Space Brief 11 Dec 2024
Explore today's space news including Space Force's five-year reflection, Rocket Lab's military hypersonic test, SpaceX's festive launch, and a glimpse at China's strategic space maneuvers.
Launch Date
November 1, 1994
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7925-10
NORAD ID
23333
International Designator
1994-071A
Epoch
Wed, 02 Nov 1994 11:59:59 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
28.75°
Right Ascension
2.37°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
30.44°
Period
19700.41 min
Mean Motion
0.07 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
WIND
Alternative Name
Wind
Type
Status
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 23333U 94071 A 94305.49999999 -.00172956 +26967-3 +10000-3 0 9991
2 23333 028.7490 002.3720 9728298 030.4360 001.3500 00.07309491000070
Source: Celestrak
Length
1.8
Diameter
2.4
Span
100
Dry Mass
895
Launch Mass
1195
Shape
Cyl + 2 Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
WIND
Purpose
Scientific
Mission
Scientific
Manufacturer
MMAS
Life Expectancy
2 years
Bus
Wind
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
MR-50 x 8
Equipment
3DP, TGRS, MFI, WAVES, SWE, SWICS/STICS, KONUS, EPACT
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Explore today's space news including Space Force's five-year reflection, Rocket Lab's military hypersonic test, SpaceX's festive launch, and a glimpse at China's strategic space maneuvers.
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with multiple satellite launches and ongoing challenges in rural broadband funding. Noteworthy advances in Starlink capabilities enhance international connectivity.
STARLINK-34343 broke apart at 560 kilometers. SpaceX's response - launch more satellites the next morning - tells you everything about the confidence gap between fleet statistics and individual failure modes.
Falcon Heavy launched ViaSat-3 F3 on April 27, its 12th flight, with the first dual landing zone recovery. Plus Soyuz-5's demo flight nears at Baikonur.
ULA launched Atlas 5 551 configuration for final time on July 1, deploying Amazon Kuiper broadband satellites. New Glenn pad rebuild underway at LC-36 after May explosion.
In 2024, China launched 68 orbital missions. In 2025, the number jumped to 97. In 2026, state media and Western analysts agree the target is 140 or more. Most of that growth is being driven by two state-backed mega-constellations, a half-dozen private launch companies hitting stride, and a deliberate national pivot toward commercial space. Beijing is no longer trying to catch SpaceX. It is trying to build an industrial base that outlasts one.
Kratos Defense awarded $446M Space Force contract for RMWT missile-warning ground systems. Rocket Lab secures $190M Pentagon deal for 20 hypersonic test flights.
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's national security mission, a new missile interceptor project by Space Force, developments with Starship boosters, and more.