Tag: Orbital Mechanics
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Remora RPO: Starfish Space and Impulse Space Demonstrate Autonomous Proximity Rendezvous in Orbit
Overview: A Quiet Collaboration with a Big Impact Two rising forces in the small-satellite and on-orbit servicing arena quietly joined forces this year to push the boundaries of autonomous operations. Starfish Space and Impulse Space conducted a proximity rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) demonstration in Earth orbit, bringing two spacecraft to within 1,250 meters of…
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Earth’s New Quasi-Moon: NASA Confirms a 50-Year Companionship with Asteroid 2025 PN7
Introduction: A New Kind of Cosmic Neighbor In a development that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike, NASA has affirmed the discovery of a small asteroid, designated 2025 PN7, that follows a distinctive path around the Sun in a way that keeps it close to Earth. While not a true moon,…
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From Orbit to On-Screen: An Ex-SpaceX Engineer Teaches Kitten Space Agency to Reach for the Stars
Introduction: A Rare Path from the Shuttle to the Simulator When a veteran of the space industry decides to switch gears and help craft a video game, it’s a moment that ripples through both communities. Kitten Space Agency, the spiritual successor to Kerbal Space Program, recently welcomed an ex-SpaceX engineer to its team. The move…
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From Space Trails to Sandbox Studios: An Interview with Kitten Space Agency’s Ex-SpaceX Engineer
Introduction: A Rare Path from Spaceflight to Game Design Space enthusiasts know the thrill of Kerbal Space Program and the draw of authentic spaceflight. Kitten Space Agency, a studio positioned as the spiritual successor to Kerbal Space Program, is turning heads again with its team composition. Among the founders and developers sits an ex-SpaceX engineer…
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Rescue of Salyut 7: How Soviet cosmonauts saved Earth from a tumbling space station
The Silent Threat: A derelict in orbit On February 11, 1985, a routine check inside the Soviet Mission Control room turned tense as ground controllers attempted to communicate with the Salyut 7 space station. The station, left unattended for months, failed to respond. With no telemetry, no guidance, and no power, Salyut 7 drifted into…
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A Bi-Directional Plasma Thruster Could Deorbit Space Junk Safely
The Growing Threat of Space Junk Space junk, or orbital debris, has become a significant concern for satellites, space missions, and the future of space exploration. The phenomenon known as Kessler Syndrome describes a scenario where the density of objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) is so high that collisions between debris and operational satellites…