📄Top Stories

Today marks China’s successful launch of the Shijian-25 satellite, pioneering advancements in on-orbit refueling and prolonging satellite lifespans. Meanwhile, the Pentagon continues its focus on space and defense technologies by awarding significant contracts to Anduril and Kratos for solid rocket motors and hypersonic testing, respectively. In military developments, the U.S. completes a major upgrade to its B61-12 nuclear warheads.

📰Detailed Coverage

China’s Shijian-25 Paves the Way for In-space Refueling

China kicked off 2025 with the launch of its Shijian-25 satellite, a mission dedicated to refining on-orbit refueling and extending satellite longevity. This initiative represents their growing focus on sustainable space operations and underscores the importance of maintaining operational satellites without frequent replacements.

The Shijian-25 launch involved a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. This mission is a crucial step toward reducing satellite turnover in space, potentially decreasing the creation of space debris over time. Such advancements align with features on our web app that focus on satellite lifecycle tracking and debris management.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Pentagon Invests in Solid Rocket Motor Expansion

The Pentagon has allocated $14.3 million to Anduril for expanding the production of solid rocket motors. This grant supports Anduril’s strategic business expansion following its acquisition of Adranos in 2023, a move aimed at bolstering U.S. capability in missile and defense technology amidst growing geopolitical tensions.

Solid rocket motors are crucial for various military applications, and this expansion reflects a proactive approach to maintaining an edge in strategic defense technologies. This development could influence satellite launch strategies and timelines, further highlighting the interconnected nature of modern aerospace technologies.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

$1.45 Billion Contract for Hypersonic Testing Secured by Kratos

Kratos has been awarded a substantial $1.45 billion contract from the Pentagon to advance hypersonic testing infrastructure. This deal is one of the largest investments in the Pentagon’s history for developing state-of-the-art hypersonic capacities crucial for national defense.

The work under this contract is expected to enhance the U.S.’s testing capabilities significantly, providing a high-tech environment for developing future generations of hypersonic vehicles. Such advancements are part of a broader strategy to secure technological superiority in defense applications.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

U.S. Completes B61-12 Nuclear Warhead Upgrade

The United States has completed a $9 billion upgrade to its B61-12 nuclear warheads, modernizing the existing arsenal without expanding the stockpile. These updates include new housings for the warheads, enhancing safety and reliability while maintaining their operational capabilities.

This upgrade ensures the continuity of deterrence capabilities within modern warfare environments, marking an essential investment in defense strategies. It reflects a strategic approach to adapting existing arsenal components to contemporary technical standards and requirements.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Navy’s Future Fleet Costs Underestimated

A recent report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reveals that the U.S. Navy’s future fleet could require an additional 46 percent more funding than current budgets account for. The CBO estimates shipbuilding costs will average $40 billion annually over the next 30 years, a stark contrast to the Navy’s estimates.

This gap highlights potential budgetary challenges that could impact future naval capabilities and readiness. The findings prompt a reevaluation of fiscal allocations necessary to maintain and expand maritime dominance.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: COSMOS 646
• NORAD ID: 07270
• Launch Date: 1974
• Mission: Initially launched as part of the Soviet Union’s reconnaissance satellite program, COSMOS 646 continues to hold historical significance.
• Orbit: Inclination 74.0181°, Period 114.7 minutes, Eccentricity 0.0051
• Operator: GUKOSR
• Fun Fact: COSMOS 646 was one of the early attempts at deploying reconnaissance satellites during the Cold War, providing critical surveillance data.

Current TLE Data:

1 07270U 74024F   24366.46546333  .00000021  00000-0  22772-3 0 99994
2 07270  74.0181  65.7778 0051025 143.0508 228.6732 12.55015262322357

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track COSMOS 646

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

January 8

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 12-11 from Kennedy Space Center (15:27 UTC)
    A batch of 21 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

January 10

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • NROL-153 from Vandenberg Space Force Base (03:19 UTC)
    Seventh batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman for the National Reconnaissance Office.

• Blue Origin New Glenn:

  • Maiden Flight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (06:00 UTC)
    Maiden flight of the New Glenn launch vehicle. Will carry the prototype Blue Ring payload tug and payload hoisting platform.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 12-12 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (15:27 UTC)
    A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

January 11

• SpaceX Starship:
  • Flight 7 from SpaceX Starbase (13:00 UTC)
    Seventh test flight of the two-stage Starship launch vehicle.

January 13

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 12-4 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (14:59 UTC)
    A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

January 14

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Transporter 12 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) from Vandenberg Space Force Base (18:49 UTC)
    Dedicated rideshare flight to a sun-synchronous orbit with dozens of small microsatellites and nanosatellites for commercial and government customers.

January 15

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Blue Ghost Lunar Lander Mission 1 & Hakuto-R M2 “Resilience” from Kennedy Space Center (06:06 UTC)
    Blue Ghost is a commercial lunar lander developed by Firefly Aerospace for NASA’s CLPS program. Resilience is the second mission of the Hakuto-R commercial lunar lander developed by ispace, carrying a small rover designed to collect lunar regolith.

January 28

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • SpainSat NG I from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (04:00 UTC)
    First of two new-generation satellites built by Airbus to provide secure communications to the Spanish government and international 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 five satellites for the French Kinéis IoT constellation.

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