The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Sun
Fifteen years ago, NASA launched its most advanced solar observatory, revolutionizing our understanding of our star and transforming space weather prediction
Launch Date
January 25, 1966
Launch Site
KYMSC
Launch Pad
LC86/1
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K63
NORAD ID
01950
International Designator
1966-004B
Decay Date
7/16/1966
Name
SL-7 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-2 (N04) Stage 2
Type
Status
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
8
Diameter
1.6
Span
8
Dry Mass
840
Launch Mass
840
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
S1M
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
S1
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Fifteen years ago, NASA launched its most advanced solar observatory, revolutionizing our understanding of our star and transforming space weather prediction
Today's briefing covers Iceye's new aerospace service for defense clients, ESA's plan for dual-use satellites, and key defense agreements impacting satellite technology.
Starlink satellites fired their thrusters to dodge a collision roughly 300,000 times in 2025, about 822 times a day. Behind that number is a fragile, half-automated system of warnings, probabilities, and judgment calls that decides which close approaches are worth a maneuver and which are just noise.
Vandenberg Space Force Base opens a new launch site that may accommodate SpaceX's Starship. Meanwhile, Starlink continues to expand its service capabilities.
Air Force awards CCA contracts to General Atomics and Anduril for autonomous fighter wingmen. Autonomy layer split across Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace.
SpaceX continues to make strides with multiple launches, including 28 Starlink satellites and NASA's IMAP mission, highlighting its ongoing role in advancing space weather research.
Key updates include a successful Falcon 9 launch of 28 Starlink satellites and a static fire test of the Starship spacecraft, while T-Mobile's Starlink service aims to attract new customers.
Today's brief covers Firefly's acquisition, military tracking from the moon, France's boost in military space funding, and more.