Space Brief 29 Jan 2025
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LUNAR PROSPECTOR (25131)
COSPAR: 1998-001A | Alt Name: Lunar Prospector
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 7, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC46
Launch Vehicle
Athena-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25131
International Designator
1998-001A
Decay Date
7/31/1999
Basic Satellite Info
Name
LUNAR PROSPECTOR
Alternative Name
Lunar Prospector
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
ARC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The Lunar Prospector (also known as LUNAR PROSPECTOR) is a US satellite with the NORAD catalog ID 25131 and OBJECT_ID 1998-001A, manufactured by LMMS for the ARC. Launched on January 7, 1998, from SLC46 at AFETR using an Athena-2 launch vehicle, its mission was to serve as a Lunar Orbiter. The spacecraft measures 1.2 meters in length, 1.4 meters in diameter, and has a span of 4 meters. It had a launch mass of 296 kg and a dry mass of 158 kg. Equipped with solar cells and batteries for power, it also carries equipment such as GRS, APS, MAG, DGE, and a Celestis capsule. The satellite's shape is described as cylindrical with two antennas. Its mission lifetime was approximately 1.5 years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.2
Diameter
1.4
Span
4
Dry Mass
158
Launch Mass
296
Shape
Cyl + 2 Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
LP
Purpose
Lunar Orbiter
Mission
Lunar Orbiter
Manufacturer
LMMS
Life Expectancy
1.5 years
Bus
LM100
Configuration
LM-100
Motor
?
Equipment
GRS, APS, MAG, DGE, Celestis capsule
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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