Top Stories: September 2016

29 September 2016

Each month we round up some of the top stories in space, entrepreneurship, innovation, finance and technology.

Here’s our round-up for September:

The Growing Imperative of Commercialization (Of Space)

“Globalization has made the world a smaller place, with people, goods and services crossing borders with ease unimagined by earlier generations. Much of this globalization is enabled by space-based capabilities, and specifically satellite communications capabilities.” writes SpaceNews.

Israel’s satellite startups play up resilient industry in face of SpaceX Falcon 9 explosion

After SpaceX’s Falcon9 rocket exploded in Florida earlier this month, Israel’s space industry is talking up new challenges thanks to the loss of a major communications satellite and delays to further launches. Read more at Geektime.

Israeli startup, SkyFi, would deploy 60 nanosatellites around the world to enable global communications coverage with adjustable signal relays (screenshot, YouTube)
Israeli startup, SkyFi, would deploy 60 nanosatellites around the world to enable global communications coverage with adjustable signal relays (screenshot, YouTube)

An interview with Jean-Yves Le Gall, president of CNES (The Space Review)

The Space Review spoke with Jean-Yves Le Gall, president of CNES in this interesting interview noting the strong growth in the space sector.

“The space sector is evolving at a rate never seen before, so an organization like CNES, with its strong influence in the astronautics arena, has to stamp its presence as a space agency and technical field center.”

Jean-Yves Le Gall, the current president of the French space agency CNES, will also become president of the International Astronautical Federation at the end of this month. (credit: L. Jeitler / ITU)
Jean-Yves Le Gall, the current president of the French space agency CNES, will also become president of the International Astronautical Federation at the end of this month. (credit: L. Jeitler / ITU)

ESA gives final approval for Ariane 6; Airbus Safran Launchers now in control

The European Space Agency (ESA) on Sept. 13 gave final go-ahead for development of the next-generation Ariane 6 heavy-lift launch vehicle, confirming a rendezvous that many thought impossible when it was set in December 2014. Read more at SpaceNews here.

Outgoing European Space Agency Launcher Director Gaele Winters said the technical performance of Ariane 6 has been confirmed and that the remaining development funds would be released to prime contractor Airbus Safran Launchers in late October. Credit: ESA
Outgoing European Space Agency Launcher Director Gaele Winters said the technical performance of Ariane 6 has been confirmed and that the remaining development funds would be released to prime contractor Airbus Safran Launchers in late October. Credit: ESA

Making Humans A Multiplanetary Species

In a much-anticipated talk at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) and livestreamed online, ‘spaceoneer’ Elon Musk outlined his vision for making humans a multiplanetary species. Watch the talk below or via: http://www.spacex.com/mars