SpaceX Wins $178.5M Space Force Contract, X Report 3 Apr 2026
SpaceX secured a $178.5M Space Force contract to launch missile-tracking satellites from 2027, backing the Missile Track Custody threat-tracking layer.
Launch Date
May 19, 1971
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC133/3
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K63
NORAD ID
05232
International Designator
1971-044A
Decay Date
11/8/1971
Name
COSMOS 421
Alternative Name
Kosmos-421
Type
Status
Owner
PVO
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
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.
Length
1.2
Diameter
1.2
Span
1.2
Dry Mass
200
Launch Mass
200
Shape
Poly
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
DS-P1-Yu No. 48L
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
DS-P1
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX secured a $178.5M Space Force contract to launch missile-tracking satellites from 2027, backing the Missile Track Custody threat-tracking layer.
Explore the latest in satellite launches and space reconnaissance as Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and military entities push forward with innovative missions. A new propulsion clean room marks growth in satellite tech.
DIU explores SpaceX Starship's in-space refueling; Investors advise startups against competing or emulating SpaceX.
SpaceX announces SPHEREx launch date for February 2025, and Airbus completes delivery of Thuraya 4 satellite for upcoming launch.
ESA's Cluster mission coming to an end, Europe's contributions to Artemis III, JUICE's groundbreaking maneuvers, Yaogan EO satellites, and amateur astronomers discovering exoplanets.
Space Force commits to operational space tugs and on-orbit refueling by 2030. New capabilities will complicate conjunction analysis for GEO and MEO satellite tracking.
SpaceX delays the launch of 23 Starlink satellites due to geomagnetic storm concerns, adjusting the schedule for an upcoming Falcon 9 mission.
Today's Space Brief covers China's latest satellite launch, Russian threats to UK satellites, European defense strategies, and upcoming satellite launches from SatLeo and Quantum Space.