📰Top Stories

Portal Space Selects ‘Space Armor’ for Upcoming Mission

Portal Space has chosen the ‘Space Armor’ debris shield for its 2026 mission, marking an advancement in satellite protection. Atomic-6’s composite material will be put to the test in orbit, offering a new solution to the ever-growing problem of space debris. This mission could pave the way for safer and more resilient satellite operations.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Slingshot Wins $27 Million Contract for AI Training System

The Space Force has awarded Slingshot Aerospace a $27 million contract to develop an AI-based training system for satellite operators. This initiative aims to modernize training for potential conflict scenarios in space, emphasizing the rising importance of innovative technology in military operations.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Indian Startup Aule Space Enters Satellite Servicing Market

Aule Space, a startup from India, is set to transform the satellite servicing industry. It plans to develop cost-effective spacecraft to extend satellite lifetimes, addressing the high demand for sustainable satellite operations. This move highlights the growing role of emerging players in the space economy.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Congress Passes Spending Bill Reinstating NASA Funding

Congress has approved a FY 2026 spending bill that reverses proposed cuts to NASA’s budget. While most programs are funded, one major mission has been canceled. This decision underscores the ongoing debate over resource allocation in space exploration and scientific research.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Army Prepares New Software Directive with Flexible Funding

The U.S. Army is set to issue a new software directive prioritizing flexible funding mechanisms. This initiative aims to overcome the constraints of traditional funding, enabling the acquisition of agile and modern software solutions. Such changes are essential for maintaining technological superiority in defense.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Importance of Manufacturing Critical Defense Technologies Locally

A feature from Breaking Defense highlights the strategic need for domestic production of critical defense technologies. The piece argues that maintaining in-country production capabilities is vital for national security, especially in the current geopolitical climate.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: GRUS-1A
• NORAD ID: 43890
• Launch Date: December 27, 2018
• Mission: Earth observation
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Operator: AXEL
• Fun Fact: GRUS-1A is equipped with solar cells and batteries, enabling it to operate for over five years as it monitors Earth’s surface.

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track GRUS-1A

🌌Space Weather

Next 24 Hours

• Radio Blackouts Probability

  • Minor: 55
  • Major: 10
  • Risk: None

• Solar Radiation

  • Probability: 1
  • Risk: None

• Geomagnetic Storming

  • Scale: 0
  • Impact: None
  • Activity: Low

• Impact Summary

  • No risk of radio blackouts is expected, which benefits satellite communication users and ground-based operations.
  • No solar radiation storms are forecasted, ensuring a stable environment for satellite operators.
  • Geomagnetic activity remains low; however, G1 (Minor) or greater geomagnetic storms are anticipated on January 17 and 18 due to a coronal hole high-speed stream, requiring monitoring from satellite operators.

Long Term Forecast

• Impact Summary
  • Solar activity is expected to remain low, with a potential for minor radio blackouts (R1) and a slight chance for moderate (R2/R3) activity, which may affect communication and navigation systems.
  • Protons are not expected to pose a risk at geosynchronous orbit.
  • The electron flux may reach high levels on select dates, impacting satellite operations and increasing drag on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
  • Geomagnetic storms could reach G1 (Minor) levels on January 12 and 29, with unsettled to active periods expected on several other dates, requiring attention from operators managing satellite orbits and communications.

🚀 Upcoming Space Launches

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)

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)

January 20

• Rocket Lab Electron:
  • The Cosmos Will See You Now (Open Cosmos Constellation Launch 1) from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand (11:09 UTC) First 2 satellites of UK-based Open Cosmos’ secure LEO broadband constellation designed to provide independent and resilient connectivity infrastructure for Europe and the world, using high-priority Ka-band spectrum filings by the Principality of Liechtenstein.
• 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.

January 22

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 17-30 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (02:43 UTC) A batch of 24 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.