📄Top Stories

The U.S. Space Force is making headlines with significant personnel shifts and its participation in upcoming political events, marking a milestone for the branch. Meanwhile, defense strategies worldwide are under scrutiny, as countries announce ambitious funding plans to bolster security efforts.

📰Detailed Coverage

Space Force’s Strategic Appointment Boosts Planet’s Board

Retired General John “Jay” Raymond, a former chief of the Space Force, has been appointed to Planet’s board to advise on strategic growth, emphasizing a deeper alignment between commercial space ventures and defense priorities. This move reflects the growing trend of cross-pollination between military expertise and private space sector innovation.

Raymond’s involvement is set to enhance Planet’s geopolitical influence, leveraging satellite technology to bolster defense capabilities. His insights on strategic defense partnerships could catalyze new satellite advancements, vital for real-time satellite tracking and intelligence in defense operations.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Space Force Procurement Shakeup

Derek Tournear, director of the Space Development Agency, has been placed on administrative leave amid an investigation, a move that underscores ongoing scrutiny within space acquisition strategies. This development raises questions on the management and oversight of defense projects crucial to maintaining space superiority.

The investigation highlights the importance of transparent and efficient procurement procedures in securing the necessary technological advancements to maintain competitive edge in orbital capabilities and satellite deployments.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Space Force Joins Presidential Inauguration

In a historical first, the U.S. Space Force will participate in the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20th. This symbolic inclusion underscores the Space Force’s emerging role in national defense and its increasing visibility within the military hierarchy.

The event represents a new era of military tradition, reflecting the significance of space operations in modern defense paradigms and reinforcing the strategic importance of maintaining robust satellite communications for national security.

Read the full story: Space.com

Lithuania Bolsters Defense Spending

Lithuania commits to spending 5-6% of its GDP on defense, aligning with international pressure for enhanced security contributions. This decision follows broader geopolitical trends where nations aim to strengthen their military capabilities amidst emerging global threats.

Enhanced defense spending may lead to increased investment in satellite technologies and surveillance systems, providing critical data for monitoring and response readiness, key aspects of a modernized defense infrastructure.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Air Force Development Crucial, Says Allvin

General David W. Allvin, Air Force Chief of Staff, articulates the urgent need for the U.S. to expand its air service capabilities, arguing that supporting technological advancement is crucial amidst increasing global tensions. Expanding the Air Force’s capabilities would likely necessitate improved satellite recon for real-time operational success.

This push for growth could drive further investments in satellite technology, offering enhanced tracking and data acquisition for military operations worldwide.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: ORBCOMM FM 38
• NORAD ID: 33060
• Launch Date: 2008-05-29
• Mission: ORBCOMM FM 38, part of the Orbcomm constellation, supports global asset tracking and messaging services, essential for logistics and fleet management.
• Orbit: Inclination: 48.4408°, Period: 97.29 minutes, Eccentricity: Low
• Operator: ORBC Communications
• Fun Fact: Despite being launched nearly two decades ago, ORBCOMM FM 38 continues to play a pivotal role in providing communication solutions for industrial operations worldwide.

Current TLE Data: 1 33060U 08031A 25018.21480216 .00004476 00000-0 61049-3 0 99998 2 33060 48.4408 309.4068 0005406 111.9934 248.1556 14.80150413892518

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track ORBCOMM FM 38

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

January 18

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-8 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, USA (17:03 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

January 20

• Galactic Energy Ceres-1:
  • Unknown Payload from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (09:59 UTC) Details TBD.

January 21

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 13-1 from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (05:13 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

January 22

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-6 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, USA (14:38 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

January 24

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 10-12 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL, USA (22:45 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

January 26

• ISRO GSLV Mk II:
  • IRNSS-1K (NVS-02) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India (22:45 UTC) This is a replacement satellite for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System. The constellation will provide India with an alternative to GPS and will be used for military and civilian use.

January 29

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • SpainSat NG I from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL, USA (04:00 UTC) First of two new-generation satellites built by Airbus to provide secure communications to the Spanish government, its allies, and various international organizations.

January 31

• Rocket Lab Electron:
  • IoT 4 You and Me (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 designed to operate with 25 nanosatellites of 30 kg each.
• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 12-3 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL, USA (00:00 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.
• CASC Long March 8:
  • G60 Group TBD from Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China (00:00 UTC) Low Earth Orbit communication satellites with Ku, Q and V band payloads for the G60 constellation operated by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology.

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