SpaceX to launch 64 satellites in record-breaking mission

[Peter1469]

SpaceX to launch 64 satellites in record-breaking mission

These are going to be small satellites; it will be interesting to see how they perform.

SpaceX is ready to deploy 64 satellites in one fell swoop — a record-setting mission.

Elon Musk's company is scheduled to launch a rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Monday between 1:32 pm and 2 pm ET after a series of delays triggered by bad weather and last-minute inspections for the rocket. It will be one of the largest satellite ride-sharing missions ever launched, and the most crowded single mission in US history, according to Spaceflight, SpaceX's customer for the launch.


The mission illustrates the growing demand to launch small satellites, modern devices that some companies hope will empower an array of new businesses — from internet service to supply chain monitoring.

[MisterVeritis]

SpaceX to launch 64 satellites in record-breaking mission

These are going to be small satellites; it will be interesting to see how they perform.

Hmmm. I suspect these are ASAT.

[Peter1469]

Hmmm. I suspect these are ASAT.

They could create a lot of space junk if used. China is reportedly developing / developed an ASAT that has an arm and claw (or something) to pull enemy satellites into a controlled de-orbit.

And if these were ASAT, I would think the mission would be classified.

[MisterVeritis]

They could create a lot of space junk if used. China is reportedly developing / developed an ASAT that has an arm and claw (or something) to pull enemy satellites into a controlled de-orbit.

And if these were ASAT, I would think the mission would be classified.

Not necessarily. Imagine the fun of having small satellites capable of flying alongside an enemy's satellites. During peacetime, we can gather enormous intelligence on their satellites. And during war, a simple nudge can send a satellite into a worthless orbit culminating in bumping the upper atmosphere. Other attacks are also possible. One might nudge the enemy satellite to rotate its sensors away from the earth or break its antennas. Since we jam receivers a small satellite could act as an effective jammer with a very low power output.