📄Top Stories

SpaceX successfully launched a rapid response GPS mission for the U.S. Space Force, showcasing its ability to quickly deploy national security satellites. Meanwhile, Raytheon tested Ursa Major’s new rocket motor, highlighting the competition in rocket manufacturing. Starlink’s revenue is projected to hit $11.8 billion by 2025, fueled by military contracts.

📰Detailed Coverage

SpaceX Launches U.S. Space Force Rapid Response GPS Mission

SpaceX has marked another achievement with the launch of the first “Rapid Response Trailblazer” GPS mission for the U.S. Space Force. Utilizing a Falcon 9 rocket, this mission underscores the capability of SpaceX to expediently deploy satellites critical for national security. This launch was particularly crucial due to the shift from a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket, which faced certification delays.

This mission represents a significant step forward in the ability of the U.S. to quickly orbit satellites when required, cementing partnerships between SpaceX and governmental entities. It also showcases the flexibility and readiness of modern launch systems to adapt to unexpected delays, ensuring key systems like GPS remain up-to-date and fully operational.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Raytheon’s Breakthrough with Ursa Major Rocket Motor

Raytheon has successfully tested Ursa Major’s rocket motor in a U.S. Army missile flight, signaling a shift in the solid rocket motor market. The introduction of startups like Ursa Major promises innovations in faster production and reduced costs, challenging established manufacturers.

This development is crucial for defense-related satellite deployments and missile technologies, where cost and time efficiencies can provide strategic advantages. As the defense sector evolves, collaborations like these pave the way for more dynamic responses to defense needs.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Starlink’s Projected Revenue Surge from Military Deals

Starlink, a division of SpaceX, is on track to achieve $11.8 billion in revenue by 2025, with military contracts playing a pivotal role. A recent $537 million contract for services in Ukraine highlights the strategic importance of Starlink’s offerings.

These developments underscore the increasing reliance on satellite networks for military communications, further entrenching Starlink’s position as a key player in global defense operations. This rise in military-backed services showcases the dual-use nature of commercial satellite technology, serving both civilian and defense sectors.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Space Force’s New ‘Futures Command’

The U.S. Space Force is set to establish a ‘Futures Command’ to bolster its modernization efforts. This strategic move aims to enhance analytical capabilities, thereby fulfilling programmatic requirements and justifying budget allocations.

As demands on space-based technologies grow, such initiatives reflect the pragmatic steps the U.S. military is taking to enhance its strategic capabilities in space. The Futures Command is expected to streamline procurement and development processes, thus accelerating technological advancements in space operations.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

SpaceX and NRO’s Sixth Batch of Next-Gen Spy Satellites

SpaceX has launched its sixth batch of advanced “proliferated architecture” spy satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) from California. This deployment is part of ongoing efforts to enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities from space.

These satellites are critical for national security, providing enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The mission underscores the growing partnership between SpaceX and national defense agencies, ensuring rapid and efficient deployment of essential space assets.

Read the full story: Space.com

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: ONEWEB-0578
• NORAD ID: 56067
• Launch Date: 2023-043X
• Mission: Telecommunications, providing global internet coverage
• Orbit: Inclination 87.9294°, Period 108.94 minutes, Eccentricity close to zero
• Operator: OneWeb
• Fun Fact: OneWeb aims to create a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites to provide worldwide internet services, complementing terrestrial and other satellite services.

Current TLE Data:

1 56067U 23043X 24352.57550938 .00000064 00000-0 12246-3 0 99992 2 56067 87.9294 352.8735 0001955 92.0208 268.1150 13.21823313 86025

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track ONEWEB-0578

🚀 Upcoming Space Launches

December 18

• Space One KAIROS:
  • Flight 2 from Spaceport Kii, Japan (02:00 UTC)
  • Second flight of the KAIROS launch vehicle. Five satellites for testing various technologies include TATARA-1, PARUS-T1A, SC-Sat1, and ISHIKI.

December 19

• Galactic Energy Ceres-1S:

  • Unknown Payload from Sea Launch (10:07 UTC)
  • Probable launch with Tianqi 33-36; details to be determined.

• Rocket Lab Electron:

  • Owl The Way Up (StriX Launch 6) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand (14:00 UTC)
  • Launching synthetic aperture radar satellites for Japanese Earth imaging company Synspective.

December 20

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Bandwagon 2 (Dedicated Mid-Inclination Rideshare) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA (11:53 UTC)
  • A dedicated rideshare flight featuring dozens of small microsatellites and nanosatellites for commercial and government customers, including South Korea’s 425 Project Flight 3.

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 3B/E:

  • Unknown Payload from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (15:03 UTC)
  • Details to be determined.

December 21

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • 4x Astranis MicroGEO from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA (03:39 UTC)
  • Launch of four Astranis MicroGEO communications satellites to a custom geostationary orbit for on-orbit maneuvers.

December 23

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 8:

  • G60 Group TBD from Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China (01:00 UTC)
  • Low Earth Orbit communication satellites for the G60 constellation by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 12-2 from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA (05:00 UTC)
  • A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation, SpaceX’s space-based Internet communications system.

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