Space Brief 31 Aug 2025
SpaceX makes headlines with dual Starlink launches, Rocket Lab inaugurates new launch complex, while AI's impact on space missions and satellite technology continues to stir discussions.
Launch Date
January 9, 1986
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
NORAD ID
16457
International Designator
1986-002J
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:22:13 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
73.99°
Right Ascension
235.03°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
167.54°
Period
117.96 min
Mean Motion
12.21 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
SL-8 R/B
Alternative Name
Kosmos-3M 22-337 Stage 2
Type
Status
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 16457U 86002J 26185.14042925 .00000052 00000-0 61445-3 0 9998
2 16457 73.9895 235.0281 0134392 167.5362 219.9322 12.20744314707784
Source: Celestrak
Length
4.2
Diameter
2.4
Span
4.2
Dry Mass
1434
Launch Mass
1434
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
5.5277
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
S3M
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
OAZ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
S3
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX makes headlines with dual Starlink launches, Rocket Lab inaugurates new launch complex, while AI's impact on space missions and satellite technology continues to stir discussions.
Today’s highlights focus on the launch preparations for the Dragoon Mission, China’s seismo-electromagnetic satellite launch, NASA budget cut impacts, and a major expansion by American Pacific Corporation.
On April 17, 2026, the U.S. Space Force officially cancelled the Next Generation Operational Control System after sixteen years of development, cost overruns, and testing failures. The $8 billion program was supposed to unlock the military's encrypted GPS signal. Instead, the satellites are flying with capabilities the ground can't command.
Today's briefing covers Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, Space Dynamics Lab's new collaboration with the Space Force, and shifts within the Pentagon's AI division.
Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.
SpaceX celebrates its 100th launch of the year with a Falcon 9 mission carrying Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites, while Crew-10 prepares for its return from the ISS and the company expands its interplanetary ambitions with new Mars partnerships.
Today's focus spans critical developments in military space initiatives, strategic policy shifts, and modest steps in semiconductor advancements. Key developments include Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's progress in satellite programs, and potential policy changes under Trump's leadership.
SpaceX's 2024 launch surge sets global records, with Florida making history in the U.S. Find out how these achievements are shaping the commercial space race.