Space Brief 22 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's national security mission, a new missile interceptor project by Space Force, developments with Starship boosters, and more.
RXTE (XTE) (23757)
COSPAR: 1995-074A | Alt Name: Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 30, 1995
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7920-10
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23757
International Designator
1995-074A
Decay Date
4/30/2018
Basic Satellite Info
Name
RXTE (XTE)
Alternative Name
Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The RXTE (XTE), also known as the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer, is a US satellite launched on December 30, 1995, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Delta 7920-10 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 5.8 meters in length with a diameter and span of 1.8 meters each, has a dry mass of 2955 kilograms, and was equipped with deployable solar arrays and batteries for power. It carried equipment such as PCA, HEXTE, and ASM for its astronomy and X-ray mission purposes. The satellite operated successfully for 16 years, significantly exceeding its design life of 2 years and goal lifetime of 5 years. Manufactured by GSFC, RXTE's shape is described as a box with two panels and was owned by the same entity.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5.8
Diameter
1.8
Span
5.8
Dry Mass
2955
Launch Mass
2955
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
6.8345
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
XTE
Purpose
Astronomy, X-ray
Mission
Astronomy, X-ray
Manufacturer
GSFC
Life Expectancy
2 years (design); 5 years (goal); 16 years (achieved)
Bus
XTE
Configuration
3-Axis stabilized
Motor
?
Equipment
PCA, HEXTE, ASM
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 4 Dec 2024
SpaceX's Falcon 9 achieves a milestone with its 24th launch for Starlink, while competitive moves continue in the satellite internet market.
Space Brief 24 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of classified TJS-14 satellite, Boeing's defense program losses, and the fourth batch launch of Thousand Sails satellites.
The NASA Budget Proposal That Nobody Asked For (Again)
The White House wants to cut NASA's science budget nearly in half for the second year running. Administrator Jared Isaacman says it's enough. Congress already rejected this exact idea once.
The Day America Sent Two Secrets to the Sky
Sixty-five years ago, America launched two very different space missions within hours of each other - one broadcast live to a fascinated nation, the other quietly reaching orbit from a fog-shrouded California launchpad while no one was watching
SpaceX Buys Cursor AI for $60B After IPO, X Report 17 Jun 2026
SpaceX acquires Cursor AI maker Anysphere for $60B in its first post-IPO deal, as Falcon 9 lofts 3 Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile.
SpaceX and Starlink
This article delves into SpaceX's incredible journey from its inception to becoming a space industry leader, and its Starlink project's mission to provide global internet access.
X Report 24 Sep 2025
SpaceX prepares for the launch of significant NASA and NOAA missions, while Starship's 11th test flight edges closer.