📄Top Stories

The U.S. Space Force is set to launch its X-37B space plane on August 21 with a mission to test cutting-edge technology. In other news, the Space Force is adopting commercial technology for jam-resistant satellite communications, showcasing a strategic shift. Unfortunately, the Australian company’s Eris rocket experienced a setback during its inaugural launch, failing to reach orbit.

📰Detailed Coverage

X-37B Space Plane Set for Launch

The U.S. Space Force plans to launch the X-37B space plane on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on August 21, marking its eighth mission. This highly secretive spacecraft will test novel technologies, including quantum sensing and laser communications technologies, which may redefine future space missions.

Understanding the advancements of the X-37B helps improve our satellite tracking capabilities, with potential enhancements to our web app’s real-time monitoring functions. Read the full story: Space.com

Space Force Invests in Jam-Resistant SATCOM

In a significant move, the Space Force awarded contracts to five companies to develop jam-resistant satellite communication technologies. This initiative aligns with their strategy to leverage commercial technology for rapid deployment of new capabilities, enhancing the resilience of military communications in space.

These developments highlight the growing integration of commercial and military space endeavors, critical for maintaining secure and robust communication networks. Read the full story: Breaking Defense

First Eris Launch Fails to Reach Orbit

The Eris rocket, developed by an Australian firm, failed to reach orbit after crashing near its launch pad. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in developing new space launch systems, though such setbacks often lead to significant advancements.

Despite the failure, lessons learned from this launch could drive future improvements in rocket technology and launch strategies. Read the full story: SpaceNews

In-Space Servicing: A Strategic Necessity

Charles Galbreath argues that the Space Force should implement in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing to maintain space dominance, particularly in counteraction to China’s growing capabilities. These processes could offer strategic advantages by extending satellite lifespans and enhancing mission flexibility.

As technological frontiers expand, in-space servicing aligns with future military operations and space economy sustainability, representing a paradigm shift in how space assets are managed. Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: YIJIAN
• NORAD ID: 41899
• Launch Date: December 21, 2016
• Mission: Earth observation
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Operator: SECM
• Fun Fact: YIJIAN is equipped with a hyperspectral imager that allows it to capture detailed information about the Earth’s surface, providing valuable data for environmental monitoring and resource management.

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

🌌Space Weather

Current space weather shows Enhanced solar wind (549 km/s).

Current

R0 - S0 - G0

Last 24 Hour Maximums

R0 - S0 - G0

Recent Alerts

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Next 24 Hours

• Radio Blackouts Probability

  • Minor: 30
  • Major: 5
  • Risk: None

• Solar Radiation

  • Probability: 1
  • Risk: None

• Geomagnetic Storming

  • Scale: 0
  • Impact: none
  • Activity: Low

• Impact Summary

  • Next 24 hours: No risk of radio blackouts.
  • No risk of solar radiation storms.
  • Geomagnetic outlook: No G1 (Minor) or greater geomagnetic storms are expected.
  • No significant transient or recurrent solar wind features are forecast.
  • Radiation outlook: No S1 (Minor) or greater solar radiation storms are expected.
  • No significant active region activity favorable for radiation storm production is forecast.
  • Radio blackout outlook: Solar activity is expected to be low with a chance for M-class flares (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) through 02 Aug.

Long Term Forecast

• Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 28 July - 23 August 2025: Solar activity is expected to be at mostly low levels with a chance for M-class (R1-R2, Minor to Moderate) flares for the outlook period.
• No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.
• The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels on 28 July, 05-06 August, and 10-23 August, all due to recurrent CH HSS influences.
• Low to moderate levels are expected on the remaining days.
• Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at active to G1 (Minor) storm levels on 04 August, 07-14 August, and 18-22 August due to recurrent CH HSS effects.
• Quiet to unsettled levels are expected on the remaining days of the outlook period.

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

July 31

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Crew-11 from Kennedy Space Center (16:09 UTC) SpaceX Crew-11 is the eleventh crewed operational flight of a Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 13-4 from Vandenberg Space Force Base (15:39 UTC) A batch of 19 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

August 2

• Rocket Lab HASTE:
  • JAKE 4 from Wallops Flight Facility (01:45 UTC) Sub-orbital launch under Rocket Lab’s Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron (HASTE) program, details TBD.

August 3

• Blue Origin New Shepard:
  • NS-34 from Corn Ranch, Van Horn, TX (12:30 UTC) NS-34 is the 14th crewed flight for the New Shepard program and the 34th in its history.

August 4

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 10-30 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (04:11 UTC) A batch of 28 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.
• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12:
  • SatNet LEO Group TBD from Wenchang Space Launch Site (10:14 UTC) A batch of Low Earth Orbit communication satellites for the Chinese state owned SatNet constellation operated by the China Satellite Network Group.

August 5

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-25 from Vandenberg Space Force Base (20:00 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

August 7

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Project Kuiper (KF-02) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (14:01 UTC) Second of a three launches contract for Amazon’s Kuiper low Earth orbit satellite internet constellation. 24 satellites are on board.

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