Space Brief 17 Aug 2025
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.
Launch Date
June 16, 2012
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC921
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2F
NORAD ID
38550
International Designator
2012-032H
Decay Date
12/2/2012
Name
SZ-9 MODULE
Alternative Name
Shenzhou 9 Guidao Cang
Type
Status
Owner
CMSEO
Country
China
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
2.3
Diameter
2.8
Span
4.3
Dry Mass
1500
Launch Mass
1842
Shape
Cyl + 2 pan
Radar Cross Section
4.451
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Shenzhou 9 orbital module
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
CAST
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Shenzhou OM
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.
SpaceX's S-1 reveals $18.7B in revenue as Starship Flight 12 debuts Block 3 hardware from Pad 2 on May 21, 2026.
SpaceX makes significant strides with Starship Flight Test 10 approved and updates on the new Starbase pad design.
SpaceX celebrates significant milestones with the launch of Falcon 9 and developments in the Starship program, while Elon Musk addresses media narratives surrounding Starlink's humanitarian efforts.
China launches Yaogan spacecraft into unusual orbit and Guowang constellation satellites to start 2026. NASA and DOE plan lunar nuclear reactor by 2030. Space Force switches GPS launch rocket.
Europe's first high-power all-electric telecom satellite doesn't just sit above the Pacific - it got there on robotic arms and plasma thrusters, broke records doing it, and now keeps your airplane Wi-Fi running between LA and Tokyo.
SpaceX targets a $75B IPO valuing the company at $1.75T, as 50+ new Starlink satellites reach orbit via dual coast launches.
Today's brief highlights the successful launch of 29 Starlink satellites, progress on the Starship fleet, and ongoing adjustments in SpaceX's launch schedules.