📰Top Stories

SpaceX Extends Starlink Constellation with 29 More Satellites

SpaceX has successfully launched 29 additional Starlink broadband satellites from Florida’s Space Coast on November 9, enhancing its global internet service constellation. This launch continues SpaceX’s efforts to expand broadband access worldwide, supporting the deployment of a robust orbital network for global connectivity.

Read the full story: Space.com

Blue Origin’s Quest for FAA Exemption on Commercial Launches

Blue Origin is in discussions with governmental authorities to seek an exemption from the FAA’s recent order limiting commercial launches. This exemption is pivotal for the scheduled New Glenn launch, which includes a NASA Mars mission. Blue Origin aims to navigate the regulatory landscape to ensure its mission progresses without delays.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Intuitive Machines Broadens Horizons with Lanteris Deal

Intuitive Machines has announced its acquisition of satellite manufacturer Lanteris Space Systems, a move poised to enhance its capabilities in defense and lunar exploration. This strategic acquisition aligns with Intuitive Machines’ ambition to participate in high-impact projects like the Golden Dome initiative and the development of a crewed lunar lander.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Firefly Aerospace Expands Defense Portfolio via SciTec Acquisition

In a strategic move to bolster its national security capabilities, Firefly Aerospace has acquired SciTec. This acquisition not only enhances Firefly’s defense technology but also integrates over 475 experienced SciTec employees. This merger strengthens Firefly’s position in the defense sector, adding decades of expertise to its portfolio.

Read the full story: SpaceWar

Planet Labs Renews Major Defense Imagery Contract

Planet Labs has secured a significant contract renewal with a key international defense and intelligence agency. This multi-year agreement underscores Planet’s reputation in providing critical satellite imagery and assured tasking to support intelligence gathering and regional monitoring through its Pelican and SkySat constellations.

Read the full story: SpaceWar

Pentagon Procurement Overhaul Could Favor Space Sector

Hegseth’s proposed overhaul of Pentagon procurement practices could significantly benefit agile space and tech firms. By shifting towards a ‘commercial first’ buying strategy, the new approach aims to streamline processes and invigorate innovation within the defense sector, potentially opening more opportunities for rapid deployment of space technologies.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: GAOFEN-5 01A
• NORAD ID: 54640
• Launch Date: December 8, 2022
• Mission: This satellite is designed for Earth observation, helping to monitor environmental changes and support disaster management efforts.
• Orbit: Sun-synchronous orbit
• Operator: GWHYZ
• Fun Fact: GAOFEN-5 01A is part of China’s Gaofen program, which aims to provide high-resolution satellite imagery for various applications, including urban planning and agricultural monitoring.

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track GAOFEN-5 01A

🌌Space Weather

Next 24 Hours

• Radio Blackouts Probability

  • Minor: 70
  • Major: 20
  • Risk: None

• Solar Radiation

  • Probability: 10
  • Risk: None

• Geomagnetic Storming

  • Scale: 1
  • Impact: minor
  • Activity: Moderate

• Impact Summary

  • No risk of radio blackouts for satellite communication users.
  • No risk of solar radiation storms, ensuring safe operations for satellite owners/operators.
  • Moderate geomagnetic activity may slightly affect ground-based radars and telescopes.
  • Minor geomagnetic storms (G1-G2) are expected from 09-11 Nov, which could impact low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites by increasing atmospheric drag.

Long Term Forecast

• Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity (03 November - 29 November 2025)
  • Moderate solar activity is anticipated from 03-17 Nov due to returning solar regions, potentially affecting satellite operations through increased solar radiation.
  • Possibility of isolated proton events between 07-12 Nov, depending on the magnetic complexity of these regions.
  • High levels of electron flux expected until 13 Nov, which may impact satellite electronics.
  • Geomagnetic field mostly quiet, with minor storm activity (G1) likely on 07-08, 15, and 26-27 Nov, influencing satellite communication reliability and performance.

🚀 Upcoming Space Launches

November 9

• Blue Origin New Glenn:
  • EscaPADE from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL, USA (19:45 UTC) Second flight of Blue Origin’s New Glenn launch vehicle carrying the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (EscaPADE), a dual-spacecraft mission from University of California, Berkeley to study ion and sputtered escape from Mars.

November 10

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12:
  • Unknown Payload from Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China (02:35 UTC)
• Galactic Energy Ceres-1:
  • Unknown Payload from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (03:56 UTC)

November 11

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 6-87 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL, USA (03:00 UTC) A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

November 14

• United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551:
  • ViaSat-3 F2 (ViaSat-3 EMEA) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL, USA (03:00 UTC) The ViaSat-3 is a series of three Ka-band satellites expected to provide vastly superior capabilities in terms of service speed and flexibility for a satellite platform.
• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 6-89 from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (03:01 UTC) A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

November 15

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 6-85 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL, USA (03:01 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.