📰Top Stories

Baikonur Pad Suffers Damage in Latest Soyuz Launch

The recent launch of the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) has resulted in damage to the Baikonur Cosmodrome’s launch pad. This incident raises concerns about potential delays and complications for future missions using this vital piece of infrastructure. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, and authorities are evaluating the necessary repairs to avoid interruptions in the ISS mission schedule.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Varda Space Extends AFRL Test Flights with Fifth Mission

Varda Space is enhancing its reputation for innovation with the latest launch of “W-5,” a reentry vehicle designed for on-orbit processing and return of space-made materials. This mission continues their series of tests under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) program, pushing the frontier of material science in microgravity. The successful operation of W-5 could pave the way for future advancements in space manufacturing.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

D-Orbit Launches on SpaceX Transporter-15 Mission

Italy’s D-Orbit has launched two ION vehicles aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-15 rideshare flight, marking a significant milestone with the country’s first optical intersatellite link mission. The payloads, which include contributions from international entities like Spire and Finland’s Aalto University, represent a diverse range of experimental and demonstration technologies aimed at enhancing satellite connectivity and data transfer capabilities.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

China Integrates Commercial Space into National Development

China has unveiled a new policy framework aimed at integrating commercial space ventures into its national space agenda. The goal is to stimulate growth in the commercial sector, fuelling technological advancements and economic growth while reinforcing China’s position as a leading space power. This move signals the country’s commitment to creating a vibrant space industry capable of complementing its governmental space missions.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

New Russian Crew Arrives at ISS

A new crew of three has successfully joined the International Space Station (ISS) following a launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The mission includes two Russian cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut who will relieve the current Soyuz crew. This rotation maintains the operational tempo of the ISS and furthers international cooperation in space exploration.

Read the full story: Space Explored

SpaceX Progresses with Booster 19 Following Anomaly

SpaceX is moving forward with the assembly of Booster 19, overcoming challenges posed by a recent anomaly with its predecessor, Booster 18. The building of Booster 19 marks a commitment to innovation and resilience, as SpaceX continues to refine its technology for future launches. This progress is crucial for maintaining the company’s launch schedule and goals for space exploration.

Read the full story: NASA SpaceFlight

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: COSMOS 589
• NORAD ID: 06846
• Launch Date: October 2, 1973
• Mission: Military communication satellite designed to enhance Soviet communication capabilities.
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Operator: GUKOSR
• Fun Fact: COSMOS 589 was equipped with solar cells and batteries, allowing it to sustain its operations for an expected lifetime of approximately six months.

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track COSMOS 589

🌌Space Weather

Next 24 Hours

• Radio Blackouts Probability

  • Minor: 55
  • Major: 15
  • 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.
  • 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.

Long Term Forecast

• Impact Summary
  • From 24 November to 20 December 2025, solar activity is forecasted to reach R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) levels on 28-30 November and 01-11 December, primarily driven by the flare potential and return of old Region 4274.
  • Mostly C-class activity is expected on 24-27 November and 12-20 December.
  • No proton events are anticipated at geosynchronous orbit.
  • High levels of greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit are expected on 28-30 November, 01-03 December, 08-12 December, and 16-17 December, influenced by coronal holes.
  • The geomagnetic field will range from quiet to G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) storm levels, with G1-G2 likely on 26-27 November and 03-04 December due to anticipated coronal hole high-speed stream influence.
  • Unsettled to active conditions are expected on several dates including 24-25 November, 28-30 November, 05-07 December, 12-14 December, and 17-19 December, with mostly quiet levels likely during other periods.

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

November 30

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 7A:
  • Unknown Payload from Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China (12:12 UTC) Details TBD.

December 1

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 6-86 from Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (05:00 UTC) A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.
• Arianespace Vega-C:
  • KOMPSAT-7 from Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana (17:21 UTC) KOMPSAT-7 aims to provide high-resolution satellite images for South Korea’s governmental and institutional needs.

December 2

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 15-10 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (02:10 UTC) A batch of 27 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.
• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 6-95 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (20:16 UTC) A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

December 4

• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-25 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (18:12 UTC) A batch of 28 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

December 5

• Rocket Lab Electron:
  • Raise and Shine (RAISE-4) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand (03:00 UTC) RAISE-4 is a JAXA satellite for on-orbit demonstrations of various components and equipment.

December 7

• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H3-22:
  • Michibiki 5 (QZS-5) from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan (02:30 UTC) QZSS is a Japanese satellite navigation system designed for optimal high-elevation visibility.
• SpaceX Falcon 9:
  • Starlink Group 11-15 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (16:13 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.