In the past week, the space sector witnessed pivotal developments spanning scientific discoveries, satellite launches, and planetary phenomena. A powerful X5.1-class solar flare struck on November 11, leading to strong geomagnetic storms that threatened satellites and navigation systems. SpaceX completed another Starlink launch, expanding global internet coverage. The European Space Agency’s Euclid telescope celebrated imaging over one million galaxies, hinting at vast discoveries. China launched a new payload aboard a Long March 2C, reinforcing its competitiveness in orbital access. NASA and ESA launched the Sentinel-6B satellite, advancing Earth observation capabilities. Meanwhile, new findings from recent comet observations have captivated astronomers, rounding off a week of intense activity and revelations.
SOLAR FLARE DISRUPTS SATELLITES AND NAVIGATION
A significant solar event emerged on November 11, 2025, as an X5.1-class solar flare erupted, leading to an immediate coronal mass ejection (CME) observed by space-based sensors. Scientists warned of severe geomagnetic storms, predicting possible disruptions to satellites, power grids, and GNSS navigation. CME shockwaves traveled at approximately 1500 km/s, with impacts predicted for late November 12 or early November 13. While the event did not present a direct threat to human health, the technical risks prompted mitigation protocols across several sectors. Communications providers experienced some brief outages, and GPS accuracy was noticeably affected in sun-facing regions. This event again underscored the ongoing vulnerability of Earth-orbiting infrastructure to solar phenomena. Observatories worldwide captured high-resolution imagery of flare and CME propagation, helping to inform rapid-response policies. These recent observations refine scientific understanding of large-scale solar weather and planetary impact zones. ESA
SPACEX CONDUCTS STARLINK 6-94 NIGHT LAUNCH
SpaceX successfully lifted off with its Falcon 9 rocket at 7:12 p.m. on November 18, 2025, carrying the latest Starlink 6-94 payload into orbit. The nighttime launch from Cape Canaveral illuminated skies and marked another step in the rapid expansion of SpaceX’s broadband satellite network. Spectators along Florida’s coast witnessed a spectacular show as the rocket and its first stage soared and returned to a barge landing. The mission deployed dozens of satellites, supporting SpaceX’s goal of global internet coverage. This launch is one of several in a cadence designed to keep SpaceX ahead in the satellite broadband race. Engineers confirmed nominal performance, and the new satellites have begun integrating into the Starlink mesh. With this event, SpaceX inches closer to worldwide customer connectivity benchmarks, cementing its leadership among commercial launch providers. The mission concluded with a flawless booster recovery and data relay confirmations. Florida Today | Next Space Flight
EUCLID SPACE TELESCOPE SURVEYS OVER ONE MILLION GALAXIES
The ESA’s Euclid space telescope has surpassed expectations by imaging 1.2 million galaxies within its first year, achieving a significant milestone as of November 18, 2025. Euclid, designed to unravel the mysteries of dark energy and cosmic structure formation, continues to deliver breathtaking, high-resolution cosmological data. Scientists revealed new images depicting dense cosmic clouds and filamentary galaxy clusters across the observable universe. This rapid pace of discovery has sped up the preparation for the first major public data release. Major institutions collaborating on Euclid celebrated the telescope’s advanced instrument performance and calibration accuracy. Data from Euclid promise breakthroughs in modeling the history of star and galaxy formation. Researchers are already noting hints at unexpected features in several surveyed regions. As a result, Euclid is reinforcing Europe’s leading role in infrared and optical space astronomy. Space.com
CHINA’S LONG MARCH 2C LAUNCHES NEW SATELLITE
On November 18, 2025, China executed a successful rocket launch using its Long March 2C launch vehicle from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The payload remains classified, but analysts believe it to be associated with national security applications or advanced Earth observation technologies. This mission continues China’s steady streak of successful launches in 2025, maintaining its position as a pivotal player in the space sector. Experts pointed out that China’s increased launch cadence and mission diversity highlight national efforts to build an independent, robust space infrastructure. The operation ensures ongoing access to intelligence and geospatial data services. Despite international curiosity about the specifics, Chinese authorities emphasized technological maturity and reliability. Global observers note these launches as part of a broader push for regional space leadership. In real-time, tracking agencies independently confirmed orbital insertion, matching China’s reliability goals. Space Launch Now
NASA-ESA SENTINEL-6B SATELLITE LAUNCHES FOR EARTH OBSERVATION
NASA and the European Space Agency jointly launched the Sentinel-6B satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 12:21 a.m. Eastern time on November 17, 2025. Sentinel-6B, equipped with advanced radar altimeters and atmospheric sensors, is tasked with monitoring sea-level rise, climate dynamics, and global ocean currents. The satellite forms the backbone of international climate initiatives and Earth science research over the next decade. Launch and early operations were broadcast live, showcasing cooperation between U.S. and European teams. Sentinel-6B’s orbital commissioning saw immediate success, with controllers reporting strong telemetry data. The mission is expected to provide critical datasets for researchers analyzing climatic trends and developing mitigation strategies. Environmental groups praised the launch as a timely contribution amid mounting climate concerns. Agencies confirmed the satellite’s primary instruments are operational and gathering data. Space Policy Online
COMET 3I/ATLAS OFFERS NEW ASTRONOMICAL INSIGHTS
Across this week, renewed observations of comet 3I/ATLAS have yielded spectacular images and unexpected scientific insights. Astronomers noticed the comet’s nucleus split into several fragments following its recent perihelion, with substantial changes in its plasma tail structure. This prompted worldwide observatories to mobilize, providing coordinated imaging and spectroscopy of the event. Such data are crucial for understanding the compositional evolution of interstellar objects entering the solar system. Notably, NASA is scheduled to release enhanced images and data on November 19 via livestream, sparking eager anticipation in the planetary science community. The comet’s erratic behavior provides a rare natural laboratory for examining tidal and thermal stresses on icy bodies. Amateurs and professionals noted significant increases in brightness, with dust and ion trails extending millions of kilometers. These findings will help refine models of cometary behavior and inform future interstellar survey strategies. Researchers hope continued monitoring will yield further revelations in the days ahead. Live Science | Space.com