📄Top Stories

Blue Origin’s much-anticipated launch of its New Glenn rocket was delayed due to technical issues, drawing attention from the space community. Meanwhile, SpaceX is preparing to launch 21 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, showcasing their ongoing expansion of the constellation. Today’s Satellite Spotlight shines on China’s YAOGAN-43 O1C, a strategic asset in orbit.

📰Detailed Coverage

Technical Glitch Delays Blue Origin’s New Glenn Launch

Blue Origin had to scrub its first New Glenn rocket launch attempt scheduled for January 13 due to a “vehicle subsystem issue.” The launch was set to carry a pathfinder payload known as Blue Ring. The delay underscores the challenges faced during the initial launches of new rockets, where unforeseen technical hurdles can lead to last-minute cancellations.

While the scrub is a setback for Blue Origin, it highlights the careful scrutiny and safety protocols involved in launching a new generation of rockets. The New Glenn is expected to play a key role in future space operations, potentially impacting satellite deployments and interplanetary missions.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

SpaceX Prepares for Starlink Launch Amid Busy Schedule

As SpaceX gears up for a week of intense activity, the company is readying a Falcon 9 rocket to launch 21 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral. This mission is part of a broader strategy to enhance global Internet coverage through the growing constellation. Liftoff is expected to be around 10:08 am EST.

The Starlink missions not only aim to provide high-speed Internet to underserved regions but also stress the importance of efficient satellite tracking. Monitoring such satellites is integral for understanding orbital traffic and maintaining clear skies for future missions.

Read the full story: Spaceflight Now

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: YAOGAN-43 O1C
• NORAD ID: 60460
• Launch Date:
• Mission: Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
• Orbit: Inclination 35.0004°, Period 94.54 minutes, Eccentricity 0.0005754
• Operator: Strategic Support Troops
• Fun Fact: This satellite is part of a series deployed for advanced earth observation and has capabilities that support China’s strategic military initiatives.

Current TLE Data:

1 60460U 24148C   25010.67413293  .00014615  00000-0  60520-3 0 99991
2 60460  35.0004 208.9655 0005754 125.6300 234.4951 15.23087710 22425

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track YAOGAN-43 O1C

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

January 13

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Mission: Starlink Group 12-4
  • Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
  • Launch Time: 14:59 UTC
    A batch of 21 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation—SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

January 14

• Blue Origin New Glenn:

  • Mission: Maiden Flight
  • Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36A
  • Launch Time: 06:00 UTC
    Maiden flight of the New Glenn launch vehicle. This launch will serve as New Glenn’s first National Security Space Launch certification flight.

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Mission: Transporter 12 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare)
  • Launch Site: Vandenberg Space Force Base Space Launch Complex 4E
  • Launch Time: 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:

  • Mission: Blue Ghost Lunar Lander Mission 1 & Hakuto-R M2 “Resilience”
  • Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
  • Launch Time: 06:06 UTC
    Blue Ghost is designed to bring payload to the lunar surface as part of NASA’s CLPS program. Resilience is the second mission of the Hakuto-R lunar lander, tasked with collecting lunar regolith for NASA.

• SpaceX Starship:

  • Mission: Flight 7
  • Launch Site: SpaceX Starbase Orbital Launch Mount A
  • Launch Time: 22:00 UTC
    Seventh test flight of the two-stage Starship launch vehicle.

January 18

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Mission: Starlink Group 11-8
  • Launch Site: Vandenberg Space Force Base Space Launch Complex 4E
  • Launch Time: 03:18 UTC
    A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation—SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

January 29

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Mission: SpainSat NG I
  • Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Site
  • Launch Time: 04:00 UTC
    First of two new-generation satellites built by Airbus to provide secure communications to the Spanish government and allies.

January 31

• Rocket Lab Electron:

  • Mission: Kinéis 16-20
  • Launch Site: Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1
  • Launch Time: 00:00 UTC
    Fourth batch of five satellites for the French Kinéis IoT constellation.

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Mission: Starlink Group 12-3
  • Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
  • Launch Time: 00:00 UTC
    A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation—SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

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