📰Top Stories

SpaceX Launches Satellites for U.S. Military Network

SpaceX has launched 21 satellites as part of a move to build the U.S. Space Development Agency’s ‘Transport Layer’ military network. These satellites, crafted by York Space Systems, aim to form a part of a larger mesh network comprising 126 spacecraft, strengthening military communications and capabilities from orbit. This mission marks a significant stride towards enhanced national security through space-based infrastructure.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Evaluating the Space Force’s Resource Acquisitions

The U.S. Space Force is reportedly grappling with resource challenges necessary to meet its operational requirements. Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, the Chief of Space Operations, emphasized the critical dependence on space capabilities for military efficiency and highlighted the gaps in current resource allocations. As the demands on space-based systems increase, there’s a pressing need to reassess and bolster these foundational elements to sustain national defense.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

New Military Satellite Constellation Underway

In a continued effort to reinforce the U.S. military’s space assets, SpaceX successfully deployed 21 satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. This move initiates the establishment of an advanced satellite constellation, enhancing the nation’s strategic and defense operations through cutting-edge orbital technology.

Read the full story: Space.com

Gilat Secures Defense Contract for SATCOM Systems

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. has successfully secured a $7 million contract for the provision of transportable SATCOM terminals to the U.S. Department of Defense. Slated for delivery by the year-end, these systems will be pivotal in enhancing encrypted communications for field operations, reinforcing the department’s mobile satellite communications infrastructure.

Read the full story: SpaceWar

DIA Expands Space Intelligence Facilities

The Defense Intelligence Agency has commenced construction on a new facility at its Huntsville, Alabama campus. This Phase II project is set to enhance the U.S.’s capabilities in space and missile defense analysis, with a focus on boosting the intelligence and analytical infrastructure for national security operations.

Read the full story: SpaceWar

Launch Preview: Space Development Agency’s New Satellites

SpaceX’s recent launch from Vandenberg underscores a significant milestone for the SDA’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites. Operating as a part of a next-gen national security initiative, these satellites are essential to the U.S. defense strategy, serving pivotal roles in global communication and operational readiness.

Read the full story: SpaceFlightNow

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: TJS-10
• NORAD ID: 58204
• Launch Date: November 3, 2023
• Mission: TJS-10 is designed for technology development and communications applications.
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Operator: ZLZB (Zhuhai Linkage Satellite Company)
• Fun Fact: This satellite is equipped with two deployable solar arrays to maximize its power efficiency in orbit.

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track TJS-10

🌌Space Weather

Next 24 Hours

• Radio Blackouts Probability

  • Minor: 25
  • Major: 1
  • 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: There is a chance for R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts on 11-13 Sep.

Long Term Forecast

• Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 08 September - 04 October 2025: Solar activity is expected to be mostly low, with a chance for moderate (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) activity due to multiple complex regions on the visible disk and expected to return from the Sun’s farside.
• No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.
• The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels over 08-11 Sep and 20-21 Sep due to multiple, recurrent CH HSSs. The remainder of the outlook period is expected to be at normal to moderate levels.
• Geomagnetic field activity is expected to range from quiet to G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels.
• G1 conditions are likely on 15 Sep; active conditions are likely on 08 Sep, 14 Sep, 16 Sep, 28-29 Sep, and 03-04 Oct; unsettled conditions are likely on 09-10 Sep, 17-19 Sep, and 30 Sep.
• All increases in geomagnetic activity are anticipated from multiple, recurrent CH HSSs. The remainder of the outlook period is likely to be mostly quiet.

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

September 11

• Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Soyuz 2.1a:

  • Progress MS-32 (93P) from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan (15:54 UTC) Progress resupply mission to the International Space Station.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Nusantara Lima from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (23:59 UTC) Nusantara Lima is an Indonesian geostationary communications satellite with a capacity of more than 160 Gbps.

September 13

• Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat:

  • Glonass-K1 No. 18 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation (02:30 to 03:30 UTC) Glonass-K are the third generation of satellite design for the Russian space-based navigation system GLONASS, comparable to GPS and Galileo systems.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 17-10 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (15:41 to 19:41 UTC) A batch of 24 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

September 14

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Cygnus CRS-2 NG-23 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (22:11 UTC) This is the 23rd flight of Northrop Grumman’s uncrewed resupply spacecraft Cygnus to the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA.

September 15

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2C/YZ-1S:
  • Unknown Payload from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (01:15 to 01:43 UTC) Details TBD.

September 17

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 17-12 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (15:41 to 19:41 UTC) A batch of 24 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

September 18

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 10-61 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (09:30 to 13:30 UTC) A batch of 28 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

September 21

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 10-27 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (09:20 to 13:20 UTC) A batch of 28 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

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