Space Brief 9 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's successful 2025 kick-off launch, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, and a significant military satellite contract competition.
Launch Date
August 9, 1993
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3W
Launch Vehicle
Atlas E
NORAD ID
22740
International Designator
1993-050B
Decay Date
12/16/2009
Name
NOAA 13 DEB
Alternative Name
NOAA 13 solar array band
Type
Status
Owner
GSFC
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
0.0354
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.
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's successful 2025 kick-off launch, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, and a significant military satellite contract competition.
Today's briefing highlights major advancements in tactical satellite communications for military applications, the expansion of an IoT satellite constellation by China's Geespace, and significant developments in lunar communications and surveillance systems.
SpaceX Crew-11 mission returns safely to Earth after first-ever medical evacuation from ISS. Crew Dragon splashes down in Pacific Ocean off California coast. Mission ended early due to health concern.
Elon Musk denies Starlink price reductions are driven by Amazon Kuiper competition. SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites in 18th constellation mission of 2026. Five more coming this week.
Space Force deploys new radar in Alaska for orbital tracking. SDA awards $3.5B for 72 missile defense satellites. Anysignal raises $24M for autonomous RF sensing technology.
SpaceX receives FAA approval for its 10th Starship test flight scheduled for August 24, while also making strides in construction at the Cape and contesting broadband funding in Virginia.
SpaceX prepares for the Crew-11 astronaut mission launch, while Starlink continues to expand its satellite network in orbit.
NASA's Van Allen Probe A (1,300 lbs) reenters today after 14 years studying Earth's radiation belts. Most debris will burn up; ocean impact statistically likely.