📄Top Stories

In a pivotal move, Rocket Lab and Stoke Space have been chosen to compete for future U.S. national security space launches, marking a significant step in private sector involvement in defense. Additionally, a California man received a jail sentence for operating a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base, emphasizing the importance of security regulations. Meanwhile, both the U.S. Department of Defense and private European companies are making strides, from zero-trust security goals to reusability in spaceflight.

📰Detailed Coverage

Rocket Lab and Stoke Space Compete for National Security Launches

Rocket Lab and Stoke Space, two prominent private launch companies, have been selected to compete for forthcoming U.S. national security launches. This move by the U.S. Space Force underscores the growing reliance on the commercial sector to fulfill defense-related satellite deployment needs. Such collaborations highlight the accelerating shift towards privatization in space efforts, providing cost-effective and innovative solutions to governmental agencies.

The increasing involvement of private companies in national security launches offers a glimpse into future possibilities of space operations. These initiatives are crucial for bolstering strategic capabilities and ensuring the U.S. stays ahead in the global space race. This partnership may serve as a strategic point of interest for satellite tracking enthusiasts, as these missions could involve cutting-edge technologies and intricate satellite logistics.

Read the full story: Space.com

Drone Pilot Sentenced for Vandenberg Violation

A California man has been sentenced to four months in jail for flying a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base. This incident sheds light on the stringent measures taken to protect the integrity and security of military installations, especially those critical to national space operations. The individual was caught photographing sensitive areas, which raised significant safety concerns and underscored the importance of obeying restricted airspace laws.

The case serves as a reminder of the essential balance between technology’s potential and the legal frameworks necessary to ensure safety and national security. This legal precedent highlights the crucial role of maintaining strict regulations around military and space installations, areas often monitored via satellite tracking systems for unauthorized activities.

Read the full story: Space.com

DoD Aims for Zero Trust in Weapons Systems by 2035

The Department of Defense is targeting 2035 as the deadline to integrate zero trust architectures across all weapons systems, elevating cybersecurity measures to mitigate potential threats. As a part of this comprehensive security overhaul, zero trust will ensure each access request to military systems is verified, significantly reducing the risk of cyber and satellite-based espionage.

Adopting a zero-trust framework will enhance the resiliency of communication systems, relying heavily on advanced satellite networks to maintain operational security. This initiative highlights the critical role satellites play in modern defense strategies, necessitating accurate tracking and monitoring solutions to safeguard national interests.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Aventura’s $9.5M SpaceX Investment Fund Launch

Aventura Private Wealth has raised $9.5 million for an investment dedicated to SpaceX, reflecting the strong investment interest in the burgeoning space industry. This fund aims to provide clients with exclusive access to one of the most dynamic players in space technology, capitalizing on SpaceX’s continued growth and innovation.

Investor confidence in SpaceX echoes the broader market’s trust in private space ventures and their potential for future returns. Such investments help fuel technological advancements, indirectly impacting satellite development and launches that cater to both commercial and defense sectors.

Read the full story: SpaceDaily

MaiaSpace Charts Europe’s Reusable Rocket Trail

MaiaSpace, a French company, is poised to lead Europe’s charge into reusable rocketry, a crucial step towards reducing costs and increasing launch frequency. By potentially becoming Europe’s first provider of fully reusable launch vehicles, MaiaSpace aims to enhance the continent’s competitiveness in the commercial space industry.

This advance is significant for Europe’s space ambitions, as reusable rockets can dramatically cut down costs and turnaround times, directly influencing satellite deployment schedules. MaiaSpace’s efforts are a critical milestone in the European space program’s evolution, offering new opportunities for satellite tracking and integration.

Read the full story: NASASpaceFlight

ULA’s Vulcan Rocket Prepares for Busy Year

Following the recent certification of ULA’s Vulcan rocket by the U.S. Space Force for national security launches, the company is gearing up for a year full of activity. Despite a delay in their next launch, ULA plans to capitalize on this certification to secure more contracts, bolstering their reputation in the space mission market.

ULA’s readiness to launch the Vulcan rocket marks a significant milestone in enhancing their payload capacity and reliability. This achievement emphasizes the strategic importance of tracking orbit paths and launch schedules, underscoring the need for precise satellite tracking technologies.

Read the full story: Space Explored

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: FLOCK 4V 6
• NORAD ID: 46289
• Launch Date: 2020 Sep 3
• Mission: Technology demonstration aimed at deploying imaging capabilities
• Orbit: Inclination 97.3305°, Period 87.5 min, Eccentricity 0.0013098
• Operator: PLAN (Planet Labs)
• Fun Fact: This CubeSat model utilizes solar cells and batteries to sustain its imaging payload during its brief mission lifespan.

Current TLE Data:

1 46289U 20061T   24245.47483942  .15360631  25244-5  53278-3 0  9991
2 46289  97.3305 321.8066 0013098 267.7691  92.2111 16.43243854221835

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track FLOCK 4V 6

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

April 3

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Rocket: Falcon 9 Block 5
  • Mission: Starlink Group 11-13
  • Launch Site: Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
  • Launch Time: 22:54 UTC
  • A batch of 27 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

April 5

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Rocket: Falcon 9 Block 5
  • Mission: Starlink Group 11-11
  • Launch Site: Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
  • Launch Time: 22:30 UTC
  • A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

April 6

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Rocket: Falcon 9 Block 5
  • Mission: Starlink Group 6-72
  • Launch Site: Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
  • Launch Time: 02:40 UTC
  • A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

April 8

• Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Soyuz 2.1a:
  • Rocket: Soyuz 2.1a
  • Mission: Soyuz MS-27
  • Launch Site: 31/6, Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan
  • Launch Time: 05:47 UTC
  • Soyuz MS-27 will carry two cosmonauts and one astronaut to the International Space Station. Crew: Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov, Alexey Zubritsky, and NASA astronaut Jonathan “Jonny” Kim.

April 9

• United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551:
  • Rocket: Atlas V 551
  • Mission: Project Kuiper (KA-01)
  • Launch Site: Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
  • Launch Time: 16:00 UTC
  • Project Kuiper is a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will offer broadband internet access, planned by Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon.

April 14

• Blue Origin New Shepard:
  • Rocket: New Shepard
  • Mission: NS-31
  • Launch Site: West Texas Suborbital Launch Site/ Corn Ranch, Corn Ranch, Van Horn, TX, USA
  • Launch Time: 13:30 UTC
  • NS-31 is the 11th crewed flight for the New Shepard program.

April 21

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Rocket: Falcon 9 Block 5
  • Mission: Dragon CRS-2 SpX-32
  • Launch Site: Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
  • Launch Time: 08:15 UTC
  • 32nd commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. Cargo Dragon 2 brings supplies and payloads for science and research investigations.

April 29

• Arianespace Vega-C:
  • Rocket: Vega-C
  • Mission: Biomass
  • Launch Site: Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV), Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
  • Launch Time: 09:15 UTC
  • Biomass is an ESA mission to measure the density of carbon stored in the world’s forests. It features the first civilian P-band synthetic aperture radar.

April 30

• Gilmour Space Technologies Eris-1:
  • Rocket: Eris-1
  • Mission: Maiden Flight
  • Launch Site: Eris Pad, Bowen Orbital Spaceport
  • Launch Time: 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.