🚀 Space and Defense #8

Happy Monday 👋

China's defense budget may reach $711B due to hidden expenditures, exceeding the official $232 billion figure. The Polish firm Jakusz unveiled its KRUK Smart Loitering Munition at MSPO, showcasing advanced drone technology for precision strikes. Space Force awarded Sev1Tech a $188M contract to expand its meshONE-T network, boosting data transfer and Defense Dept. interoperability. Chinese startup iSpace raised $99M in Series C funding to advance its Hyperbola-3 rocket, targeting first-stage reusability by mid-2026.

🛡️ Defense Investments

💰 China's defense spending is expected to be much higher than its official $232B allocated in the 2024 budget, potentially nearing $711B due to hidden expenditures on paramilitary forces, military R&D, and dual-use technologies. 

📊 Poland announced a $48.7B defense budget. The budget focuses on military modernization, primarily purchasing U.S. and South Korean equipment, including F-35 fighters, Patriot missile defense systems, and Apache helicopters.

📉 Australia's largest industrial mobilization focuses on AUKUS nuclear submarines and guided weapons. Honeywell plays a key role, in supporting these efforts with its defense and space technologies to enhance local capabilities and supply chains.

🚁 Tactical Munitions

🛸 The Singapore Army introduced the Vesper tactical drone, developed by Vantage Robotics, to enhance battlefield situational awareness. It features high-resolution cameras, IR sensors, and a three-axis gimbal for live Full HD video.

🧩 Kongsberg Discovery’s Hugin endurance autonomous underwater vehicle completed a multi-week, fully autonomous mission, covering 1,200 nautical miles and reaching depths of 50 to 3,400 meters.

💥 Polish firm Jakusz showcased the KRUK Smart Loitering Munition, a lightweight, versatile drone designed for precision strikes. Capable of speeds up to 160 km/h and with a 10-minute endurance, it can engage targets with a 500g warhead.

📡 Space Operations

✈️ Boeing's Starliner spacecraft successfully landed uncrewed at White Sands Space Harbor on September 6, 2024, following issues with helium leaks and thrusters during its mission. NASA and Boeing will review the data to move toward crewed flights.

🚀 The Space Force awarded Sev1Tech a $188M contract to expand its meshONE-T data transport network to 85 sites, enhancing high-capacity data transfer and interoperability within the Defense Department.

🛩️ MDA Space will build antenna systems for Swissto12's three HummingSat satellites in the Inmarsat-8 program. The antennas, designed for L-band navigation, will be produced at MDA's Montreal facility, supporting global safety services for Inmarsat.

💰 Space Deals

🪙 Ecostal Group acquired Swiss PV equipment distributor Solexis, for an undisclosed amount, expanding its European presence. The merger integrates Solexis into Ecostal’s operations, enhancing its distribution network and service offerings in Switzerland. 

🏦 Brightstar-backed Astrion acquired Axient, a specialized engineering firm, for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to bolster Astrion's defense and aerospace capabilities. Axient will retain its brand and enhance its industry services.

💴 ISpace raised $99M in Series C and C+ funding to advance its reusable Hyperbola-3 rocket. The company plans its first orbital flight and sea recovery in December 2025, aiming for a reusable first stage by mid-2026.

Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
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