Wally Funk, Space Pioneer, Passes Away; Starlink Anomalies Noted

Wally Funk, a trailblazer in the field of aviation and space exploration, has passed away at the age of 87. Funk made history as the oldest woman to travel to space, a feat she accomplished in July 2021 aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard. Her pioneering spirit and contributions to aviation have left an indelible mark on the industry. Funk's legacy is celebrated by many in the space community.

Starlink Satellites Adjust Orbits

Several Starlink satellites have shown significant orbital changes, with STARLINK-3311 experiencing a change in its argument of perigee by approximately 14.86 degrees. This could indicate a planned manoeuvre or an adjustment in its orbital elements. Additionally, a close approach was recorded between STARLINK-38039 and STARLINK-38003, with a minimum separation of about 1.81 kilometres. Such adjustments are part of routine operations to maintain the constellation's optimal performance. For more details on Starlink's current status, visit the Starlink Tracker.

OneWeb Satellites Experience Drag Changes

A notable change in the drag term (B*) has been observed for several OneWeb satellites, including ONEWEB-0450, ONEWEB-0440, ONEWEB-0426, and ONEWEB-0420. These changes, with increases ranging from 17.0 to 52.4 times the previous values, could be attributed to manoeuvres or space weather impacts. Monitoring such parameters is crucial for understanding satellite behaviour and ensuring collision avoidance. The Debris Map provides a comprehensive view of active satellites and debris in orbit.

What to Watch

While there are no upcoming launches currently scheduled, space enthusiasts can look forward to ongoing developments in satellite technology and space exploration. The appointment of Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb to lead a new UFO study group by the White House signals a growing interest in the scientific investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena. Keep an eye on the Launch Schedule for updates on future missions.