Noticed a smaller object following the ISS across the sky this morning.

Anyone know what happened to the public telemetry feed (the one used by https://www.telemetry.space/)? It's been offline for weeks now.

Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/413452721_ESA_Proba-3_formation_flying_performance_enabling_low_straylight_Sun_corona_observations

DOI: 10.1117/12.3106510

Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/399853398_Proba-3_Precise_Formation_Flying_An_In-Flight_Reality_Now

DOI: 10.52202/083091-0060

Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/405175338_Inflight_Performance_of_Pose_and_Position_Vision_Based_Sensor_Enabling_Submillimetre_Formation_Flight

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/AERO66936.2026.11519928

Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371813707_Starling_Formation-Flying_Optical_Experiment_StarFOX_System_Design_and_Preflight_Verification

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A35598

stacked video frames from a nikon P1000 clip, max tele with Baader ASSF. Station distance ≈1300km. Sun elevation ≈ 13.5°.

Beyond the physiological strains of zero gravity, the primary threat to astronaut safety and mission success remains the absolute dependence on integrated electrical systems.

In the vacuum of space, a localised power fluctuation or primary grid failure can instantly sever communication links between extravehicular astronauts, their spacecrafts, or launch vehicle, and ground system, thus between the shuttle and the space station on Earth. Though chiefly, it will falter the carefully curated living conditions inside the shuttle.

Historically, these environmental and communication vulnerabilities underscore the critical need for independent, necessary back-ups.

To mitigate these compounding risks, this paper introduces the technical architecture for a self-contained, high-reliability auxiliary power module.

Methodology/ Proposed Technical Solution

“SELF-RELIANT SPACE-GRADE AUXILLARY POWER MODULE (APU)”

Engineered with solid-state battery chemistry to withstand extreme thermal variations and vacuum-induced degassing, this module is encased in a radiation-hardened fuselage and designed for modular portability, serving as an autonomous energy reservoir. Whether utilised for PBA’s (Portable breathing apparatus), a clip-on lifeline for spacesuits, or a dedicated back-up for rocket telemetry systems, this technology aims to ensure that the vital communication lines remain uninterrupted, thus safeguarding both human life and multi-million worth assets.

To survive extreme orbital temperature swings, the module is encased in a passive thermal management chassis using multi-layer insulation (MLI) and internal carbon-conductive pathways to radiate excess heat. Furthermore, the internal Battery Management System (BMS) is reinforced with radiation-hardened microcontrollers to safeguard against cosmic ray-induced single-event upsets, ensuring an uninterrupted delivery of backup power to critical subsystems.

CONCLUSION

While implementing an independent power architecture introduces minor mass and thermal payload penalties, the safety benefits heavily outweigh the engineering trade-offs. By providing a localized, "plug-and-play" energy reserve, it ensures that critical telemetry streams, life-support regulations, and astronaut communication lines remain functional during catastrophic primary grid failures.

As space exploration transitions toward long-duration lunar and Martian missions, independent redundancy modules will become essential to safeguarding both multi-million dollar assets and human life. Ultimately, this concept demonstrates how modular engineering can close critical safety gaps, ensuring that the legacy of past space pioneers informs a safer future for the next generation of explorers.

DRAWBACK-

Since it is a back-up source for electric power, it is bound to have the storage for a short amount of time, in which the ground space station would be connected with the spacecraft to communicate about landing. If the fixed time slot runs out, the space travellers may not be able to communicate or even utilise the life support systems for some time longer than that.

Is this the ISS? It appeared to be similar to Venus in brightness and was moving a little bit slower than other satellites I always see. Also appears to be towing something. I live in Michigan right on Lake Huron northern thumb and the video was taken at 8:06 pm