Space Brief 26 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers a new Space Force contract for advanced tracking systems, innovative debris removal strategies, pivotal new satellite launches, and significant updates in air quality tracking from orbit.
Launch Date
November 4, 1995
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7920-10
NORAD ID
23711
International Designator
1995-059B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:55:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
100.49°
Right Ascension
213.83°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
57.72°
Period
109.68 min
Mean Motion
13.13 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
SURFSAT
Alternative Name
Delta 229
Type
Status
Owner
MDAC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 23711U 95059B 26185.03856477 -.00000056 00000-0 -26167-4 0 9993
2 23711 100.4940 213.8284 0368160 57.7170 332.1386 13.12857439469124
Source: Celestrak
Length
6
Diameter
2.4
Span
6
Dry Mass
924
Launch Mass
2700
Shape
Cyl + Cone
Radar Cross Section
8.3241
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Delta SSPS AJ10-118K
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology
Manufacturer
MDAC
Life Expectancy
1 year
Bus
Delta/0020
Configuration
2 Boxes on Delta stage 2
Motor
None in orbit
Equipment
see above
Power System
Solar cells
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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