📄Top Stories

In a pivotal move for national security, the U.S. Space Force is emphasizing the importance of adapting to the rapid advancements in space technology by rivals, as highlighted by concerns of new ‘kill mesh’ capabilities. Meanwhile, SpaceX has successfully launched its 450th Falcon 9 rocket, setting a record for booster turnaround in a mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. Additionally, the UK has taken a significant step forward with Space Forge receiving approval to launch the country’s first orbital manufacturing satellite.

📰Detailed Coverage

U.S. Space Force Warns of ‘Kill Mesh’ Threat in Orbit

The Space Force vice chief has issued a stark warning regarding adversaries’ advancing satellite capabilities, specifically highlighting China’s development of a so-called ‘kill mesh’ in orbit. These technologies threaten to overshadow U.S. space dominance unless strategic changes are implemented. This development underscores the urgency for enhanced surveillance and defense systems that can operate in contested environments.

The vice chief’s statement reflects a crucial pivot in military space strategy. The ‘kill mesh’ refers to a network capable of disabling or destroying satellites, a threat that significantly narrows the existing capability gap. This evolving challenge emphasizes the need for the military and defense contractors to develop cutting-edge tracking and defense systems, reinforcing the value of our satellite tracking features.

Read the full story: Space.com

SpaceX Shatters Records with 450th Falcon 9 Launch

In a remarkable achievement, SpaceX has conducted its 450th Falcon 9 launch, marking it with a record-breaking booster turnaround for the National Reconnaissance Office’s NROL-57 mission. This launch continues SpaceX’s impressive track record, having lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, further cementing its reputation as a leader in reusable rocket technology.

The mission supports the NRO’s proliferated architecture satellite constellation, a key component in national security operations. The rapid reuse of boosters not only enhances the cost-effectiveness of satellite deployment but also underlines SpaceX’s capability in advancing space logistics. The Falcon 9’s successful achievement highlights the importance of high-frequency launch capacity in modern space operations.

Read the full story: Spaceflight Now

UK Secures Launch Approval for Orbital Manufacturing Pioneer

Space Forge has secured the necessary approvals to launch ForgeStar-1, the UK’s first orbital manufacturing satellite, scheduled for later this year. This marks a significant milestone for the UK space industry, paving the way for in-orbit advanced manufacturing and reinforcing the nation’s leadership in space innovation.

ForgeStar-1 aims to establish a platform for manufacturing processes that take advantage of microgravity environments. This pioneering mission potentially revolutionizes material sciences and technology development, providing a broader scope of commercial applications. The launch approval by the UK Civil Aviation Authority is a testament to the growing capabilities and innovations within the UK space sector.

Read the full story: Space Daily

Space Force Pilots New Contracts with Space Firms

The U.S. Space Force is advancing its Commercial Augmented Satellite Resilience (CASR) program by awarding pilot contracts to four companies specializing in satellite data and tracking. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to bolster civil reserve air fleet capabilities in space, providing a framework for prioritizing military communications.

This move highlights the growing importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing space resilience. The pilot contracts are crucial for developing a secure and efficient communication web in space, ensuring that military operations can maintain superiority through advanced satellite tracking and communications solutions.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

General Atomics Completes OTB Satellite Mission

General Atomics has concluded the primary mission phase of its Orbital Test Bed (OTB) satellite, initially launched in June 2019. The satellite, now entering its 20-year deorbit trajectory, has been integral in hosting multiple payloads, showcasing the effectiveness of multi-purpose platforms in space operations.

The successful mission completion of OTB demonstrates the capabilities of modular spacecraft in conducting diverse experiments without necessitating multiple launches. By accommodating various technologies onboard, General Atomics contributes to efficient use of space resources, supporting sustainable satellite development and deorbit strategies.

Read the full story: Space Daily

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: COSMOS 2023 [GLONASS]
• NORAD ID: 20025
• Launch Date: 1989 May 31
• Mission: Navigation
• Orbit: Inclination 65.2235°, Period 169.2 minutes, Eccentricity 0.0019268
• Operator: UNKS
• Fun Fact: Part of the GLONASS constellation, COSMOS 2023 was launched to improve global navigation accuracy and reliability, paralleling the capabilities of GPS.

Current TLE Data:

1 20025U 89039B   25080.09995728 -.00000044  00000+0  00000+0 0  9999
2 20025  65.2235 326.7215 0019268 199.9710 340.4423  2.13103854278602

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track COSMOS 2023 [GLONASS]

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

March 24

• Isar Aerospace Spectrum:
  • Maiden Flight from Andøya Spaceport (11:30 UTC) First flight of the Isar Spectrum launch vehicle.
• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • NROL-69 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (17:42 UTC) Classified payload for the US National Reconnaissance Office.

March 26

• Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha:
  • FLTA006 (Message in a Booster) from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (13:37 UTC) Launching the demonstration mission for Lockheed Martin’s new LM400 satellite bus, which will carry a communications payload.
• 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 to monitor wildfires globally.
• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 3B/E:
  • Unknown Payload from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (15:45 UTC) Details TBD.
• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-7 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (22:00 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation, SpaceX’s project for space-based internet communication system.

March 30

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 6-80 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (19:16 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation, SpaceX’s project for space-based internet communication system.

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.
• United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551:
  • Project Kuiper (Atlas V #2) from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (00:00 UTC) Project Kuiper is a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit offering broadband internet access, managed by Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon.

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