Rocket Lab Neutron Targets Q4 2026 Debut, Space Brief 9 May 2026
Rocket Lab Neutron's first launch is targeted for Q4 2026 after a tank test failure, backed by a new 5-launch deal. Plus Globalstar's 1,410 km refresh.
Launch Date
February 24, 1979
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3W
Launch Vehicle
Atlas F/OIS
NORAD ID
16485
International Designator
1979-017FG
Decay Date
10/27/1989
Name
SOLWIND DEB
Alternative Name
P78-1 debris
Type
Status
Owner
AFSD
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
0.1253
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.
Rocket Lab Neutron's first launch is targeted for Q4 2026 after a tank test failure, backed by a new 5-launch deal. Plus Globalstar's 1,410 km refresh.
Today's highlights include the launch of a U.S. military satellite via SpaceX, a new French defense agreement for satellite services, and the Missile Defense Agency's successful ICBM target tracking with long-range radar.
SpaceX completed two launches June 28, orbiting the 15,000-lb SXM-11 satellite and 24 Starlink V2 craft from Vandenberg.
SpaceX shifts launch priorities to Vandenberg as Falcon 9 era winds down, while Anthropic signs orbital data center deal with the company.
Follow the complete Artemis II mission in KeepTrack's 3D tracker. Replay Orion's full flight path from launch through the lunar flyby to Pacific splashdown, and scrub to any moment of the ten-day mission.
Today's space brief covers significant advancements in military counter-drone capabilities, workforce challenges in the Navy related to DOGE budget cuts, and highlights Germany's rise in defense spending. We also shine a spotlight on the communications satellite INTELSAT 901.
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with Starship and multiple launch missions, while Starlink connectivity expands through T-Mobile's beta program.
SpaceX launched three Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile from Cape Canaveral. Block 2 variants are larger with enhanced capacity compared to Block 1 units already in orbit.