Ian Smith

Interested in expanding your drone operations to include Beyond Visual Line of Sight flights and Drone as First Responder for public safety initiatives? Join us for a webinar featuring Jakee Stoltz, a renowned expert in the field. Gain valuable insights on navigating BVLOS operations, regulatory strategies, and operational advancements. Register now to elevate your drone program! #Drones #PublicSafety #BVLOS #Webinar

33

We wrote a piece on Starliner, detailing all the investments and costs to date—from NASA’s contributions and seat pricing to the overall development costs. Development costs: - Starliner: $4.8B - Crew Dragon: $3B+ Cost per seat: - Starliner: $90M - Crew Dragon: Initially $55M, now $72M - Soyuz: As high as $86M Although Starliner’s development cost was higher than Crew Dragon’s, the project was still completed at a very low cost. Both Starliner and Crew Dragon’s development costs were sub-$5B, which compares favorably to historical crew-rated spacecraft costs and to Orion ($23B R&D costs). (Anargyros (Argyris) Kriezis contributed research)

40

2 Comments

Don’t make your deployed personnel use their hands to launch and catch your #UAS every 5-8 hours. Use #FLARES for #ScanEagle and #Integrator. Keeps people safe, and allows your aircraft to fly further, for longer with less cycles. #ExperienceMatters #EnduranceIsEverything #NoHandsNearFans #VTOL #SafetyFirstMissionAlways #ExpeditionaryRedefined https://lnkd.in/gyg2eRiK

53

Get caught-up with the latest on how AI is integrating with advanced autonomous systems to enable faster decisions with less effort while protecting lives.

1

❗SpaceX's Injury Rates Concern Industry Observers... Key Highlights: 🔹SpaceX's 2023 injury rates remain above industry norms, with a notable increase at the Brownsville, Texas site — 5.9 per 100 workers (industry average is 0.8). 🔹Former OSHA administrator David Michaels highlights that high injury rates can signal poor production quality. 🔹Concerns have escalated among major clients like NASA, against the backdrop of substantial contracts totaling over $11 billion. With the increasing scrutiny on workplace safety at SpaceX, it prompts the question: How will this impact its partnerships and future contracts? https://lnkd.in/e9Rt7zV8 #SpaceX #WorkplaceSafety #IndustryStandards #NASA

27

1 Comment

This is not how you win #WW3. The US has become the high-cost producer of everything defense-related. The F-35 is not a new new thing. It is just the best expression of an old thing. At multiples of the cost. The new new thing is a drone. An F-35 is a very expensive drone with a pilot riding in it instead of controlling it from the ground. The only reason to put a human in a drone is to prevent jamming of the control of the drone. Is the juice worth the squeeze? It is $7mm per year just to keep an F-35 operational. That's a lot of drones. The problem to be solved is not how to get humans to ride more expensive jet fighters. The problem to be solved is how to prevent jamming of drones. #defenseinnovation Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) European Defense Investor Network Heather Jo Richman United States Department of DefenseUnited States Air Force #drones Creighton Holt Timothy D. Otten Graham Scarbro Defense News Defense One Drones https://lnkd.in/gjEK4HtB

3

22 Comments

Here's the latest on development of regulations for a Remote ID functionality in drones. Take a look and remember that Elsight's Halo connectivity platform comes with an embedded RID. https://lnkd.in/dqvjvP6h Elsight - UAV & UAS Connection Confidence #RID #drones #UAVs #RemoteID

1

Anzu Robotics hits the street today. I'm sure you'll see several items on this in your feed. 😁 Looking forward to seeing it in action to truly evaluate where it sits in the busy #SUAS market. I will say the business model of partnering with top market mass produced hardware and overseas, non-China manufacturing the topped off with USA made, controlled and tested software all managed and controlled by a USA company has an intriguing potential in todays geo-politically charged competitive environment. The cost is good for the specs provided. The use-ability, workflow and feature sets will be the deciding factor. Curious what your initial thoughts are. Something to keep your eye on for sure! #drone #unmannedsystems

9

2 Comments

Want to get a wing up on how the standards are shaping up for flying multiple drones simultaneously? Don’t miss this session at #XPO2024 with Asylon Robotics and Anzen Unmanned.

3

1 Comment

Exciting developments from Electra.aero as they secure a significant contract with the US Army for powered wind tunnel testing of their hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. This $1.9 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract marks a pivotal step in exploring Electra’s blown wing technology for enhanced military capabilities, especially vital for fuel-efficient logistics in challenging environments. Led by Ben Marchionna, Electra’s Director of Technology and Innovation, the powered wind tunnel testing aims to refine Electra’s aerodynamics database, crucial for performance analysis, simulator development, and control law refinement. Electra’s eSTOL aircraft offers a groundbreaking blend of helicopter-like flexibility and fixed-wing efficiency, powered by hybrid-electric systems for extended ranges up to 1,000 miles, perfect for critical national security missions without reliance on charging infrastructure. Marchionna highlights the aircraft’s potential to revolutionize military logistics, maximizing payload capacity while minimizing fuel consumption, noise levels, and operational footprints—a game-changer in modern warfare strategies. Stay tuned for more updates on Electra’s advancements in eSTOL technology and their collaboration with the US Army. Read the full details on our blog. #AvfoilNews #ElectraAero #USArmy #eSTOL #MilitaryInnovation #HybridElectricAircraft

1

Really great article on Space! Highlights Rocket Lab and their mission of small launches their Electron rocket has filled. It goes on to discuss the Neutron that is a medium lift vehicle. Rocket lab focuses on the taxi service where it takes individual payloads to specific orbits, but the new Neutron rocket is meant to compete with SpaceX and its Falcon 9. The article further discussed start ups, such as Relativity Space and ABL Space Systems. I was quoted around the maturity of businesses in this segment and discussed M&A activity. I highlighted that, "... for a company to be a consolidation target it needs some enterprise value; it needs sales and employees and contracts." I further went on to say that, "... those pure-play space companies, they are going to have a harder time because it is a slower cycle, versus a company that gets into space with a diversified book of business and will probably be more successful." #aerospace #space #mergersandacquisitions #thefactorydoctor https://lnkd.in/gsNrw2cA

16

#PropellingTheFuture: Isar Aerospace Secures $20M to Revolutionize Satellite Launch Services Isar Aerospace has secured $20M in growth debt funding from ATEL Ventures, Inc. This infusion of capital is set to accelerate the production of their Spectrum launch vehicle, promising to redefine the market dynamics for small and medium-sized satellite launches. Strategic Impact and Market Dynamics: 🌌 Market Shifts and Competitive Responses: The influx of capital will enable Isar Aerospace to enhance its production infrastructure, potentially reducing launch costs and increasing launch frequency. This could disrupt the current market, compelling established players like SpaceX and Rocket Lab to reassess their strategies and pricing models. 🌌 Synergies and Strategic Alignment: Founded as a spin-off from Technical University Munich, Isar Aerospace leverages a robust foundation of academic and practical expertise. The strategic alignment with ATEL Ventures not only provides financial backing but also validates Isar Aerospace's business model and growth trajectory. Innovation and Technological Advances: 🛰️ Redefining Industry Standards: Spectrum's design focuses on cost-efficiency, reliability, and rapid deployment. By optimizing the production process and leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, Isar Aerospace aims to set new benchmarks in the satellite launch sector. 🛰️ Future Growth and Competitiveness: The technological advancements embodied in Spectrum are expected to drive future growth for Isar Aerospace. As satellite technology continues to advance, the demand for flexible and cost-effective launch solutions will increase. Investor Insights and Recommendations: 📈 Emerging Investment Opportunities: The satellite launch sector is ripe for investment, particularly in companies like Isar Aerospace that are innovating to meet the needs of small and medium satellite operators. 📈 Risk Management and Strategic Positioning: While the potential for growth is significant, investors should also be mindful of the risks associated with the highly competitive and capital-intensive nature of the aerospace industry. As Isar Aerospace propels forward with its ambitious plans, the satellite launch industry stands on the cusp of transformative change. The infusion of $20M in growth debt funding is not just a financial milestone; it is a catalyst for innovation and market evolution. Investors and industry stakeholders alike should keep a keen eye on Isar Aerospace as it charts a course towards a new era in satellite launch services. Read More: https://lnkd.in/e-_tXDDr #IsarAerospace #SatelliteLaunch #SpaceInnovation #MarketUnwinded #InvestmentTrends #AerospaceIndustry #SpectrumRocket #ATELVentures

1

Discover how the NeutronTM 104 system revolutionizes satellite test operations in our latest article by Dale Schick.

11

While the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 holds promise, especially in advancing Beyond Visual Line of Sight (#BVLOS) drone operations, there's a notable gap in addressing counter-drone technology regulations. As drone-related incidents escalate, the need to fortify public safety agencies against malicious drone activities cannot be overstated. Dedrone CEO, Aaditya (AD) D. shared insights the issue via #TheDroneGirl. Dive into the article for a deeper understanding of the implications and opportunities within counter-drone legislation. #CounterDrone #DroneLegislation #FAA2024

27

Payload's article "SpaceX Won’t Be Visiting Hubble Anytime Soon" highlights 3 main risks with a commercial crewed mission to repair the aging Hubble Telescope: 1) Operational risks 2) Docking risks 3) Technological risks Two of these make sense, but ....docking? How can we let something so fundamental to spaceflight, that we've been doing since the 1960's, hold us back from ambitious missions like this one (and the dozens of other mission use cases out there). This is a great example of why Obruta is solely focused on developing the next generation of RPOD tech. Spacecraft docking should be so prevalent it is second thought, and I'd like to see a future with accessible and available docking technology so we can fly these kinds of missions, and many more like it. Obruta's making it happen. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gcvvXn-h

45

4 Comments

Large-Scale All-Electric Cargo UAS Takes Flight: Pyka and SNC Team Up to Deliver to US DoD Pyka and SNC have joined forces to offer Pyka's revolutionary Pelican Cargo, a large-scale, all-electric cargo drone, to the US Department of Defense. RUMRUNNER: This modified version of Pelican Cargo boasts impressive capabilities: ✔ High-thrust super-short takeoff and landing (STTOL) for flexible operation. ✔400-pound payload capacity for essential supplies. ✔200-mile range for efficient deliveries. Benefits for the DoD: Dynamic logistics: Delivering critical supplies directly to the battlefield. Operational energy support: Reducing reliance on bulky fuel reserves. Survivable supply chain: Less vulnerable to disruptions. Reduced risk: Minimizing the need for personnel in high-risk areas. Quotes: Michael Bertman (SNC): "Pelican Cargo is unlike anything else... It's a game-changer for military sustainment." Michael Norcia (Pyka): "We're excited to partner with SNC to bring this cutting-edge technology to the US government." This partnership paves the way for a more efficient and safer way to deliver supplies in contested environments. #drones #logistics #military #innovation #electricaviation #emergingtech https://lnkd.in/gv6qJXuW

11

I am not a current drone pilot, but I've become increasingly interested in it since the start of the Ukraine war. The Senate is holding a vote on the NDAA today and this is part of that bill. “Countering CCP Drones Act” (HR 2864) could pass and ban the only high quality drone sold to the US consumer market. I've been learning about types of drones, transmitters, headsets, builds and mods. It started as watching FPV (First person view) flights, moved to product reviews and then build videos. That's my level of knowledge. In that time, I've found that DJI is the premier (by a lot) commercial and consumer drone maker in the world. They are the entry for most recreational drone pilots. This all started here before the US recognized that the PRC is positioning themselves as an adversary, and DJI built a relatively benign to positive reputation. That is solid now and the lack of viable competitors is certainly a factor. They also have decent social media capabilities. So their customer base is standing up for them. People love flying their drones, and don't want to give it up! That's totally understandable too. The difficulty here is that drone piloting is a critical, yet unrecognized skill. Ukranian pilots have shown just how powerful this skill can be. It is also a way for young people to make money. There are entire industries rising from various aspects of drone piloting. DJI is a legitimate threat due to their CCP ties, the sending of data back to China, to include high res images of areas where the drones fly and data it accesses through the phone app. But we need a US or at least a friendly company to step in to supplant DJI for consumer use, not only commercial. And then there's the FAA and its unfriendly attitude towards drones, but that's a rant for another day...

10

11 Comments

Space special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) were a hot topic in 2020 and 2021. The years since have not been kind to most space companies who participated in this trend. All recent space SPACs, even the most successful, are trading below their initial public offering. Below are two examples of space SPACs that have been in the news recently for unflattering reasons. ASTRA SPACE The SPAC Feb 2021: $2.6 billion valuation At the time, Astra had not yet launched a completely successful mission Recent Financials 2023: nearly $3.9 million in revenue, net loss of $178.4 million 2022: $9.4 million in revenue, net loss of $411.4 million The Decline Sept 2023: conducted a one-for-fifteen (1-15) reverse split of its Class A Common Stock 2023 & 2024: Considered bankruptcy and started preparing for Chapter 7 March 2024: Board accepted an offer from CEO Chris Kemp and CTO Adam London to take the company private VIRGIN GALACTIC The SPAC Oct 2019: $2.2 billion valuation At the time, the company had flown successful suborbital flights with employees but no commercial flights yet Recent Financials 2023: $6.8 million in revenue, net loss of $502 million End of 2023: cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $982 million 2022: $2 million in revenue, net loss of $500 million Recent History July 2021: first fully crewed flight June 2023: first commercial crewed flight As of April 2024: 6 commercial crewed flights to date 2024 Q2: 7th commercial flight planned The Decline Nov 2023: Stock fell when company announced it will reduce the frequency of flights and stop them entirely by mid-2024 to focus on Delta-class vehicles to be operational in 2026 March 2024: Boeing sued Virgin Galactic over unpaid work and proprietary business information concerns April 2024: Virgin Galactic counter-sued Boeing for “shoddy and incomplete work” April 2024: trading below $1, Virgin Galactic will ask shareholders to approve a reverse stock split STRUGGLING SPACE SPACS Other struggling space SPAC companies include: Terran Orbital Momentus Spire Space SPAC Virgin Orbit went public in 2021 and bankrupt in 2023. NOT ALL BAD NEWS Space SPAC Rocket Lab is an exception. Rocket Lab Aug 2021 SPAC with valuation of $4.1 billion At the time, the company had been launching for 3 years, had 21 mission attempts with 18 successful missions 2023: $244.6 million in revenue, net loss of $182.6 million ASTRALYTICAL ANALYSIS In 2021, Astralytical advised investors not to invest in space SPACs, which were largely risky and unproven. Most space SPACs were pre-revenue and pre-operations. The most successful space SPAC, Rocket Lab, already had a proven business case and ongoing operations. Astralytical conducts due diligence for investors and advises investors to look beyond the hype. Want space insights like these in your inbox? Subscribe for weekly analysis: https://lnkd.in/e8GYXW-a

43

2 Comments

Oxbotica Raises $140M In a significant move towards advancing autonomous technology, Oxbotica, a leading developer of autonomous vehicle software, has announced a substantial funding round, securing $140 million in Series C financing. This latest funding round, which brings the total investment in the Oxford-based company to $225 million, marks a significant milestone in accelerating the adoption of its cutting-edge technology across various sectors, including mining and airports. The funding announcement, made yesterday, underscores Oxbotica's commitment to driving innovation and expanding its footprint globally. Notable re-investing shareholders include bp ventures, BGF, Halma, Hostplus, Kiko Ventures (IP Group), Ocado Group, Tencent, Venture Science, and ZF. Additionally, new investors like Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co, Ltd and ENEOS Innovation Partners are joining the roster, indicating growing confidence in Oxbotica's vision and technology. With this influx of capital, Oxbotica aims to accelerate its growth initiatives in key regions such as North America, EMEA, and APAC. The focus will be on deploying its autonomous operating system across diverse industries, spanning agriculture, airports, energy, goods delivery, mining, and collaborative passenger transportation. Gavin Jackson, CEO of Oxbotica, expressed enthusiasm about the significant investment, stating, "This landmark investment from world-class investors is a huge confirmation of our strategy of applying autonomous driving technology where there is constant and urgent demand - in supply chains, industrial sectors and in solving the problem of overpopulation of our cities." At the core of Oxbotica's mission is the concept of Universal Autonomy, which envisions enabling any vehicle, regardless of size or location, to operate autonomously, safely, and sustainably. The company's software solutions are designed to empower vehicles across various sectors with the capability of autonomous operation. Oxbotica's collaborative ventures include partnerships with Ocado Group for autonomous goods delivery and Wenco International Mining Systems to enhance safety and efficiency in the mining industry through open autonomy. Furthermore, the company is poised to launch autonomous passenger shuttles and industry-specific vehicles in collaboration with Applied EV, bp, NEVS, and ZF in 2024. Reflecting on Oxbotica's journey, Paul Newman, technical director, and co-founder, emphasized the company's dedication to realizing universal autonomy. "Oxbotica was founded 8 years ago with the goal of creating universal autonomy - providing safe and sustainable autonomy that does not depend on the place of work and the type of vehicle," Newman remarked. "Thanks to the greatest engineering talent and experience, using the best achievements of AI, robotics and the metaverse we are fulfilling this promise."

1

1 Comment