Investment

• Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems segment is expected to post a 24.3% year-over-year revenue decline in Q2 2025 due to reduced activity in restricted space programs, Commercial Resupply Services, and satellite work for the Space Development Agency. This underperformance contrasts with growth in other segments and may weigh on the company’s overall results.

• NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab is reportedly attempting to sell off several Earth science satellites (some already launched, others like GLIMR still awaiting deployment) amid deep budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration for FY2026. The move signals broader concerns over the future of NASA’s climate and environmental monitoring efforts, as JPL seeks government or private buyers to salvage programs previously targeted for termination.

• Firefly Aerospace has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) and plans to list on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “FLY.” The Texas-based space and defense tech company has not yet disclosed the number of shares or price range but is moving toward public market entry with top-tier underwriters including Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan.

Partnerships

• Viasat, in collaboration with SSTL and MDA Space, is leading UK efforts on ESA’s Moonlight program to develop a lunar communications satellite system, aiming for initial capability by 2028. The system will serve as a “data highway” between Earth and the Moon, enabling future lunar exploration, space tourism, and industrial activity, while positioning the UK as a key player in the emerging lunar economy.

• Australia’s Defence Department has partnered with Optus and leading universities to co-develop a LEO satellite equipped with experimental communications and research payloads, aiming to strengthen sovereign space capabilities. Backed by $4 million in Defence funding and additional investment through the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program, the mission will advance optical and radio-frequency communications and is set to launch in 2028.

• Astroscale U.S. has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center to test its Refueler spacecraft’s rendezvous and docking capabilities ahead of refueling missions for U.S. DOD satellites in GEO. The partnership leverages GSFC’s advanced in-space servicing facilities to validate Astroscale’s RPOD technology in a high-fidelity environment.

Applications

• Expedition 73 astronauts aboard the ISS conducted a range of health and systems maintenance tasks, including heart scans, blood pressure monitoring, and wearable sensor tests to study microgravity’s effects on cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The crew also maintained critical life support and scientific equipment, while supporting plant biology and international collaboration experiments.

• ESA and UK-based Frazer-Nash have launched INVICTUS, a hypersonic flight research program aiming to develop a reusable, Mach 5-capable aerospace vehicle with horizontal launch capabilities. Backed by ESA and the UK Space Agency, the project will test air-breathing, hydrogen-fueled propulsion systems and advanced cooling tech like SABRE, with the goal of enabling future spaceplanes and dual-use mobility systems.

• Researchers have demonstrated a new in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technology that extracts water from lunar soil and uses it to convert CO₂ into oxygen and fuel precursors. While still in early stages, the integrated photothermal system could reduce the cost and logistical complexity of transporting water and fuel from Earth, making it a high-impact application for future commercial lunar infrastructure and deep space missions.

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• Redwire has launched a new high-volume Industrial Crystallizer and a cancer-detection experiment called “Golden Balls” to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX’s CRS-32 mission as part of its in-space drug development expansion.
• The Industrial Crystallizer processes samples up to 200 times larger than the PIL-BOX platform, advancing space-based pharmaceutical research toward large-scale production and real-world commercial applications.
• The Golden Balls experiment aims to produce gold nanospheres in space, which could offer breakthroughs in cancer detection and therapy by generating particles with tighter size distribution and superior surface properties.

PRESS RELEASE –  Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW), a leader in space infrastructure for the next-generation space economy, announced that it has launched a new drug development technology and a cancer-detection experiment to the International Space Station (ISS) as the company scales its in-space pharmaceutical drug development program based on the success of its PIL-BOX platform.

To complement the existing PIL-BOX platform, Redwire is launching a high-volume Industrial Crystallizer that is capable of processing samples that are up to 200x the volume of what could previously be processed in the original PIL-BOX technology. The goal is to translate the insights gained from the PIL-BOX investigations into large-scale production for commercial applications. This Industrial Crystallizer technology could provide a roadmap to commercializing the fabrication of materials on the ISS for real world applications on the ground.

To validate this new hardware, Redwire is launching a first-of-its-kind experiment called Golden Balls, which will attempt to produce gold nanospheres in space for the first time ever. Gold nanoparticles are currently being explored by researchers as a cancer therapeutic due to their unique properties and they have been used as a biomedical testing tool for early detection of cancer and other diseases.

“Gold nanospheres could lead to early testing and diagnosis of cancer and other diseases, targeted drug delivery, and enhanced radiation and photothermal therapy, offering a promising approach to cancer management,” said John Vellinger, Redwire’s President of In-Space Industries.  “Producing golden nanospheres in space is expected to yield both tighter size distributions and larger gold nanospheres without compromising surface structure and ultimately producing spheres of higher quality.”

The Industrial Crystallizer and Golden Balls experiment launched on board SpaceX’s 32nd commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on April 21st.

• The ISS National Lab has launched the Orbital Edge Accelerator to support space-based innovation, offering six startups up to $500,000 each, mentorship, and access to ISS-sponsored research missions in low Earth orbit.
• Backed by investors CIRI, E2MC, and Stellar Ventures, and supported by TechConnect and AWS, the program targets early-stage companies developing technologies in sectors like advanced materials, biotech, and communications.
• Applications are due May 19, 2025, with finalists pitching virtually; selected startups will be announced at the ISS R&D Conference in Seattle, July 28–31, 2025.

PRESS RELEASE – The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory is taking a giant leap in fostering new space innovators with the launch of the Orbital Edge Accelerator program. This bold initiative is designed to integrate cutting-edge startups and investment partners into the rapidly expanding space economy. Through the accelerator, six pioneering startups will be selected to receive an investment of up to $500,000 each—which is being provided by global investors Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), E2MC, and Stellar Ventures—along with mentorship and the opportunity to launch an ISS National Lab-sponsored investigation. By bridging the gap between early-stage companies and space-based innovation, the Orbital Edge Accelerator program aims to unlock discoveries that can benefit humanity and drive new commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles..

Engaging the startup community is a strategic priority for the ISS National Lab. Having access to the unique space environment allows entrepreneurs to push the boundaries of science and technology, develop novel products, and build new businesses. Over the years, dozens of startups have been awarded flight opportunities through the ISS National Lab to advance R&D in diverse areas, from communications and remote sensing to advanced materials and biotechnology. The impact of conducting research through the ISS National Lab is notable, as startups awarded flight projects have cumulatively raised nearly $2.4 billion in funding postflight, demonstrating the value of space-based R&D in accelerating commercialization. With the launch of the Orbital Edge Accelerator, the ISS National Lab aims to build on this momentum and fuel the next wave of innovators that will shape the future space economy.

To deliver the accelerator program, the ISS National Lab is working with TechConnect, which has more than 25 years of expertise connecting innovators with high-value commercialization opportunities. In the coming months, representatives from the ISS National Lab, CIRI, E2MC, Stellar Ventures, and TechConnect will meet with interested startups at conferences and networking sessions to highlight the accelerator and discuss how space-based R&D can lead to innovation not possible on Earth. Additionally, AWS will serve as a corporate partner for the Orbital Edge Accelerator program, providing their extensive expertise and reach toward scouting and mentoring the inaugural cohort of startups. 

TechConnect will host an informational webinar on April 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EDT providing additional details on the scope of this opportunity and the advantages of utilizing the orbiting laboratory. To register, please visit the webinar registration page. TechConnect will also host two office hours for potential respondents to ask questions about the accelerator program. Learn more about these opportunities on the accelerator webpage.

Startups interested in the Orbital Edge Accelerator program will need to submit an application by 8:00 p.m. EDT on May 19, 2025. Once the application window closes, the ISS National Lab and investment partners will evaluate each submission and select up to 20 finalists to pitch in a virtual setting. From there, reviewers will invite six startups to join the Orbital Edge Accelerator cohort. Each startup will receive a $500,000 investment and the opportunity to submit an official proposal to utilize the ISS National Lab in a future spaceflight mission.

The six selected startups will be joining attendees at the 14^th annual ISS Research and Development Conference in Seattle July 28-31, 2025. To learn more about the accelerator program, networking events, and application process, visit the Orbital Edge Accelerator webpage.

• Microgravity may accelerate brain cell growth, as shown by a study using neural organoids aboard the ISS, raising concerns about astronauts’ neurological health during extended space missions.
• Potential astronaut risks include rapid neural aging and altered responses to stimuli, suggesting the need for pre-mission screenings and real-time monitoring to manage cognitive health during space travel.
• Biomanufacturing in space may benefit, as accelerated cell maturation could expedite pharmaceutical testing and tissue engineering, creating new opportunities for space-based medical research and innovation.

As the space industry contemplates longer, more extensive missions, researchers are also investigating how the those missions might affect the health of astronauts who embark on those assignments.

In a recent study that examined the natural growth of neural organoids in space, a team of researchers from the New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute found that microgravity significantly accelerates the maturation of brain cells. Conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the research offers several implications for astronaut health, as well as suggests ways this may benefit space-based biomedical research in the future, according to the study, which was published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine.

Faster Maturation

The researchers relied on human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural organoids, which are lab-grown models that mimic early brain development. These organoids were maintained aboard the ISS for an extended period without replacing or replenishing the nutrient solution, simulating a sustainable environment for long-term cell study in space. The space-based organoids were compared to those grown under standard conditions on Earth to identify differences in growth patterns and gene expression.

Researchers observed that the space-grown organoids exhibited faster maturation than their Earth-based counterparts. Genetic analysis revealed a lower expression of cell proliferation markers and a higher expression of genes associated with cell differentiation and maturation. This finding indicates that the microgravity environment fosters accelerated neural development, which could have dual implications: identifying potential risks for human health during space missions, while also showing that advanced research in space is possible.

Health Implications for Astronauts

The accelerated maturation of brain cells in microgravity raises questions about how prolonged exposure to space conditions might affect astronauts’ neurological health. Previous research has shown that space travel can lead to structural changes in the brain, including shifts in gray matter and fluid distribution. The findings from this study support the idea that microgravity could amplify these effects by altering neural cell growth and maturation.

The presence of microglia in the organoids — immune cells essential for maintaining brain health — adds another dimension to these implications. Changes in microglial function could influence how astronauts’ brains respond to inflammation or stress during extended missions. If microgravity prompts rapid neural maturation, there might be a risk of accelerated neural aging or altered responses to environmental stimuli. This would necessitate thorough pre-mission screenings and real-time monitoring of brain health during missions to detect early signs of cognitive or neurological changes.

Space Industry Implications

The implications of this study extend beyond astronaut health and into broader space industry applications. The demonstrated ability to culture complex organoids sustainably in microgravity opens pathways for biomanufacturing and medical research conducted in space. Microgravity’s influence on cellular maturation could be harnessed to accelerate pharmaceutical testing and tissue engineering, potentially expediting drug development processes and advancing regenerative medicine.

Additionally, understanding how microgravity impacts neural development could inform the design of future spacecraft and habitats to include technologies or environments that mitigate potential neurological risks. For instance, innovations could be introduced to regulate neural cell growth, manage cognitive health, and prevent issues stemming from accelerated maturation, such as neurodegenerative conditions.

Limitations of the Study

The study’s limitations include its preclinical nature and reliance on organoid models, which, while useful, may not entirely replicate the complexity of the human brain. Additionally, the research was conducted in a controlled environment aboard the ISS, where other variables — such as radiation exposure — were minimal compared to what might be encountered on deep-space missions. This means that while the accelerated maturation can be attributed to microgravity, the full impact of space radiation on neural development remains unexplored in this context.

The use of organoids derived from individuals with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and Parkinson’s disease adds another layer of complexity. While it offers insight into how microgravity could influence disease-specific neural responses, it also introduces variables that might not apply to a fully healthy population. Future research should consider expanding the sample to include organoids representing different demographics and health conditions to achieve more generalized findings.

The findings — and the limitations — point to several avenues for future research. One focus should be on developing comprehensive countermeasures to monitor and protect astronaut brain health during long missions. Potential solutions could include targeted neuroprotective strategies, such as tailored exercise regimens, pharmaceutical interventions, or controlled environmental stimuli designed to simulate gravity’s effects on neural cells.

Further exploration into the combined impact of microgravity and radiation exposure is essential, especially for missions beyond low Earth orbit. Conducting similar experiments on spacecraft designed for lunar or Mars missions could provide a fuller understanding of how long-term exposure to the space environment affects human health. Additionally, using quantum computing and AI to model potential impacts on the human brain could help simulate and predict outcomes, offering a proactive approach to safeguarding astronaut well-being.

The space industry might also leverage these insights to refine biomanufacturing processes. For instance, microgravity’s acceleration of neural maturation could be utilized in developing organoids or tissues for clinical use, where rapid development is advantageous. Such applications could attract partnerships between space agencies and biotechnology firms focused on cutting-edge medical solutions.

Scientists from Scripps Research, Space Tango and the National Stem Cell Foundation also worked on the study.

The National Stem Cell Foundation supported this research.

Voyager Space and Airbus, in a joint venture, designed Starlab after the International Space Station (ISS), which is set to succeed when the latter is decommissioned in 2031, and have already secured a pact with the European Space Agency (ESA) to host astronauts and spacecraft. The inclusion of Japanese and Canadian space companies is expected to bolster international participation further.

“One of the greatest successes of the ISS is its international cooperation,” said Jeffrey Manber, President of International and Space Stations at Voyager Space, in a recent interview with Forbes. “NASA wants to see this international alliance continued.”

Starlab’s leaders see the station as a continuation of the ISS’s legacy of international cooperation. Jeffrey Manber, co-founder of Starlab, stressed replicating the ISS partnership commercially without Russian involvement. General Thomas Ayres, co-founder of the US Space Force and Chief Legal Officer at Starlab, warned that space warfare or nuclear detonations in space could jeopardize low Earth orbit and called for a strong stance against such threats.

Starlab’s compact with ESA ensures access for ESA astronauts and long-term research, positioning Starlab as partly a European Space Station. This station, filled with the latest scientific experiment facilities and inspired by design from ‘2001: A Space Odyssey,’ is to fly on SpaceX’s Starship. All this will be made possible by coming together to strengthen and continue the peaceful space mission of the ISS thereby leading the way for a new era of international space cooperation.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised Gezeravci’s journey as emblematic of a progressive, assertive Turkey, especially following the nation’s centennial celebrations.

“You will have very important tasks from now on,” said Erdogan, expressing gratitude for his successful mission completion.

Gezeravci, a 44-year-old ex-Turkish Air Force pilot, trained in Florida before embarking on his $55 million mission with Axiom Space, NASA and SpaceX — the third of its kind.

This mission not only boosts national pride but also highlights Turkey’s advancements in technology, including aerospace and military sectors. Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir emphasized that this mission paves the way for Turkey’s future in space exploration, with plans to reach the moon by 2026 already underway.

Gezeravci’s crew included Italian and Swedish astronauts and was led by a retired NASA astronaut, symbolizing international cooperation in space exploration. Their return in a SpaceX capsule was eagerly awaited, concluding a mission that involved scientific research and educational outreach, underscoring Turkey’s ambitious vision for its space program.

If you found this article to be informative, you can explore more current space industry news, exclusives, interviews, and podcasts.

• Although the termination of the International Space Station has been pushed back before, talks on the eventual need to replace it are being actively discussed.
• Several companies are positioned to be part of the next phase of ISS — and potential for commercial space stations.
• One of the key facets of the debate: can a commercial space station be sustainable?

As the International Space Station (ISS) approaches its twilight years, companies in the global space community is now positioning themselves for what comes next, the Netherlands-based NRC reports.

The ISS, a hallmark of international cooperation and scientific achievement, has seen its operational timeline extended multiple times. Initially set to retire in 2020, NASA now targets 2030 as the end date, though this could extend further. This ongoing postponement is a testament to the station’s enduring value but also underscores the technical and political challenges it faces.

Philippe Schoonejans, ESA’s ISS manager, said the unique circumstances now facing the ISS, particularly technical wear and geopolitical tensions, make its phase-out more probable, according to NRC Media.

In 2021, the discovery of cracks in the Zarja module, the oldest part of the ISS launched in 1998, signaled the station’s aging infrastructure. Moreover, the once steadfast collaboration with Russia has become strained, complicating operations, the media service reports.

Efforts to safely decommission the ISS are underway, including plans for a controlled descent into the Pacific Ocean, making it the largest artificial meteor in history, the media service reports.

What Happens Next?

Yet, the end of the ISS is envisioned as a new beginning. There are a range of paths the plan to replace the ISS could take — and each path could change how startups in the space industry play this new era. The NRC pieces discusses several scenarios.

Various modules of the ISS may be repurposed, seeding new, commercially operated space stations, for instance. This shift aligns with NASA and ESA’s strategy to engage commercial entities in routine space activities, reserving pioneering missions for space agencies, according to the media service. Among the contenders to succeed the ISS, NRC suggests that Axiom Space, led by former ISS manager Michael Suffredini, is a frontrunner. Axiom’s first module, under construction in Italy by Thales Alenia, is slated for a 2026 launch and eventual attachment to the ISS.

Axiom Space’s vision diverges aesthetically from the ISS, with designs featuring yellow padded walls, large windows and video screens, envisioned by French designer Philippe Starck as a “comfortable egg” harmonizing with human movement in zero gravity. However, the privilege of experiencing this comfort comes with a price tag of $55 million.

Other notable projects mentioned by NRC include the Orbital Reef by Blue Origin and Sierra Space and Starlab, a joint venture initially between Lockheed Martin and Voyager, now involving Airbus Defence and Space, aiming for a 2028 launch. Each of these projects represents distinct visions for the future of low Earth orbit operations, from scientific research to exotic hospitality and space tourism.

How Sustainable?

The sustainability of these commercial endeavors remains a concern. While commercial operations have become more streamlined and affordable, the market for space tourism and private research may be limited. Nonetheless, the transition towards commercial space stations is seen as an opportunity to ensure continuous human presence in low Earth orbit without the gap that could hinder space exploration programs.

There’s an on-going debate here. NRC tapped two key officials for their opinions–Frank De Winne and Philippe Schoonejans.
De Winne is a former Belgian astronaut and the head of the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany. He has participated in space missions and has a significant role within the European Space Agency (ESA), contributing to astronaut training and space mission preparation. Schoonejans is a manager for the International Space Station (ISS) at the European Space Agency (ESA), responsible for the robotic arm ERA (European Robotic Arm). His work involves overseeing various aspects of the ISS’s operations and contributions from the European side, particularly in the context of robotics and technology.

Both have differing opinions as to whether space stations can be operate sustainably.

“Experience with the ISS shows that it is difficult to make this commercially viable,” says De Winne.

Schoonejans, though, is more on the optimistic side of the debate.

“I think there are reasonable prospects that at least one of the plans will succeed,” Schoonejans says.

In parallel, China’s Tiangong space station, operational since 2021, represents another facet of the evolving space station landscape, offering a potential alternative for international collaboration outside the traditional ISS partnership.

Ultimately, as the ISS’s journey nears its conclusion, there is no shortage of projects and now shortage of space startups  ready to pursue their own — potentially lucrative visions — of a commercial space station. The transition from a singular, international endeavor to a diverse ecosystem of commercial and national stations will mark a new chapter in humanity’s spacefaring saga, one that promises continued exploration, innovation and perhaps, a deeper understanding of our place in the cosmos.

If you found this article to be informative, you can explore more current space industry news, exclusives, interviews, and podcasts.