X Report 16 May 2025
Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.
Launch Date
October 5, 1997
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
NORAD ID
24958
International Designator
1997-058C
Decay Date
5/21/1998
Name
SPUTNIK JR
Alternative Name
Spoutnik-40
Type
Status
Owner
RKKE
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0.2
Diameter
0.2
Span
0.2
Dry Mass
3
Launch Mass
3
Shape
Sphere
Radar Cross Section
0.102
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
RS-17
Purpose
Amateur radio communication
Mission
Amateur radio communication
Manufacturer
ACF/RUAF
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Sputnik-40
Configuration
23 cm sphere
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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