📰Top Stories

Pentagon Advocates Golden Dome for Agile Defense Procurement

The Pentagon is promoting its Golden Dome initiative as a model for faster and more agile defense procurement. Aimed at streamlining complex purchasing processes, this model is intended to enhance risk management and collaboration with defense contractors. Marcia Holmes, the deputy program manager, emphasizes an easier partnership approach for contractors under this initiative.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

The Future of Space Force Amidst Global Competition

In a recent discussion at Johns Hopkins University, experts examined the U.S. Space Force’s strategic positioning in a competitive space environment. Focused on maintaining an edge amidst increasing congestion and contestation in space, the panel discussed operational challenges and technological advancements necessary for future dominance.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining for Strategic Resources

Asteroid mining is catching the attention of the Space Force due to its potential for resource acquisition and technological development. Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy highlighted the importance of supporting companies engaged in this innovative sector, which could significantly impact military and economic strategies in space.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

R-GPS Debate: Space Force vs. Congressional Mandates

A divide is emerging between the Space Force and Congress over the future of Resilient GPS (R-GPS). While the Space Force suggests moving past R-GPS, Congress continues to advocate for its importance due to vulnerabilities like jamming and spoofing. This ongoing debate underscores the critical role of GPS in both civilian and military contexts.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Viridian’s Strategic Alliance with the Air Force Research Laboratory

Viridian Space Corp. has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), facilitating access to advanced testing facilities and satellite expertise. This collaboration promises to accelerate Viridian’s satellite operations and technological innovations, strengthening defense capabilities.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

BlackSky Expands Its Global Footprint with New Defense Contracts

BlackSky Technology Inc. has secured a series of contracts for its Gen 3 Assured services with an international defense client. These agreements, following a trial access period, illustrate a growing trend toward using advanced space-based surveillance for tactical intelligence, marking a significant expansion in BlackSky’s operational capabilities.

Read the full story: SpaceDaily

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: FLOCK 3S-3
• NORAD ID: 43788
• Launch Date: December 3, 2018
• Mission: FLOCK 3S-3 is primarily focused on technology development, serving as part of a larger constellation aimed at Earth observation through imaging payloads.
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Operator: PLAN
• Fun Fact: This satellite is part of the ‘Dove’ series, which is known for providing high-resolution imagery and is often deployed in clusters for enhanced data collection and coverage.

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track FLOCK 3S-3

🌌Space Weather

Next 24 Hours

• Radio Blackouts Probability

  • Minor: 80
  • Major: 35
  • Risk: None

• Solar Radiation

  • Probability: 25
  • 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 activity remains low, resulting in minimal impacts on satellite operations and ground-based systems.

Long Term Forecast

• Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity (02 February - 28 February 2026)
  • Moderate to high solar activity expected, with M-class flares likely and a notable chance for X-class flares between 02-10 Feb due to the presence of Region 4366.
  • After 11-22 Feb, levels are anticipated to drop, but increase again from 23-28 Feb as Region 4366 becomes visible once more.
  • Greater than 10 MeV proton flux may reach S1-S2 levels due to recent flaring activity, with further proton enhancements possible until 12 Feb.
  • Elevated electron flux at geosynchronous orbit expected during multiple periods throughout February, influenced by coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS) activity.
  • Geomagnetic conditions forecasted from mostly quiet to unsettled levels, with potential minor storm activity on specific dates due to recurrent CH HSS effects.

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

February 7

• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F/G:

  • Chinese Reusable Space Vehicle from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China (03:48 UTC) Probable 4th flight of the Chinese spaceplane capable of returning to Earth.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 17-33 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (17:05 UTC) A batch of 25 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

February 11

• China Rocket Co. Ltd. Smart Dragon 3:

  • Unknown Payload from Haiyang Oriental Spaceport (06:26 UTC) Possibly an Earth observation satellite for the Pakistan government’s SUPARCO, details TBD.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Crew-12 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (11:01 UTC) SpaceX Crew-12 is the twelfth crewed operational flight of a Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 17-34 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (14:07 UTC) A batch of 25 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

February 12

• United Launch Alliance Vulcan VC4S:

  • USSF-87 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (08:00 UTC) USSF-87 will launch two identical Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites directly to a near-geosynchronous orbit, contributing to satellite collision avoidance.

• Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center Proton-M/Blok DM-03:

  • Elektro-L No.5 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan (08:56 UTC) Elektro-L is a series of meteorological satellites designed to capture real-time images of clouds, heliogeophysical measurements, and collect hydrometeorological data.

• Arianespace Ariane 64:

  • Amazon Leo (LE-01) from Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana (16:45 UTC) The mission will launch 32 satellites as part of Amazon’s mega constellation to offer broadband internet access, managed by Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon.

February 14

• Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha:
  • Stairway to Seven from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (00:50 UTC) Firefly Alpha’s Flight 7 will be a test flight and return-to-flight for the launch vehicle, testing key systems ahead of its Block II configuration upgrade.

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