Techstars Space Startup Digest

On-orbit service and logistics startup Astroscale has raised a $51 million Series E funding round, bringing its total raised to date to $191 million thus far. The Japan-based company has been focused on delivering new solutions for orbital end-of-life — meaning ways to make orbital operations more sustainable by offering easy ways to safely de-orbit

For Americans looking toward the heavens, space has always been the final frontier, a fascination that triggered a global space race and launched NASA. Since NASA was formed in 1958, space exploration has been a hallmark of government innovation and public-private partnerships.

The merger of in-space transportation company Momentus with a SPAC could encourage other space startups seeking large amounts of capital to follow.

Orbital Sidekick is speeding up its campaign to build and launch a constellation of six hyperspectral imaging satellites thanks to a $16 million U.S. government contract announced Oct. 15.