📄Top Stories

In today’s top space news, Blue Origin finally secures coveted defense launch contracts under the Space Force’s National Security Space Launch program. Additionally, a Navy SEAL has been launched to the International Space Station aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Meanwhile, Sierra Space advances GPS tech for enhanced security, crucial for the U.S. Space Force. Moreover, the Space Force announces its ‘Orbital Watch’ program to share threat information with commercial satellite operators.

📰Detailed Coverage

Blue Origin Secures Defense Launch Contracts

Blue Origin has officially secured its place within the Space Force’s National Security Space Launch program, obtaining contracts to facilitate defense launches. This development is pivotal for Blue Origin as it involves the New Glenn rocket, which is poised for future mission launches. Having only launched once, the New Glenn’s next steps remain closely watched, highlighting its significance in upcoming defense strategies. This achievement marks a significant expansion in Blue Origin’s capabilities and influence within national defense sectors.

The inclusion in the Space Force’s roster not only elevates Blue Origin’s role but also underscores the increased integration of commercial aerospace entities within national defense. As the demand for reliable and secure launch capabilities continues to rise, Blue Origin is set to experience a surge in operational complexity and strategic importance.

Read the full story: Space Explored

Navy SEAL Doctor-Astronaut Begins ISS Mission

A remarkable new mission to the International Space Station (ISS) includes a crew consisting of a Navy SEAL who is also a medical doctor and NASA astronaut. This mission, aboard Soyuz MS-27, serves a critical role in strengthening international cooperation in space, given the collaboration between NASA and the Russian space agency. The eight-month mission involves rigorous scientific research and international teamwork at the ISS, furthering our understanding of long-duration space habitation.

This mission underscores the joint efforts of various international astronauts and the significance of diverse expertise in space. The astronaut’s unique background combines military, medical, and space exploration skills, setting a precedent for future manned missions and collaboration frameworks.

Read the full story: Space.com

Sierra Space Advances Secure GPS Technology

Sierra Space has taken a pivotal step in bolstering national security through its Resilient GPS (R-GPS) satellite technology, developed with General Dynamics for the U.S. Space Force. This project aims to enhance GPS signal fortification, crucial for defense operations reliant on robust navigational data. The recent demonstration successfully validated necessary navigation signals for the R-GPS mission, marking a milestone in secure satellite communications.

These advancements are essential for mission-critical defense applications, offering fortified GPS solutions vital for a secure operational framework. As space becomes increasingly contested, the need for strengthened navigational infrastructure underscores the importance of Sierra Space’s innovations in enhancing military communications.

Read the full story: SpaceWar

Space Force ‘Orbital Watch’ Initiative Announced

The U.S. Space Force has initiated the ‘Orbital Watch’ program, aimed at enhancing commercial satellite operators’ awareness of potential threats in space. This initiative involves sharing critical threat data with commercial entities to foster proactive measures against potential orbital hazards. It embodies a collaborative defense strategy, enabling real-time communication and support between government and commercial satellite operations.

The program addresses the growing need for comprehensive threat intelligence and cooperative defense mechanics as space becomes a domain of both civilian and military endeavor. This initiative highlights efforts to provide a secure space environment, aligning with global strategies to maintain orbital safety.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Call for Space-Based Weapons by SPACECOM

The head of SPACECOM has called for a clear stance from the Space Force on deploying weapons in space, citing strategic needs. This declaration references recent collaborative efforts with France in space operations, marking a pivotal moment in defense strategy. As the space landscape becomes more competitive, discussions about arms in space highlight the intricate relationship between national security and space capabilities.

This announcement signals an era where the militarization of space becomes subject to strategic assessments and international discourse. As space military capabilities evolve, the implications of deploying and managing space-based weapon systems are crucial for future policy-making.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: COSMOS 1523
• NORAD ID: 14612
• Launch Date: 1984 Jan 5
• Mission: Military Communication
• Orbit: Inclination 74.0061°, Period 91.22 minutes, Eccentricity 0.0041426
• Operator: GUKOS
• Fun Fact: Originally launched in 1984, COSMOS 1523 is part of the Strela communications satellite constellation and has outlived its planned mission duration significantly.

Current TLE Data:

1 14612U 84001B   25098.48352939 -.00000033  00000+0 -97638-4 0  9998
2 14612  74.0061 200.7773 0041426 156.5701 283.0180 12.58647247895596

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track COSMOS 1523

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

April 9

• United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551:
  • Project Kuiper (KA-01) from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (23:00 UTC)
  • Project Kuiper is a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will offer broadband internet access managed by Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon.

April 10

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 3B/E:
  • Unknown Payload from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (16:37 UTC)
  • Details TBD.

April 11

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 12-17 from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (01:43 UTC)
  • A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

April 12

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • NROL-192 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (12:17 UTC)
  • Eighth batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman for the National Reconnaissance Office to provide imaging and other reconnaissance capabilities.

April 14

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 6-73 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (01:59 UTC)
  • A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

• Blue Origin New Shepard:

  • NS-31 from West Texas Suborbital Launch Site, Corn Ranch, Van Horn, TX, USA (13:30 UTC)
  • NS-31 is the 11th crewed flight for the New Shepard program and the 31st in its history.

April 21

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Dragon CRS-2 SpX-32 from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (08:15 UTC)
  • 32nd commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station operated by SpaceX under the second Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. Cargo Dragon 2 brings supplies and payloads, including critical materials to directly support science and research investigations that occur onboard the orbiting laboratory.

April 29

• Arianespace Vega-C:
  • Biomass from Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana (09:15 UTC)
  • Biomass is an European Space Agency mission designed to measure the density of carbon stored in the world’s forests. The spacecraft features the first civilian P-band synthetic aperture radar to monitor the evolution of forests over time.

April 30

• 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 Block 5:

  • Bandwagon 3 (Dedicated Mid-Inclination Rideshare) from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (00:00 UTC)
  • Dedicated rideshare flight to a mid-inclination orbit with dozens of small microsatellites and nanosatellites for commercial and government customers.

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