X Report 5 Jan 2025
SpaceX prepares for the next Starship test flight with significant vehicle upgrades, launches UAE's Thuraya-4 satellite, and reflects on a record-breaking 2024 while planning for a promising 2025.
SSTI LEWIS (24909)
COSPAR: 1997-044A | Alt Name: Lewis
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 23, 1997
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC6
Launch Vehicle
LMLV-1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24909
International Designator
1997-044A
Decay Date
9/28/1997
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SSTI LEWIS
Alternative Name
Lewis
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
TRW/NASA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The SSTI LEWIS satellite, also known as Lewis, is an Earth observation satellite manufactured by TRW and owned by TRW/NASA. It was launched on August 23, 1997, from AFWTR using the LMLV-1 launch vehicle from SLC6. With a dry mass of 391 kilograms and equipped with HSIs, LEISA, and UCB equipment, it has dimensions of 2 meters in length, 1.5 meters in diameter, and spans 4 meters when fully deployed. The satellite is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. Its design includes a hexagonal cylindrical shape with two panels and was intended to operate for at least three years but aimed for five years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2
Diameter
1.5
Span
4
Dry Mass
391
Launch Mass
403
Shape
Hex Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
4.4327
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SSTI/Lewis
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
TRWC
Life Expectancy
3 years (required 1 year), 5 years (goal)
Bus
LEOStar T-200
Configuration
T200B
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
HSI, LEISA, UCB
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.
The Day Space Became Crowded
Eight years ago, a single Indian rocket launched 104 satellites into orbit, marking a pivotal moment when space tracking professionals realized the dawn of a new, congested era in orbital operations
10 Surprising Facts About SpaceX
Discover lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's history, achievements, and innovations that have shaped the commercial space industry over the past two decades.
SpaceX Acquires xAI, Starlink Bypasses Iran Internet Blackouts | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX acquires xAI to develop orbital data centers. Starlink terminals bypass Iran's government internet blackouts. Blue Origin escalates defense procurement criticism.
Kratos Wins $447M Space Force MEO Missile Tracking Deal | KeepTrack Space Brief
Kratos awarded $447 million Space Force contract for Resilient Missile Warning Tracking ground ops center in Medium Earth Orbit, shifting missile detection away from vulnerable GEO satellites.
Space Brief 3 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers the recent surge in SpaceX launches, Eutelsat's resolution of a OneWeb software issue, and various strategic previews for U.S. military branches in 2025.
Boeing Starliner Grounded Until Mid-2027, NASA Warns | KeepTrack Space Brief
Boeing CST-100 Starliner faces up to one year delay before return-to-flight. NASA safety panel cites unresolved technical problems since mid-2024 crewed test.
X Report 6 Mar 2025
Starship Flight 8 set for launch, new milestones in the defense sector, and launch updates dominate today's news.