📄Top Stories

The United States Space Force released the first photo of its secretive X-37B space plane in orbit, drawing public fascination. Meanwhile, the US military sees significant shifts as several senior officers were relieved of duties. In technology, the Department of Defense advances federated ICAM connections across military services. Additionally, SAAB proposes a European defense coalition, potentially impacting the NATO alliance.

📰Detailed Coverage

US Space Force Unveils X-37B Space Plane in Orbit

For the first time, the United States Space Force has publicly shared an image of its X-37B space plane while in orbit. This event marks a rare glimpse into the operations of the highly classified spacecraft, which is known for its lengthy missions and secretive nature.

The X-37B’s capabilities continue to intrigue analysts, with the photo potentially offering insights into its construction and operational purposes. Such reveals underscore the growing role of space planes in military and scientific endeavors, highlighting the importance of satellite tracking and space situational awareness in understanding these advanced technologies.

Read the full story: Space.com

Military Shake-Up: Leaders Dismissed

In a surprising development, the United States experienced a significant reshuffling of military leadership. Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Gen. James Slife were relieved of their positions, following Gen. CQ Brown’s dismissal from the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

These firings mark a pivotal moment in U.S. defense strategy, reflecting ongoing debates and realignments within the military hierarchy. This change in leadership may influence future defense policies and military operations, with potential impacts on satellite-based defense systems and strategic planning.

Read the full stories: Breaking Defense and Breaking Defense

DISA to Achieve Federated ICAM Across Military Branches

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) announced plans to complete a federated Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) connection across all military services by the end of the fiscal year. This technology initiative is set to streamline authentication processes within the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Such advancements are crucial for maintaining secure and efficient communication across military branches, potentially enhancing satellite communications and operational coordination. These improvements will bolster the resilience and adaptability of military infrastructure in increasingly complex digital environments.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

SAAB CEO Proposes Euro Defense Coalition

SAAB’s CEO, Micael Johansson, has suggested the formation of a European defense coalition aimed at enhancing NATO’s power. This announcement comes alongside plans to introduce an unmanned combat aerial vehicle demonstrator.

The move aligns with Europe’s increasing focus on independent defense capabilities, potentially affecting collaborative defense strategies processed through satellite-based reconnaissance and surveillance. As regional defense dynamics evolve, satellite tracking capabilities will play a role in observing such developments.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: BDSAT-2
• NORAD ID: 55098
• Launch Date: 2023-01-03
• Mission: The BDSAT-2 is designed for technology demonstration, showcasing advances in miniaturized CubeSat technology.
• Orbit: Inclination: 97.3601°, Period: 88.5 minutes, Eccentricity: Low
• Operator: CEITEC/SPMNC
• Fun Fact: BDSAT-2 is a 1U CubeSat, demonstrating how small satellites can deliver critical technology missions in low Earth orbit.

Current TLE Data:

1 55098U 23001CT 25043.17195676 .04841583 24403-5 13946-2 0 9995
2 55098 97.3601 120.6613 0008975 287.7661 72.2652 16.27416800118122

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track BDSAT-2

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

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)
  • Launch time window from 12:01 to 12:36 UTC

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 15-1 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, USA (22:25 UTC) A batch of 22 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

February 24

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 12-13 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (04:42 UTC) A batch of 21 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

February 25

• Galactic Energy Ceres-1:

  • Unknown Payload from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (07:59 UTC)
  • Launch time window from 07:59 to 08:46 UTC

• Blue Origin New Shepard:

  • NS-30 from Corn Ranch, Van Horn, TX, USA (14:30 UTC)
  • This is the 10th crewed flight for the New Shepard program and the 30th in its history.
  • Launch time window from 14:30 to 22:30 UTC

February 26

• SpaceX Starship:
  • Flight 8 from SpaceX Starbase, TX, USA (23:30 UTC)
  • Eighth test flight of the two-stage Starship launch vehicle.
  • Launch time window from 23:30 to 01:09 UTC on February 27

February 27

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Nova-C IM-2 & Lunar Trailblazer from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (00:17 UTC) This is the second mission of Nova-C lunar lander developed and built by Intuitive Machines. This time it carries a NASA payload called PRIME-1 (Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment-1), which is to be the first demonstration of in-situ resource utilization on the Moon.

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C:

  • Unknown Payload from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (07:01 UTC)
  • Launch time window from 07:01 to 07:29 UTC

• Russian Federal Space Agency (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.

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