· space brief · 3 min read
Space Brief 11 Nov 2024
SpaceX gears up for a Starlink launch from Florida amid ongoing space policy discussions. A closer look at the OneWeb satellite series in our Satellite Spotlight.

📄Top Stories
SpaceX prepares to launch 24 Starlink satellites from Florida today, after a slight delay due to weather conditions. Policymakers are returning to discuss key space initiatives this week. The ongoing expansion of satellite constellations accelerates, spotlighting the advancements and challenges in orbital management.
📰Detailed Coverage
SpaceX Set for Another Starlink Launch
SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 Starlink internet satellites this afternoon from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Originally set for Sunday, the launch was delayed due to unfavorable recovery weather conditions. This mission marks the 12th flight for this Falcon 9 booster, highlighting its reusability as it aims to land back on the droneship “A Shortfall of Gravitas.”
This launch contributes to the fast-growing Starlink megaconstellation, with over 6,500 active satellites already in orbit. The mission underscores SpaceX’s commitment to enhancing global internet coverage, while also emphasizing the need for effective satellite tracking systems like those offered by our web app. Catch the live webcast starting five minutes before liftoff on SpaceX’s X channel.
Read the full story: Space.com
Space Policy Discussions Resume
The U.S. House and Senate are back in session, with space policy on the agenda for the week of November 10-16, 2024. As legislators reconvene, discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including national security, commercial space developments, and international collaboration in space exploration.
These policy deliberations could influence future funding and regulations affecting satellite launches and space exploration projects. The outcomes could have significant implications for the space industry and international space missions, reflecting the broader geopolitical landscape.
Read the full story: SpacePolicyOnline.com
🛰️Satellite Spotlight
- Satellite Name: ONEWEB-0303
- NORAD ID: 49187
- Launch Date: 2021
- Mission: Part of OneWeb’s satellite broadband constellation focused on providing global internet services.
- Orbit: Inclination: 87.9084°, Period: 109.2 minutes, Eccentricity: close to circular
- Operator: ONEWEB
Fun Fact: The OneWeb satellites are designed to operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with a mission to bridge the global digital divide by offering affordable internet access worldwide.
Current TLE Data:
1 49187U 21083B 24315.13177078 .00000081 00000-0 17358-3 0 99998
2 49187 87.9084 91.6782 0001575 105.0352 255.0955 13.18684397153004
Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track ONEWEB-0303
🚀 Upcoming Space Launches
November 11
- SpaceX Falcon 9:
- Koreasat 6A from Kennedy Space Center (17:07 UTC)
The Koreasat 6A, built by Thales Alenia Space, will replace Koreasat 6 with transponders for fixed satellite services and TV broadcasting.
- Koreasat 6A from Kennedy Space Center (17:07 UTC)
- SpaceX Falcon 9:
- Starlink Group 6-69 from Cape Canaveral SFS (21:02 UTC)
A batch of 24 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation, SpaceX’s project for a space-based Internet communication system.
- Starlink Group 6-69 from Cape Canaveral SFS (21:02 UTC)
November 13
- SpaceX Falcon 9:
- Starlink Group 6-68 from Cape Canaveral SFS (11:00 UTC)
A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation, SpaceX’s project for a space-based Internet communication system.
- Starlink Group 6-68 from Cape Canaveral SFS (11:00 UTC)
- China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 4C:
- Unknown Payload from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (22:34 UTC)
Details TBD.
- Unknown Payload from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (22:34 UTC)
November 14
- SpaceX Falcon 9:
- Starlink Group 9-11 from Vandenberg SFB (04:21 UTC)
A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation, SpaceX’s project for a space-based Internet communication system.
- Starlink Group 9-11 from Vandenberg SFB (04:21 UTC)
November 15
- China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 7:
- Tianzhou-8 from Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China (15:03 UTC)
Seventh cargo delivery mission to the Chinese space station.
- Tianzhou-8 from Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China (15:03 UTC)
November 16
- SpaceX Falcon 9:
- Starlink Group 6-66 from Cape Canaveral SFS (18:04 UTC)
A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation, SpaceX’s project for a space-based Internet communication system.
- Starlink Group 6-66 from Cape Canaveral SFS (18:04 UTC)
November 17
- SpaceX Falcon 9:
- Optus-X from Kennedy Space Center (00:00 UTC)
An unannounced geostationary communication satellite built by Northrop Grumman for the Australian telecommunications operator Optus.
- Optus-X from Kennedy Space Center (00:00 UTC)
November 18
- SpaceX Starship:
- Integrated Flight Test 6 from SpaceX Starbase, TX, USA (22:00 UTC)
Sixth test flight of the two-stage Starship launch vehicle.
- Integrated Flight Test 6 from SpaceX Starbase, TX, USA (22:00 UTC)
Note: Launch dates and times are subject to change due to technical or weather considerations.
Maurice Stellarski