X Report 31 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include the ongoing Crew-11 mission launch and Starship preparations for its upcoming test flight.
STEX (25489)
COSPAR: 1998-055A | Alt Name: STEX
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 3, 1998
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
576E
Launch Vehicle
ARPA Taurus
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25489
International Designator
1998-055A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:14:36 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
84.98°
Right Ascension
324.91°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
20.24°
Period
99.18 min
Mean Motion
14.52 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STEX
Alternative Name
STEX
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 25489U 98055A 26185.13514014 .00000596 00000-0 14276-3 0 9999
2 25489 84.9841 324.9076 0009353 20.2356 339.9216 14.51865801465796
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STEX is an experimental satellite operated by NROC and launched on October 3, 1998, from AFWTR launch site using the ARPA Taurus launch vehicle. With a length of 2 meters, diameter of 1.2 meters, and span of 5 meters, it has a dry mass of 510 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 671 kilograms. The satellite is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries, and its propulsion system includes a TAL-D55 plasma engine. Its shape is described as "Box + 2 Pan," and it has an RCS (Reflectivity Coefficient Surface) value of 0.5611. The spacecraft was manufactured by LMA/DENV and carries the STEX payload for experimental purposes.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2
Diameter
1.2
Span
5
Dry Mass
510
Launch Mass
671
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
0.5611
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
STEX
Purpose
Experimental
Mission
Experimental
Manufacturer
LMA/DENV
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
STEX
Configuration
?
Motor
TAL-D55 plasma engine
Equipment
?
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, 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.
Space Brief 4 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers China's new GEO Yaogan satellite launch, India's record-mass commsat, military tech updates, autonomous systems for maritime security, and insights from satellite imagery of Hurricane Melissa's impact in Jamaica.
SpaceX Buys Cursor AI for $60B After IPO, X Report 17 Jun 2026
SpaceX acquires Cursor AI maker Anysphere for $60B in its first post-IPO deal, as Falcon 9 lofts 3 Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile.
Space Brief 9 Sep 2025
Explore the latest advancements in satellite technology, military satellite applications, and collaborative efforts in hypersonic vehicle tracking. Discover the transformative power of new deals shaping global communication networks.
X Report 5 Mar 2025
SpaceX's busy launch schedule faces scrubs, while industry leaders call for infrastructure upgrades, highlighting challenges in the bustling space sector.
Amazon vs SpaceX and the Battle for the Best Satellite Internet Service
SpaceX and Amazon Are Playing for Keeps to Control Satellite Broadband and Connect the World. But Is There Room for Both in the Orbit?
Space Brief 31 Oct 2024
SpaceX achieves a new launch record with its Starlink mission, NASA's Perseverance rover captures eerie Martian winds, and Buzz Aldrin endorses Trump. Plus, discussions around space debris and military space tech agreements.
X Report 14 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched a batch of Starlink satellites today while introducing new features to enhance user experience. Their rideshare program continues to see increased demand, proving popular among customers.