Space Brief 22 Oct 2024

📄Top Stories

SpaceX conducted its 99th operational mission this year, solidifying its position as a leader in the commercial space sector. In parallel, China launched three Tianping-3 satellites, crucial for radar calibration. The U.S. Space Force continues to define its role in an increasingly commercialized space industry.

📰Detailed Coverage

SpaceX Launches 99th Mission of 2024

SpaceX achieved another milestone with its 99th operational mission of the year, deploying additional Starlink satellites. This mission supports SpaceX’s goal of completing nearly 400 flights this year, underscoring its dominance in commercial satellite launches.

Technical details revealed that the launch took place from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission is part of SpaceX’s initiative to enhance global internet coverage through its Starlink megaconstellation. For satellite enthusiasts, the deployment of more Starlink units is easily trackable through our web app.

Read the full story: Phys.org

China Deploys Radar Calibration Satellites

China successfully launched three Tianping-3 satellites with a Long March 6 from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. These satellites are pivotal for radar calibration and various ground measurement applications.

The launch enhances China’s capabilities in maintaining precise radar operations, crucial for both civilian and military applications. This development allows more accurate satellite tracking, a feature bolstered in our platform for users interested in global coverage of radar calibration activities.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

The Evolving Role of the U.S. Space Force

The U.S. Space Force is navigating its responsibilities amid a shifting landscape where commercial entities are increasingly crucial in space exploration. The Force is tasked with organizing, training, and equipping units to safeguard American interests in space.

Emphasizing collaboration with commercial ventures and integrating advanced technologies remain key strategies. This evolution affects satellite deployments and military operations, which can be monitored for strategic developments using our tools.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Luxembourg Backs OQ Technology’s Satellite Venture

In support of OQ Technology’s space initiatives, Luxembourg’s government has invested in a €30 million Series B funding round. This backing highlights Luxembourg’s commitment to satellite innovation and narrowband connectivity services in the space sector.

OQ Technology focuses on small satellite deployments aimed at enhancing IoT communication, with implications for real-time data services that are trackable via satellite networks on our platform.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Northrop Grumman’s Airborne Data Center

Northrop Grumman has unveiled its new airborne data center designed to synchronize with satellites, drones, and various sensors. This technology aims to provide real-time intelligence to military operations, showcasing innovation in data processing.

The integration of this system with existing satellite constellations exemplifies advancements in defense capabilities, a relevant area for those tracking military satellites through our services.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: YAOGAN 1
• NORAD ID: 29092
• Launch Date: 2006
• Mission: Designed for remote sensing and reconnaissance
• Orbit: Inclination 97.7972°, Period 96.91 minutes, Eccentricity very low
• Operator: Strategic Support Troops
• Fun Fact: YAOGAN 1 was among the first series of satellites used for electronic and signals intelligence by China.

Current TLE Data:

1 29092U 06015A   24290.59259801  .00003020  00000-0  35239-3 0 99990
2 29092  97.7972 313.6315 0001681  88.9940 271.1468 14.85905417999461

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track YAOGAN 1

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

October 22

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 6-61 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (22:14 UTC) A batch of 23 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

October 23

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C:
  • Unknown Payload from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (00:59 UTC)
• Blue Origin New Shepard:
  • NS-27 from Corn Ranch, Van Horn, TX, USA (15:00 UTC) Twenty-seventh flight of New Shepard, flying unmanned as a test for the newest booster.

October 24

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • NROL-167 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (17:13 UTC) Suspected fourth batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman for the National Reconnaissance Office to provide imaging and other reconnaissance capabilities.

October 26

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 10-8 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (21:47 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

October 30

• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H3-22:
  • DSN 3 (Kirameki 3) from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan (06:46 UTC) DSN 3, also known as Kirameki 3, is a geostationary communications satellite to be used for military communications by the Japanese military.

October 31

• Galactic Energy Ceres-1:
  • Unknown Payload from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (00:00 UTC)
• Rocket Lab Electron:
  • Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand (00:00 UTC) Launch of a yet to identified satellite to SSO for an undisclosed customer. The customer is suspected to be Low Earth Orbit communication satellite constellation operator E-Space. Launch contract was signed less than 2 months before launch.
• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-2 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (00:00 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

Note: Launch dates and times are subject to change due to technical or weather considerations.