X Report 27 Mar 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 27 Starlink satellites and gains approval for internet services in Vietnam.
CASSINI (25008)
COSPAR: 1997-061A | Alt Name: Cassini
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 15, 1997
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Titan 401B/Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25008
International Designator
1997-061A
Decay Date
9/15/2017
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CASSINI
Alternative Name
Cassini
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JPL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The Cassini satellite, also known as 1997-061A, was launched on October 15, 1997, from LC40 at the AFETR launch site using a Titan 401B/Centaur launch vehicle. Manufactured by JPL and owned by the same entity, Cassini has dimensions of 6.7 meters in length, 4 meters in diameter, and spans 15 meters. It weighed 5254 kg at launch with a dry mass of 2125 kg. The spacecraft is powered by 3 GPHS-RTG units for the Cassini orbiter and batteries for the Huygens lander. Its mission includes orbiting Saturn and landing on Titan. The satellite's structure consists of a cylindrical body, dish, and two antennas. Cassini has been operational since its launch date with an initial planned lifetime of a 5-year cruise followed by a 4-year prime mission; it remained active beyond this period.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.7
Diameter
4
Span
15
Dry Mass
2125
Launch Mass
5254
Shape
Cyl + Dish + 2 Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Cassini
Purpose
Saturn orbiter (Cassini) / Titan lander (Huygens)
Mission
Saturn orbiter (Cassini) / Titan lander (Huygens)
Manufacturer
JPL
Life Expectancy
5 year cruise, 4 years prime mission, still active
Bus
Cassini
Configuration
see above
Motor
R-4D-12 x2
Equipment
see above
Power System
3 GPHS-RTG (Cassini), Batteries (Huygens)
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Musk Addresses Orbital Data Center Crowding Fears | KeepTrack X Report
Elon Musk pushed back on orbital crowding concerns as SpaceX eyes data centers in space, with 10,584 Starlink satellites currently operational.
Space Brief 23 Mar 2025
Discover today's fascinating space events, from exceptional aurora displays to potential exomoon formations, alongside intriguing satellite insights.
Space Brief 29 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers developments in space traffic management, the X-37B spaceplane's upcoming mission, and satellite interference with radio telescopes.
Space Brief 28 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers China's Gaofen-14 satellite launch, Europe's advancements in asteroid defense through GomSpace, and Russia's controversial Burevestnik missile test.
Artemis 2 Crew Returns After 50-Year Lunar Milestone | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2 splashdown marks first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. Four astronauts completed historic mission, validating systems for Artemis 3 landing attempt.
Space Brief 30 Apr 2025
Today's briefing covers a significant hypersonic missile launch by the U.S. Army, the declassification of spy satellite photos aiding demining efforts, and the deployment of cutting-edge research payloads to the ISS.
X Report 6 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves a milestone with its 350th successful mission, including a significant Starlink launch, while Starship advances in testing. Meanwhile, SpaceX boosts SiriusXM's satellite fleet and industry competitors make strides.