All articles tagged with #geostationary orbit
Commercial space-domain data show USA 324 and USA 325 (GSSAP) bracket and then hand off to monitor China’s Shijian-29A/B in geostationary orbit, providing continuous surveillance from opposite sides of the GEO belt from March 14–18; Shijian-29, launched December 2025, appears to be part of tech verification for space-target detection, highlighting rising proximity operations among major powers in GEO.
Chinese researchers demonstrated a 1 Gbps optical downlink from a geostationary satellite about 36,000 km away using a 2-watt laser and a ground receiver built to correct atmospheric distortion, achieving higher speeds than Starlink and showing how adaptive optics plus multi-plane light conversion can recover usable data through turbulence.
SpaceX plans to launch EchoStar-25, a Dish Network direct-broadcast satellite built by Lanteris Space, atop a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral to GEO via a geosynchronous transfer orbit, with a 149-minute window and a plan to land the first stage on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas; the satellite operates in the 12.2–12.7 GHz (space-to-Earth) and 17.3–17.8 GHz (Earth-to-space) bands and represents EchoStar’s latest Dish satellite in its long-running collaboration with SpaceX, which follows EchoStar’s 2025 spectrum sale for Starlink Mobile.
Ground-based imagery shows Russia's Luch/Olymp inspector satellite, retired to a graveyard orbit above GEO in Oct 2025, appears to have fragmented and begun tumbling, with additional debris pieces spotted on Jan 30, 2026. If confirmed, the fragmentation suggests an external impact or other failure and raises concerns about debris in the geostationary belt and its graveyard region, especially given Russia's continued operation of a second Luch/Olymp asset.
A Spanish military communications satellite, SpainSat NG 2, launched in October 2024, was struck by a 'space particle' while maneuvering in orbit, potentially affecting its mission. The incident occurred at about 50,000 km altitude, possibly involving micrometeoroids or space weather effects, but not orbital debris. The satellite's operator, Indra Group, is analyzing the damage and has contingency plans, including potential replacement, which could take years. The satellite is part of a European secure communications network.
A Chinese satellite in geostationary orbit successfully fired a 2-watt laser to ground, achieving 1 Gbps data transfer and outperforming Starlink's speeds, demonstrating a more efficient and potentially scalable approach to space-based internet using optical communication.
HEO Robotics, an Australian company, is expanding its spacecraft imaging capabilities from low Earth orbit to higher orbits like geostationary orbit, with long-term plans to enable on-demand imaging of solar system objects such as asteroids, aiming to revolutionize space observation and exploration.
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.
A Chinese satellite tested in geostationary orbit has set new records with a 1 Gbps downlink speed using a two-watt laser, posing a potential threat to Starlink's dominance in satellite internet technology, although it is still in the testing phase.
SpaceX is set to launch Israel's Dror 1 communications satellite into geostationary orbit, marking their first such mission, with the satellite designed to provide Israel with independent communications for at least 15 years. The launch from Cape Canaveral follows a previous failed attempt in 2016, and the rocket will return to Earth after deployment.
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.
The breakup of Intelsat 33e in geostationary orbit has created over 700 pieces of debris, highlighting vulnerabilities in space security. ExoAnalytic Solutions, which tracks space debris, warns that such incidents could be exploited by adversaries to hide activities in the cluttered environment. The event underscores growing concerns about space threats, particularly from China's expanding satellite capabilities and maneuvers. While the immediate threat from the debris has decreased, the incident has raised awareness about the need for improved space traffic management.
A defunct British satellite, Skynet-1A, launched in 1969, has mysteriously drifted from its graveyard orbit to a busy satellite area over the Pacific Ocean, raising collision risks. Experts suggest it was deliberately moved in the 1970s, possibly by the USAF, which had control during British maintenance periods. The satellite's new position in a 'gravity well' poses ongoing threats to active satellites, highlighting the persistent issue of space debris management.
The UK's oldest satellite, Skynet-1A, launched in 1969, has mysteriously moved to a new position in its geostationary orbit, raising concerns about potential collisions with other satellites. The satellite's unexpected drift to a 'gravity well' at 105 degrees West longitude is puzzling scientists, as it defies expected orbital mechanics. This shift poses a risk of collision, contributing to the growing space junk problem. Efforts are underway to develop spacecraft capable of removing defunct satellites to prevent scenarios like the Kessler syndrome, where space debris collisions could escalate into a major crisis.
The Russian military satellite Luch-2 was detected closely approaching a geostationary satellite in April 2024, raising concerns about potential espionage. This follows a pattern of similar maneuvers by its predecessor, Luch-1, which had previously sparked international alarm. The incident was tracked by Aldoria, a French startup, and comes amid broader accusations from the U.S. that Russia is militarizing space.