Space Brief 18 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers significant satellite launches by SpaceX, an automated collision avoidance system development, Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, and the rise of corporate-named satellites in orbit.
Launch Date
February 20, 1980
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/39
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM
NORAD ID
11710
International Designator
1980-016C
Decay Date
2/22/1980
Name
SL-12 PLAT
Alternative Name
Perekhodnik
Type
Status
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
4
Diameter
3.7
Span
4
Dry Mass
800
Launch Mass
800
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Sredniy perekhodnik
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
ZIKH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Adapter
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 satellite launches by SpaceX, an automated collision avoidance system development, Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, and the rise of corporate-named satellites in orbit.
Over 27,000 high-speed pieces of space junk now threaten vital satellites, requiring sophisticated tracking and urgent innovation of orbital debris removal methods like harpoons and nets.
SpaceX gears up for Starship Flight 8, with a launch set for Monday as final preparations are underway.
Today's highlights include defense sector investments, major military contracts with Rocket Lab, and a glimpse at new American Innovation dollar coins featuring space achievements.
On April 18, 2014, a Falcon 9 first stage did something no orbital rocket had ever done before. It fired its engines on the way down, steered itself through the atmosphere using grid fins that did not yet exist, and touched the Atlantic Ocean softly enough to survive the impact. Nobody recovered it. The data was the whole point.
Today's focus: Sidus Space's new AI edge computer, Space Force's dynamic operations initiative, and key Pentagon acquisition reforms.
SpaceX successfully launched the Transporter-15 rideshare mission, deploying 140 payloads including significant international contributions. Meanwhile, the company progresses with Booster 19 stacking after the recent Booster 18 anomaly.
FAA grounds Starship pending a mishap investigation into the V3 debut flight; return to flight hinges on FAA sign-off. Starlink 10-53 added 29 sats.