📰Top Stories

China Expands Classified Satellite Series with Long March 5 Launch

China has successfully launched another installment in its classified satellite series, utilizing the formidable Long March 5 rocket to propel the satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit. This initiative underscores China’s increasing capabilities in space and raises questions regarding the satellite’s mission and strategic implications.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

UK Military Reports Weekly Russian Targeting of Satellites

The UK military has revealed that Russian forces are targeting their space-based assets, including military satellites, on a weekly basis. This recurrent threat highlights the growing tensions and importance of satellite security. The defense community continues to evaluate strategies to protect space infrastructure effectively.

Read the full story: Space.com

SatLeo to Launch First Thermal-Imaging Payload

Indian startup SatLeo is set to introduce its inaugural thermal-imaging payload, poised for early 2026 deployment. This payload marks the first step in launching a fleet of 12 microsatellites designed for advanced thermal and electro-optical imagery collection, offering new insights into environmental monitoring and security.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Quantum Space Gears Up for 2026 Spacecraft Launch

Quantum Space has announced plans to launch its Ranger spacecraft by mid-2026. This mission aims to showcase the spacecraft’s capabilities for national security operations, indicating a significant step towards enhancing space-based defense systems and technology demonstrations.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

European Council Accelerates Defense Readiness Roadmap

The European Council has committed to expediting its defense readiness roadmap, aiming for significant joint procurements by 2027. This roadmap includes a minimum of 40% of EU defense acquisitions through cooperative efforts, emphasizing enhanced inter-European military collaboration.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: HBTSS-SV2
• NORAD ID: 58955
• Launch Date: February 14, 2024
• Mission: The HBTSS-SV2 is designed for early warning capabilities, providing critical data for missile detection and tracking.
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Operator: MDA
• Fun Fact: HBTSS-SV2 is part of a new generation of satellites focused on enhancing situational awareness for defense operations.

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track HBTSS-SV2

🌌Space Weather

Next 24 Hours

• Radio Blackouts Probability

  • Minor: 10
  • Major: 1
  • Risk: None

• Solar Radiation

  • Probability: 5
  • Risk: None

• Geomagnetic Storming

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

• Impact Summary

  • Next 24 hours: No risk of radio blackouts, which is beneficial for satellite communication users.
  • Solar radiation outlook shows no expected storms, reducing concern for satellite operators.
  • Geomagnetic conditions are calm, with no G1 (Minor) or greater geomagnetic storms anticipated, ensuring stable operations for ground-based radars and telescopes.
  • A slight chance for isolated R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts remains through 26 Oct, but overall risk is minimal.

Long Term Forecast

• Forecast of solar and geomagnetic activity: From 20 October - 15 November 2025, moderate solar activity is expected to resume, particularly from 31 Oct - 15 Nov due to the return of Region 4246.
• Low activity levels are likely between 20-30 Oct and 14-15 Nov, minimizing impacts to satellite operations during this period.
• High levels of greater than 2 MeV electron flux are projected from 21-25 Oct and 29 Oct - 15 Nov, which may increase drag on LEO satellites.
• Geomagnetic storm activity could reach G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) levels on 28-30 Oct, with additional active periods expected on 20, 31 Oct, and 07 Nov, likely impacting satellite operations and communication reliability.
• Remaining days in the outlook are expected to experience quiet to unsettled levels, providing generally stable conditions.

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

October 25

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-12 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA (14:00 UTC) A batch of 28 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

October 26

• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H3-24:
  • HTV-X1 from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan (00:00 UTC) First flight of the upgraded Japanese HTV-X spacecraft designed to resupply the International Space Station.
• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 3B/E:
  • Unknown Payload from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (03:43 UTC)
• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 10-21 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA (14:05 UTC) A batch of 28 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

October 27

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-21 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA (21:12 UTC) A batch of 28 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

October 28

• Innospace HANBIT-Nano:
  • Spaceward from Alcântara Space Center, Federative Republic of Brazil (00:00 UTC) Maiden orbital launch attempt for the South Korean startup Innospace and its HANBIT-Nano small launch vehicle. Onboard this flight are five small satellites from the Brazilian space agency AEB, Brazilian university Universidade Federal do Maranhão, and Indian startup Grahaa Space, as well as three payloads from AEB and Brazilian company Castro Leite Consultoria that will remain attached to the rocket. Additionally, an empty aluminium can from the South Korean beverage company Brewguru is included.
• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 10-37 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA (13:14 UTC) A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

October 30

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-23 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA (20:06 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.