Space Brief 30 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief covers key developments including U.S. Space Force tech accelerator, SpaceX veterans' startup funding, ULA's expected dominance in national security missions, and new satellite activity.
Launch Date
August 1, 1973
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Voskhod 11A57
NORAD ID
06762
International Designator
1973-051D
Decay Date
8/2/1973
Name
SL-4 DEB
Alternative Name
Sensor cover
Type
Status
Owner
GUKOSR
Country
USSR
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
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Zenit-2M sensor cover
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSKBE3
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit deb
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 key developments including U.S. Space Force tech accelerator, SpaceX veterans' startup funding, ULA's expected dominance in national security missions, and new satellite activity.
SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch today, following a successful deployment over the weekend from Florida's Space Coast.
Today's highlights include China's launch of classified TJS-14 satellite, Boeing's defense program losses, and the fourth batch launch of Thousand Sails satellites.
On April 17, 2026, the U.S. Space Force officially cancelled the Next Generation Operational Control System after sixteen years of development, cost overruns, and testing failures. The $8 billion program was supposed to unlock the military's encrypted GPS signal. Instead, the satellites are flying with capabilities the ground can't command.
The evolution from simply tracking objects in orbit to understanding the full strategic picture of who is doing what in space, and why
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission reaffirms its decision to deny SpaceX's Starlink unit $885.5 million in rural broadband subsidies, impacting the company's plans for expanding internet access.
Key developments include China's Shijian 26 satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's BAE Systems contract for missile-tracking satellites, and military advancements in space systems.
SpaceX achieves a remarkable milestone with its 50th Falcon 9 launch of 2025, while Starlink continues to expand, facing competition from China's megaconstellation efforts.