📄Top Stories

SpaceX plans a pioneering attempt to land a Falcon 9 rocket near the emerald waters of The Bahamas, marking a pivotal moment in reusable rocket technology. Meanwhile, Blue Origin recalibrates its workforce to enhance competitive edge, hinting at major moves in its rocket production. In a groundbreaking step for inclusivity, the first astronaut with a disability has been cleared for a mission to the International Space Station.

📰Detailed Coverage

SpaceX Aims for Bahama Landfall with Falcon 9

SpaceX is set to make history with its Falcon 9 rocket’s first landing attempt in The Bahamas. Scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral, the mission will carry 23 Starlink satellites and culminate in a touchdown on Exuma, an ambitious step toward expanding landing sites globally. This mission underscores SpaceX’s commitment to innovation in its quest for more routine reuse.

Falcon 9’s anticipated success could redefine rocket recovery strategies, optimizing the logistical framework for satellite launches. This is particularly noteworthy for those tracking launches, as our web app provides updates on such pioneering missions.

Read the full story: Spaceflight Now

First Astronaut with Disability Cleared for ISS

The European Space Agency has made a historic announcement by clearing the first astronaut with a disability for an International Space Station mission. Dr. John McFall, a former Paralympian from the UK, will soon board a spacecraft to the ISS, proving once more that space is for everyone. This milestone shatters traditional selection barriers and opens the cosmos to a broader demographic.

McFall’s participation is a testament to advancements in spacecraft design and mission planning, accommodating the diverse needs of future astronauts. It further encourages potential space travelers with disabilities to envision roles in space exploration.

Read the full story: Space Daily

K2 Space’s Funding Leap and First Demonstration

K2 Space has secured $110 million in Series B funding, propelling the company toward enhanced satellite platform production. This funding drive coincides with K2’s successful in-space demonstration, highlighting its capabilities in high-power satellite technology. The investment round, led by notable firms like Lightspeed Venture Partners, signals robust confidence in K2’s innovation trajectory.

The successful demonstration marks a crucial step in proving K2’s technical prowess, potentially impacting future collaborations and satellite deployment strategies on our satellite tracking platform.

Read the full story: Space Daily

Blue Origin’s Strategic Workforce Reduction

Blue Origin announces a 10% workforce reduction, affecting around 1,400 employees, as part of its strategic pivot towards competition in the aerospace sector. The company aims to scale production of its New Glenn rocket and streamline operations, signaling a new phase in its business model focused on project completion and market positioning.

This change reflects the competitive pressures within the space industry, where speed and cost efficiency are crucial. Blue Origin’s steps are seen as necessary adaptations to maintain its position alongside SpaceX and other key players.

Read the full story: Space Explored

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: CUNYSAT-1
• NORAD ID: 39470
• Launch Date: 2013-12-06
• Mission: Science, ionosphere
• Orbit: Inclination 120.4652°, Period 94.12 minutes, Eccentricity 0.0098855
• Operator: CUNYME
• Fun Fact: CUNYSAT-1, a 1U CubeSat, helps study ionospheric conditions, contributing valuable data about the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

Current TLE Data:

1 39470U 13072J 25048.90518687 .00053479 00000+0 14169-2 0 9999
2 39470 120.4652 72.3370 0098855 239.2970 119.8338 15.33057914 43451

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

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

February 18

• 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.

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Starlink Group 10-12 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (23:15 UTC)
    First Starlink launch to feature a Falcon 9 booster landing within The Bahamas waters.

February 20

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 15-1 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (00:01 UTC)

February 21

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 12-14 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (11:31 UTC)

February 22

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 3B/E:
  • Unknown Payload from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (12:01 UTC)

February 24

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 12-13 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (04:42 UTC)

February 26

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

February 27

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Nova-C IM-2 & Lunar Trailblazer from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (00:17 UTC)
    This mission carries a NASA payload called PRIME-1, the first demonstration of in-situ resource utilization on the Moon.

• 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:
  • NROL-57 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (00:00 UTC)
    Eighth batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation for the National Reconnaissance Office.

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