Space Brief 18 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers significant satellite launches by SpaceX, an automated collision avoidance system development, Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, and the rise of corporate-named satellites in orbit.
Launch Date
April 8, 1970
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2E
Launch Vehicle
Thorad SLV-2G Agena D
NORAD ID
04918
International Designator
1970-025FQ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:18:05 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
99.49°
Right Ascension
339.97°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
324.53°
Period
108.30 min
Mean Motion
13.30 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
THORAD AGENA D DEB
Alternative Name
deb Agena D
Type
Status
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 04918U 70025FQ 26200.84589478 .00000193 00000+0 46792-3 0 9992
2 04918 99.4870 339.9675 0159903 324.5315 34.5259 13.29620738716972
Source: Celestrak
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.0518
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's Space Brief covers significant satellite launches by SpaceX, an automated collision avoidance system development, Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, and the rise of corporate-named satellites in orbit.
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites, marking a significant milestone with its 500th orbital mission. Both launches underscore the company's commitment to expanding its satellite internet constellation and solidifying its position in the space industry.
Forty years ago today, a Delta 3914 lifted off Cape Canaveral with a weather satellite the country could not afford to lose. Seventy-one seconds later, its main engine cut off. Ninety-one seconds in, the range safety officer pressed his button. The third domino of a brutal 1986 had fallen.
Fifty-five years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched from California carrying technology that would transform how we explore the solar system
South Korea's sophisticated network of robotic telescopes provides critical space situational awareness while strengthening the nation's position in space security amid regional tensions
Important updates include SpaceX's $19 billion spectrum deal with EchoStar, a successful super heavy booster test, and recent setbacks in launching due to poor weather.
SpaceX achieves a new milestone with a Falcon 9 landing near The Bahamas, closely following Rocket Lab's successful satellite launch.
SpaceX secures major contracts for U.S. national security launches, including multiple Falcon Heavy missions. Significant updates on Starlink deployments and the ongoing evolution of the company highlight a productive day in the space sector.