Space Brief 3 Sep 2024
Today's brief covers China's Yaogan-43 satellite launch, delays in ESA's BepiColombo mission, regulatory approval for OHB's KKR deal, and an upcoming Sentinel-2C launch.
TOPEX/POSEIDON (22076)
COSPAR: 1992-052A | Alt Name: Topex-Poseidon
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 10, 1992
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 42P
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
22076
International Designator
1992-052A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:52:54 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
66.04°
Right Ascension
96.81°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
269.29°
Period
112.40 min
Mean Motion
12.81 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
TOPEX/POSEIDON
Alternative Name
Topex-Poseidon
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
JPL/CNES
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 22076U 92052A 26185.20341275 -.00000026 00000-0 15073-3 0 9999
2 22076 66.0411 96.8144 0008221 269.2852 255.1375 12.81094383585663
Source: Celestrak
Summary
TOPEX/POSEIDON was an Earth observation satellite launched on August 10, 1992, from ELA2 launch pad at FRGUI using the Ariane 42P launch vehicle. The spacecraft measured 6.6 meters in length and had a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 11.5 meters, carrying equipment including NRA, TMR, LRA, DORIS, SSALT, and GPSDR. It operated for over three years beyond its planned lifespan, achieving an operational period of thirteen years. The satellite was jointly owned by JPL/CNES and had a dry mass of 2185 kilograms with a launch mass of 2402 kilograms. Its power source consisted of deployable solar arrays and batteries. The shape of the satellite was described as Box + Box + Pan, with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 7.79 square meters. It was manufactured by FAIR for Earth observation purposes.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.6
Diameter
2.8
Span
11.5
Dry Mass
2185
Launch Mass
2402
Shape
Box + Box + Pan
Radar Cross Section
7.79
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Topex-Poseidon
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
FAIR
Life Expectancy
3 years (planned); 13 years (achieved)
Bus
MMS
Configuration
MMS
Motor
?
Equipment
NRA, TMR, LRA, DORIS, SSALT, GPSDR
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 3 Apr 2025
Dive into the latest developments including U.S. national security launch contracts, penalties for drone violations at military bases, and emerging European launch providers.
X Report 14 Apr 2025
SpaceX sets a new reuse record with Falcon 9's 27th flight, continuing its Starlink deployment while facing challenges with Starship development.
X Report 18 Apr 2025
Cape Canaveral launch site activities intensify; SpaceX explores new subscription model for Trump's Golden Dome.
Space Brief 8 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of the Shijian-25 for on-orbit refueling tests, major Pentagon contracts for solid rocket motors and hypersonic testing, and the US Space Force's record-setting year of launches.
Space Brief 12 May 2025
Today's brief covers key industry movements in space logistics and satellite production, including Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's strides in GPS technology, and more.
Starship Florida Launch Targeting 2026 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX is pushing to launch Starship from Cape Canaveral before end of 2026, with contractors ramping work at LC-39A.
New Glenn Static Fire Anomaly Grounds Amazon Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn suffered catastrophic anomaly during static fire test at LC-36. Amazon LEO satellites pulled; NASA lunar missions now in question.