STELLA (22824)

COSPAR: 1993-061B | Alt Name: Stella

Image
STELLA Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 26, 1993

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA2

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 40

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

22824

International Designator

1993-061B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:49:21 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

98.77°

Right Ascension

249.47°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

177.76°

Period

100.88 min

Mean Motion

14.27 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STELLA

Alternative Name

Stella

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

CNES

Country

France

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 22824U 93061B   26185.15927598 -.00000022  00000-0  92688-5 0  9998
2 22824  98.7717 249.4720 0006347 177.7633 267.4101 14.27470995707194

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STELLA (also known as Stella) is a geodesy satellite designed in the form of a 24 cm sphere and was launched by CNES on September 26, 1993, from ELA2 launch pad at FRGUI using an Ariane 40 launch vehicle. With a dry mass of 48 kilograms, it is equipped with 60 retroreflectors for its mission purposes. The satellite's shape and equipment are indicative of its function in geodesy, and its manufacturer is CNES. It has no motor or power supply listed in the data provided.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.2

Diameter

0.2

Span

0.2

Dry Mass

48

Launch Mass

48

Shape

Sphere

Radar Cross Section

0.17

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Stella

Purpose

Geodesy

Mission

Geodesy

Manufacturer

CNES

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Starlette

Configuration

24 cm sphere

Motor

None

Equipment

60 retroreflectors

Power System

None

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
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 26 Apr 2025

Space Brief 26 Apr 2025

Today's brief covers major developments including the introduction of BAHA drones, increased defense spending by Estonia, and consequential announcements on military budgets impacting space-related activities.

Space Brief 20 Dec 2025

Space Brief 20 Dec 2025

Today's Space Brief focuses on multi-billion dollar contracts for missile-tracking satellites, developments in optical nuclear clock research, and innovative drone projects for military collaboration.

B1067 Flies Record 36th Mission on Starlink 10-42 | KeepTrack X Report

B1067 Flies Record 36th Mission on Starlink 10-42 | KeepTrack X Report

Booster B1067 sets a new Falcon 9 reuse record on its 36th flight, lifting Starlink 10-42 from Cape Canaveral at 5:25 a.m. EDT.

FAA Grounds Starship V3 for Mishap Probe, X Report 29 May 2026

FAA Grounds Starship V3 for Mishap Probe, X Report 29 May 2026

FAA grounds Starship pending a mishap investigation into the V3 debut flight; return to flight hinges on FAA sign-off. Starlink 10-53 added 29 sats.

Space Brief 7 Aug 2025

Space Brief 7 Aug 2025

Today's brief covers significant developments in missile defense, military space operations, and upcoming rocket launches. Keep an eye on the evolving Golden Dome program and the advanced capabilities it brings.

X Report 16 Dec 2025

X Report 16 Dec 2025

SpaceX successfully launched its 100th Falcon 9 flight, deploying 29 Starlink satellites, while NASA plans to test SpaceX’s Starshield. Additionally, SpaceX engages in social media commentary regarding American Airlines' interest in Amazon's Starlink rival.

Space Brief 16 Jul 2025

Space Brief 16 Jul 2025

Today's brief covers China's Tianzhou-9 launch to the Tiangong space station, the U.S. Space Force's unfunded MILNET project, and the evolving use of AI in military applications.

Space Brief 17 Feb 2025

Space Brief 17 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers the first astronaut with a disability preparing for the ISS mission, SpaceX’s recent Starlink launch, funding breakthroughs for satellite tech company K2 Space, and updates on the Artemis program's challenges.