In this issue of Integrity Flash (Edition 101), we explore a range of Chinese satellite launches and proximity operations, along with new developments in orbital intelligence:
• China launches GF‑11 05 and Tianhui‑5 02, continuing growth in EO and mapping platforms.
• Chinasat‑3A finds a GEO slot, finalizing its long-anticipated placement.
• China’s MEO internet constellation begins to take shape, signaling a new broadband initiative.
• Yaogan‑41 and TJS‑11 examined as an “odd couple†with overlapping orbital behavior.
• SJ‑23 performs flyby of Qatar comm satellite, raising questions about surveillance intent.
• Russia’s Luch (Olymp)‑2 maneuvers near Thor‑7, continuing its series of GEO proximity operations.
• Jack’s Astro Corner explains how to match Right Ascension of the Ascending Node (RAAN) during orbital alignment.
In this issue of Integrity Flash (Edition 102), we highlight key satellite formation maneuvers, a major launch by China, and assessments of counterspace strategy:
• Yaogan‑36 02 returns to formation, signaling renewed constellation maintenance activity.
• Yaogan‑35/36/39 update, with revised tracking data and orbital behavior analysis.
• China launches WHG‑02, a new high-orbit internet satellite enhancing GEO broadband coverage.
• China’s use of space capabilities to target U.S. warships, drawing attention to precision ISR applications.
• Featured CSIS article explores strategies for countering Russian space-based weapons systems.
In this issue of Integrity Flash (Edition 103), we track major developments in Chinese satellite launches and examine the state of Russian ISR and orbital operations:
• China launches 18 LEO internet satellites, continuing rapid deployment of broadband capabilities.
• Another Long March‑6A launch creates debris, raising fresh concerns about orbital sustainability.
• Yaogan‑43 01 satellites launched, expanding China’s reconnaissance constellation.
• WHG‑02 satellite settles into GEO, reinforcing China’s high-orbit comms infrastructure.
• Russia’s ISR capabilities tested via GONETS, with UAV integration trials underway.
• Closer look at Cosmos 2558 and 2576, analyzing their proximity behaviors and intent.
• Russia’s financial constraints emerge as a potential limiter in sustaining space program momentum.
In this issue of Integrity Flash (Edition 104), we examine China’s growing space maneuvering capabilities, expanding ISR partnerships, and new observations on satellite formations:
• China launches ZX‑4A, adding to its remote sensing fleet.
• CERES sea launch delivers six satellites, showcasing China’s maturing maritime launch capacity.
• First analysis of Yaogan‑43 01 after two weeks, offering insight into its orbital behavior.
• YG‑35/36 triplets return to formation, suggesting active constellation reshaping.
• China–Iran ISR collaboration revealed, highlighting increasing international partnerships.
• Growing concerns over China’s space maneuvering, particularly in LEO and GEO environments.
• Chinese research into space-based surveillance, pointing to dual-use applications.
• Bonus: Jack’s Astro Corner dives into satellite rendezvous techniques and orbital mechanics.
In this issue of Integrity Flash (Edition 105), we cover an intense wave of Chinese satellite launches and advancements in reusability, while monitoring continued Russian maneuver activity:
• Final Beidou‑3 satellite launch, marking the completion of China’s global navigation system.
• Six Jilin Earth Observation satellites launched, expanding China’s commercial imaging capabilities.
• Deep Blue Aerospace conducts reusability test, advancing China’s efforts in recoverable launch systems.
• Jielong‑3 sea launch and Lijian‑1 deployment, placing multiple small satellites into orbit.
• KZ‑1A and Shijian‑19 launches, including a recoverable satellite for advanced tech validation.
• Yaogan‑43 update, tracking constellation realignment and maneuver patterns.
• Russia launches Cosmos 2577 and 2578, reinforcing its low Earth orbit surveillance network.
• Luch‑2 satellite relocates near Intelsat, raising renewed proximity and counterspace concerns.
In this issue of Integrity Flash (Edition 106), we cover a surge of Chinese launch activity and provide updates on both reusable systems and Russian maneuvering satellites:
• Final Beidou‑3 satellite launch, completing China’s global navigation satellite system.
• Six Jilin Earth Observation satellites launched, boosting China’s commercial imaging capabilities.
• Deep Blue Aerospace conducts reusability test, showcasing China’s growing interest in reusable launch systems.
• Jielong‑3 sea launch and Lijian‑1 deploy five satellites, marking continued diversification in China’s small launch platforms.
• KZ‑1A and Shijian‑19 launches, the latter involving a recoverable payload.
• Yaogan‑43 constellation update, tracking orbital shifts and cluster behavior.
• Russia launches Cosmos 2577 and 2578, adding to its reconnaissance constellation.
• LUCH‑2 satellite relocates near Intelsat, renewing scrutiny of Russian GEO proximity operations.
In this issue of Integrity Flash (Edition 107), we track key developments in Chinese and Russian space activity, including orbital maneuvers, satellite recoveries, and rising commercial competition:
• China launches its third “Internet High-Orbit†satellite, expanding its high-altitude broadband constellation.
• China recovers the Shijian-19 satellite, marking another example of advanced space logistics.
• Yaogan-41 and TJS-11 reexamined in a fresh look at China’s unusual satellite pairing.
• Yaogan-43 triplets show tighter formations, with new graphics illustrating orbital alignment.
• Yaogan-35/36 Trail2 maneuver summary, revealing continued efforts to reshape constellation geometry.
• China’s space supply chain under analysis, with insights into key suppliers and vulnerabilities.
• Commercial remote sensing competition heats up, with emerging players challenging incumbents.
• Russia’s LUCH (Olymp)‑2 satellite closes within 10km of Intelsat 10‑02, prompting renewed concerns about geostationary proximity operations.
In this issue of Integrity Flash (Edition 123), we examine a wave of high-stakes satellite activity, spotlighting a potential first in space operations:
China’s GEO refueling mission — SJ‑21 and SJ‑25 performed coordinated close-proximity maneuvers over geostationary orbit from June 8–16, possibly achieving docking and on-orbit refueling—while U.S. GSSAP satellite USA 270 repositioned itself to monitor the activity.
Zhongxing‑9C launch — China deployed a new 5.5-ton communications satellite to replace Chinasat‑9 and enhance its geostationary communications infrastructure.
Yaogan‑35/36/39/42 formation updates — Chinese surveillance triplets continue lead‑trail formation maintenance, but Trail‑2 satellites are now drifting free of original clusters.
Russia’s Cosmos 2589 launch — A suspected geostationary inspector satellite was deployed into a supersynchronous transfer orbit; analysis suggests it may release mini-inspector subsatellites akin to past Nivelir-equipped platforms.
Retrospective: Cosmos 2542 mission — Revisiting Russia’s 2019–2020 inspector test where Cosmos 2543 shadowed U.S. intelligence satellite USA 245 and released subsatellites and debris—prompting international alarm.
In this issue of Integrity Flash (Edition 123), we examine a wave of high-stakes satellite activity, spotlighting a potential first in space operations:
China’s GEO refueling mission — SJ‑21 and SJ‑25 performed coordinated close-proximity maneuvers over geostationary orbit from June 8–16, possibly achieving docking and on-orbit refueling—while U.S. GSSAP satellite USA 270 repositioned itself to monitor the activity.
Zhongxing‑9C launch — China deployed a new 5.5-ton communications satellite to replace Chinasat‑9 and enhance its geostationary communications infrastructure.
Yaogan‑35/36/39/42 formation updates — Chinese surveillance triplets continue lead‑trail formation maintenance, but Trail‑2 satellites are now drifting free of original clusters.
Russia’s Cosmos 2589 launch — A suspected geostationary inspector satellite was deployed into a supersynchronous transfer orbit; analysis suggests it may release mini-inspector subsatellites akin to past Nivelir-equipped platforms.
Retrospective: Cosmos 2542 mission — Revisiting Russia’s 2019–2020 inspector test where Cosmos 2543 shadowed U.S. intelligence satellite USA 245 and released subsatellites and debris—prompting international alarm.
