📰Top Stories

China Kicks Off 2026 with Record-Breaking Launch Ambitions

China has launched its first satellites of 2026 with the successful initiation of Yaogan spacecraft and Guowang satellite missions. These launches mark the beginning of what is anticipated to be a significant year in space exploration for China, aiming for numerous deployments. Particularly notable is the unusual orbital path selected for the Yaogan satellites, signifying strategic Earth observation capabilities.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

U.S. Military’s Key Dependence on NOAA’s Weather Data

A recent congressional hearing highlighted the vital collaboration between the military branches and NOAA, focusing on their shared reliance on advanced weather datasets and models. The U.S. Air Force and Navy emphasized the critical role NOAA’s data plays in strategic military operations and decision-making, reinforcing the need for increased data integration and sharing.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

NASA Plans for Nuclear Power on the Moon by 2030

NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy have outlined a plan to install a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. This initiative, part of a broader push to establish sustainable lunar operations, underscores the importance of nuclear technology in supporting long-term extraterrestrial infrastructure.

Read the full story: Space.com

U.S. Space Force Adjusts Plans for Next GPS Launch

The U.S. Space Force announced a strategic switch in rockets for the upcoming launch of the GPS III Space Vehicle 09. This decision is expected to expedite the expansion of the GPS constellation, enhancing navigational capabilities and maintaining the robust medium Earth orbit infrastructure vital for both military and civilian applications.

Read the full story: Spaceflight Now

New Air Defense Operations Cell Launched in Qatar

The U.S. has established an air defense operations cell in Qatar, aimed at fortifying integrated air and missile defense systems collaboratively with the Gulf states. This strategic move is expected to enhance the capacity and coherence of regional defense mechanisms, underscoring the importance of satellite tracking and coordinated defense efforts.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Navy Chief Advocates for Increased Defense Budget

The U.S. Navy’s top admiral advocated for defense budgets to reflect 4% of GDP, emphasizing the strategic need to meet naval expansion goals. The increase is aimed at supporting the Navy’s substantial mission set, including satellite and technology advancements critical for modern naval operations.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: ONEWEB-0621
• NORAD ID: 55162
• Launch Date: January 10, 2023
• Mission: ONEWEB-0621 is part of the OneWeb constellation aimed at providing global broadband communication coverage through low Earth orbit satellites.
• Orbit: LEO (Low Earth Orbit)
• Operator: OneWeb
• Fun Fact: ONEWEB-0621 is one of the latest additions to the OneWeb constellation, which aims to provide internet access to remote and underserved areas around the globe.

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track ONEWEB-0621

🌌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

  • No risk of radio blackouts expected.
  • No risk of solar radiation storms.
  • Geomagnetic activity remains low, with no significant impacts on satellite operations or communications.

Long Term Forecast

• Impact Summary
  • Solar activity is expected to stay low, with occasional minor radio blackouts possible.
  • Elevated electron flux levels may occur on specified dates, potentially affecting satellite communications and operations.
  • Geomagnetic storms may reach G1 (Minor) levels on specific dates, suggesting possible minor disturbances for satellite owners and operators.
  • Overall, the forecast period will see mostly quiet conditions with intermittent activity.

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

January 15

• Galactic Energy Ceres-1S:
  • Unknown Payload from Haiyang Oriental Spaceport (19:58 UTC)
  • Details TBD.

January 16

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 3B/E:
  • Unknown Payload from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (16:47 UTC)
  • Details TBD.

January 17

• Galactic Energy Ceres-2:
  • Demo Flight from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (03:57 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 to provide imaging and other reconnaissance capabilities.

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)
  • Details TBD.

January 20

• Isar Aerospace Spectrum:
  • Flight Two from Andøya Spaceport (20:00 UTC)
  • Second test flight of the Isar Spectrum launch vehicle, carrying several cubesats as part of the European Space Agency’s “Boost!” program.

January 21

• Blue Origin New Shepard:
  • NS-38 from Corn Ranch, Van Horn, TX, USA (13:30 UTC)
  • NS-38 is the 38th flight in the New Shepard program’s history.

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