Securing Our Future

Securing Our Future

Share this post

Securing Our Future
Securing Our Future
It's Time to Rev Up the New Space Race, Fundings: Axiom Space, Controlled Thermal Resources, Nodal Power
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
User's avatar
Discover more from Securing Our Future
A newsletter focused on accelerating innovation through the collaboration of commercial and national security sectors by New North Ventures.
Already have an account? Sign in

It's Time to Rev Up the New Space Race, Fundings: Axiom Space, Controlled Thermal Resources, Nodal Power

24 August 2023 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures

Aug 24, 2023

Share this post

Securing Our Future
Securing Our Future
It's Time to Rev Up the New Space Race, Fundings: Axiom Space, Controlled Thermal Resources, Nodal Power
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

If it seems like we are talking about space more often, that is for good reason. Every day the newsreel reveals developments that make clear the time for space innovation was yesterday. The recent setbacks faced by Russia's space program, evidenced by their Luna 25 spacecraft failure, underscore the urgency with which the US government needs to ramp up its space investment and innovation efforts. With Russia's space capabilities facing challenges stemming from aging technology, corruption, and leadership issues, it is evident that maintaining and advancing US leadership in space exploration and technology has become more crucial than ever before.

In this context, our recent podcast episode with HawkEye 360 CEO John Serafini gains significant relevance. Serafini's insights into space innovation and company building highlight the potential of public-private collaboration in driving cutting-edge advancements in space technology. As demonstrated by HawkEye 360's work in developing space-based radio frequency (RF) analytics, collaboration between the government and private sector can accelerate innovative solutions to address urgent real-world challenges. By leveraging the expertise and resources resident in disruptive technology companies, the US government can foster a dynamic ecosystem that drives not only technological breakthroughs but also economic growth and national security enhancements.

The timing couldn't be better for the US government to step up its space investment and innovation efforts. By learning from the challenges faced by other nations and harnessing the expertise of visionary entrepreneurs, the US can not only maintain its dominance but also drive the next phase of space exploration, unlocking new opportunities and addressing critical global issues through cutting-edge technology.

CNAS Responds: Outbound Investment Executive Order

  • The White House released an executive order (EO) banning U.S. private-equity and venture-capital investments in select Chinese technology companies linked to potential military applications.

  • The EO focuses on key technology areas, including chips, quantum, and potentially AI, with strict prohibitions to prevent IP transfer and technological advancements that could threaten U.S. national security.

  • The targeted approach of the EO aims to balance national security concerns with maintaining economic partnerships and ensuring effective enforcement.

  • China's reactions to the EO could impact bilateral talks and reveal the extent of responsible management of the economic relationship between the two countries.

US Space Force Creates 1st Unit Dedicated to Targeting Adversary Satellites

  • The United States Space Force has activated its first dedicated unit, the 75th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (ISRS), focused on targeting other nations' satellites and their supporting ground stations.

  • The unit, under Space Delta 7, will analyze potential targets, track them, and engage in actions like disrupting or destroying adversary satellites and ground stations, contributing to U.S. space intelligence capabilities.

  • The unit's patch features a grim reaper with a delta-shaped nose, symbolizing historical ties to early U.S. Air Force space initiatives and various space vehicles supporting the military.

  • The 75th ISRS will also assess counterspace force threats, which include a range of technologies such as ground-based lasers, signal jammers, and cyberattacks aimed at disabling or manipulating satellite systems.

  • As global military reliance on space-based assets increases, the activation of this targeting unit reflects the evolving strategic importance of space and the growing need for advanced monitoring and engagement capabilities in Earth's orbit.

The Failure of Luna 25 Cements Putin’s Role as a Disastrous Space Leader

  • Russia's Luna 25 spacecraft, set to land on the Moon, experienced propulsion system issues and ended up crashing into the lunar surface, marking a significant failure for Russia's space program.

  • The loss of Luna 25 reflects the decline of Russia's civil space program under President Vladimir Putin's leadership, highlighting various challenges and setbacks.

  • Russia's space technology, such as the Soyuz spacecraft and rockets, dates back to the 1960s, with aging hardware that has raised concerns about quality control and modernization.

  • Putin's efforts to use space achievements for geopolitical prestige have been undermined by corruption within the space industry, budget cuts, and the appointment of unqualified leadership.

  • The war in Ukraine worsened Russia's space program's situation, leading to severed partnerships with Europe and strained relations with the United States.

  • Despite previous cooperation with NASA, Russia is turning towards China for future space plans, but this partnership may limit Russia's autonomy and influence on the global space stage.

Axiom Space

Founded: 2016

Key People: CEO Michael Suffredini

Elevator Pitch: An international commercial space station intended to host government astronauts, tourists, private companies, and individuals for research, manufacturing, space exploration system testing, and tourism.

Funding: The company raised $350 million of Series C venture funding in a deal led by Boryung Pharmaceutical Company and AlJazira Capital on August 21, 2023. Other undisclosed investors also participated in the round.


Controlled Thermal Resources

Founded: 2013

Key People: CEO Rodney Colwell

Elevator Pitch: A lithium extraction company intended to offer renewable energy and deliver sustainable, battery-grade lithium products.

Funding: The company raised $100 million of venture funding from Stellantis on August 21, 2023.


Nodal Power

Founded: 2021

Key People: CEO Bryan Black

Elevator Pitch: Renewable energy company intended to develop power plants and increase utilization of sustainable resources.

Funding: The company raised $13 million of seed funding from Spacestation Investments and other undisclosed investors on August 21, 2023.


Look for a new episode of Securing the Future Podcasts wherever you listen. In our latest episode, we have guest John Serafini sit down with General Partner Jeremy Hitchcock for an engaging conversation where John discusses the dual-use space and outlines ways to optimize the industry for a more secure future.


Subscribe to Securing Our Future

By Jeremy Hitchcock · Launched 4 years ago
A newsletter focused on accelerating innovation through the collaboration of commercial and national security sectors by New North Ventures.

Share this post

Securing Our Future
Securing Our Future
It's Time to Rev Up the New Space Race, Fundings: Axiom Space, Controlled Thermal Resources, Nodal Power
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Dual-Use Tech Roundup - Security, Flight, AI, Drones & Quantum Computing
21 February 2022 - Featuring Non-Dilutive Funding Sources, Evolv, ORB Aerospace, Reveal, Auterion, D-Wave & MSBAI
Feb 21, 2022
2

Share this post

Securing Our Future
Securing Our Future
Dual-Use Tech Roundup - Security, Flight, AI, Drones & Quantum Computing
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
2025 Boston Innovation Summit: Shaping the Future of Dual-Use Innovation, Fundings: Comand AI, Droneway, Sublime Security
18 December 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
Dec 18, 2024

Share this post

Securing Our Future
Securing Our Future
2025 Boston Innovation Summit: Shaping the Future of Dual-Use Innovation, Fundings: Comand AI, Droneway, Sublime Security
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
SBA & DoD Announce $2.8 Billion Investment in Critical Tech—Our Firm Joins First Cohort!
23 October 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
Oct 23, 2024

Share this post

Securing Our Future
Securing Our Future
SBA & DoD Announce $2.8 Billion Investment in Critical Tech—Our Firm Joins First Cohort!
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Ready for more?

© 2025 New North Ventures
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Create your profile

User's avatar

Only paid subscribers can comment on this post

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in

Check your email

For your security, we need to re-authenticate you.

Click the link we sent to , or click here to sign in.