X Report 16 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
Launch Date
April 8, 1970
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2E
Launch Vehicle
Thorad SLV-2G Agena D
NORAD ID
04853
International Designator
1970-025EH
Decay Date
1/31/2019
Name
THORAD AGENA D DEB
Alternative Name
deb Agena D
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
0.035
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 brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
Space Force awards Lockheed Martin $514M for two additional GPS 3F satellites, bringing total orders to 14. New satellites add anti-jam features and upgraded civilian signals.
Nearly €140 million in ESA launcher development funds faces forfeiture with no replacement mechanism. Europe's independent launch capacity under pressure as Arianespace struggles.
Today's highlights include Russia's record-setting satellite launch, insights from NASA's AWE during Hurricane Helene, and confirmation of astronaut Suni Williams' good health aboard the ISS.
Forty years ago today, a Delta 3914 lifted off Cape Canaveral with a weather satellite the country could not afford to lose. Seventy-one seconds later, its main engine cut off. Ninety-one seconds in, the range safety officer pressed his button. The third domino of a brutal 1986 had fallen.
When your landlord won't sign the lease, you move. How Equatorial Launch Australia abandoned Arnhem Land and pivoted to Queensland - and what it means for Australia's equatorial launch ambitions.
Today's briefing covers space-based missile defense, AI maritime surveillance, and new governmental shifts impacting the defense sector.
Pentagon gives Anthropic Friday deadline to loosen military AI policy. Space Force keeps Vulcan grounded over booster issue. Funding boost speeds missile-tracking satellites.