> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsletters.qs.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # ๐Ÿš€ Space and Defense #8 - URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/space-and-defense-8/ - Published: 2024-09-16T11:30:43.000Z - Updated: 2024-10-17T08:15:28.000Z - Description: HolonIQ's Space and Defense Newsletter covers the latest developments in defense investments, tactical munitions, and space operations and looks at the top space deals. - Author: QS - Tags: Advanced Manufacturing **Happy Monday ๐Ÿ‘‹** China's defense budget may reach [$711B](https://www.eurasiantimes.com/chinas-defense-budget-skyrockets-to-700-billion/?ref=newsletters.qs.com#google%5Fvignette) due to hidden expenditures, exceeding the official $232 billion figure. The Polish firm Jakusz unveiled its [KRUK](https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/leading-polish-arms-exporter-jakusz-unveils-its-smart-kruk-loitering-munition-at-mspo-amidst-ongoing-drone-race?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Smart Loitering Munition at MSPO, showcasing advanced drone technology for precision strikes. [Space Force awarded Sev1Tech](https://defensescoop.com/2024/09/10/space-force-meshone-t-follow-on-contract-sev1tech/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) a $188M contract to expand its meshONE-T network, boosting data transfer and Defense Dept. interoperability. Chinese startup iSpace raised [$99M](https://payloadspace.com/chinese-launch-startup-ispace-raises-99m-series-c/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in Series C funding to advance its Hyperbola-3 rocket, targeting first-stage reusability by mid-2026. ## ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Defense Investments **๐Ÿ’ฐ China's defense spending is expected to be much higher** than its official $232B allocated in the 2024 budget, potentially nearing [$711B](https://www.eurasiantimes.com/chinas-defense-budget-skyrockets-to-700-billion/?ref=newsletters.qs.com#google%5Fvignette) due to hidden expenditures on paramilitary forces, military R&D, and dual-use technologies. **๐Ÿ“Š Poland announced a $48.7B defense budget.** The budget focuses on military modernization, primarily purchasing [U.S. and South Korean equipment](https://warriormaven.com/global-security/poland-unveils-massive-48-billion-defense-budget-f-35s-abrams-tanks-apaches?ref=newsletters.qs.com), including F-35 fighters, Patriot missile defense systems, and Apache helicopters. **๐Ÿ“‰ Australia's largest industrial mobilization focuses on AUKUS nuclear submarines and guided weapons.** [Honeywell](https://breakingdefense.com/2024/09/australias-largest-ever-industrial-mobilization-is-driven-by-submarines-and-missiles/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) plays a key role, in supporting these efforts with its defense and space technologies to enhance local capabilities and supply chains. ## **๐Ÿš** Tactical Munitions **๐Ÿ›ธ The Singapore Army introduced the Vesper tactical drone, developed by Vantage Robotics, to enhance battlefield situational awareness.** [It features](https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/singapore-army-introduces-vesper-tactical-drone-to-use-3d-view-of-battlefield?ref=newsletters.qs.com#google%5Fvignette) high-resolution cameras, IR sensors, and a three-axis gimbal for live Full HD video. **๐Ÿงฉ Kongsberg Discoveryโ€™s Hugin endurance autonomous underwater vehicle** completed a multi-week, fully [autonomous mission](https://defence-blog.com/kongsbergs-new-underwater-drone-completes-longest-autonomous-dive/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), covering 1,200 nautical miles and reaching depths of 50 to 3,400 meters. **๐Ÿ’ฅ 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](https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/leading-polish-arms-exporter-jakusz-unveils-its-smart-kruk-loitering-munition-at-mspo-amidst-ongoing-drone-race?ref=newsletters.qs.com) with a 500g warhead. ## ๐Ÿ“ก Space Operations **โœˆ๏ธ 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](https://www.militaryaerospace.com/commercial-aerospace/article/55138701/boeings-commercial-starliner-spacecraft-returns-to-earth-after-rocky-first-mission?ref=newsletters.qs.com) will review the data to move toward crewed flights. **๐Ÿš€ 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.](https://defensescoop.com/2024/09/10/space-force-meshone-t-follow-on-contract-sev1tech/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) **๐Ÿ›ฉ๏ธ MDA Space will build antenna systems for Swissto12's three HummingSat satellites in the Inmarsat-8 program**. The antennas, designed for [L-band navigation](https://www.satellitetoday.com/manufacturing/2024/09/10/mda-space-to-build-antennas-systems-for-swissto12-hummingsats/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), will be produced at MDA's Montreal facility, supporting global safety services for Inmarsat. ## ๐Ÿ’ฐSpace Deals **๐Ÿช™ Ecostal Group** acquired **Swiss PV** equipment distributor Solexis, for an [undisclosed amount](https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/09/09/ecostal-group-acquires-solexis/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), expanding its European presence. The merger integrates Solexis into Ecostalโ€™s operations, enhancing its distribution network and service offerings in Switzerland. **๐Ÿฆ Brightstar-backed Astrion** acquired **Axient**, a specialized engineering firm, for an [undisclosed amount](https://www.pehub.com/brightstar-backed-astrion-snaps-up-specialized-engineering-firm-axient/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). This acquisition aims to bolster Astrion's defense and aerospace capabilities. Axient will retain its brand and enhance its industry services. **๐Ÿ’ด ISpace** raised [$99M](https://payloadspace.com/chinese-launch-startup-ispace-raises-99m-series-c/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) 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!** Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com [ ](https://newsletters.qs.com/psychedelic-mental-health-treatments-south-asia-health-tech-100-2/)