📄Top Stories

Today’s space news highlights a provocative maneuver by Chinese satellites simulating a ‘dogfight’ in orbit, addressed by the U.S. Space Force. Additionally, Oracle collaborates with Singapore’s defense agency to implement an innovative cloud platform, impacting defense technology globally.

📰Detailed Coverage

Chinese Satellites Engage in Simulated ‘Dogfight’

In a maneuver raising eyebrows worldwide, five Chinese satellites have conducted a simulation of a ‘dogfight’ in space, according to the U.S. Space Force. This term refers to the tactical close-range battles traditionally associated with military aircraft, but this instance involved satellites practicing advanced maneuvers potentially designed to evade or intercept other objects in orbit.

The simulation reflects growing capabilities and confidence in space operations, suggesting China’s readiness to compete for dominance in the increasingly militarized realm of outer space. Analysts emphasize the importance of tracking such activities for implications in strategic military balance and satellite security.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Oracle and Singapore Defense Agency’s Cloud Platform

Oracle has teamed up with Singapore’s Defense Science and Technology Agency to pilot an ‘air-gapped’ cloud platform, which ensures enhanced data security by physically separating it from unsecured networks such as the internet. This initiative aims to bolster defense operations by leveraging advanced cloud technologies and artificial intelligence.

This pilot project illustrates the evolving landscape of defense-related IT infrastructures as countries seek more secure and efficient ways to handle sensitive data. The project highlights a trend in defense technology where satellite communication and secure data management increasingly intersect, enhancing our ability to track and manage satellite data.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Pentagon Affirms No ‘Kill Switch’ in F-35

Amid concerns from international allies, the Pentagon has assured that there is no “kill switch” in the F-35 fighter jets. This statement aims to alleviate fears that such a mechanism could remotely disable the aircraft, which some partners reevaluated due to rising geopolitical tensions.

The assurance is part of broader defense dialogues emphasizing trust and interoperability among allies, crucial for integrated defense systems. Ensuring transparency on this matter underscores the strategic partnerships critical for satellite-aided communications and joint military operations.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Baltic and Polish Ministers Eye Treaty Withdrawal

In light of perceived threats from Russia, defense ministers from the Baltic States and Poland are considering withdrawing from an international anti-landmine treaty. Their joint statement underscores a commitment to using any means necessary for territorial defense.

This development is a reminder of the shifting alliances and defense strategies motivated by geopolitical pressures. Monitoring such political shifts is crucial as they influence satellite data reliance for intelligence and defense operations.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: NUSAT-44 (MARIA MITCHE*)
• NORAD ID: 59122
• Launch Date: 2024 Mar 4
• Mission: Earth observation
• Orbit: Inclination 97.5012°, Period ~94.15 minutes, Eccentricity 0.0010465
• Operator: URUGUS
• Fun Fact: NUSAT-44 (MARIA MITCHE*) is part of Uruguay’s burgeoning efforts in space technology, contributing to international Earth observation initiatives.

Current TLE Data:

1 59122U 24043AA 25078.14316981 .00034444 00000+0 11236-2 0 9990 2 59122 97.5012 208.1564 0010465 46.5845 313.6265 15.31660877 57719

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track NUSAT-44

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

March 20

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • NROL-57 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, USA (06:02 UTC) Eighth batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman for the National Reconnaissance Office.

March 21

• Galactic Energy Ceres-1:
  • Unknown Payload from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (11:00 UTC) Details TBD.

March 23

• Isar Aerospace Spectrum:
  • Maiden Flight from Andøya Spaceport (11:30 UTC) First flight of the Isar Spectrum launch vehicle.

March 24

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • NROL-69 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL, USA (00:00 UTC) Classified payload for the US National Reconnaissance Office.

March 24

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-7 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, USA (22:00 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation – SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

March 27

• Rocket Lab Electron:
  • Finding Hot Wildfires Near You (OroraTech OTC-P1) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand (15:30 UTC) 8 satellites for a constellation developed by Orora Technologies, providing 24/7 wildfire monitoring globally.

March 31

• Gilmour Space Technologies Eris-1:

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

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Starlink Group 12-10 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL, USA (00:00 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation – SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

• Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha:

  • FLTA006 (Message in a Booster) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, USA (00:00 UTC) Sixth flight of the Firefly Alpha small satellite launcher, carrying a demonstration mission for Lockheed Martin’s new LM400 satellite bus with a communications payload.

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