Space Brief 17 Jun 2025
Today's space brief covers key developments in satellite monitoring, U.K. defense contracts, and critical licensing reforms supporting national security.
SMM (11703)
COSPAR: 1980-014A | Alt Name: Solar Maximum Mission
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 14, 1980
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 3910
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
11703
International Designator
1980-014A
Decay Date
12/2/1989
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SMM
Alternative Name
Solar Maximum Mission
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The SMM (Solar Maximum Mission), designated as 1980-014A and NORAD_CAT_ID 11703, is a satellite launched by the US on February 14, 1980, from Launch Complex 17A at AFETR using a Delta 3910 launch vehicle. It was manufactured by FAIR and operated by GSFC. The satellite has dimensions of 4 meters in length, 2.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 10 meters with a dry mass of 1721 kilograms. Its shape is described as Box + Box + 2 Pan, and it features an MMS-AOCS motor for attitude control. The RCS value is 31.787. No additional information regarding its mission, power system, or specific purpose was provided in the data.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4
Diameter
2.1
Span
10
Dry Mass
1721
Launch Mass
1721
Shape
Box + Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
31.787
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SMM
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
FAIR
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
MMS
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
MMS-AOCS
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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