Budgets – A Country-Level Analysis – SatMagazine
• Brazil:
  • Space Café Brazil 02 Recap: Aila Raquel of Alya Nanosatellites Constellation – SpaceWatch.Global (video)
• Canada:
  • Op-ed | Canada’s space sector set for a relaunch – SpaceNews
  • Canadian astronomers provide recommendations on Mega-Constellations – SpaceQ
• China:
  • Analysts: China’s space programs are a security concern to the U.S. but not all are nefarious – SpaceNews
  • Across China: China to build commercial launch center in eastern coastal province – Xinhua
  • Why the U.S. and China Should Collaborate in Space | Time
  • China releases lunar sample data online – Xinhua
  • China sets up expert advisory committee for lunar samples – Xinhua | English.news.cn
  • China to develop aerospace as strategic emerging industry – Xinhua
  • China sets up expert advisory committee for lunar samples – Xinhua
  • Space Station:
    • Manned spacecraft, carrier rocket for Shenzhou-12 mission arrive at launch center – Xinhua
    • China preparing Tianzhou-2 cargo mission to follow upcoming space station launch – SpaceNews
    • China Space Station: Busy Launch Schedule Ahead – Leonard David
    • Tianhe, the Core of the Chinese Space Station | The Planetary Society
  • China/Russia lunar co-op:
    • China, Russia Are Launching the New Cold War Into Space – Bloomberg
• Europe
  • Top EU court rejects European Aviation Network challenge, but legal action continues – SpaceNews
• France:
  • India, France space agencies sign an agreement to collaborate on Gaganyaan mission – India Today
• India:
  • India, France space agencies sign an agreement to collaborate on Gaganyaan mission – India Today
  • Review: Institutions That Shaped Modern India: ISRO – The Space Review
• Japan:
  • JAXA to nix “science only” requirement in 1st recruitment in over decade KyodoNews.net
  • With lower launch costs, Japan’s next-gen H3 rocket aims for global success | The Japan Times
• Mexico:
  • Russia to ink deal with Mexico on peaceful space exploration – TASS
• Nigeria:
  • Nigerian Space Agency appoints new Director General – SpaceWatch.Global
• Norway:
  • Isar Aerospace signs up for Andoya launch pad in Norway – SpaceWatch.Global
• Russia:
  • Russia joins China’s mission to sample an asteroid and study a comet | Space.com
  • Russia hands over last RD-180 rocket engines to US under existing deal – TASS
  • Majority of agreements in space sphere need updating, Roscosmos CEO says – TASS
  • Commerce increases sanctions on Russia impacting space commerce and trade – Behind the Black
  • Russia has potentials for putting into practice ambitious space projects, says Medvedev – TASS
  • Russia must uphold its status of leading nuclear and space power — Putin – TASS
  • ISS:
    • Russia Plans to Withdraw From ISS, Deploy Its Own National Space Station – Sputnik International
    • Russia to decide on pullout from ISS since 2025 after technical inspection – TASS
    • Russia to make decision on its work at ISS after 2024 – Roscosmos – TASS
    • Russia’s prospects of taking part in ISS program were discussed by Putin — Kremlin – TASS
    • NASA will continue working with Russia despite China plan, experts say – UPI.com
    • Space experiments, commercialization of visits to ISS to become reality — senior official – TASS
  • Cosmonaut pay:
    • Cosmonauts’ salary will grow to around $6,500 [per month] – TASS
    • Putin suggests increasing cosmonauts’ salaries by 50-70% – TASS
    • Pay Raise for Russian Cosmonauts – Leonard David
• Scotland:
  • Danish billionaire’s lawyers given date for challenge to Highland spaceport decision – PressAndJournal.co.uk
• South Korea:
  • Space Industry: Aerospace Companies on a Roll – Businesskorea
  • Korea Aerospace Industries to invest $880 million to expand space business – SpaceNews
• UAE
  • UAE partners with Japan for mission to send ‘Rashid’ rover to the moon – Gulf Business
  • UAE to send Emirati-made lunar rover ‘Rashid’ to the moon next year – Gulf News
  • UAE to send rover to the Moon in 2022 – AFP/Phys.org

Webcasts:

** NASA Picks SpaceX for Artemis Human Lunar Lander Development – NASA

NASA is getting ready to send astronauts to explore more of the Moon as part of the Artemis program, and the agency has selected SpaceX to continue development of the first commercial human lander that will safely carry the next two American astronauts to the lunar surface.

The agency’s powerful Space Launch System rocket will launch four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft for their multi-day journey to lunar orbit. There, two crew members will transfer to the SpaceX human landing system (HLS) for the final leg of their journey to the surface of the Moon. After approximately a week exploring the surface, they will board the lander for their short trip back to orbit where they will return to Orion and their colleagues before heading back to Earth.

** Human Landing System Announcement Media Teleconference – NASA Video – Starts at the 9:30 point

** Spring 2021 Space Policy and Politics Briefing – The Planetary Society

A new year has brought a new administration, power shifts in Congress and new priorities across the U.S. The Planetary Society’s advocacy for planetary science and exploration has never been more important. Planetary Radio host Mat Kaplan is once again joined by Senior Space Policy Advisor and Chief Advocate Casey Dreier, Chief of Washington Operations Brendan Curry and Society CEO Bill Nye. New to this edition of our semi-annual update is Georgia Institute of Technology planetary scientist Britney Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt is vice chair of the Society Board of Directors’ Space Policy Committee.

** Key Chinese Spaceplane Technology Tested, Probes to the Edge of the Heliosphere – Ep 29 – Dongfang Hour – YouTube

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Dongfang Hour China Aero/Space News Roundup! Without further ado, the news update from the week of 12 – 18 April.

1)  CASIC Institute tests spaceplane propulsion technology …
2)  Wu Weiren, chief-designer of China’s lunar exploration program, discusses China’s “Double One Hundred” goal …
3) A Report on China’s Aerospace Manufacturing Capabilities …

** TCL Joins the Space Race, a New Launch Site in Ningbo, Aerospace Propulsion Round of Funding – Ep 28 – Dongfang Hour – YouTube

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Dongfang Hour China Aero/Space News Roundup! Without further ado, the news update from the week of 5 – 11 April.

1）TCL: A New Tech Player in the Chinese Space Industry? …
2) A Few More Details Revealed on China’s Commercial Launch Site …
3) New (Pre-A) round of funding of 100M RMB from Aerospace Propulsion …

** NASA and the Rise of Commercial Space: A Symposium to Examine the Meaning(s) and Context(s) of Commercial Space | NASA –

From activities in low-Earth orbit to the Artemis program, the commercial space industry is beginning to take on an increased role as innovator in both space access, commerce, and exploration. This growth of commercial space over the past decades offers the potential for a new paradigm for space exploration—one in which industry transitioned from supplier to partner. Still, many questions remain spanning from the most seemingly consequential “How will humanity explore the Moon and Mars?” to the more basic, “What is Commercial Space?” This virtually hosted symposium explores this transformation and examines the historical context for answering these questions.

Videos are available for the presentations. Here is a sampling:

*** Ken Davidian, What is Commercial Space? –

*** Rick Sturdevant, Evolution of Commercial Space and Its Integration with US Military Space

*** Steven Freeland, International Law in a Commercial Space ‘World’

*** PJ Blount, Fragmentation of American Commercial Space Law

** Towards Space Arbitration and Beyond | SCFVideo8 – Space Court Foundation – YouTube

Earlier this year, the UAE announced the establishment of a “Court of Space”, a tribunal dedicated to dispute resolution on matters related to space activities. This development further underscores tremendous growth in space activities and the need for legal communities to catch up. On April 14, 2021, join the Space Court Foundation and Clifford Chance for an in-depth discussion on the future of dispute resolution and how to continue applying our legal tools to our activities in a novel environment

Panel 1: Initiatives in the Dispute Resolution Sphere …
Panel 2: Expectations from the Space Law World …

** Space Debris – ESA

On 20 April 2021, ESA will host the 8th European Conference on Space Debris from Darmstadt, in Germany. Scientists, engineers, industry experts and policy makers will spend the virtual four day conference discussing the latest issues surrounding space debris. They will exchange the latest research, try to come up with solutions for potential problems and define the future direction of any necessary action.

** E56 – Operating the Space Force – Aerospace Corp Space Policy (Vimeo) – Center for Space Policy & Strategy (CSPS)

** E57: Protecting Earth’s Airspace from Space Debris – Aerospace Corp Space Policy (Vimeo) – Center for Space Policy & Strategy (CSPS)

** Space Café WebTalk – Dr. Jessica West – 16. February 2021 – spacewatch. global – News Room – YouTube

In this week’s Space Cafè WebTalk, Dr. Jessica West, Senior Researcher at Project Ploughshares, Waterloo, Canada talked about why does peace matter in space.

This session explored the role of civil society in space governance. Jessica is a long-time editor of the Space Security Index and frequent participant at the United Nations First Committee, Conference on Disarmament, and the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. As both a researcher and an advocate for the peaceful use of outer space, her recent work involves mapping the normative landscape in outer space as a way to inform better security practices, and highlighting the civilian consequences of conflict.

** The Space Cafe Podcast #25: Alice Gorman – Space Archaeologist and why Elon Musk will never call her back. – SpaceWatch.Global

Episode 025 features a special guest Alice Gorman.

Alice Gorman has brought together astrophysics and archaeology to create the fascinating field of space archaeology. She talks about what exactly it is and why it could be crucial to the future of space travel in this fascinating episode of the Space Cafe Podcast.

* The Space Show – Sunday, Apr.18.2021 – Dr. Michael Gleason discussed “his papers linked on the blog for this show. In addition, we spent significant time on space debris issues with regards to LEO and the increasing population of satellites.”

• The Value of Space – The Aerospace Corp (pdf)
• A Short Guide for Understanding and Assessing U.S. Space Sustainability Initiatives | The Aerospace Corporation
• Space Policy Primer: Key Concepts, Issues, and Actors – The Aerospace Corp. (pdf)
  

** The Space Show – Friday, Apr.16.2021 – Davide Sivolella discussed “his new book, Space Mining and Manufacturing: Off-World Resources and Revolutionary Engineering Techniques (Springer Praxis Books) [Amazon commission link]”.

** Hotel Mars – John Bachelor Show/The Space Show – Wed, Apr.14.2021 – Dr. Jeffrey Foust of Space News spoke with John Batchelor and Dr. David Livingston about “the nomination of retired Senator Bill Nelson of Florida to be the next NASA Administrator“.

** The Space Show – Tuesday, Apr.13.2021 – Dr. Martin Elvis discussed “lunar development, getting power to the lunar sites, specifically the South Pole and building giant solar towers at the Moon’s south pole to be able to provide multiple GW of solar power to the sites. Also discussed were possible lunar governance issues.”

Papers discussed:

1. https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv… “Towers on the Peaks of Eternal Light: Quantifying the Available Solar Power”
2. https://royalsocietypublish… “Concentrated Lunar Resources”
3. https://arxiv.org/pdf/2103…. Towers On The Moon”

** April 16, 2021 Zimmerman/Batchelor podcast

** April 14, 2021 Zimmerman/Batchelor podcast

====

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A sampling of links to recent space policy, politics, and government (US and international) related space news and resource items that I found of interest (find previous space policy roundups here):

• Schedule:
  • What’s Happening in Space Policy April 11-17, 2021 – SpacePolicyOnline.com
  • 2021 Summit for Space Sustainability – Secure World Foundation. June 22-24, 2021.
  • Space Tourism Conference (STC) – Profiting from the Space Experience Economy – Space Tourism Society – Wed, April 28, 2021, 10:00 AM – Thu, April 29, 2021, 2:00 PM [PDT]
• Biden space:
  • Aerospace’s John Plumb: Resurrected Space Council Brings Value When Harnessed as ‘Whole-of-Government’ Approach | WashingtonExec
• NASA budget:
  • Biden administration proposes $24.5 billion budget for NASA in 2022 – SpaceNews
  • Acting NASA Administrator Statement on Agency FY22 Budget Request | NASA
  • Biden Requests 6.3 Percent Increase for NASA – SpacePolicyOnline.com
  • What Biden’s Budget Means For NASA And Its Mission To The Moon – Science
  • CSF statement on FY 2022 NASA Budget Requests – Commercial Spaceflight Federation
• NASA science programs:
  • Democrats and Republicans find common ground — on Mars – POLITICO
• Congressional space:
  • Brown: Congress Will Move FY2022 Appropriations Bills Regardless of When Biden Sends Request – SpacePolicyOnline.com
• Space technology:
  • NASA Selects Innovative, Early-Stage Tech Concepts for Continued Study | NASA
  • General Atomics wins DARPA contract to develop nuclear reactor to power missions to the moon – SpaceNews
• ISS & other space stations:
  • Hatches Open, 10 Crew Members Occupying Station – Space Station/NASA
  • NASA Astronaut Mark Vande Hei, Crewmates Arrive Safely at Station | NASA
  • CASIS Releases Second ISS National Lab Research Announcement Focused on Technology Advancements – ISS National Lab/CASIS
• Commercial space:
  • Former NASA administrator advising acquisition-hungry Voyager Space Holdings – SpaceNews
  • Commercial LEO:
    • NASA revises its low Earth orbit commercialization plans – The Space Review
  • Human spaceflight:
    • SpaceX Crew-2 mission to have international theme – NY1.com
  • Constellations
    • OneWeb continues to study offering navigation services – SpaceNews
    • Satellite operators weigh strategies to compete against growing Starlink network – SpaceNews
    • Telesat completing financing for Lightspeed constellation – SpaceNews
    • Private equity firm GI Partners plans to buy Orbcomm in $1.1 billion deal – SpaceNews
• Regulation – spectrum, export control, launch, etc:
  • Op-ed | Attention Silicon Valley: The Exposure of Space Startups to US Export Control Rules – SpaceNews
  • Space Café WebTalk Recap: Outer space knows no borders: Alexandre Vallet on regulating infinity – SpaceWatch.Global
• Weather & remote sensing satellites:
  • L3Harris Technologies Selected for Future US Weather Satellite Imager Design Phase Study | Business Wire
• Space traffic & environment issues:
  • OneWeb, SpaceX satellites dodged a potential collision in orbit – The Verge
• US states space:
  • David Wheeler: Bill Nelson’s NASA nomination is good for Florida – Gainesville.com
  • State Requests More Time For Spaceport Camden Review; County Hires Former Kemp Aides | 90.1 FM WABE
  • Public responds to SpaceX debris from SN11, still scattered across Boca Chica | KVEO-TV
  • Starship #11 debris fuels environmentalist opposition – Behind the Black
• US Defense space:
  • Test Pilot School graduates first Space Test Fundamentals class – United States Space Force
  • New US Space Force directorate drafting ISR, intel requirements – Janes.com
  • Space Systems Command geared to deliver swift, responsive space capabilities – United States Space Force
  • USSF’s Space Systems Command To Stand Up This Summer – SpacePolicyOnline.com
  • Current Issues in National Security Space Policy, Brian Weeden – Secure World Foundation (pdf)
  • Secure World Foundation – April 2021 Newsletter
  • The Paper Chase: declassifying and releasing space history documents from the Cold War – The Space Review
  • Space Café Recap “Moriba’s Vox Populi 04” on security and behaviours – SpaceWatch.Global (incl. video)
  • Counterspace:
    • Secure World Foundation Says Russia is Testing New LEO, GEO Anti-Satellite Technologies – Via Satellite
    • U.S. intelligence report predicts heightened space competition between U.S. and China – SpaceNews
    • Insight – What Continued Global Proliferation of Counterspace Capabilities Means for Space Security and Sustainability | Secure World
  • Technology:
    • Space-based solar power getting key test aboard US military’s mysterious space plane | Space.com
  • Acquisition:
    • SMC Revamp Sidesteps Hill’s Space Acquisition Worries – Breaking Defense
    • Space Force to establish a new command to oversee technology development and acquisition – SpaceNews
    • Space Force to create ‘one-stop shop’ for launch procurement and operations – SpaceNews
    • Rep. Lieu praises move to establish Space Force acquisitions command in Los Angeles – SpaceNews

International space

• Multi-national:
  • The Quad must go to space | The Strategist
  • A Very Modern Role Model: Carla DiBello On The Arab Space Race | Harper’s Bazaar Arabia
• Australia:
  • Philip Chapman, first Australian-born NASA astronaut, dies at 86 | collectSPACE
• China:
  • Xiplomacy: Xi’s remarks on boosting int’l cooperation in space exploration – Xinhua
  • U.S. intelligence report predicts heightened space competition between U.S. and China – SpaceNews
  • ESA, CNSA heads discuss future space plans – SpaceNews
  • Interview: Opening of China’s FAST telescope to int’l scientists enhances collaboration, says Australian astrophysicist – Xinhua
  • Spaceports:
    • Ningbo to build $3.05 bln rocket launchpad site – ecns.cn
    • Ningbo, Wenchang to construct Chinese commercial spaceports – SpaceNews
  • Misc. highlights:
    • Chinese rocket for space station mission arrives at launch site – Xinhua
    • China launches experimental satellite on a Long March 4B – NASASpaceFlight.com
    • China’s Chang’e-4 probe resumes work for 29th lunar day – Xinhua
• Europe
  • #SpaceWatchGL Opinion: Shortfalls in NATO’s Space Education – SpaceWatch.Global
  • New ESA director general outlines priorities – SpaceNews
  • Europe should focus on commercializing space, says ESA chief – TASS
  • ESA wants to boost business and bolster its European role – SpaceWatch.Global
  • ESA, CNSA heads discuss future space plans – SpaceNews
• Japan:
  • Japan’s Space Policy | Nippon.com
  • Japanese astronaut breaks record after 15-year gap between spacewalks | Guinness World Records
• Pakistan:
  • SUPARCO invites young researchers to conduct experiments on China Space Station – Nation.com.pk
• Russia:
  • International Launch Services and Russian Partners Express Ongoing Commitment to Space Activities, Commemorate Historic First Commercial Satellite Launch on Russian Launch Vehicle – ILS
  • Yuri Gagarin: Elon Musk Leaves Putin Stranded on Earth in Today’s Space Race – Bloomberg
  • Progress continues talks on launching Soyuz rockets from Sea Launch – TASS
  • Sea Launch onshore segment outline prepared – company – TASS
  • Roscosmos plans to provide space communications across entire Russia by 2024 – TASS
  • Soviet background lets Russia remain leader in space, says RAS president – TASS
  • Soyuz launch kicks off series of launches and landings for space station crew rotation – CBS News
  • Russia is dialing up its military space ambitions – Axios
  • Russia’s First Space Tourism Company Closes – The Moscow Times
  • Russia developing conceptual designs of super-heavy carrier rockets – TASS
  • Russian rockets almost completely made from domestic components — Roscosmos – TASS
  • The status of Russia’s signals intelligence satellites – The Space Review
  • The Paper Chase: declassifying and releasing space history documents from the Cold War – The Space Review
  • Secure World Foundation Says Russia is Testing New LEO, GEO Anti-Satellite Technologies – Via Satellite
• Scotland:
  • Scotland bids to be greenest space port in the world | HeraldScotland
• UAE
  • UAE picks first woman astronaut – Khaleej Times
  • Who are the UAE’s latest astronauts? Meet the history-maker and Dubai Police’s youngest pilot | The National
  • Video: UAE announces first Arab woman astronaut – Gulf News
  • UAE names two new astronauts, including first woman candidate | collectSPACE
  • UAE selects new astronauts, including first woman – SpaceNews
• UK:
  • OneWeb continues to study offering navigation services – SpaceNews
  • Op-ed | Exporting is the final frontier for UK space and other high-tech industries – SpaceNews

Webcasts:

** NSS Space Forum – A Conversation with Scott Pace – National Space Society

On April 8, 2021, NSS conducted a space forum with Scott Pace, hosted by Greg Autry.

As the Executive Secretary of the National Space Council, Scott Pace provided the day-to-day leadership and coordinated issues across the many departments and agencies that were involved in space to ensure the president’s agenda was enacted. With experience at NASA, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. Pace has been involved in the decisions that have shaped the US space program. Along with his professional experience, Dr. Pace’s early membership in the L5 Society and the OASIS chapter of NSS in Los Angeles, plus chairing the NSS policy committee after the L5/NSI merger helped shape and inform his time on the National Space Council.

Host Greg Autry, NSS Board of Directors, engaged in a dialog with Dr. Pace on a range of topics including his experiences on the Council, at NASA, space activism, the current state of the space program and his role as the Director of the Space Policy Institute. …

** Chinese Space from a US Perspective (feat. Ian Christensen & Rob Ronci) – – Dongfang Hour – YouTube

1) Information asymmetry….
2) Competition is not the same in all sectors. …
3) There is willingness, and indeed encouragement, by US companies to compete with Chinese companies, but under well-defined terms.  …

For a separate summary, see #SpaceWatchGL Column: Dongfang Hour Episode 8 – Chinese Space from a US Perspective – SpaceWatch.Global

** Moon Dialogs #11: Peaceful Moon Salon: International Collaboration for Lunar Bases — MoonDialogs.org ☾

“How can the space community learn from important precedents such as the ISS, support continued collaboration and development of shared norms, and ensure that “diversity” results in a rich plurality of flourishing lunar activities. This salon will inform and be informed by our 2021 themes “Peaceful Moon” and “Access.”

** Andrew Aldrin – What Direction Does The Space Economy Need To Move In? – Cold Star Project S03E16 – Cold Star Technologies – YouTube

Dr. Andrew Aldrin is back on the Cold Star Project and this time we’re diving into the funding sources and direction for the space economy. What needs to happen and what should we be looking at? Does the Silicon Valley investment model fail in the space industry? Are there obvious next steps, or do we need to continue to guess what’s on the horizon? Andy shares his valuable experience and perspective in this open discussion with Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan. We also touch on the ISU Center for Space Entrepreneurship’s Graduate Certificate Commercial Space Program. Info on the program: https://www.fit.edu/isucse/

** Space Café WebTalk REGIONAL RUSSIA – Olga Volynskaya – 5. March 2021 – spacewatch. global – News Room – YouTube

Elina Morozova in conversation with Dr Olga Volynskaya, an independent Russian space law and policy expert with a very unique background, holder of industry awards and commendations, corresponding member of the Russian Tsiolkovsky Academy of Cosmonautics, an individual member of the International Institute of Space Law.

Olga Volynskaya has spent the last 15 years working in the field of international and Russian space law and the development of space policy and legislation. Having gained practical experience and industry knowledge in Roscosmos and its subordinate organizations, she subsequently moved to the Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Olga’s track record includes a few successfully prepared sessions of the COPUOS Legal Subcommittee, at which she participated as part of the Russian delegation and coordinated the most topical issues on the agenda. Since the end of 2020, Olga has been engaged in academic research and international projects on a freelance expert basis. …

** Webinar Replay | SPACs in Space: A New Frontier for Investment – SpaceNews

Advances in space technologies were largely invisible to the public equity markets until July 2019, when Virgin Galactic announced its intent to go public through a merger with Social Capital Hedosophia, a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC). Since then, seven space-related technology companies have announced SPAC transactions to take them public in 2021 (with more on the way). Does this represent a tipping point for the new space economy, or is this trend a flash in the pan?

In “SPACs in Space: A New Frontier for Investment,” thought-leading analysts, investors, and space companies will provide a unique perspective. Rather than focusing on the SPAC vehicle itself, this event will explore the trends and developments in the space technology ecosystem that have “suddenly” made space an investable ecosystem — and the longer-term implications for a range of interested stakeholders.

Expert Insights:
Chris Quilty, Partner, Quilty Analytics
Guillermo Söhnlein, Advisor, New Vista Acquisition Corp.

Host and Moderator:
Jeff Foust, Senior Staff Writer, SpaceNews
Jason Rainbow, Senior Staff Writer, SpaceNews

Speakers:
Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO, AST & Science
Chris Kemp, CEO, Astra
Brian O’Toole, CEO, BlackSky
Peter Beck, CEO, Rocket Lab
Peter Platzer, CEO, Spire
Tess Hatch, Partner, Bessemer Venture Partners

** Tear Down the Wall | SCFVideo7 – Space Court Foundation – YouTube

Breaking the silos that divide the global space community Today, there are numerous emerging challenges in space that raise a wide spectrum of threats, from undermining the long-term sustainability of human space activities to causing an escalation among nuclear powers. As such, world leaders, industry experts, academia and even celebrities are all adding their voices to the discussions on space safety and security. However, many of the different space communities do not often speak beyond their own niches. Indeed, even at the UN, safety and security issues are clearly demarcated, with unique competencies assigned to specific bodies. Yet as the world has seen over the last few years, space activities and the challenges they cut across many boundaries. Solving them will require cooperation and coordination among all the different space communities and beyond.

Join the Space Court Foundation for a detailed discussion on the impact of silos among the space community and how the disparate communities might come together to develop a responsive governance framework for space.

Moderator:
Theresa Hitchens | Breaking Defense
Experts:
Andre Rypl | Brazilian Mission to the UN Organizations in Vienna
Dr. Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan | Observer Research Foundation
Dr. Peter Martinez | Secure World Foundation
Mari Eldholm | Norsk Industriforum for Romvirksomhet (Norwegian Industrial Forum for Space Activities, NIFRO)
Daniel Porras | Secure World Foundation – UNIDIR

** Space Policy Edition: Biden Names His NASA Administrator – The Planetary Society

** April 6, 2021 Zimmerman/Batchelor podcast

** April 9, 2021 Zimmerman/Batchelor podcast

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A sampling of links to recent space policy, politics, and government (US and international) related space news and resource items that I found of interest (find previous space policy roundups here):

• Schedule:
  • What’s Happening in Space Policy April 4-10, 2021 – SpacePolicyOnline.com
• Biden space:
  • Nomination of Bill Nelson as NASA Admin:
    • Bill Nelson, Biden’s NASA Pick, Has Checkered Space-Policy History – City Journal
  • White House: Space is One Area Where Biden and Trump Agree – SpacePolicyOnline.com
  • Biden to Keep White House National Space Council – SpacePolicyOnline.com
  • Biden administrations renews mandate for National Space Council – Spaceflight Now
• NASA science programs:
  • NASA blames recent Hubble woes on aging hardware – Spaceflight Now
• NASA programs:
  • Pandemic to cost NASA up to $3 billion – SpaceNews
• NASA human spaceflight:
  • Busy month of crew rotations on tap at International Space Station – Spaceflight Now
• ISS:
  • SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule swaps docking ports on space station – Spaceflight Now
  • Resilience successfully moves from one ISS docking port to another – Behind the Black
  • More Potential Air Leak Locations Found at International Space Station, Source Says – Sputnik International
  • Busy month of crew rotations on tap at International Space Station – Spaceflight Now
• Commercial space stations:
  • NASA in the process of retiring ISS in favor of private space stations – Houston Chronicle
  • NASA wants to help private space stations get off the ground | Space.com
  • Ozmens’ SNC Announces Details for Commercial Space Station and LEO Commercialization – Sierra Nevada
• Commercial space:
  • Bernie Sanders goes after Elon Musk for wanting to explore space | TheHill
  • Human spaceflight:
    • Final Crew Members Named for World’s First All-Civilian Mission to Space – Inspiration4
    • Contest-winning crew members named for Inspiration4 all-civilian spaceflight | collectSPACE
  • Constellations
    • High-Frequency Traders Eye Satellites for Ultimate Speed Boost – WSJ
    • IoT start-up Hiber secures €26 million funding – SpaceWatch.Global
• Space apps:
  • Caltech Space Based Solar Power Cubesat Demo Flying December 2021 – NextBigFuture.com
• Regulation – spectrum, export control, launch, etc:
  • FCC proposes to allocate spectrum for commercial launches – SpaceNews
  • FCC mulls setting aside spectrum for space launches – FierceWireless
  • Intelsat’s 2020 revenue drop highlights C-band clearing importance – SpaceNews
  • Congress raises concerns about FAA’s handling of Starship launch license violation – SpaceNews
  • U.S. House panel probes SpaceX launch activities | Reuters
  • FAA requiring inspector on site for SpaceX launches | Reuters
• Space traffic & environment issues:
  • Report’s Dim View: Satellites, Space Debris and Night Sky Brightness – Leonard David
  • Orbital debris removal:
    • The growing case for active debris removal – The Space Review
• US states space:
  • SpaceX facility planned next to Tesla factory outside Austin, sources say – Austin Business Journal
  • Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin to expand Florida facility for rocket manufacturing – Orlando Business Journal
• Weather & remote sensing satellites:
  • Op-ed | Space offers a higher perspective on our Earthbound problems – SpaceNews
  • Mangroves from space: 30 years of satellite images are helping us understand how climate change threatens these valuable forests – The Conversation
• Space weather:
  • Why we need to get better at predicting space weather – The Conversation
• US Defense space:
  • Pentagon industrial policies need to focus on demand – Defense News
  • Space Force To Boost Threat Tracking – Breaking Defense
  • Space Force sounds like a joke thanks to pop culture: how that could be a problem for an important military branch – The Space Review
  • Biden and military space:
    • US military to keep wary eye on Chinese and Russian space ambitions under President Biden | Space.com
  • Counterspace:
    • New reports highlight Russian, Chinese advances in space weapons – SpaceNews
    • New reports detail ongoing space threats, and Russia is raising concerns | Space.com
    • Counterspace 2020: All (Pretty) Quiet On The ASAT Front – Breaking Defense
    • SWF Releases 2021 Global Counterspace Capabilities Report | Secure World
      • Global Counterspace Capabilities | Secure World
      • Global Counterspace Capabilities: An open source assessment – April 2021 – Secure World Foundation (pdf)
    • SWF Contribution to UNG Resolution 75-36, “Reducing Space Threats Through Norms, Rules and Principles of Responsible Behaviors”March 31, 2021 – Secure World
  • Geospatial intelligence:
    • Startups selected for geospatial intelligence accelerator program – SpaceNews
  • Launch:
    • Lockheed Martin makes block buy of launches from ABL Space Systems – SpaceNews
  • Orbital traffic:
    • With Air Force funding, Numerica deploys telescopes to monitor space in broad daylight – SpaceNews
  • Technology:
    • Technology race against China a key concern for Pentagon acquisition nominee – SpaceNews
• General space policy, goals, commentary, etc.:
  • Opinion: Why China’s space program could overtake NASA – Eric Berger/CNN
  • Great Powers Compete in Space | SIGNAL Magazine
  • Astronaut: Space success requires government, commercial elements | Commentary – Michael Lopez-Alegria/Orlando Sentinel
  • Space Café WebTalk Recap: Soft power and satellites: 33 minutes with Aarti Holla-Maini – SpaceWatch.Global (video)
  • Sustainable space manufacturing and design will help get us to the Moon, Mars, and beyond – The Space Review
• Activism:
  • Space Advocates, Assembled | The Planetary Society

International space

• Australia:
  • Australian Defense Force extends Inmarsat partnership – SatellitePro ME
  • Govt has fallen behind on space sector boom – InnovationAus
  • #SpaceWatchGL Share: An Australian ‘space command’ could be a force for good — or a cause for war – SpaceWatch.Global
• Canada:
  • Recommendations for the Future of Canadian Space Exploration – Planetary Society
• China:
  • One Giant Leap for Mankind: China, NASA Coordinate on Mars Even as Beijing Issues Fiery New Threats – World Report
  • Opinion: Why China’s space program could overtake NASA – Eric Berger/CNN
  • New reports highlight Russian, Chinese advances in space weapons – SpaceNews
  • NASA exchanged data with China on Mars orbiters – SpaceNews
  • Mainland spokesperson: NASA hurts Chinese people’s feelings – CGTN
  • China/Russia lunar co-op:
    • Roscosmos hopes to hold lunar station talks on sidelines of GLEX-2021 conference in June – TASS
  • Misc. highlights:
    • China’s Tianwen 1 mission targets mid-May landing on Mars – Spaceflight Now
    • China launches a second Gaofen-12 Earth observation satellite | Space.com
• Egypt:
  • Egypt Space Agency signs deal of £6m with Benha University to build CubeSat – SatellitePro ME
• Europe
  • ESA invites ideas to open up in-orbit servicing market – ESA
• India:
  • India’s astronauts fly home after wrapping up training in Russia – TASS
  • Elon Musk-backed Starlink broadband pre-booking could be blocked in India as company faces regulatory hurdles – Technology News
• Japan:
  • Japanese military strengthens ties with U.S. Space Command – SpaceNews
• Russia:
  • More Potential Air Leak Locations Found at International Space Station, Source Says – Sputnik International
  • Russian Cabinet approves extension of agreement on cooperation in outer space with US – TASS
  • Russia backs extending space cooperation deal with U.S. to 2030 – agencies | Reuters
  • Russia-China lunar base:
    • Russia continues discussions with China on lunar exploration cooperation – SpaceNews
    • Roscosmos hopes to hold lunar station talks on sidelines of GLEX-2021 conference in June – TASS
    • New reports highlight Russian, Chinese advances in space weapons – SpaceNews
• South Korea:
  • South Korea’s Independent Satellite Launch Still Impossible under Current U.S. Policies – BusinessKorea
  • Hanwha Systems to launch 2,000 LEO communications satellites by 2030 – SpaceNews
• Taiwan:
  • Mainland spokesperson: NASA hurts Chinese people’s feelings – CGTN
• Togo:
  • How satellite images are helping one country hand out cash – BBC News
• Turkey:
  • Turkey may sign space cooperation agreement with Russia soon – Science & Space – TASS
• UAE
  • #SpaceWatchGL Coproduction: Yahsat: Paving the Future of Space Industry and Economy – SpaceWatch.Global
  • Op-ed | More than Hope, UAE is transforming its future in space – SpaceNews
  • UAE Hope Probe transitions to science orbit – SatellitePro ME

Webcasts:

** Episode 33: Lawfare and Outer Space, Part 2 – Space Thoughts (YouTube) – Space Law & Policy Solutions/Michael Listner

** Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition – North American Finals – Space Court Foundation – YouTube

Results of the North America Regional Rounds:
18 schools
40 judges

Team Winner: George Washington University Law School @gwlaw

Final’s Judges:
Dennis Burnett @HawkEye360
@RandySegal @HoganLovells
Gabriel Swiney @Monkeybane_DC @StateDept

** China Private Launch Companies Forging Ahead, Expace Liquid-Fueled Rockets, Geely in Nansha – Ep 27 – Dongfang Hour – YouTube

1) Significant week from Chinese commercial launch companies …
2) TV Report from Hubei News on Wuhan space projects, and exclusive takeaways for Xingyun and Expace  …
3) Geely plans group-level space headquarters in Nansha, Guangzhou …

See also the program summary at Dongfang Hour China Aerospace News Roundup 29 March – 4 April 2021 – SpaceWatch.Global.

** Space Café WebTalk – Blaine Curcio – 2. March 2021 – spacewatch. global – News Room – YouTube

Torsten Kriening in conversation with China space analytics expert, self-proclaimed “#ChinaSpaceGuy​” and founder of Orbital Gateway Consulting – a boutique market research and consulting firm focusing on the business of space and satellite telecommunications – Blaine Curcio. Blaine Curcio was born in the US and has spent the last 14 years working and studying in the international space industry. Having previously worked in China and the Netherlands, he is currently based in Hong Kong, where in 2018 he founded space market research and consulting firm, Orbital Gateway Consulting. …

** Space Café Podcast Episode 024 Featuring Lin Kayser Is Now Available – SpaceWatch.Global

Lin Kayser is a German entrepreneur who wants to revolutionize the way we make products with his company Hyperganic. 3D printing has advanced to the point where it can really take us where we’ve long been in science fiction. And, he wouldn’t be with us here at Space Cafe if he didn’t want to rethink space travel as well. PS: The good man may have the right DNA for such great thoughts. Crazy and world-changing thoughts run in the Kayser family.

** The Space Show – Friday, April.2.2021 – Bruce Pittman talked about his education proposal, “Spacecraft Nation: A Toolkit for Building Back Better Using Space” (Spacecraft Nation.docx):

Spacecraft Nation is envisioned as a $500 million/year, 5 year national investment program, operating in all 50 states, with the goal of upgrading America’s technical skills and technical toolkits to solve the many multidisciplinary problems inherent in space development and apply those skills to terrestrial and space challenges. Space is a fascinating and unforgiving environment with vast resources that will challenge, inspire, and train to excellence the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists and entrepreneurs in high-tech tools, problem solving, teamwork and innovation.

** Hotel Mars  – The John Bachelor Show/The Space Show – Wednesday, Apr.1.2021 – Purdue professor Dr. Haym Benaroya spoke with John Batchelor and Dr. David Livingston about the “Russia China plan for a lunar South Pole base, future lunar settlement development, lunar mining economic value and more“.

** How satellite images are helping one country hand out cash – BBC News

Togo has found a high-tech way to identify people who need financial help in the pandemic and send them emergency cash.

They use computers to search for clues in satellite images, then distribute money through mobile phones.

** March 30, 2021 Zimmerman/Batchelor podcast

** March 31, 2021 Zimmerman/Batchelor podcast

** April 2, 2021 Zimmerman/Batchelor podcast

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