📄Top Stories

SpaceX concluded a record-breaking year with its latest Starlink launch, marking significant milestones in space commerce. Meanwhile, regulatory advancements by the FCC have opened new possibilities for future commercial space launches with additional spectrum allocations. Furthermore, Russia’s geopolitical maneuvers continue to be a focus in space-related military activities.

📰Detailed Coverage

Record-Breaking Starlink Launch Marks End of 2024

SpaceX successfully launched the Starlink Group 12-6 mission, concluding an unprecedented year of operations. With numerous launches this year, SpaceX has set new records for the number of payloads delivered to space, underscoring the rapid expansion and dominance of its Starlink constellation.

This achievement highlights SpaceX’s capability to maintain high-frequency launch schedules, paving the way for more ambitious satellite networking goals. Keep track of SpaceX’s expanding satellite fleet on our web app to see the impact of this technological stride.

Read the full story: NASASpaceFlight

FCC Expands Spectrum for Commercial Launches

In a significant regulatory move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has allocated additional spectrum for commercial space launches. This decision stems from a legislative mandate aimed at enhancing the operational bandwidth available to support the increasing frequency and complexity of commercial space activities.

The allocation is anticipated to streamline communication during launches, reducing the risk of interference and maximizing safety protocols. This development is a crucial step towards accommodating the industry’s growth and innovation aspirations.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Russia Amplifies Nuclear Threats Amid Ongoing European Tensions

Throughout 2024, Russia has intensified its nuclear posture in Europe amidst enduring military tensions. Despite a stagnant battlefield in Ukraine, this strategic stance represents an ongoing challenge for NATO and European defense strategies.

The implications of increased nuclear rhetoric from Russia are significant, affecting global security paradigms and necessitating close observation through satellite technology. Enhanced satellite tracking aids in monitoring deployments and movements that could escalate into broader military conflicts.

Read the full story: BreakingDefense

Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Achieves Another Historic Flight

NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter made headlines by becoming the first drone to fly on a Rose Parade float, symbolizing human ingenuity and space exploration achievements. This flight took place on the JPL-inspired “Rover Rendezvous” float, capturing the public’s imagination.

This unique event reflects the broader cultural and scientific impact of space exploration, demonstrating how technological advancements can inspire future generations. Ingenuity continues to be an icon of innovative breakthroughs on and off Earth.

Read the full story: Space.com

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: Rassvet-2 No. 1
• NORAD ID: 59779
• Launch Date: 2024
• Mission: A part of Russia’s orbital deployments, this satellite is engineered for reconnaissance and data collection tasks.
• Orbit: Inclination: 98.6232°, Period: 100.599 minutes, Eccentricity: 0.0011765
• Operator: B1440
• Fun Fact: Rassvet-2 No. 1 is part of a new phase of Russian satellites that prioritize stealth and advanced communication features.

Current TLE Data:

1 59779U 24092G   25001.16618627  .00000962  00000-0  37914-3 0 99993
2 59779  98.6232 117.4512 0011765 339.5078  20.5632 14.31428614 32776

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track Rassvet-2 No. 1

Upcoming Space Launches

January 2

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Thuraya 4-NGS from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (05:00 UTC) Thuraya 4-NGS is a communication satellite built by Airbus for the UAE-based Yahsat. It features advanced routing flexibility and a large number of spot beams.

January 5

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 6-71 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (17:10 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation providing space-based Internet communication.

January 6

• Blue Origin New Glenn:

  • Maiden Flight from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (04:30 UTC) Maiden flight of the New Glenn launch vehicle, carrying the prototype Blue Ring payload tug for its first National Security Space Launch certification.

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Starlink Group 12-11 from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (16:19 UTC) Another deployment for the Starlink mega-constellation aiming to expand global internet coverage.

January 10

• SpaceX Starship:
  • Flight 7 from SpaceX Starbase, TX, USA (22:00 UTC) Seventh test flight of the two-stage Starship launch vehicle.

January 28

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • SpainSat NG I from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (04:00 UTC) The first of two new-generation satellites built by Airbus for secure communications to the Spanish government and allies.

January 31

• Rocket Lab Electron:

  • Kinéis 16-20 from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand (00:00 UTC) Fourth batch of satellites for the French Kinéis IoT constellation.

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Blue Ghost Lunar Lander Mission 1 & Hakuto-R M2 “Resilience” from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (00:00 UTC) This mission involves the Blue Ghost lunar lander developed by Firefly Aerospace and the Hakuto-R M2 “Resilience” lander by ispace, aimed at Moon surface studies and material collection for NASA.

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Starlink Group 12-3 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (00:00 UTC) Deployment of satellites to enhance the Starlink communication network.

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Transporter 12 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (00:00 UTC) A rideshare mission deploying numerous small satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit.

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