📄Top Stories

The Pentagon is preparing for its largest-ever spectrum sharing demonstration to explore new ways of managing and using radio frequencies. Meanwhile, the Air Force is considering cost-effective strategies for deploying CCA drone wingmen, emphasizing practicality over complexity. Additionally, Ireland’s approval to purchase Javelin launchers and missiles underscores ongoing international defense collaboration.

📰Detailed Coverage

Pentagon Prepares for Unprecedented Spectrum Sharing Demo

Set for November, the Pentagon’s upcoming demonstration will be its largest yet, focusing on efficiently managing the spectrum used by various military technologies. This landmark event shows the growing importance of advanced spectrum management as wireless applications expand in defense operations.

The need for optimized spectrum sharing arises as the military anticipates increased reliance on sophisticated communication technologies in operational theaters. This initiative aligns with efforts to ensure secure, uninterrupted communication capabilities across diverse military platforms.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Air Force Eyes Practical Drone Wingmen

Air Force officials suggest a shift towards more practical, cost-effective drone wingmen. The emphasis is on balancing capability with affordability, indicating a departure from more elaborate, costly models in favor of simpler, more scalable solutions.

This approach reflects strategic thinking as the Air Force develops future drone capabilities around flexibility and resilience, critical for maintaining air superiority in varied combat scenarios. Such decisions could significantly impact future space-based communication and navigation systems supporting drone operations.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Ireland’s Strategic Acquisition of Javelin Missiles

Ireland has been cleared to acquire Javelin launchers and missiles in a $46 million deal aimed at enhancing national defense capabilities. This acquisition is intended to bolster Ireland’s defense, contributing to regional stability and its role in international peacekeeping missions.

The decision to strengthen Ireland’s defense arsenal highlights the strategic emphasis on increasing military readiness and capability in line with global defense trends. Such acquisitions also potentially impact satellite communications, ensuring robust data linkages for modern weaponry.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Bradley Replacement Program Adjustments

The Army has announced that a delay in the Milestone B decision for the Bradley replacement program will not affect the planned fielding. This schedule update is intended to allow contractors more time for critical design reviews, ensuring that the program remains on track.

Maintaining the timeline for delivery underlines the Army’s commitment to modernize its fleet while managing programmatic risks. This development speaks to the broader context of defense acquisition cycles and their influence on associated satellite and data systems.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: IRIDIUM 172
• NORAD ID: 43927
• Launch Date: 2019 Jan 11
• Mission: Communication, traffic monitoring
• Orbit: Inclination: 86.4012°, Period: Approx. 100.5 min, Eccentricity: 0.0002438
• Operator: Iridium Communications Inc.
• Fun Fact: IRIDIUM 172 is part of the Next constellation, featuring cross-links that allow for direct, inter-satellite communications, significantly enhancing global coverage.

Current TLE Data:

1 43927U 19002F   25114.56924782  .00000129  00000+0  39029-4 0  9991
2 43927  86.4012 168.5481 0002438  88.4891 271.6584 14.34217965328969

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track IRIDIUM 172

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

April 27

• Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha:

  • FLTA006 (Message in a Booster) from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (13:37 UTC) Sixth flight of the Firefly Alpha small satellite launcher, launching the demonstration mission for Lockheed Martin’s new LM400 satellite bus, which will carry a communications payload. The satellite bus is customizable for various missions.

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 3B/E:

  • Unknown Payload from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (15:44 UTC)

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Starlink Group 11-9 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (20:55 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

April 28

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Starlink Group 12-23 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (02:04 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 5B/YZ-2:

  • SatNet LEO Group TBD from Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China (20:02 UTC) A batch of Low Earth Orbit communication satellites for the Chinese state-owned SatNet constellation.

• 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 that will offer broadband internet access, managed by Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon.

April 29

• SpaceX Falcon 9:

  • Starlink Group 12-10 from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (01:37 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

• Arianespace Vega-C:

  • Biomass from Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana (09:15 UTC) Biomass is an ESA mission designed to measure carbon density in global forests with the first civilian P-band synthetic aperture radar.

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