· space brief · 5 min read
Falling Space Debris Risk to Aircraft Grows, North Korea Tests Hypersonic Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief
Experts warn falling space debris risk to aircraft is increasing. North Korea tests advanced hypersonic missiles. Space Force seeks launch providers for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg pads.

📰Top Stories
Rising Threats from Space Debris to Aviation
Experts warn that the risk of space debris falling to Earth and potentially impacting aircraft is increasing. With an ever-growing amount of space junk re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, scientists and aviation authorities are working together to mitigate these risks. This highlights the critical importance of developing tracking and management systems for space debris to ensure the safety of airplanes.
Read the full story: Space.com
SpaceX and China Set New Records in Orbital Launches
Orbital launch activity broke previous records in 2025, driven primarily by the efforts of SpaceX and China. While this marks a significant milestone, future growth might depend on emerging market demands and technological advancements. The surge underscores the ongoing transformation in space accessibility and commercial satellite deployment.
Read the full story: SpaceNews
Space Force to Upgrade Base Networks Amid Cybersecurity Concerns
The U.S. Space Force is initiating a comprehensive network overhaul at 14 bases to enhance cybersecurity measures. This initiative is part of the Base Infrastructure Modernization contract aimed at modernizing the communications frameworks crucial for military operations in space.
Read the full story: SpaceNews
North Korea Advances Hypersonic Missile Program
North Korea has conducted tests of advanced hypersonic missiles as part of its efforts to bolster its nuclear forces. The country cites recent geopolitical tensions to justify these tests, raising concerns over regional security and the impacts on space and defense surveillance systems.
Read the full story: SpaceDaily
Anysignal Boosts Autonomous RF Sensing with New Funding
Anysignal has secured $24 million in Series A funding to develop its autonomous radio frequency sensing technology for critical space and national security applications. The company’s AI-driven systems enhance the ability to detect and manage complex RF environments, vital for modern electronic warfare and satellite operations.
Read the full story: SpaceWar
Space Force Seeks Launch Providers for Key Pads
The U.S. Space Force is seeking interest from launch providers to utilize pads at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg. This move aims to boost launch infrastructure to meet rising demands from military and commercial sectors, positioning the U.S. for future space operational readiness.
Read the full story: NASASpaceFlight.com
🛰️Satellite Spotlight
- Satellite Name: GALAXY 34 (G-34)
- NORAD ID: 54027
- Launch Date: October 8, 2022
- Mission: Communication satellite designed to provide high-quality communication services.
- Orbit: GEO (Geostationary Orbit)
- Operator: Intelsat
- Fun Fact: GALAXY 34, equipped with C-band transponders, enhances communication capabilities across North America and is expected to serve for up to 15 years.
Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track GALAXY 34
🌌Space Weather
Next 24 Hours
-
Radio Blackouts Probability
- Minor: 50
- Major: 10
- Risk: None
-
Solar Radiation
- Probability: 10
- Risk: None
-
Geomagnetic Storming
- Scale: 0
- Impact: none
- Activity: Low
-
Impact Summary
- No risk of radio blackouts.
- No risk of solar radiation storms.
- Geomagnetic outlook indicates no G1 (Minor) or greater geomagnetic storms expected.
Long Term Forecast
- Impact Summary
- Solar activity is expected to remain at low levels with a chance for moderate (R1-Minor) conditions and a slight chance for high (R2/R3-Moderate-Strong) over the forecast period.
- No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit, but enhanced electron flux is anticipated around 05 Jan and 13-15 Jan.
- Geomagnetic activity may reach G1 (Minor) storm levels on specific dates, impacting satellite operations and communications.
- The remainder of the outlook period is likely to be mostly quiet.
🚀Upcoming Space Launches
January 8
- SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
- Starlink Group 6-96 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (18:29 UTC) A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.
January 10
- SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
- Starlink Group 6-97 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (18:34 UTC) A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.
January 11
- SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
- Pandora / Twilight rideshare mission from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (13:09 UTC) The Pandora small satellite was selected in 2021 as an inaugural mission in NASA’s Astrophysics Pioneers Program. It includes a 0.45-meter telescope that will improve our understanding of exoplanet atmospheres. Additional ride-share payloads are included, featuring satellites from Spire Global and Kepler Communications.
January 12
- Indian Space Research Organization PSLV-DL:
- EOS-N1 and others from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India (04:15 UTC) Small Earth observation satellite for an “Indian strategic user,” details TBD, with 18 other ride-share payloads.
January 14
- SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
- Starlink Group 6-98 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (18:01 UTC) A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.
January 17
- Isar Aerospace Spectrum:
- Flight Two from Andøya Spaceport (00:00 UTC) Second test flight carrying several cubesats as part of the European Space Agency’s “Boost!” program.
January 31
-
Galactic Energy Ceres-2:
- Demo Flight from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (00:00 UTC) First test launch of Galactic Energy’s Ceres-2 rocket.
-
Rocket Lab Electron:
- Bridging The Swarm (NeonSat-1A) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand (00:00 UTC) The NeonSat-1A will test the South Korean government’s Earth observation micro-satellite constellation, improving technologies for future satellites.
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SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
- BlueBird Block 2 #2 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (00:00 UTC) AST SpaceMobile’s Block 2 BlueBird satellites aim to deliver extensive bandwidth capacity to enable 24/7 continuous cellular broadband service coverage in the United States.
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SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
- Starlink Group 10-36 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (00:00 UTC) A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation with the first operational booster landing within The Bahamas waters.
Note: Launch dates and times are subject to change due to technical or weather considerations.
Maurice Stellarski