· space brief · 4 min read
Space Brief 17 Oct 2024
An exciting day in space with potential maneuver revelations from the X-37B, SpaceX's resumption of Falcon 9 launches, and significant advancements in lunar exploration tied to new U.S. spacesuits.
📄Top Stories
Space enthusiasts have much to look forward to as the U.S. Space Force’s enigmatic X-37B prepares for maneuvers never before seen in orbit. Meanwhile, SpaceX celebrates the return of its Falcon 9 launches post a brief hiatus due to a technical failure. Highlights also include the reveal of a high-tech lunar spacesuit designed by Axiom Space and Prada for NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions.
📰Detailed Coverage
X-37B’s Mysterious Maneuvers in Orbit
The U.S. Space Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, known for its secretive missions since 2011, is set to execute maneuvers that promise technological advancements in reusable spacecraft. This unmanned spaceplane operates between 240 to 800 km above Earth, experimenting with technologies pivotal to long-term space ventures.
These maneuvers are expected to spark curiosity among satellite trackers, as each move of the X-37B could be tracked in real-time, offering insights into its otherwise classified operations. Explore tracking capabilities for objects like the X-37B directly via our web app.
Read the full story: Phys.org
SpaceX Resumes Falcon 9 Missions
After a temporary grounding, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets are ready to soar again. Following a successful launch sanctioned by the FAA, SpaceX continues its critical transport services for both cargo and crew to the International Space Station (ISS) and various satellite orbits.
This resumption means satellite deployments can proceed as planned, maintaining the momentum of satellite internet initiatives and other commercial endeavors utilizing Falcon 9’s reliability.
Read the full story: Phys.org
Axiom’s Glitzy Spacesuit for Artemis Crews
In a surprising alliance of technology and style, Axiom Space, alongside Prada, has unveiled the spacesuit for NASA’s Artemis III mission. These suits are designed to cope with the harsh conditions at the lunar South Pole, featuring high-performing materials and modern aesthetics.
Equipped with 4G communication capabilities, these suits ensure safety and functionality for astronauts embarking on lunar explorations. The collaboration is a significant stride in tailoring space technology with practical design features.
Read the full story: Space.com
Artemis Missions Boost Authenticity with New Spacesuit
Stylish yet reliable, the newly unveiled AxEMU suits developed by Axiom Space with Prada signify a leap in spacesuit technology. These sophisticated suits are crafted for NASA’s Artemis missions aimed at landing astronauts on the Moon by 2026.
With enhanced durability and comfort, these suits facilitate longer lunar missions, bolstering both safety and mobility for astronauts. The suits also reflect a growing trend of cross-industry collaborations enhancing space exploration endeavors.
Read the full story: Axiom Space and Prada Unveil Artemis III Spacesuit at IAC2024 in Milan
🛰️Satellite Spotlight
- Satellite Name: SSTL S1-4
- NORAD ID: 43618
- Launch Date: 2018-09-16
- Mission: Supplies high-resolution imagery to 21AT, previously based in China, now in Singapore.
- Orbit: Inclination: 97.5837°, Period: 96.29 min, Eccentricity: Very low
- Operator: Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTLA)
- Fun Fact: SSTL S1-4 utilizes the SSTL-300S1 bus, a mini-satellite platform known for its versatile imaging capabilities across different mission types.
Current TLE Data:
1 43618U 18071A 24290.91345479 .00003346 00000-0 30671-3 0 99994
2 43618 97.5837 173.5948 0006608 47.3083 312.8693 14.95538147331999
Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track SSTL S1-4
🚀Upcoming Space Launches
October 17
- SpaceX Falcon 9:
- Starlink Group 8-19 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (19:55 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.
October 19
- Rocket Lab Electron:
- Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand (10:30 UTC) Launch of a yet to identified satellite to SSO for an undisclosed customer, details TBD.
October 20
- SpaceX Falcon 9:
- OneWeb 20 from Vandenberg Space Force Base (05:09 UTC) A batch of 20 satellites for the OneWeb satellite constellation, which is intended to provide global Internet broadband service for individual consumers.
October 26
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H3-22:
- DSN 3 (Kirameki 3) from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan (06:44 UTC) A geostationary communications satellite for military communications by the Japanese military.
October 30
- SpaceX Falcon 9:
- Dragon CRS-2 SpX-31 from Kennedy Space Center (04:50 UTC) The 31st commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station operated by SpaceX.
October 31
Galactic Energy Ceres-1:
- Unknown Payload from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (00:00 UTC)
SpaceX Falcon 9:
- Sirius SXM-9 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (00:00 UTC) SXM-9 is a high-powered, digital, audio radio satellite for SiriusXM.
SpaceX Falcon 9:
- Starlink Group 11-2 from Vandenberg Space Force Base (00:00 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.
Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha:
- FLTA006 (Lockheed Martin Demo 1) from Vandenberg Space Force Base (00:00 UTC) First of up to 25 launches of Low Earth Orbit technology demonstration satellites to be built and operated by Lockheed Martin.
Note: Launch dates and times are subject to change due to technical or weather considerations.
