Space Brief 10 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of a mystery spysat, Maxar's terrain data for U.S. Army systems, and multiple U.S. defense firms enhancing satellite capabilities.
OPS 9434 (DSCS 2-4) (06974)
COSPAR: 1973-100B | Alt Name: DSCS II F-4
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 13, 1973
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Titan IIIC
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06974
International Designator
1973-100B
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:33:58 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
4.59°
Right Ascension
281.43°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
85.99°
Period
1476.62 min
Mean Motion
0.98 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPS 9434 (DSCS 2-4)
Alternative Name
DSCS II F-4
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
SAMSO/DCA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 06974U 73100B 26201.60692866 -.00000163 00000+0 00000+0 0 9990
2 06974 4.5928 281.4268 0065014 85.9867 312.0506 00.97520252847958
Source: Celestrak
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
3.6
Diameter
2.7
Span
3.6
Dry Mass
500
Launch Mass
585
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
5.6621
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DSCS II B-4
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
TRW
Life Expectancy
5 years
Bus
DSCS II
Configuration
Spin-stabilization, despun antennas
Motor
?
Equipment
2 X-Band transponders
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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