PrSM Used in Combat for First Time & Space Force Demands More Troops | KeepTrack Space Brief
CENTCOM confirms first-ever combat use of PrSM against Iranian targets. Space Force VP calls for aggressive end strength growth. Artemis II boosters on pad.
OPS 5268 (CALSPHERE 5) (04963)
COSPAR: 1971-012E | Alt Name: S70-4 Drag Sphere
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 17, 1971
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC10W
Launch Vehicle
Thor Burner 2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
04963
International Designator
1971-012E
Decay Date
1/7/1990
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPS 5268 (CALSPHERE 5)
Alternative Name
S70-4 Drag Sphere
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
Naval Research Laboratory
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
Apologies, there is no summary for this satellite yet. I am working to generate these for every object in the catalog, but it is going to take time.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.3
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
1
Launch Mass
1
Shape
Sphere
Radar Cross Section
0.2323
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
NRL PL170C
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
NRL 10
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 26 Nov 2024
Today's headlines include new launch schedules, military industrial base challenges, and NASA's exploration of historic Cold War sites. Discover significant space events and satellite insights.
Van Allen Probe A Reenters March 10 After 14 Years | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's Van Allen Probe A (1,300 lbs) reenters today after 14 years studying Earth's radiation belts. Most debris will burn up; ocean impact statistically likely.
X Report 25 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the historic Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, marking a significant milestone in private space travel, while also expanding Starlink's reach into Vietnam's healthcare sector.
Trump Asks Musk About Starlink for Iran Internet Blackout | KeepTrack X Report
Trump approaches Elon Musk about restoring Iran internet via Starlink during government blackout. SpaceX completes fifth launch of 2026 with 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral.
New Glenn Achieves First Booster Reuse on Mission 3 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn successfully reused its first stage booster for the first time on Mission 3, launching April 19. Booster reuse accelerates operational tempo.
Rocket Lab to Acquire Iridium for $8B, X Report 30 Jun 2026
Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium for $8B to challenge SpaceX, whose Starlink constellation holds 10,706 working satellites of 12,390 launched.
Space Brief 28 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers defense industry dynamics, advancements in quantum sensor technology, and geopolitical challenges impacting military space operations.