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MSX (23851)
COSPAR: 1996-024A | Alt Name: MSX
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 24, 1996
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7920-10
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23851
International Designator
1996-024A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:56:36 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
99.04°
Right Ascension
121.96°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
182.72°
Period
102.98 min
Mean Motion
13.98 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MSX
Alternative Name
MSX
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
BMDO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 23851U 96024A 26185.12264357 .00000124 00000-0 11761-3 0 9998
2 23851 99.0428 121.9641 0007126 182.7184 177.3942 13.98395296540719
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The MSX satellite, officially designated 1996-024A and identified by NORAD CAT ID 23851, was launched on April 24, 1996, from AFWTR SLC2W using a Delta 7920-10 launch vehicle. It is owned by BMDO and manufactured by the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). The satellite features a 3-axis stabilized bus with two solar panels and has dimensions of 5.1 meters in length and span, and 1.8 meters in diameter. MSX's dry mass is 2704 kilograms, and it weighed 2782 kilograms at launch. Equipped for SDI/BMD experiments, the satellite includes SPIRIT III, UVSI, SBV, OSDP, and deployable reference objects as its main equipment. It operates with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply. MSX was planned to operate for one year but reached a lifespan of twelve years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5.1
Diameter
1.8
Span
5.1
Dry Mass
2704
Launch Mass
2782
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
8.2809
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
MSX
Purpose
SDI / BMD Experiments
Mission
SDI / BMD Experiments
Manufacturer
APL
Life Expectancy
1 year planned, 12 years reached
Bus
MSX
Configuration
3-Axis stabilized bus, 2 solar panels
Motor
?
Equipment
SPIRIT III, UVSI, SBV, OSDP, deployable reference objects
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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