EARLYBIRD-1 (25123)

COSPAR: 1997-085A | Alt Name: EarlyBird
DECAYED

Image
EARLYBIRD-1 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 24, 1997

Launch Site

SVOBO

Launch Pad

LC5

Launch Vehicle

Start-1

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

25123

International Designator

1997-085A

Decay Date

7/27/2000

Basic Satellite Info

Name

EARLYBIRD-1

Alternative Name

EarlyBird

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

EWAT

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
EARLYBIRD-1, also known as EarlyBird, is an Earth observation satellite with the NORAD catalog ID 25123 and object ID 1997-085A. It was launched on December 24, 1997, from SVOBO LC5 using a Start-1 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 2 meters in length, has a diameter of 1.1 meters, and spans 4 meters with its equipment. Its dry mass is 284 kg, which matches its launch mass. EarlyBird carries a 3-meter panchromatic camera and a 15-meter multispectral camera for Earth observation purposes. The satellite's power system includes deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries. It was designed to have a lifespan of 3 years with enough fuel for up to 5 years, manufactured by OSCM, and owned by EWAT. Its shape is described as hexagonal cylindrical with two pans.
Physical Characteristics

Length

2

Diameter

1.1

Span

4

Dry Mass

284

Launch Mass

284

Shape

Hex Cyl + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

2.7326

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

EarlyBird

Purpose

Earth observation

Mission

Earth observation

Manufacturer

OSCM

Life Expectancy

3 years (design); 5 years (fuel)

Bus

LEOStar

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

?

Equipment

3-meter panchromatic camera, 15-meter multispectral camera

Power System

Deployable fixed solar array, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 27 May 2025

Space Brief 27 May 2025

Today's Space Brief highlights advances in satellite communication for defense, regulatory changes for Starlink in South Africa, SpaceX's ongoing Starlink launches, and a significant contract for a Chinese satellite constellation.

SpaceX Files $18.7B IPO as Starship V3 Debuts | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Files $18.7B IPO as Starship V3 Debuts | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's S-1 reveals $18.7B in revenue as Starship Flight 12 debuts Block 3 hardware from Pad 2 on May 21, 2026.

Space Brief 10 Jun 2025

Space Brief 10 Jun 2025

Today's brief covers increased Space Force funding, a renewed focus on nuclear power in space, a proposed US missile defense system, new defense budget revelations, and NATO's call for increased air defenses.

X Report 30 Nov 2024

X Report 30 Nov 2024

SpaceX executes dual Starlink launches and secures Dragonfly mission contract while managing NRO satellite deployment.

The Details of Apollo 1

The Details of Apollo 1

How a catastrophic fire in 1967 fundamentally altered NASA's approach to human spaceflight and continues to influence modern spacecraft design

Artemis II

Artemis II

Four astronauts, a patched-together heat shield, and a $50 billion question: whether NASA can still send humans beyond low Earth orbit. Tomorrow, we find out.

Space Brief 17 Jan 2025

Space Brief 17 Jan 2025

Today's brief covers developments involving Space Force officials, Sierra Space's satellite milestone, and Voyager Space's rebranding for national security focus. Additionally, we spotlight the Cosmos 447 satellite.

X Report 6 Dec 2025

X Report 6 Dec 2025

SpaceX secures environmental approval for Starship launches at SLC-37 while Castelion, a company founded by SpaceX veterans, raises $350 million for hypersonic missile production.