Universe Today
• Andy Tomaswick
Astronomers used “blind stacking” to detect faint, previously unseen objects in geosynchronous orbit, highlighting debris risks in GEO—an increasingly critical environment for GPS, weather tracking, and communications satellites. The reporting underscores the need to keep GEO clear of collision hazards that could disable key services.
Space Debris & Traffic Management
Latest source-backed stories
Astronomers used “blind stacking” to detect faint, previously unseen objects in geosynchronous orbit, highlighting debris risks in GEO—an increasingly critical environment for GPS, weather tracking, and communications satellites. The reporting underscores the need to keep GEO clear of collision hazards that could disable key services.
SpaceX plans to launch the National Reconnaissance Office’s NROL-95 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Rocket Lab also secured up to $266 million from the U.S. Space Force for as many as 18 suborbital missile-defense launches from Alaska.
A Beijing-based startup has secured about $14 million in funding to develop a satellite constellation focused on tracking orbital objects. The investment signals continued growth in China’s space situational awareness (SSA) sector as commercial providers expand SSA capabilities.
China plans to launch Africa’s first space exploration mission using a trio of spherical probes carried on the Chang’e 8 lander. The mission is scheduled for 2029 and aims to conduct lunar-south-pole science as part of Chang’e 8 operations.
A look at how smallsat assembly is evolving into a more industrial, production-line model—expanding capabilities for a more diverse customer base while forcing manufacturers to balance speed, cost, quality and mission flexibility. The report outlines the process constraints shaping today’s smallsat build cycle.
The cluster argues that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission can approve large-scale private space projects that may alter the night sky globally, while international space law lacks effective mechanisms to halt or remedy the resulting impacts.
High activity
SpaceX is preparing a second attempt at Starship Flight 13 no earlier than July 23 from Starbase in Boca Chica. The uncrewed suborbital test is set to deploy 20 Starlink V3 satellites and demonstrate in-space relighting of a Raptor engine, with additional Booster 20 and engine fixes intended to address issues seen on Flight 12.
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