📰Top Stories

China’s 200,000 Satellite Megaconstellation Ambition

China has filed paperwork with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to potentially deploy nearly 200,000 satellites as part of two massive non-geostationary satellite networks. This move highlights China’s ambitious plans to expand its capabilities in global communication and observation networks, possibly rivaling similar initiatives by other nations.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

MDA Space Joins US SHIELD Missile Defense Initiative

MDA Space Ltd. has been selected for an IDIQ contract by the Missile Defense Agency as part of the SHIELD program, which aims to enhance US defense against missile threats. This contract positions MDA Space to vie for tasks in this significant national defense project, underscoring its growing role in the defense sector.

Read the full story: SpaceWar

Mark Kelly Sues Pentagon Over Censure Plans

Former NASA astronaut and current Senator Mark Kelly is suing the Pentagon over its intentions to censure him following remarks he made last year. This legal battle emphasizes the tensions and potential impacts on freedom of speech within the defense and political sectors.

Read the full story: Space.com

Sweden’s Military Boost With Significant Space Investment

In a strategic shift, Sweden has allocated $1.6 billion toward enhancing its air defense capabilities, with a significant $140 million dedicated to space-related advancements. This funding reflects the growing importance of integrating space technology within national defense systems.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Supply Chain Challenges for Solid Rocket Motors

The US is experiencing supply chain bottlenecks in producing solid rocket motors, crucial for munitions stockpiles. This issue highlights the broader challenges faced in maintaining and scaling military readiness through key technologies.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Starlink Considered Amid Iran Internet Blackout

Amid internet blackouts in Iran, Donald Trump is reportedly seeking to communicate with Elon Musk about possibly utilizing Starlink to restore connectivity. This potential intervention illustrates the critical role of satellite internet in geopolitical scenarios.

Read the full story: TESLARATI

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: ZHONGXING-5B (Xinnuo 1)
• NORAD ID: 25404
• Launch Date: July 18, 1998
• Mission: Communication
• Orbit: Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
• Operator: SINO/EURAS
• Fun Fact: ZHONGXING-5B is equipped with 24 C-band and 14 Ku-band transponders, making it a critical resource for communication services in Asia.

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track ZHONGXING-5B

🌌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 indicates a minor geomagnetic storm (G1) may occur early on Jan 13 due to the influence of coronal hole high-speed streams (CH HSS).
  • A chance for R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts is expected from Jan 13-15.

Long Term Forecast

• Impact Summary
  • Forecast period (Jan 12 - Feb 07): Solar activity is expected to remain low, but there is a chance for R1 (Minor) and slight chances for R2/R3 (Moderate/Strong) radio blackouts due to multiple sunspot regions.
  • No proton events are anticipated at geosynchronous orbit.
  • High levels of greater than 2 MeV electron flux are likely on specific dates due to recurrent coronal holes, which may affect satellite operations.
  • Geomagnetic activity could reach G1 (Minor) storm levels on Jan 12 and 29, with unsettled to active conditions anticipated on various dates.
  • Overall, the remainder of the forecast period is expected to be mostly quiet.

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

January 13

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 8A:
  • Unknown Payload from Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China (15:17 UTC)

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 15

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 3B/E:
  • Unknown Payload from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (16:00 UTC)
• Galactic Energy Ceres-1S:
  • Unknown Payload from Haiyang Oriental Spaceport (19:30 UTC)

January 17

• Isar Aerospace Spectrum:
  • Flight Two from Andøya Spaceport (00:00 UTC) Second test flight of the Isar Spectrum launch vehicle, carrying several cubesats as part of the European Space Agency’s “Boost!” program.
• Galactic Energy Ceres-2:
  • Demo Flight from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (03:00 UTC) First test launch of Galactic Energy’s Ceres-2 rocket.
• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • NROL-105 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (04:18 UTC) Twelfth batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman for the National Reconnaissance Office.

January 18

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 6-100 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (22:04 UTC) A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

January 19

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 12:
  • Unknown Payload from Wenchang Space Launch Site, People’s Republic of China (07:41 UTC)

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