Top Stories
HawkEye 360 Shows Its RF Satellites Can Listen to Other Satellites in LEO, MEO, and GEO
HawkEye 360 released a whitepaper today revealing a successful demonstration funded by a ~$1.2M AFRL Phase II SBIR awarded in 2024. The test verified the capacity of its RF-sensing satellites, which typically monitor terrestrial emitters, to detect and analyze signals from other satellites in LEO, MEO, and GEO. Notably, the company adapted its techniques to capture data from GEO and MEO satellites, while developing new operational concepts to address challenges posed by LEO targets.
This advancement introduces a behavioral dimension to space domain awareness. Current ground systems can track satellite locations, but space-based RF sensing enables insights into their communication patterns and operational changes. COO Todd Probert noted that specific emissions are often difficult to detect from the ground due to various factors. Future efforts will focus on translating collected data into actionable intelligence for the DoD.
Themis Reusable Demonstrator Completes Second Wet Dress Rehearsal at Esrange
On October 7, ESA announced that a second wet dress rehearsal for the Themis reusable rocket demonstrator at Esrange, Sweden, took place on September 29. Similar to July’s rehearsal, this test used liquid nitrogen at cryogenic temperatures to evaluate vehicle and ground systems without introducing the risks associated with propellant.
This rehearsal also assessed the automated ground systems designed for reuse, including how robotic systems would manage fuel drainage safely after a mission. A hot-fire test of the Prometheus engine is anticipated after further rehearsals.
Colorado Springs and Huntsville Drop Space Command Feud to Partner on Golden Dome
Officials from Colorado Springs and Huntsville convened on October 5 to strategize collaboration on the Golden Dome missile-defense program. The cities have been in conflict over the US Space Command headquarters since January 2021. Huntsville will host the future SPACECOM HQ.
Roles are set to be divided: Huntsville will oversee missile defense operations, while Colorado Springs will focus on detection. “[Golden Dome] will bring tens of thousands of jobs, far exceeding the 1,200 tied to SPACECOM,” Rep. Jeff Crank (R-CO) remarked.
NASA Sets Coverage for Northrop Grumman CRS-24 Cygnus Departure From ISS
NASA will broadcast the upcoming departure of Northrop Grumman’s CRS-24 cargo spacecraft from the International Space Station. Traditionally, Cygnus vehicles return filled with station waste, which is then disposed of upon reentry.
Observers should note the spacecraft’s release from the station and monitor its orbit as it separates and ultimately decays.
Leonardo DRS Opens UK Subsidiary for Tactical Radio Production
Leonardo DRS announced the establishment of DRS UK, aimed at local production of tactical radios to support the UK’s counter-drone and air defense needs. This facility is part of DRS’s strategy to maintain a European presence in tactical radio production.
CEO John Baylouny emphasized the importance of local production to quickly fill capability gaps, reflecting a shift in European buyers’ preferences.
Satellite of the Day
TJS-19 – A Chinese FY-4-based satellite launched in May 2025, TJS-19 maintains its GEO position while allowing a gradual inclination drift of 0.68 degrees annually.
Read the full feature or track TJS-19 live.
By the Numbers
- Active satellites tracked: 16,157
- Cataloged debris objects: 14,963
- New objects cataloged yesterday: 0
- Orbital launches this year: 238 (231 successful)
- Next launch: Falcon 9 Block 5 | SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer A (Oct 8, 07:54 UTC)
Catalog Watch
Space-Track recorded 0 new objects in its latest daily report (2026-10-06), along with 27,917 updated element sets.
Reentry Watch
- STARLINK-4293 (52989) – Predicted decay Oct 7, 20:59 UTC
- STARLINK-1278 (45408) – Predicted decay Oct 7, 23:28 UTC
- STARLINK-1329 (45531) – Predicted decay Oct 8, 01:21 UTC
- STARLINK-4387 (53490) – Predicted decay Oct 8, 19:20 UTC
- STARLINK-1407 (45703) – Predicted decay Oct 9, 02:53 UTC
Upcoming Space Launches
Schedule Changes
- Newly added: Unknown Unknown | Owlet-01, scheduled for Dec 31, 00:00 UTC.
- Slipped: Nuri | NeonSat-2 to 6 moved from Oct 7, 03:23 UTC to Oct 7, 03:25 UTC.
- Status change: Nuri’s NeonSat-2 to 6 is marked “Launch Successful.”
- Left the schedule: Atlas V N22 | Starliner-1.
Next 48 Hours
- SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 – Launching SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer A from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on Oct 8, 07:54 UTC.
Watch Live.
Note: Launch dates and times may change due to technical or weather factors.
