📄Top Stories

The International Space Station has resumed spacewalks after a six-month hiatus, marking a significant return to extravehicular activities. Blue Origin gears up for a next-level mission with New Shepard aiming to demonstrate lunar gravity. Meanwhile, astronomers propose a global ban on space advertising, citing it as a threat to the dark sky. The James Webb Space Telescope could face budget cuts despite surpassing expectations in its operations.

📰Detailed Coverage

Spacewalks Return to the ISS

The International Space Station (ISS) has recommenced spacewalks after a long six-month break. This resumption revives essential maintenance and upgrades on the U.S. segment, which had been paused due to safety reviews and equipment updates. The latest spacewalk, led by experienced astronauts, tackles vital system enhancements.

The return to extravehicular activities marks a crucial step in maintaining ISS functionalities and preparing for future missions. The capability for spacewalks is essential to uphold the station’s diverse range of research and operational objectives.

Read the full story: NASASpaceFlight.com

Blue Origin’s Lunar Gravity Demonstration

Blue Origin’s upcoming New Shepard flight seeks to break new ground by simulating lunar gravity on a suborbital trajectory. Scheduled to lift off soon, this mission will employ its advanced capabilities to generate the gravitational conditions reminiscent of the Moon’s surface.

This experiment will not only provide invaluable data for future lunar exploration but also demonstrates New Shepard’s multifunctional utility beyond traditional suborbital tourism. Its insights could inform landing technologies and astronaut training, synergizing with broader lunar mission strategies.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Astronomers Call for Ban on Space Advertising

A coalition of astronomers is advocating for a prohibition on space-based advertising visible from Earth, citing it as a rising threat to astronomical observations and the pristine quality of the night sky. They argue that the proliferation of such ads could interfere with both professional and amateur stargazing, representing an unwelcome intrusion on celestial views.

This initiative underscores the need for a conversation about sustainable practices in space utilization, balancing economic interests with the preservation of natural skyscapes. For satellite tracking enthusiasts, this debate highlights the complexities of increased satellite deployment on orbital environments.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Potential Budget Cuts for JWST

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), renowned for its groundbreaking astronomical discoveries, is facing potential operational budget cuts. Despite its successful performance, financial constraints within its funding body pose a risk to future missions and planned research activities.

These cuts could delay vital projects and limit its observational capacity, emphasizing the importance of securing continued investment in this flagship science mission. Satellite enthusiasts may find interest in how such programs contribute to expanding our understanding of space phenomena and guide technological advancements.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: COSMOS 1308
• NORAD ID: 12835
• Launch Date: 1981-09-18
• Mission: Navigation and data relay
• Orbit: Inclination 82.9191°, Period 104.68 min, Eccentricity 0.002874
• Operator: USSR
• Fun Fact: COSMOS 1308 was part of the Parus series, which provided critical navigation data for Soviet military and civilian use during the Cold War era.

Current TLE Data:

1 12835U 81091A   25022.53584472  .00000131  00000+0  11964-3 0  9995
2 12835  82.9191 194.5182 0028739  81.0957 338.0477 13.75590094175356

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track COSMOS 1308

Upcoming Space Launches

January 27

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 12-7 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (19:21 UTC) A batch of 21 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

January 28

• Blue Origin New Shepard:
  • NS-29 from West Texas Launch Site (16:00 UTC) NS-29 will simulate the Moon’s gravity and fly 30 payloads, testing lunar-related technologies critical for the Artemis program.

January 29

• Indian Space Research Organization GSLV Mk II:
  • IRNSS-1K (NVS-02) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (00:53 UTC) A replacement satellite for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System providing India with an alternative to GPS.

January 30

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • SpainSat NG I from Kennedy Space Center (01:34 UTC) First of two new-generation satellites providing secure communications to the Spanish government and international organizations.
• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 12-3 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (10:44 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation.

January 31

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-4 from Vandenberg Space Force Base (23:32 UTC) Another batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation.

February 1

• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H3-22:
  • Michibiki 6 (QZS-6) from Tanegashima Space Center (08:30 UTC) Part of Japan’s satellite navigation system providing GPS-interoperable signals and original Japanese signals.

February 3

• Rocket Lab Electron:
  • IoT 4 You and Me (Kinéis 16-20) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 (20:43 UTC) Fourth batch of five satellites for the French Kinéis IoT constellation.

February 11

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

February 25

• Arianespace Ariane 62:
  • CSO-3 from Guiana Space Centre (to be determined) The third new-generation high-resolution optical imaging satellite for the French military.

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