Space Brief 14 Dec 2024
Today’s Space Brief covers significant developments such as SpaceX’s latest Starlink launch, the US Space Force testing modular satellite technology, and key long-range missile tests by the Pentagon.
Launch Date
April 8, 1970
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2E
Launch Vehicle
Thorad SLV-2G Agena D
NORAD ID
04602
International Designator
1970-025E
Decay Date
10/14/1982
Name
THORAD AGENA D DEB
Alternative Name
deb Agena D
Type
Status
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.4849
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today’s Space Brief covers significant developments such as SpaceX’s latest Starlink launch, the US Space Force testing modular satellite technology, and key long-range missile tests by the Pentagon.
A 220-year-old Japanese construction company wants to build an 11,000-kilometer belt of solar cells around the lunar equator and beam the power back to Earth. The physics checks out. Everything else is another story.
SpaceX made significant strides with the launch of 28 Starlink satellites while navigating regulatory challenges regarding rural broadband funding. Additionally, developments on the Crew Dragon mission continue to evolve with a change in cosmonaut assignment.
Starship V3 timeline: Musk puts Flight 12 about 4 weeks out, early to mid April 2026. SpaceX also hit 30 missions of 2026 with the 15,000-lb EchoStar 25.
The FAA has approved Starship Flight 9, paving the way for an upcoming test launch, while SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft is set to undock from the ISS after weather delays.
Space Force terminates Resilient GPS satellite program. China successfully tests Long March 12B reusable first stage at Jiuquan. GE and Lockheed validate detonation ramjet for hypersonic missiles.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches Northrop Grumman's Cygnus NG-24 to the ISS carrying 11,000 lbs of critical cargo this weekend.
Today's brief explores a simulated 'dogfight' in space by Chinese satellites, insights into a cloud platform by Oracle and Singapore's defense agency, and more space-related developments.