A fresh version of the UCS Satellite Database has been posted. It includes launches through the end of 2016. Apologies for the delay this time; we will be back on schedule and have a new one shortly. Read more >
Space and Satellites
What’s in space—and how does it affect global security?
Subscribe to our Space and Satellites feed
Latest Space and Satellites Posts
Sputnik Revisited
Gregory Kulacki, China project manager and senior analyst
October 4, 2016 12:13 PM EDT
Fifty-nine years ago today, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik into orbit, setting off a panic in the United States that contributed to the evolution of a “space race” between the two superpowers.
Last week, Congress held a hearing on the question of whether the United States was losing a new space race with China. Unfortunately, the witnesses seemed more interested in re-creating the alarmism of the Sputnik era than in offering Congress an accurate picture of the Chinese space program. This raises doubts about the value of the hearing’s contribution to congressional perspectives on US-China relations in space. Read more >
The United States, China, and Anti-Satellite Weapons
Gregory Kulacki, China project manager and senior analyst
September 7, 2016 9:47 AM EDT
Many US observers believe anti-satellite (ASAT) attacks could be China’s trump card in a major military confrontation with the United States. But the reality may be exactly the opposite. The United States could have more to gain, and China more to lose, from taking the fight to outer space. A US presidential decision to pursue this advantage would make the United States, not China, the protagonist in a new space arms race that would undermine the security of both nations. Read more >
Tenth Anniversary Release of UCS Satellite Database
Laura Grego, senior scientist
March 3, 2016 12:25 PM EDT
Happy birthday to the UCS Satellite Database! This month we are marking the 10th anniversary of the UCS Satellite Database. Read more >
Update on Possible Iranian Simorgh Rocket Launch
Laura Grego, senior scientist
February 22, 2016 6:05 PM EDT
A few days ago, we posted an overview of a possible upcoming Iranian satellite launch, which pointed to launch windows being held open at the Imam Khomeini Space Launch Center. Last week’s launch windows (which were signaled by NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen)) expired, but new ones were issued yesterday for two areas. Read more >
