All articles tagged with #satellite maneuvering
Skynet-1A, a British military satellite launched in 1969 and inactive since 1971, has mysteriously changed its orbit in 2024, likely due to onboard thrusters being used, raising concerns about space debris and collision risks in congested geostationary orbit. The incident highlights issues of space debris management, historical record loss, and the need for responsible space stewardship.
The US is advancing its space capabilities through a collaboration between Anduril and Impulse Space to develop a demonstration satellite for rapid rendezvous and proximity operations, utilizing innovative propulsion and imaging technologies to enhance military and commercial satellite operations, with plans for a significant mission in late 2026.
United Launch Alliance is exploring the concept of keeping the upper stages of its Vulcan Centaur rockets in space to perform additional tasks such as satellite maneuvering and countering threats. The company's CEO, Tory Bruno, envisions a fleet of reusable upper stages in orbit, potentially opening up new missions for the company. ULA is also working on increasing its launch cadence and expanding its infrastructure to support future missions, while facing delays with the payload for its upcoming rocket launch.