📄Top Stories

Discover the latest developments in space operations, where the Pentagon addresses critical supply chain vulnerabilities within the space industrial base. Launch preparations are underway as Landspace aims to debut the ZhuQue-2E rocket, and SpaceX teams with NASA for an exciting mission to Saturn. Plus, delve into NASA’s findings of Cold War-era secrets beneath Greenland’s ice.

📰Detailed Coverage

Pentagon Races to Bolster Space Supply Chain

The Pentagon has acknowledged gaps in the space supply chain that could impact military readiness and technological advances. Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant highlighted concerns about the fragility of the industrial base, urging a swift response to reinforce the supply chain to support future operations effectively.

These developments underscore the importance of robust manufacturing and supply pathways critical for satellite deployment and maintenance, core activities that are trackable using our web app’s advanced features.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

New Rocket Launches on the Horizon

Landspace’s ZhuQue-2E rocket is ready for its inaugural flight, marking a significant milestone in China’s private space endeavors. Alongside, SpaceX and Russia prepare for classified launch missions, enhancing the competitive landscape of global space operations.

The emergence of the ZhuQue-2E increases accessibility to satellite launch capabilities, a trend that reflects growing innovation in space technologies, directly influencing satellite tracking opportunities.

Read the full story: NASASpaceFlight.com

NASA’s Dragonfly to Explore Saturn’s Titan

NASA has selected the Falcon Heavy rocket for its ambitious Dragonfly mission set to explore Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. Scheduled for launch in 2028, this mission leverages the powerful propulsion capabilities of SpaceX’s rocket to reach far into the solar system in search of life-related clues.

This mission highlights advancements in interplanetary travel technology, though primarily interstellar in focus, its progression offers insights into orbital mechanics applicable to satellite trajectories.

Read the full story: Space.com

Hidden Cold War Tunnel Systems Revealed by NASA

In an unexpected archaeological find, NASA has discovered a series of large tunnels beneath Greenland’s ice, remnants of a secret U.S. military project from the Cold War era. These tunnels were part of a larger operation intended to conceal nuclear missiles.

This revelation serves as a testament to satellite-based reconnaissance’s potential for uncovering hidden historical artifacts and strategic installations.

Read the full story: Space.com

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: CBERS 1
• NORAD ID: 25940
• Launch Date: 1999-10-14
• Mission: CBERS 1, also known as Zi Yuan 1-01, is a joint Earth observation satellite program between China and Brazil, providing vital imagery for environmental monitoring and natural resource management.
• Orbit: 98.8228° inclination, 100.2416-minute period, 0 eccentricity
• Operator: CAST/INPE
• Fun Fact: CBERS 1 was the first satellite in the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite program, highlighting international collaboration in space.

Current TLE Data:

1 25940U 99057A   24318.46451863  .00000830  00000-0  29843-3 0 89995
2 25940  98.8228 301.3944 0003782 273.4437  86.6315 14.36528905314137

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

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

November 27

• LandSpace Zhuque-2E:

  • Unknown Payload from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (01:51 UTC)
  • Details TBD.

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Starlink Group 6-76 from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (03:05 UTC)
  • A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

• Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b:

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

November 29

• Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M:
  • Kondor-FKA No.2 from Vostochny Cosmodrome, Siberia, Russian Federation (21:50 UTC)
  • The Kondor-FKA is a small civilian radar Earth observation satellite designed by NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

November 30

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Starlink Group 6-65 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (05:00 UTC)
  • A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation.

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • NROL-126 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (08:08 UTC)
  • Fifth batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation for the National Reconnaissance Office.

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12:

  • Maiden Flight from Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China (13:30 UTC)
  • First launch of the Long March 12 launch vehicle from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site.

December 2

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 6A:
  • Unknown Payload from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (04:45 UTC)
  • Possibly CZ-6A launch with a batch of G60 Low Earth Orbit communication constellation satellites.

December 3

• Arianespace Vega-C:
  • Sentinel-1C from Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana (21:20 UTC)
  • Sentinel-1C carries advanced radar technology to provide an all-weather, day-and-night supply of imagery of Earth’s surface.

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