📄Top Stories

Blue Origin has delayed its highly anticipated first launch of the New Glenn rocket due to a technical issue, marking a significant setback in its launch timeline. Meanwhile, SpaceX has celebrated a new reusability milestone with a Falcon 9 booster successfully launching and landing for the 25th time. Additionally, the US Air Force chief emphasizes the urgent need to enhance the Space Force to keep pace with China’s growing capabilities.

📰Detailed Coverage

Blue Origin Scrubs New Glenn Launch

Blue Origin has postponed the first launch attempt of its New Glenn rocket, originally slated for January 13. The delay was due to an unspecified technical issue. This launch is crucial for Blue Origin as it represents a significant step towards providing heavy-lift capabilities, competing against industry giants like SpaceX and United Launch Alliance.

This event underscores the challenges new rocket systems face and reminds us of the intricate planning involved in orbital launches. As a part of the broader satellite tracking community, it’s vital to note how these launches impact tracking activities, given the substantial payloads typically involved.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

SpaceX Sets New Reusability Record

SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of rocket reusability with its Falcon 9 booster achieving its 25th successful launch and landing. This mission included deploying 21 Starlink V2 mini satellites, further expanding its broadband internet constellation in low Earth orbit.

This accomplishment is not only a technological marvel but also a significant cost-saving strategy, further cementing SpaceX’s position in the launch services market. This milestone illustrates the ongoing evolution of space operations and the importance of tracking the ever-growing number of satellites that such reuse facilitates.

Read the full story: Space Explored

Air Force Chief’s Warning on Space Force Transformation

As he exits his role, US Air Force Chief Frank Kendall has issued a warning about the imperative transformation needed within the Space Force to counter China’s rapid advancements in space capabilities. Emphasizing a need for a larger and more robust force, Kendall’s remarks underscore the strategic global competition unfolding above Earth.

Kendall’s statements highlight the increasing militarization of space and the need for advanced satellite-based intelligence and defense mechanisms. The evolution of these capabilities is critical for maintaining national security and ensuring the reliable operation of satellite tracking systems.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Farnborough International Space Show Announces Speakers

The Farnborough International Space Show, alongside ISRSE-40, has announced its first wave of speakers from notable organizations including NASA, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems. This event promises a platform for discussing the latest in space innovation and remote sensing technologies.

Such gatherings are invaluable for stakeholders across the space industry to network and exchange ideas, potentially influencing future directions in satellite tracking and exploration technologies.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: RADUGA 32
• NORAD ID: 23448
• Launch Date: 1994-12-22
• Mission: The Raduga series are Russian geostationary satellites used for military communications.
• Orbit: Inclination 14.4459°, Period 1436.21 minutes, Eccentricity 0.0008096
• Operator: VKS (Russian Aerospace Forces)
• Fun Fact: The Raduga satellites are part of a longstanding series facilitating secure and reliable communication for Russian military operations.

Current TLE Data:

1 23448U 94087A 25010.47807764 -.00000078 00000-0 00000-0 0 99996
2 23448 14.4459 354.8919 0008096 243.2375 115.8443 1.00264020127638

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track RADUGA 32

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

January 14

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Transporter 12 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, USA (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:
  • Blue Ghost Lunar Lander Mission 1 & Hakuto-R M2 “Resilience” from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (06:06 UTC) This mission includes the Blue Ghost lunar lander for NASA’s CLPS program, landing in Mare Crisium. It also carries the Hakuto-R M2 lander, which will conduct lunar surface studies and collect regolith for NASA.
• SpaceX Starship:
  • Flight 7 from SpaceX Starbase, TX, USA (22:00 UTC) Seventh test flight of the two-stage Starship launch vehicle.

January 16

• Blue Origin New Glenn:
  • Maiden Flight from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (06:00 UTC) Maiden flight with Blue Ring payload tug; marks New Glenn’s first National Security Space Launch certification flight.

January 17

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2D:
  • Unknown Payload from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (03:59 UTC)

January 18

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-8 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, USA (03:18 UTC) Launching a batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation.

January 29

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • SpainSat NG I from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (04:00 UTC) First of two new-generation satellites to provide secure communications for the Spanish government and its 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.
• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 12-3 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (00:00 UTC) Deployment of additional satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation.

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