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0 of 6 readThis week's space and astronomy highlights center on lunar exploration and deep-space missions: NASA added science payloads for its Moon Base and advanced lunar 5G communications, ESA's Juice completed an Earth flyby toward Jupiter, and the European-Chinese Smile mission began science operations.
ESA's Juice Completes Earth Flyby to Adjust Course to Jupiter
On Sept. 28, ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) skimmed the outer edge of Earth's atmosphere, using Earth's gravity to alter its route to Jupiter with very little fuel.
Why it mattersGravity assists are key to saving fuel on deep-space missions, and this success keeps Juice on track for Jupiter.
NASA Advances Moon Base with New Science Payloads, 5G and Space Crops
NASA selected three new science investigations and payload suites for its Moon Base, awarded Modulate Space a contract to develop a lunar 5G communications system, and signed a joint statement with CSA and DLR to prepare an Earth-based demonstrator for growing crops on the Moon.
Why it mattersThese moves show lunar base planning shifting into concrete technology development across communications, science and life support.
European-Chinese Smile Mission Begins Science Operations
On Sept. 23, the European-Chinese Smile mission was declared ready to study how Earth responds to the solar wind. The spacecraft launched on May 19 and reached its target orbit on June 20.
Why it mattersSmile will provide new observations of solar wind-Earth magnetosphere interactions, aiding space weather research.
Webb Telescope Captures Gravitational Lens 'House of Mirrors'
The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope's Picture of the Month features galaxies warped and multiplied by gravitational lensing in the galaxy cluster MACS J0454.1-0300.
Why it mattersGravitational lensing lets astronomers study distant galaxies in detail, a tool for understanding dark matter and cosmic evolution.
Commercial Defense Satcom Service Revenues to Surpass $22.6B by 2035
A Novaspace report highlights rapid growth in the defense Satcom market, with commercial satellite service revenues projected to surpass $22.6 billion by 2035.
Why it mattersThe expanding defense satcom market signals significant growth opportunities for commercial space companies.
NaviGate Demonstrates Autonomous Onboard Orbit Determination on D-Orbit's ION
Italian space technology company NaviGate successfully completed the in-orbit demonstration of its NaviCode Caravel autonomous onboard precise orbit determination aboard D-Orbit's ION Satellite Carrier.
Why it mattersAutonomous onboard orbit determination can reduce reliance on ground stations and improve satellite operational efficiency.