Space Brief 20 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's return to Starlink launches, a call to address space debris, and changes in NASA leadership under the new Trump administration.
Launch Date
August 21, 1973
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Voskhod 11A57
NORAD ID
06795
International Designator
1973-055C
Decay Date
8/25/1973
Name
SL-4 DEB
Alternative Name
Sensor cover
Type
Status
Owner
GUKOSR
Country
USSR
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
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Zenit-4M sensor cover
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TSKBE3
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Zenit deb
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 Brief highlights SpaceX's return to Starlink launches, a call to address space debris, and changes in NASA leadership under the new Trump administration.
A busy day in space as delays hit Boeing's Starliner launch, SpaceX continues its rapid launch cadence, new concerns arise with the discovery of bacteria on the Tiangong space station, and the European Space Agency supports a pivotal Moon mission.
From shattered satellites to exploded rocket stages, space debris poses a growing risk to satellites, space stations, and astronauts. Here's a deep dive into what causes space debris, notable generating events, and what we're doing about it.
Exactly 64 years ago today, Scott Carpenter became the fourth American to orbit the Earth aboard Aurora 7. His five-hour flight produced new science, a tense reentry, and 39 minutes of silence in which the country wondered if it had just lost its astronaut.
SpaceX Crew-11 made an emergency return from the ISS on Jan. 15 after a medical crisis, spotlighting gaps in space rescue infrastructure.
Today's Space Brief highlights the U.S. Air Force's $48 million investment in testing reentry capsules, a Pentagon-backed GPS alternative, and the Space Force's quest for funding autonomy.
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.
SpaceX addresses the cause of its recent Starship Flight 8 explosion, while successfully launching 23 more Starlink satellites as it continues to expand its constellation.