The satellite sounds awesome! I'm guessing it's one of those shoebox-sized ones that are popular these days? Incredible, how technology has changed and how much more cost-effective it has become to place technology in orbit.
Did your get photos of the storm? Lightning photos are fun! Well, as long as their taken from a she spot. Fried hair and glowing eyes aren't fun. You can use your phone as a wireless remote on the 5D Mark IV, right?
I'm hoping to be able to upgrade my photo equipment soon-ish. With my current salary, that may be next year though. I'm still trying to figure out how to sell my photography online, too. I want my own domain, but want orders automatically printed and sent directly to customers. The hitch is that I also want my contact details attached. The big online printers won't lightly print that on the back for me. I've kind of dismissed Etsy for photos, but may try drawings there.