SpaceNews.com

• How multi-agent AI can strengthen space missions against the unknown

  

  Space missions are entering a new era defined by complexity: more sensors, more software-driven behavior, more tightly coupled subsystems and more interactions between spacecraft and orbital infrastructure. As these systems evolve, the number of potential failure modes grows — ranging from thermal drift and aging hardware to configuration errors, environmental disturbances, and unfamiliar system behavior. […]

  The post How multi-agent AI can strengthen space missions against the unknown appeared first on SpaceNews.

• Benchmark demonstrates high-throughput ASCENT thruster in hotfire testing at Edwards Air Force Base

  

  SAN FRANCISCO – Benchmark Space Systems’ ASCENT-fueled Macaw thruster performed a 10-minute continuous burn, clearing the way for an on-orbit application of the propulsion technology, the company announced Dec. 10. “Because ASCENT has 50% greater impulse density than other monopropellants, mission planners and spacecraft designers can get the similar delta-v [change in velocity] with less […]

  The post Benchmark demonstrates high-throughput ASCENT thruster in hotfire testing at Edwards Air Force Base appeared first on SpaceNews.

• NASA loses contact with MAVEN Mars orbiter

  

  NASA has lost contact with a Mars orbiter that has circled the planet for more than a decade, collecting science data and serving as a key communications relay.

  The post NASA loses contact with MAVEN Mars orbiter appeared first on SpaceNews.

• Overview Energy demonstrates technologies for space solar power

  

  A space solar power startup has emerged from stealth after demonstrating a key technology for its plans to transmit power from space to the Earth.

  The post Overview Energy demonstrates technologies for space solar power appeared first on SpaceNews.

• Chinese astronauts inspect debris-damaged Shenzhou-20 spacecraft during spacewalk

  

  Two Shenzhou-21 astronauts embarked on the mission’s first spacewalk late Monday, inspecting and photographing a damaged spacecraft window which triggered an earlier emergency launch.

  The post Chinese astronauts inspect debris-damaged Shenzhou-20 spacecraft during spacewalk appeared first on SpaceNews.