Space Brief 30 Aug 2024
Today's highlights include General Dynamics' contract extension with SDA, ABL Space Systems layoffs, NASA's Crew-9 mission adjustments, and Galactic Energy's successful satellite launch.
Launch Date
February 3, 1984
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
NORAD ID
14688
International Designator
1984-011B
Decay Date
11/16/1984
Name
WESTAR 6
Alternative Name
Westar 6
Type
Status
Owner
WUTC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
6.5
Diameter
2.2
Span
6.5
Dry Mass
450
Launch Mass
607
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
6.1967
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Westar 6
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
HSES
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
HS-376
Configuration
HS-376
Motor
TE-M-700-5
Equipment
24 C-band transponders
Power System
Solar cells (body mounted and drop-skirt), batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's highlights include General Dynamics' contract extension with SDA, ABL Space Systems layoffs, NASA's Crew-9 mission adjustments, and Galactic Energy's successful satellite launch.
SpaceX surpassed 10,000 simultaneous Starlink satellites in orbit after Starlink 17-24 deployed 25 satellites from California. Milestone reached in under 7 years.
Today's Space Brief covers Lockheed Martin's pursuits in missile interception, key military advancements in space integration, the UK launch license for Skyrora, and much more.
SpaceX acquires Cursor AI maker Anysphere for $60B in its first post-IPO deal, as Falcon 9 lofts 3 Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile.
SpaceX's Starlink dish offers gigabit speeds, boosting competitiveness; NRO taps SpaceX for satellite launches, expanding spy satellite network.
On April 22, 2026, the FAA published a final rule implementing per-launch user fees for commercial space transportation — the first time the U.S. government has charged payload-based fees for rocket launches. Starting at 25 cents per pound with a $30,000 cap, the fees are modest today. By 2033, they won't be.
SpaceX prepares for the next Starship test flight with significant vehicle upgrades, launches UAE's Thuraya-4 satellite, and reflects on a record-breaking 2024 while planning for a promising 2025.
Elon Musk moves to make himself unfireable at SpaceX as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon back a rival D2D joint venture challenging Starlink Mobile.