Space Brief 18 Sep 2025
Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.
Launch Date
May 18, 2001
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC17B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7925-9.5
NORAD ID
26771
International Designator
2001-020B
Decay Date
10/21/2001
Name
DELTA 2 R/B(1)
Alternative Name
Delta 285
Type
Status
Owner
BOHB
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
7
Diameter
2.4
Span
7
Dry Mass
924
Launch Mass
6930
Shape
Cyl + Cone
Radar Cross Section
9.9168
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Delta SSPS AJ-10-118K
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
BOHB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Delta/0020
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.
Recent Starlink launches, autonomous navigation for satellite swarms, major funding for asteroid mining, and insights into NASA's various projects and developments.
The White House wants to cut NASA's science budget nearly in half for the second year running. Administrator Jared Isaacman says it's enough. Congress already rejected this exact idea once.
In today's briefing: China accelerates its satellite megaconstellation. A comprehensive ESA-led optical data network is in the works, marking a key step in satellite communications. NASA's Artemis II crew visits Ohio in preparation for their lunar journey. SpaceX's record-breaking rocket launches continue. Plus, insights into nuclear rockets that could drastically shorten Mars missions.
Key military and technology developments in space; US Space Force and Army strategize national security with new rocket certifications and space training initiatives.
Today's briefing covers China's announcement of the Beidou system upgrade, launch updates for Vega C, challenges to global GPS reliability, and delays in the VERITAS Venus mission.
SpaceX advances with Starship readiness, scrubs mysterious RRT-1 launch, and successfully deploys more Starlink satellites.
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.