Space Brief 17 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include key advancements for the Dream Chaser, SpaceX's record launches, Moon mission crowding concerns, and updates in European space policy.
METEOR 2-20 (20826)
COSPAR: 1990-086A | Alt Name: Meteor-2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 28, 1990
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC32/1
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-3
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20826
International Designator
1990-086A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:47:12 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
82.52°
Right Ascension
183.97°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
343.96°
Period
104.01 min
Mean Motion
13.84 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
METEOR 2-20
Alternative Name
Meteor-2
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
UNKS/GMS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20826U 90086A 26185.28278209 .00000044 00000-0 26372-4 0 9993
2 20826 82.5236 183.9749 0012873 343.9565 16.1186 13.84461337806684
Source: Celestrak
Summary
METEOR 2-20, also known as Meteor-2 No. 25, is a meteorology satellite launched on September 28, 1990, from the Plesetsk Missile and Space Complex using the Tsiklon-3 launch vehicle. It has a cylindrical shape with two panels, measures 4.5 meters in length and 1.4 meters in diameter, and has a dry mass of 1500 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with TV, IR, SM, and RMK-2 equipment for meteorological observations and uses two deployable solar arrays along with batteries to generate power. It was manufactured by VNIEM and operates under the ownership of UNKS/GMS.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.5
Diameter
1.4
Span
4.5
Dry Mass
1500
Launch Mass
1500
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
4.4279
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Meteor-2 No. 25
Purpose
Meteorology
Mission
Meteorology
Manufacturer
VNIEM
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Meteor-2
Configuration
SP-1 bus
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
TV, IR, SM, RMK-2
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 4 Sep 2024
Today's brief highlights SpaceX's Starlink launch, the sale of Telesat's remote communications services, advancements in hypersonic missile tracking, and more on satellite imagery from the NGA.
SpaceMobile-006 (BlueBird 6)
The largest commercial antenna ever deployed in low Earth orbit belongs to a company most people have never heard of. AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 6 is either the future of cellular connectivity or the most ambitious overreach in telecom history - and it just finished unfolding.
X Report 9 Jun 2025
Tensions between SpaceX and the U.S. government escalate as President Trump's threats could have significant implications on the company's operations and future plans. Meanwhile, India takes a significant step in its space endeavors with a historic astronaut launch.
X Report 23 Dec 2024
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida, marking another milestone in its satellite internet constellation. The Falcon 9 rocket was also successfully recovered at sea.
X Report 30 Dec 2024
SpaceX wraps up the year with significant launches, including a record-setting Astranis deployment and Starlink missions signaling the year's end.
Space Brief 30 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers Rocket Lab's plans following a record-breaking year, efforts to recover NASA's MAVEN orbiter, and the potential relocation of space shuttle Discovery.
Space Brief 6 Nov 2024
Discover the latest in satellite technology with the launch of the world's first wooden satellite, new test materials for the ISS, and significant developments in orbital space debris.