Space Brief 15 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-setting Starlink launch, Redwire's contract for USSF, and military satellite developments.
AMPTE/UKS (15201)
COSPAR: 1984-088C | Alt Name: UK Subsatellite
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 16, 1984
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 3924
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15201
International Designator
1984-088C
Decay Date
12/8/1988
Basic Satellite Info
Name
AMPTE/UKS
Alternative Name
UK Subsatellite
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
RAL
Country
United Kingdom
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The AMPTE/UKS satellite, also known as UK Subsatellite, is an object with NORAD ID 15201 and OBJECT_ID 1984-088C. It was launched on August 16, 1984, from the AFETR launch site at LC17A using a Delta 3924 launch vehicle. The satellite is owned by RAL (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory) and manufactured by the same organization for research purposes in the magnetosphere. It has a configuration of spin-stabilized, measures 0.5 meters in length with a diameter of 1 meter and a span of 7 meters, and its dry mass is 76 kilograms. The satellite's launch mass was 77 kilograms. Its shape consists of a cylinder with two antennas, and it has an RCS (Reflective Coefficient) value of 0.31. Power for the AMPTE/UKS is provided by solar cells and batteries.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.5
Diameter
1
Span
7
Dry Mass
76
Launch Mass
77
Shape
Cyl + 2 Ant
Radar Cross Section
0.31
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
AMPTE-UKS
Purpose
Research, Magnetosphere
Mission
Research, Magnetosphere
Manufacturer
RAL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
AMPTE-UKS
Configuration
spin stabilized
Motor
?
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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