📄Top Stories

Today’s Space Brief covers Redwire’s strategic acquisition in the defense sector, Rocket Lab’s pivotal contract for hypersonic launches with the US military, and the unveiling of new US Mint coins celebrating space advances. These developments reflect significant intersections between space technology and national defense strategies.

📰Detailed Coverage

Redwire Expands into Defense Sector

Redwire has announced its acquisition of Edge Autonomy, a drone manufacturer whose technologies have been instrumental in military operations, including support to Ukraine. This $925 million purchase marks a substantial move for Redwire as it seeks to deepen its involvement in the defense sector, leveraging synergies between space infrastructure and autonomous systems.

The integration of Edge Autonomy will likely enable Redwire to offer advanced solutions in various defense applications, enhancing its product offerings and market reach. This acquisition reflects a broader trend where space companies are diversifying into defense to leverage their technological capabilities.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Rocket Lab’s Hypersonic Vehicle Launch Contract

Rocket Lab has been awarded a new 5-year contract valued at $1.45 billion to launch hypersonic test vehicles for the US military. Known for its innovative small satellite launch services, Rocket Lab’s entry into hypersonic testing highlights a strategic expansion into high-demand military applications that require rapid and flexible launch solutions.

This contract underscores the critical role of reliable satellite operators in national security, particularly in advancing hypersonic technologies. Rocket Lab’s capabilities will be crucial in providing the US military with the agility required to stay at the forefront of aerospace technology.

Read the full story: Space.com

US Mint Unveils Space-Themed Innovation Dollar Coins

The US Mint has revealed designs for the latest American Innovation dollar coins, featuring the space shuttle and International Space Station (ISS). These coins are part of a series celebrating technological milestones achieved by Texas and Florida, states with pivotal roles in the evolution of US space exploration.

These commemorative coins serve not only as a tribute to space history but also as an educational tool highlighting the contributions of key US states. The release is timely, as it helps generate public interest in the nation’s space programs, bridging past achievements with future aspirations.

Read the full story: Space.com

NORTHCOM’s Strategic Border Security Plans

In response to a directive from the presidential administration, the Department of Defense has commenced planning a comprehensive strategy for border security, focusing on maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the United States. This strategic framework will emphasize technological applications, potentially involving satellite surveillance and other space-based assets, to enhance security and monitoring capabilities.

This initiative may lead to increased development and deployment of satellite technologies to provide real-time tracking and intelligence, showcasing the growing importance of satellite capabilities in national security frameworks.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: COSMOS 2287 (GLONASS)
• NORAD ID: 23203
• Launch Date: 1994-08-26
• Mission: Part of the Russian GLONASS satellite navigation system providing positioning data.
• Orbit: Inclination 65.4212°, Period 675.73 minutes, Eccentricity 0.0012306
• Operator: Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS)
• Fun Fact: COSMOS 2287 is part of a satellite system that is Russia’s equivalent to the US GPS, pivotal in providing navigational services across the globe.

Current TLE Data:

1 23203U 94050A   25021.58502250  .00000104  00000+0  00000+0 0  9998
2 23203  65.4212 218.8148 0012306  27.2811 302.8230  2.13101449236944

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track COSMOS 2287

🚀 Upcoming Space Launches

January 23

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 6A:

  • G60 Polar Group 04? from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (05:04 UTC) Possibly Low Earth Orbit communication satellites for the G60 constellation operated by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), with plans to expand to 12,000 satellites.

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 3B/E:

  • Unknown Payload from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (15:22 UTC)

January 24

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 11-6 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, USA (13:54 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation, SpaceX’s project for space-based internet communication.

January 25

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 8A:
  • Demo Flight from Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China (09:53 UTC) Demonstration flight of the Long March 8A rocket with upgraded engines.

January 27

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 12-7 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (19:21 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation, SpaceX’s project for space-based internet communication.

January 28

• Indian Space Research Organization 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, providing India an alternative to GPS.

January 29

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • SpainSat NG I from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (04:00 UTC) A new-generation satellite built by Airbus for secure communications to the Spanish government and its allies.

January 30

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 12-3 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (10:44 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation, SpaceX’s project for space-based internet communication.

February 1

• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H3-22:
  • Michibiki 6 (QZS-6) from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan (08:30 UTC) Part of Japan’s Quasi Zenith Satellite System for satellite navigation, broadcasting GPS-interoperable and augmentation signals.

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