Deep Tech Briefing #15: 💊 NVIDIA Invests in AI-Enabled Drugs Development; 👁️ Mission Impossible-Inspired Smart Contact Lenses; 🛰️ IPO for Space Debris technology and more ...
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🔸 Orbital Tech Exit: Leading the Way in Space Debris Solutions
Space debris, which includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions, poses significant risks to active satellites and spacecraft. This growing accumulation of debris threatens not only current space activities but also future missions. The practical problem is the potential for catastrophic collisions that can result in even more debris, creating a cascade effect known as the Kessler Syndrome. Addressing this issue is crucial for maintaining the safety and sustainability of space operations.
Economically, the potential impact of effective space debris removal is substantial. The global space industry, valued at over $400 billion, relies heavily on the operational integrity of satellites for communications, navigation, and Earth observation. Collisions and resulting damage can lead to significant financial losses and disrupt services essential to numerous sectors. Therefore, solutions that mitigate these risks are not only necessary for operational continuity but also for protecting the substantial investments made by both public and private entities.
Founded in 2013, Astroscale, a Japan-based space tech startup, has developed advanced technologies to address the critical issue of space debris and this week achieved a market valuation of $1 billion in its debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's startup section, reflecting a significant development in the deep tech market, highlighting growing investor interest in sustainable space solutions.
Astroscale's orbital rendezvous technology enables spacecraft to approach, capture, and deorbit space debris with precise navigation and control. Using a combination of sensors and algorithms, the technology ensures accurate positioning to safely close the distance to target debris. The ADRAS-J mission utilized angles-only navigation through a suite of sensors, allowing the spacecraft to maneuver within several hundred meters of its target. The mission achieved a groundbreaking milestone by capturing the world's first close-up image of space debris during rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). ADRAS-J successfully approached and inspected an H-IIA rocket upper stage, demonstrating its capability in performing complex RPO maneuvers. This showcased the feasibility of RPO techniques for debris characterization and removal, setting a new standard in the field.
In practice, Astroscale's end-of-life services aim to extend the operational life of satellites through refueling and maintenance operations conducted in orbit. These services reduce the need for new satellite launches and minimize the generation of additional debris. Protecting the operational integrity of our space infrastructure ensures the continuity of essential services and safeguards the significant investments made in space technology. Sustainable space operations are not just a technological necessity but an economic imperative for the future of our global space industry.
🔸 NVIDIA and Top VC Firms Invest in AI-Enabled Macrocyclic Drugs Development
In the field of drug discovery, developing macrocyclic peptides is a significant challenge due to their complex structures and stringent synthesis requirements. These molecules, which bridge small molecules and biologics, are particularly valuable because they can penetrate cell membranes and disrupt crucial protein-protein interactions involved in disease processes. However, their intricate molecular complexity makes them difficult to design and optimize.
The global peptide therapeutics market, currently valued at $43 billion, is anticipated to grow significantly, reaching approximately $60 billion by 2025. This surge is driven by the expanding demand for precise and less toxic treatments for complex diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders. Within this context, macrocyclic peptides