All articles tagged with #space surveillance
China, India, and Russia have detected 3I/ATLAS using their observatories but have not shared their findings publicly, highlighting issues of data fragmentation and the need for global cooperation in tracking interstellar objects.
Astronomers mistakenly identified Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster as a dangerous asteroid, highlighting challenges in space object classification and the need for improved monitoring technologies amidst increasing space debris and private space missions.
Blue Origin is partnering with Scout Space to launch the Owl AI-powered space surveillance sensor on its Blue Ring spacecraft in Spring 2026, aiming to enhance space situational awareness and support national security by detecting and tracking objects in orbit, including debris and satellites, from geostationary transfer orbit to operational geostationary orbit.
China's Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 satellites are maneuvering in geostationary orbit for a rendezvous and docking, likely to demonstrate on-orbit refueling capabilities, amid nearby U.S. surveillance satellites, highlighting advancements in satellite servicing and strategic space activities.
A small asteroid, 2024 UQ, impacted Earth on October 22, just hours after being detected by the ATLAS system in Hawaii. Although the 3-foot asteroid disintegrated harmlessly over the Pacific Ocean, its sudden appearance highlights the need for improved space surveillance. This marks the third "imminent impactor" event this year, emphasizing the limitations of current tracking systems and the importance of enhancing early detection technologies to prevent potential risks from larger, undetected objects.
SpaceX launched the first batch of operational spy satellites for a new U.S. intelligence network aimed at enhancing space-based surveillance capabilities. The launch is part of a broader initiative involving multiple launches through 2028, with Northrop Grumman also participating in the project. This development underscores the U.S. government's increasing reliance on SpaceX for critical missions.
SpaceX launched the first batch of operational spy satellites for a new U.S. intelligence network aimed at enhancing space-based surveillance capabilities. The Falcon 9 rocket carried the satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base, marking the beginning of several planned launches in 2024. This initiative underscores the U.S. government's reliance on SpaceX for critical missions and highlights the growing importance of satellite technology in global intelligence operations.
Denver-based startup True Anomaly has raised $100 million in a Series B funding round led by Riot Ventures, with participation from several other investors. True Anomaly specializes in producing small satellites for surveillance and reconnaissance in space, primarily targeting the military and intelligence markets. The funding will be used to further advance the company's mission, including the development of its spacecraft called Jackal, training services for military satellite operators, and expanding its staff. The first two Jackal satellites are scheduled to launch in March 2024.
Belgian spacecraft component specialist Arcsec and Portuguese space traffic management venture NeuraSpace are collaborating on the development of star-tracking sensors that would enable satellites to detect hazardous orbital debris that is too small to be detected from the ground. The upgraded star trackers would provide data to NeuraSpace, allowing them to track smaller orbital debris. Redwire has also developed a star tracker with debris detection capabilities, set to be launched in the next three to six months. Other manufacturers are exploring the development of star trackers for debris detection. The addition of debris-monitoring capabilities to star trackers would enhance space safety and improve orbit calculations.
A new federally funded project aims to detect and monitor dangerous pieces of tiny space debris that are currently untrackable. While larger objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) are monitored by the U.S. Air Force's Space Surveillance Network, smaller debris poses a significant threat due to their high speeds. The project, funded by the U.S. government's IARPA program, will first detect and characterize the tiny debris pieces, with the goal of developing technologies and algorithms to track them. One potential solution involves using existing star trackers onboard satellites to map the paths of debris pieces. Experts warn that a major collision among space debris is inevitable without improved tracking technology or changes in behavior.
The U.S. Space Force has awarded Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) a $574.5 million contract to maintain ground-based radar sensors used for missile warning and space surveillance. SAIC will be responsible for maintaining radar sites located in Greenland, Alaska, the United Kingdom, California, Massachusetts, and North Dakota. These radar sites were originally built during the Cold War to detect and track intercontinental and sea-launched ballistic missiles, as well as conduct general space surveillance and satellite tracking. The contract was previously held by Northrop Grumman.
French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a $438 billion military budget plan to the country's parliament, which will support new capability efforts and ongoing programs through the end of the decade. The investments are intended to target several areas of focus, including a need for additional munitions and weaponry in the wake of Russia's attack on Ukraine and a return to high-intensity conflict on the European continent. The plan includes the development of the nation's next-generation aircraft carrier, new frigates, and fighter jets, as well as modernizing its land forces and investing in space surveillance and undersea warfare.