📰Top Stories

Space Force Opens Space Tracking to Commercial Firms

In a groundbreaking move, the United States Space Force has announced that it will begin providing commercial companies with access to its previously secretive space tracking data. The initiative aims to enhance the capability of detecting potential space threats through the integration of commercial data and software. This development marks a significant step in bolstering both national security and global space situational awareness.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Hypersonica’s Hypersonic Missile Test Success

Hypersonica has achieved a major milestone by completing its inaugural hypersonic missile test flight in Norway. The missile prototype reached speeds exceeding Mach 6, traveling over 300 kilometers. This test represents a pivotal advance towards achieving a European sovereign hypersonic strike capability within the next few years.

Read the full story: SpaceDaily

Lithium Pollution from Falcon 9 Breakup

A novel discovery has directly linked lithium traces found in the upper atmosphere to the breakup of a Falcon 9 rocket stage. This event, recorded in 2025, offers the first empirical measurement of atmospheric contamination caused by decaying space objects during reentry. Such studies underscore the wider environmental impacts of satellite launch activities.

Read the full story: SpaceDaily

SpaceX’s Dual Starlink Launches

SpaceX has successfully launched two batches of Starlink satellites, totaling 54 satellites, from both the east and west coasts of the United States. The Starlink 10-41 mission was launched from Cape Canaveral, while Starlink 17-23 took off from Vandenberg Space Force Base. These launches are part of SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to expand its global satellite internet constellation.

Read the full story about the east coast launch: SpaceFlightNow Read the full story about the west coast launch: SpaceFlightNow

Heightened Tensions: Iran’s Missile and Drone Unloading

Tensions in the Gulf region have escalated as Iran deploys drones and missiles against UAE and Saudi targets. This “nightmare scenario” threatens to catalyze retaliatory measures by Gulf states and adds a complex layer to existing regional power struggles, particularly concerning defensive postures and satellite surveillance capabilities.

Read the full story: Breaking Defense

🛰️Satellite Spotlight

• Satellite Name: PALAPA B4
• NORAD ID: 21964
• Launch Date: May 14, 1992
• Mission: PALAPA B4 is designed for communication purposes, facilitating telecommunication services in Indonesia.
• Orbit: Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
• Operator: TELK (Telekomunikasi Indonesia)
• Fun Fact: PALAPA B4 is part of the Palapa satellite series, which has significantly improved communication infrastructure in Indonesia since the early 1990s.

Track this satellite in real-time on our web app: Track PALAPA B4

🚀Upcoming Space Launches

March 3

• 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 after its April 2025 launch failure. It will test and validate key systems ahead of Firefly’s Block II configuration upgrade on Flight 8 that’s designed to enhance reliability and manufacturability across the vehicle.

March 4

• Space One KAIROS:

  • Flight 3 from Spaceport Kii, Japan (02:00 UTC) Third flight of the KAIROS launch vehicle. Aboard will be 5 satellites: TATARA-1R, SC-Sat1a, HErO, AETS-1, and Nutsat-3.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 10-40 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (06:58 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 17-18 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (21:00 UTC) A batch of 25 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

March 8

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • Starlink Group 17-31 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (10:58 UTC) A batch of 25 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

March 10

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:
  • EchoStar 25 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (03:14 UTC) EchoStar 25 is a direct broadcast satellite, built on the proven Maxar 1300 series platform, which will deliver content across North America. It will be equipped with a high-power, multi-spot beam payload, allowing DISH to provide high-quality content to its customers.

March 12

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 17-24 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA (02:37 UTC) A batch of 25 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

• SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5:

  • Starlink Group 10-48 from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (12:17 UTC) A batch of 29 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.