Space Brief 28 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers collaborations enhancing defense capabilities, new satellite technologies entering the market, and strategic shifts in military satellite applications.
Launch Date
May 23, 1968
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC10W
Launch Vehicle
Thor Burner 2
NORAD ID
03271
International Designator
1968-042B
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:25:29 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.57°
Right Ascension
14.23°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
95.42°
Period
101.58 min
Mean Motion
14.18 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
THOR BURNER 2 R/B
Alternative Name
Burner II No. 6
Type
Status
Owner
SAMSO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 03271U 68042B 26201.10103735 .00000046 00000+0 42610-4 0 9990
2 03271 98.5743 14.2306 0052666 95.4166 265.3020 14.17637957 1484
Source: Celestrak
Length
1.7
Diameter
1.6
Span
1.7
Dry Mass
154
Launch Mass
154
Shape
Frust
Radar Cross Section
1.59
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Star 37B
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
THKE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Star 37
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's briefing covers collaborations enhancing defense capabilities, new satellite technologies entering the market, and strategic shifts in military satellite applications.
ULA's Vulcan rocket preps for USSF-87 national security launch to open 2026. Sierra Space delivers SDA Tranche 2 satellites three months early. NASA delays spacewalk for Crew-11 medical issue.
SpaceX sets a new rocket-reuse record and prepares for upcoming launches, maintaining the momentum in Starlink satellite deployments.
The frequency band that brought satellite TV to small dishes on rooftops and revolutionized direct-to-home broadcasting
SpaceX makes strides with new GPS and Starlink launches while securing major U.S. government contracts.
This week: China's Long March 10B debuted successfully, SpaceX merged with xAI, and Starlink topped 10,775 satellites in orbit.
SpaceX launches Twilight rideshare from Vandenberg carrying ~40 payloads including NASA's Pandora satellite. Kepler debuts 10 optical data relay satellites. OroraTech thermal sensors integrated.
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.