Space Brief 31 Aug 2025
SpaceX makes headlines with dual Starlink launches, Rocket Lab inaugurates new launch complex, while AI's impact on space missions and satellite technology continues to stir discussions.
Launch Date
October 27, 1988
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC16/2
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
NORAD ID
19613
International Designator
1988-097B
Decay Date
11/3/1988
Name
SL-4 R/B
Alternative Name
Soyuz-U 59-390 Blok-I
Type
Status
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
6.7
Diameter
2.7
Span
6.7
Dry Mass
2350
Launch Mass
2350
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
43.9048
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
11S510
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
PROG
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-I
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX makes headlines with dual Starlink launches, Rocket Lab inaugurates new launch complex, while AI's impact on space missions and satellite technology continues to stir discussions.
SpaceX has been active, with successful launches of Starlink satellites and major developments at Cape Canaveral, signaling a competitive edge in satellite communication and launch capabilities.
AI tools outperform human planners in Air Force battle management experiment. DARPA pursues quantum computing interoperability. Canada's Atlantic Spaceport Complex gets environmental approval.
SpaceX's busy launch schedule faces scrubs, while industry leaders call for infrastructure upgrades, highlighting challenges in the bustling space sector.
Today's Space Brief brings updates on the U.S. Space Force's upcoming missions, in-space technology strategies, the challenges faced by new launchers, and advancements in satellite communication.
Key updates include the impending Falcon 9 launch for Transporter-14, insights on Starship's explosion, and a last-minute abort of the Starlink 10-23 mission.
Current number of Starlink satellites in orbit April 2026: 10,168 working of 10,177 tracked, 11,724 launched. Fleet health tops 99.9%.
NASA's Artemis 2 launches April 1 with Commander Reid Wiseman and 3 crew members for first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972.