To handle more launches, FCC is adding spectrum. The Federal Communications Commission has formally allocated additional spectrum for launch applications, fulfilling a provision in a bill passed earlier this year, Space News reports. The FCC issued a report and order on December 31 that allocated spectrum between 2360 and 2395 megahertz for use in communications to and from commercial launch and reentry vehicles on a secondary basis. That belt is currently mainly used for testing aircraft and missiles.
Make rockets talk to the ground …Both the FCC and the launch companies have said the additional spectrum was needed to accommodate the growth of the launch business. “By identifying more bandwidth for vital connections to launch vehicles, we are making it easier for new competitors to get consistent access to the spectrum they need,” FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a Dec. 19 statement. called for the adoption of the then proposed report and order.
New Glenn completes static fire test. On Friday, December 27, Blue Origin successfully ignited the seven main engines of its massive New Glenn rocket for the first time, Ars reports. Blue Origin said it fired the vehicle's engines for 24 seconds. They fired at full power for 13 of those seconds. In addition, just hours before the test firing, the Federal Aviation Administration said it had issued a launch permit for the missile.
New Glenn wen? …These two milestones led to a highly anticipated launch of the New Glenn rocket in January. While the company has not yet publicly announced a date, sources indicate that Blue Origin is working toward a launch time of no earlier than 1 a.m. ET (06:00 UTC) on Monday, January 6 from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. even though it may take a few days. If all goes well with the vehicle's debut flight, Blue Origin will also attempt to recover the rocket's first stage on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. (submitted by Jay5000001)
Next three launches
January 4: Falcon 9 | Thuraya 4-NGS | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida | 01:27 UTC
January 6: New Glenn | Blue Ring Boy Scout | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida | 06:00 UTC
January 6: Falcon 9 | Starlink 12-11 | Kennedy Space Center, Florida | 16:19 UTC
