📄Top Stories

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander has successfully touched down on the Moon, capturing a stunning sunrise image as it begins its mission. Meanwhile, military space activities see a shuffle with the Air Force pausing the delivery of Boeing’s KC-46 tankers. We also reflect on the legacy of Pearl Young, a trailblazer who broke barriers for women in NASA’s early days.

📰Detailed Coverage

Blue Ghost Marks New Lunar Landmark

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander has landed on the Moon and marked the occasion with a breathtaking sunrise photo. This private mission represents a significant advancement in lunar exploration as it begins its detailed scientific and technological investigations on the lunar surface.

The mission symbolizes the increasing role of private companies in space exploration, complementing NASA’s efforts. Satellite tracking enthusiasts can follow future developments from the mission, enriching their understanding of lunar and orbital dynamics.

Read the full story: Space.com

Air Force Halts Boeing Tanker Receipts

The U.S. Air Force has paused deliveries of Boeing’s KC-46 tankers. This decision comes after issues were found in the “outboard fixed-trailing-edge support structure,” compelling the service to delay acceptance until solutions are identified and implemented.

The halt impacts military readiness and procures crucial yet complex aviation equipment. Observers of military space developments should note this halt as part of broader logistics and operational concerns that could influence satellite and aerial refueling operations in the field.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Reflecting on NASA Pioneer Pearl Young

Pearl Young, the first woman to serve in a technical role at NASA’s predecessor agency, provides a historical illustration of persistence and determination in breaking gender barriers. Joining 13 years before any other woman in such a capacity, Young’s legacy continues to inspire current and future generations.

Her story is a reminder of the social dynamics influencing scientific fields and the importance of inclusive representation in aerospace endeavors, which continues to shape space policy and culture today.

Read the full story: Space.com

Empty Seats at Air Force Association Event

Citing adherence to the “spirit” of Department of Defense Guidance and Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives, there was a notably reduced attendance at a recent Air Force Association event. Various attendees questioned whether this might signal a longer-term trend in military gatherings.

This change could affect how military space strategy sessions are conducted, potentially impacting network opportunities where satellite operations and strategic planning are traditionally discussed.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: ONEWEB-0055
• NORAD ID: 45443
• Launch Date: 2020-03-21
• Mission: Communication
• Orbit: Inclination 87.8843°, Period ~110 mins, Eccentricity 0.0002
• Operator: ONEWEB
• Fun Fact: ONEWEB-0055 is part of a large constellation aiming to provide global broadband internet access, demonstrating the rapid growth of communications technology in space.

Current TLE Data:

1 45443U 20020V   25063.18996268  .00000228  00000+0  60618-3 0  9994
2 45443  87.8843 114.7599 0002003  97.9680 262.1675 13.11419263241029

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track ONEWEB-0055

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

March 4

• SpaceX Starship:
  • Flight 8 from SpaceX Starbase, TX, USA (23:30 UTC) Eighth test flight of the two-stage Starship launch vehicle.

March 5

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 12-21 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (06:00 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for a space-based Internet communication system.
• Arianespace Ariane 62:
  • CSO-3 from Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana (16:24 UTC) CSO-3 is the third of three high-resolution optical imaging satellites for the French military, replacing the Helios 2 spy satellite series.

March 7

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • SPHEREx & PUNCH from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (03:09 UTC) The mission will survey the sky in the near-infrared light, answering cosmic questions about the universe’s birth and galaxy development, and also study the Sun’s outer atmosphere and solar wind.

March 8

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-7 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (02:00 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation.
• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 12-16 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (13:41 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation.

March 9

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Transporter 13 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (06:39 UTC) Dedicated rideshare flight to a sun-synchronous orbit with multiple small microsatellites and nanosatellites for commercial and government customers.

March 10

• Rocket Lab Electron:
  • The Lightning God Reigns (iQPS Launch 1) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand (00:00 UTC) Synthetic aperture radar Earth observation satellite for Japanese Earth imaging company iQPS.

March 12

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Crew-10 from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (23:48 UTC) The tenth crewed operational flight of a Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

March 15

• Gilmour Space Technologies Eris-1:
  • Maiden Flight from Bowen Orbital Spaceport, Australia (00:00 UTC) Maiden flight of Gilmour Space’s orbital launch vehicle Eris.

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