Space Brief 17 Aug 2025
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.
DMSP 5D-2 F8 (USA 26) (18123)
COSPAR: 1987-053A | Alt Name: DMSP F-8
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 20, 1987
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3W
Launch Vehicle
Atlas E
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
18123
International Designator
1987-053A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:10:27 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
98.73°
Right Ascension
11.07°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
110.26°
Period
101.44 min
Mean Motion
14.20 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DMSP 5D-2 F8 (USA 26)
Alternative Name
DMSP F-8
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
AFSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 18123U 87053A 26185.25725994 .00000066 00000-0 51957-4 0 9996
2 18123 98.7335 11.0736 0013528 110.2575 250.0057 14.19557133 19266
Source: Celestrak
Summary
DMSP 5D-2 F8 (USA 26), also known as DMSP F-8, is a meteorological satellite launched by the US Air Force Systems Command on June 20, 1987, from AFWTR SLC3W using an Atlas E launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 6.9 meters in length and span with a diameter of 1.5 meters. The satellite uses a TIROS-N Bus configuration and is equipped with a deployable solar array for power, along with batteries as backup. With a dry mass of 773 kilograms, it was designed to operate for five years but reached an operational lifespan of 22 years, making it the fourteenth satellite in its series to do so. The mission focuses on meteorology and utilizes DMSP Block 5D-2 S-9 payload equipment with a Star 37S motor. The satellite's shape is described as Box + Pan and has a radar cross-section (RCS) of 2.96 square meters. It was manufactured by GEEW for the Air Force Systems Directorate to monitor weather patterns from space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.9
Diameter
1.5
Span
6.9
Dry Mass
773
Launch Mass
773
Shape
Box + Pan
Radar Cross Section
2.96
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DMSP Block 5D-2 S-9
Purpose
Meteorology
Mission
Meteorology
Manufacturer
GEEW
Life Expectancy
5 years (design); 22 years (reached, #14)
Bus
Block 5D
Configuration
TIROS-N Bus
Motor
Star 37S
Equipment
see above
Power System
Deployable solar array, 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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