📄Top Stories

The growing issue of space debris has been highlighted as a significant threat that requires enhanced data and innovative technologies to manage effectively. SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink constellation with recent launches from both Florida and California. Meanwhile, NASA has announced its intentions to award lunar cargo delivery missions to Blue Origin and SpaceX, aiming for the early 2030s.

📰Detailed Coverage

Urgency in Tackling Space Debris

A recent panel discussion has emphasized the increasing threat posed by space debris, calling for better data, regulatory measures, and technological innovations to mitigate risks. Experts suggest that current approaches to managing space debris are inadequate, advocating for enhanced sensor capabilities to fill existing data gaps and recommending economic incentives for debris remediation.

The challenge of space debris is particularly relevant for satellite operators and those tracking orbital objects, as the risk of collisions continues to grow. These discussions reflect the importance of integrating sophisticated tracking technologies, highlighting the capabilities available through our web app to monitor these risks effectively.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

SpaceX’s Starlink Launches in Full Swing

SpaceX has successfully launched additional Starlink satellites, expanding its network with a mission from Cape Canaveral that included 23 satellites. This launch is part of a broader effort to enhance global internet coverage, with the new batch set to improve connectivity and support future data services.

In a separate launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, SpaceX deployed 20 Starlink satellites equipped with Direct to Cell capabilities, marking the 400th Falcon 9 launch. This achievement underscores SpaceX’s role in advancing satellite technology and connectivity solutions worldwide.

Read the full stories: Space.com - Florida Launch and SpaceFlightNow - California Launch

NASA Awards Lunar Cargo Delivery Opportunities

NASA has taken steps towards its lunar exploration missions by announcing lunar cargo delivery awards to SpaceX and Blue Origin. The contracts focus on delivering a pressurized rover and surface habitat to the moon in the early 2030s as part of the Artemis program. This initiative is a significant leap towards establishing sustainable human presence on the lunar surface.

These awards to prominent space contractors reflect the strategic collaborations formed by NASA to advance human spaceflight capabilities, combining aerospace innovation and extensive planning for lunar exploration.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: IRS P4 (OCEANSAT 1)
• NORAD ID: 25758
• Launch Date: 1999
• Mission: Oceansat 1 is designed to monitor ocean surface temperatures and wind vectors, contributing to marine environmental studies.
• Orbit: Inclination 97.9097°, Period 99.0172 minutes, Eccentricity 0.0003578
• Operator: ISRO
• Fun Fact: Oceansat 1 was part of India’s IRS (Indian Remote Sensing) satellite series and focuses primarily on ocean and atmospheric research.

Current TLE Data:

1 25758U 99029C 24318.43773778 .00001753 00000-0 42301-3 0 89999 2 25758 97.9097 309.6098 0003578 137.4453 222.7023 14.54292587349657

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track IRS P4 (OCEANSAT 1)

Upcoming Space Launches

November 25

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 12-1 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (09:32 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

November 26

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 6-76 from Kennedy Space Center (03:31 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

November 27

• LandSpace Zhuque-2E:

  • Unknown Payload from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (01:51 UTC) Details TBD.

• Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b:

  • Kosmos (Unknown Payload) from Plesetsk Cosmodrome (19:00 UTC) Russian military satellite(s) of unknown variant.

November 30

• Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M:

  • Kondor-FKA No.2 from Vostochny Cosmodrome (00:00 UTC) The Kondor-FKA is a small civilian radar Earth observation satellite equipped with a S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR).

• Galactic Energy Ceres-1:

  • Unknown Payload from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (00:00 UTC) Details TBD.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 6-65 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (05:00 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • NROL-126 from Vandenberg Space Force Base (08:08 UTC) Fifth batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman for the National Reconnaissance Office.

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