📰Top Stories

Space Force Expands with Second Otter Spacecraft

The U.S. Space Force has enhanced its capabilities by procuring a second Otter spacecraft. This strategic acquisition allows satellites to either maintain a steady position in orbit or change location, offering unparalleled flexibility for various missions. The Otter spacecraft, developed for in-orbit servicing and repositioning, embodies the Space Force’s forward-thinking strategy to optimize satellite utility and lifecycle.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Starlink Makes Waves with Super Bowl Ad

In a bold move, SpaceX aired its first Super Bowl advertisement, spotlighting Starlink’s global broadband services. The ad underscored Starlink’s promise of fast, affordable internet access, marking a significant push into mainstream awareness and highlighting its potential to bridge digital divides worldwide.

Read the full story: TESLARATI

Momentus and NASA Join Forces for Orbital Servicing Mission

Momentus Inc. and NASA have inked a Space Act Agreement to spearhead a low Earth orbit mission focused on testing in-orbit servicing and assembly technologies. This collaboration aims to enhance spacecraft maneuverability and autonomous operations, using the Vigoride 7 Orbital Service Vehicle as a testbed for future advancements in satellite function and cooperation.

Read the full story: Space Daily

Insights from Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Defense Show

Day 2 of Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Defense Show revealed innovations from electronic warfare tools to updates on Turkish and American fighter jets. The event underscores the strategic importance of defense shows in showcasing critical military advancements and fostering international collaborations in defense technologies.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

Pentagon Delays Finalization of Defense Contractors’ Status

The Pentagon has announced a delay in finalizing its assessment of defense contractors’ performance, originally due by February 6th. This review is part of compliance with a recent executive order aimed at tightening controls and ensuring accountability among military contractors.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: METEOR-M2 4
• NORAD ID: 59051
• Launch Date: February 29, 2024
• Mission: This satellite is part of Russia’s METEOR-M series dedicated to meteorological observations, providing critical data for weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
• Orbit: Polar Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Operator: RGMS/VNIIEMI
• Fun Fact: METEOR-M2 4 features advanced imaging capabilities and is equipped with deployable solar arrays to harness solar energy effectively for its operations.

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track METEOR-M2 4

🌌Space Weather

Next 24 Hours

• Radio Blackouts Probability

  • Minor: 65
  • Major: 25
  • Risk: None

• Solar Radiation

  • Probability: 25
  • Risk: None

• Geomagnetic Storming

  • Scale: 0
  • Impact: none
  • Activity: Low

• Impact Summary

  • Satellite Operators: No risk of radio blackouts means stable communication and operations.
  • Ground-based Radars and Telescopes: Clear conditions with low geomagnetic activity will allow for uninterrupted observations.
  • Satellite Communication Users: No anticipated disturbances, ensuring reliable service.
  • Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites: Minimal drag impacts expected due to low activity.

Long Term Forecast

• Impact Summary
  • Satellite Operators: Moderate solar activity anticipated from 09 Feb to 07 Mar, with M-class flares expected that may affect satellite operations intermittently.
  • Ground-based Radars and Telescopes: Potential impacts during flare events could lead to brief interruptions in data.
  • Satellite Communication Users: Increased chances for radio blackouts between 10-12 Feb with the potential for adverse conditions as Region 4366 reappears on the sun’s disk later in the month.
  • Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites: Expect fluctuations in drag levels, particularly when 10 MeV proton flux increases during flare activity.

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

February 11

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 17-34 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA (14:07 UTC) A batch of 24 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

February 12

• 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.

• United Launch Alliance Vulcan VC4S:

  • USSF-87 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA (08:30 UTC) USSF-87 will launch two identical Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites GSSAP-7 and GSSAP-8 directly to a near-geosynchronous orbit. This mission enhances space flight safety including satellite collision avoidance.

• Khrunichev Proton-M/Blok DM-03:

  • Elektro-L No.5 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan (08:52 UTC) Elektro-L is a series of meteorological satellites designed to capture real-time images and provide essential data for Earth’s weather systems.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Crew-12 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA (10:38 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.

• Arianespace Ariane 64:

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

February 14

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 6-103 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA (05:00 UTC) A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 17-13 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA (22:00 UTC) A batch of 25 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

February 17

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 10-36 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA (22:00 UTC) A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system. This will be the first operational Falcon 9 booster landing within The Bahamas waters.

February 18

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 17-25 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA (08:00 UTC) A batch of 25 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.