📰Top Stories

SpaceX Initiates 2026 with NROL-105 Spy Satellite Launch

SpaceX has successfully launched its first national security mission of the year, deploying U.S. spy satellites into orbit under the NROL-105 mission. This launch marks the beginning of a series of missions to expand the National Reconnaissance Office’s satellite constellation. Liftoff took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base, setting a high bar for future national security launches planned in 2026.

Read the full story: Space.com

GE and Lockheed Martin Progress in Hypersonic Missile Tech

GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin have successfully validated a compact rotating detonation ramjet engine for hypersonic missiles. This technological breakthrough underlines a critical development in propulsion systems, aiming to advance hypersonic capabilities with high efficiencies. This venture is the first in a series of cooperative technology development initiatives between the two defense giants.

Read the full story: Space Daily

ThinkOrbital Secures Seed Funding for Orbital Development

ThinkOrbital Inc has recently completed a Seed Round led by TFX Capital, pivotal for advancing its orbital defense and construction systems. The company’s ambitions include developing defense-focused space solutions and in-orbit servicing capabilities, aiming to significantly bolster both commercial and national security operations in space.

Read the full story: Space Daily

Navy Advances Towards Unmanned Naval Vessels

The U.S. Navy is set to deploy drone boats, marking a step from experimental to operational use. This deployment is a significant stride in naval technology, where an official expects unmanned vessels could comprise nearly half of naval surface fleets by 2045. This evolution signifies a shift in naval warfare strategies.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Insight into the State of Military Space

An insightful new eBook offers the latest on military space operations, highlighting Space Force and industry leaders’ strategies on acquisition, policy, and training. This publication provides an overview of the dynamic changes in the military space sector, essential for understanding the future of space-based defense.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: EUTELSAT 9B
• NORAD ID: 41310
• Launch Date: January 29, 2016
• Mission: EUTELSAT 9B serves as a communications relay satellite, enhancing broadcasting services across Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.
• Orbit: GEO (Geostationary Orbit)
• Operator: EUTELSAT
• Fun Fact: The satellite is equipped with 66 Ku-band transponders, allowing it to deliver high-capacity data services and support the European Data Relay System (EDRS).

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track EUTELSAT 9B

🌌Space Weather

Next 24 Hours

• Radio Blackouts Probability

  • Minor: 55
  • Major: 10
  • 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 or solar radiation storms.
  • Geomagnetic outlook indicates a potential for minor geomagnetic storms later in the week due to a coronal hole’s influence, but current conditions are stable.
  • Satellite operators can expect no disruptions, and ground-based observations are unlikely to be affected.

Long Term Forecast

• Solar activity is expected to stay low, with a minor chance for radio blackouts (R1) and a slight chance for moderate to strong radio blackouts (R2/R3) over the forecast period from January 12 to February 7, 2026.
• Geomagnetic activity may reach G1 (Minor) levels on January 12 and 29, along with unsettled conditions on several other dates mainly due to recurrent coronal holes.
• Satellite communication users should remain vigilant for possible fluctuations in performance during active geomagnetic periods, while most of the forecast period is expected to be relatively quiet.

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

January 16

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 3B/E:
  • Shijian 32 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center (16:47 UTC) Chinese experimental spacecraft of unknown purposes.

January 17

• Galactic Energy Ceres-2:
  • Demo Flight from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (03:57 UTC) First test launch of Galactic Energy’s Ceres-2 rocket.

January 18

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 6-100 from Cape Canaveral SFS (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 (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 (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.

January 21

• Isar Aerospace Spectrum:
  • Onward and Upward from Andøya Spaceport (20:00 UTC) Second test flight of the Isar Spectrum launch vehicle. This launch will carry 5 cubesats and 1 non-separable experiment as part of European Space Agency’s “Boost!” program.

January 22

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 17-30 from Vandenberg SFB (02:43 UTC) A batch of 25 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.
• Blue Origin New Shepard:
  • NS-38 from Corn Ranch, Van Horn (14:30 UTC) NS-38 is the 17th crewed flight for the New Shepard program.

January 25

• China Rocket Co. Ltd. Smart Dragon 3:
  • Unknown Payload from Haiyang Oriental Spaceport (04:00 UTC) Possibly an Earth observation satellite for the Pakistan government’s SUPARCO.

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