The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes
Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name
TEAMSAT (25025)
COSPAR: 1997-066C | Alt Name: YES
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 30, 1997
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA3
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 5G
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25025
International Designator
1997-066C
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:36:44 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
7.90°
Right Ascension
6.32°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
99.15°
Period
467.49 min
Mean Motion
3.08 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
TEAMSAT
Alternative Name
YES
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ESA
Country
European Space Agency
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 25025U 97066C 26184.69217661 -.00000025 00000-0 30801-3 0 9994
2 25025 7.9031 6.3163 6528331 99.1514 239.6477 3.08028260135705
Source: Celestrak
Summary
TEAMSAT (OBJECT_ID: 1997-066C) is an ESA / ESTEC satellite launched on October 30, 1997, from the Guiana Space Centre's ELA3 launch pad using an Ariane 5G launch vehicle. The spacecraft has a cylindrical octagonal shape with dimensions of 0.4 meters in length and 1 meter for both diameter and span, and it weighs 175 kilograms at launch. It was designed to carry the Young Engineers Satellite payload as part of educational purposes. TEAMSAT is powered by batteries and does not have a motor or propulsion system. The satellite was stabilized on November 2, 1997, after its launch.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.4
Diameter
1
Span
1
Dry Mass
175
Launch Mass
175
Shape
Oct Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.5211
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Young Engineers Satellite
Purpose
ESA / ESTEC
Mission
ESA / ESTEC
Manufacturer
ESTEC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
YES
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 22 Oct 2025
SpaceX sets a new launch record as it prepares for its 133rd Falcon 9 mission. Additionally, developments in satellite technology and mergers in the space sector highlight the ongoing competition.
Space Brief 16 Oct 2024
In today's briefing: China accelerates its satellite megaconstellation. A comprehensive ESA-led optical data network is in the works, marking a key step in satellite communications. NASA's Artemis II crew visits Ohio in preparation for their lunar journey. SpaceX's record-breaking rocket launches continue. Plus, insights into nuclear rockets that could drastically shorten Mars missions.
The Day a Farm Boy Found a New World
Ninety-five years ago, a 24-year-old astronomer with no college degree made one of astronomy's most remarkable discoveries, finding a new planet that would challenge our understanding of the solar system
X Report 30 Dec 2024
SpaceX wraps up the year with significant launches, including a record-setting Astranis deployment and Starlink missions signaling the year's end.
Space Force Raises Andromeda Contract to $6.2B for SSA Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force increased Andromeda contract ceiling to $6.2 billion for next-generation space situational awareness satellites replacing GSSAP and SILENTBARKER programs.
Space Brief 12 Mar 2025
Today's space news highlights include the proposed budget expansion for the U.S. Space Force, a new CubeSat milestone for ESA's asteroid mission, and challenges with SpaceX's Starlink launch. Also, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Aries SN1 satellite in orbit.
Space Brief 15 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include recent missile deals impacting military satellite launches, a Navy salvage operation in the South China Sea, and defense updates from the Manama Dialogue 2025.