X Report 31 Dec 2025
Vandenberg Space Force Base opens a new launch site that may accommodate SpaceX's Starship. Meanwhile, Starlink continues to expand its service capabilities.
EKRAN 9 (13554)
COSPAR: 1982-093A | Alt Name: Ekran
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 16, 1982
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/40
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
13554
International Designator
1982-093A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:26:26 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
7.05°
Right Ascension
299.58°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
10.48°
Period
1436.96 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
EKRAN 9
Alternative Name
Ekran
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
MSVYAZ
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 13554U 82093A 26184.89336608 -.00000184 00000-0 00000-0 0 9998
2 13554 7.0492 299.5756 0026953 10.4808 20.9752 1.00211645120177
Source: Celestrak
Summary
EKRAN 9, also known as Ekran, is a communication and direct broadcasting satellite launched on September 16, 1982, from the Tsemel Space Center using a Proton-K/DM launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 5.5 meters in length with a diameter of 2.5 meters and a span of 9 meters, featuring a shape described as Cyl + 2 Pan + Plate. It has a dry mass of 1850 kg and was designed to operate for approximately three years. Equipped with one UHF transponder at 200 W and a C-band uplink, the satellite is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. Launched by MSVYAZ, EKRAN 9's payload was designated as Ekran No. 24L. The satellite was manufactured by NPOPM under the configuration name KAUR-3 for communication purposes and reached a stable orbit on September 17, 1982.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5.5
Diameter
2.5
Span
9
Dry Mass
1850
Launch Mass
2000
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan + Plate
Radar Cross Section
0.5011
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Ekran No. 24L
Purpose
Communication, direct broadcasting
Mission
Communication, direct broadcasting
Manufacturer
NPOPM
Life Expectancy
3 years
Bus
Ekran
Configuration
KAUR-3
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
1 (+1) UHF 200 W transponder, C-band uplink
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 13 Jul 2025
Today's Space Brief covers key topics including new defense mandates for space, Firefly Aerospace's public filing, major funding for Varda Space Industries, and updates on SpaceX's Crew-11 mission and a mystery satellite launch.
Vulcan GEM 63XL Passes Static Fire; February Anomaly Still Under Investigation | KeepTrack Space Brief
Northrop Grumman's GEM 63XL solid rocket booster passed static fire testing, but ULA's investigation into a February 2026 Vulcan in-flight anomaly remains open. No RTF date set.
X Report 25 Nov 2025
In today's report, we explore the latest updates from SpaceX's ongoing launch initiatives, Starship progress, and emerging competition in satellite internet, highlighting a new contender that could challenge Starlink's dominance.
X Report 14 Mar 2025
SpaceX advances pre-launch tests amid Starlink deployment surge and strategic expansions in Texas.
Musk Denies SpaceX AI Phone Report; EchoStar Bankruptcy | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX hits 77 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 as EchoStar subsidiaries file Chapter 11 and Musk disputes WSJ AI phone claims.
Space Brief 28 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers collaborations enhancing defense capabilities, new satellite technologies entering the market, and strategic shifts in military satellite applications.
Space Brief 28 Nov 2024
Today's briefing covers China's announcement of the Beidou system upgrade, launch updates for Vega C, challenges to global GPS reliability, and delays in the VERITAS Venus mission.