📄Top Stories

Satellite advancements continue with BlackSky’s Gen-3 launch set for this week, enhancing geospatial intelligence. The Space Force emphasizes reform in their acquisition strategies amidst rising global defense spending, highlighted by Russia outpacing Europe. SpaceX’s expansion in Florida signals growing activity at its Kennedy Space Center facilities.

📰Detailed Coverage

Space Force Acquisition Reforms in Focus

The U.S. Space Force is prioritizing adjustments in its acquisition strategies to streamline developments in space systems. Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy outlined efforts to align with the new Secretary of Defense’s directive for faster weapon system implementations, illustrating a proactive approach in military space operations.

These changes come as the Space Force prepares for increased responsibilities in space-based defense, reinforcing its crucial role in satellite tracking and advanced space technology developments.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Russia’s Surging Defense Spending

In the latest military balance report by IISS, Russia’s defense expenditure has surpassed that of all European nations combined, marking a 40% increase from 2024. This surge signifies a shifting landscape in global military investments with potential implications for space defense dynamics.

Such increased spending highlights the strategic importance of space technologies and satellite capabilities in modern defense infrastructures.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

BlackSky Set to Launch Gen-3 Satellite

BlackSky Technology Inc. and Rocket Lab are preparing for the launch of BlackSky’s first Gen-3 satellite on February 18. This mission, titled “Fasten Your Space Belts,” promises advanced imaging capabilities with 35-centimeter resolution that will significantly enhance geospatial intelligence and AI-driven analytics.

This progression elevates BlackSky’s standing in providing high-frequency and low-latency data, vital for real-time satellite tracking and monitoring via advanced mapping applications.

Read the full story: Space Daily

Expanding SpaceX Presence in Florida

SpaceX is intensifying its operational footprint at the Kennedy Space Center with developments set to outsize its Starbase facilities. The expansion underscores SpaceX’s ongoing commitment to ensuring robust launch operations and supporting its ambitious mission schedules.

This move is a promising indication of increased launch activity from Florida, reinforcing its key role in future satellite deployments and space exploration missions.

Read the full story: Space Explored

House Proposes Significant Defense Budget Increase

The House has revealed a budget plan which proposes a $100 billion increase for defense. Unlike the Senate’s segmented approach, this comprehensive bill also aims to address debt limits and introduce tax reforms.

This significant increase in budgeting reflects the growing prioritization of defense capabilities, including advancements in space technologies.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: EOSSAT-1
• NORAD ID: 55053
• Launch Date: 2023-01-03
• Mission: Earth observation
• Orbit: Inclination 97.3938°, Period 94.24 minutes, Eccentricity 0.0012522
• Operator: EOSDA
• Fun Fact: EOSSAT-1 is equipped with Dragoneye imagers for detailed Earth observation, boasting a versatile design that allows it to support a range of agricultural monitoring needs.

Current TLE Data:

1 55053U 23001AW  25043.73909923  .00008841  00000+0  35716-3 0  9995
2 55053  97.3938 104.3303 0012522  61.8129 298.4372 15.24918867117108

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track EOSSAT-1

🚀 Upcoming Space Launches

February 15

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 12-8 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (05:00 – 08:59 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

February 17

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • NROL-57 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (13:18 – 15:53 UTC) Eighth batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman for the National Reconnaissance Office to provide imaging and other reconnaissance capabilities.

February 18

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 10-12 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (23:00 – March 19 03:00 UTC) A batch of 23 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation. First Starlink launch to feature a Falcon 9 booster landing within The Bahamas waters.

• Rocket Lab Electron:

  • Fasten Your Space Belts (BlackSky Gen-3 1) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand (23:15 UTC) The first of five BlackSky Technology missions to deploy its new next-generation BlackSky Gen-3 satellites with enhanced imagery capabilities.

February 26

• Arianespace Ariane 62:
  • CSO-3 from Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana (16:24 UTC) The CSO-3 satellite is the third of three high-resolution optical imaging satellites for the French military.

February 27

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Nova-C IM-2 & Lunar Trailblazer from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (00:17 UTC) This mission is the second for the Nova-C lunar lander, carrying NASA’s PRIME-1 payload for a lunar in-situ resource utilization demonstration.

• ROSCOSMOS Soyuz 2.1a:

  • Progress MS-30 (91P) from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan (21:24 UTC) Progress resupply mission to the International Space Station.

February 28

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • SPHEREx & PUNCH from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (03:10 UTC) SPHEREx is a two-year astrophysics mission to survey the sky in near-infrared light, while PUNCH will study the Sun’s corona and solar wind.

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