X Report 27 Sep 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides in both its Starship program and Starlink satellite deployments, with a successful launch of 24 Starlink satellites and preparations for upcoming missions.
WIRE (25646)
COSPAR: 1999-011A | Alt Name: WIRE
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 5, 1999
Launch Site
WRAS
Launch Pad
RW30/12
Launch Vehicle
Pegasus XL
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25646
International Designator
1999-011A
Decay Date
5/10/2011
Basic Satellite Info
Name
WIRE
Alternative Name
WIRE
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The WIRE (Wide-field Infrared Explorer) satellite was launched on March 5, 1999, from Vandenberg AFB using a Pegasus XL launch vehicle. It is owned and manufactured by GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center), designed for astronomy and infra-red missions. The spacecraft has a configuration of 3-axis stabilized and measures approximately 1.7 meters in length with a diameter of 0.6 meters, and a span of 1.8 meters. Equipped with a 30 cm aperture Cassegrain telescope and a cryostat, WIRE weighs 182 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. It is powered by deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's surface area (RCS) is 1.21 square meters, and its shape consists of a cylinder with two panels.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.7
Diameter
0.6
Span
1.8
Dry Mass
182
Launch Mass
182
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
1.21
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
WIRE
Purpose
Astronomy, Infra-red
Mission
Astronomy, Infra-red
Manufacturer
GSFC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
SMEX
Configuration
3-axis stabilized
Motor
?
Equipment
30 cm aperture Cassegrain telescope, cryostat
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.
Musk Denies Starlink Price Cuts Are Response to Amazon Kuiper | KeepTrack X Report
Elon Musk denies Starlink price reductions are driven by Amazon Kuiper competition. SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites in 18th constellation mission of 2026. Five more coming this week.
X Report 7 Nov 2024
SpaceX prepares for sixth Starship flight, slated for mid-November, following successful fifth test in October.
Starlink Hits 10,000 Satellites in Orbit, X Report 17 Mar 2026
How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? SpaceX passed 10,000 after the Starlink 17-24 launch, with 10,020 in orbit and 11,529 launched.
Starship Flight 12 Targets May 19 with Redesigned Ship | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship Flight 12 debut, while CRS-34 delivers 6,500 lbs of cargo to ISS aboard a Falcon 9.
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.
1 Million AI Data Centers in Orbit Threaten Astronomy | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's proposed 1-million-satellite AI data center constellation alarms astronomers as Falcon 9 logs its 25th Starlink launch of 2026.
X Report 7 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the SXM-10 satellite for SiriusXM and prepares for the Ax-4 mission to the ISS amid political tensions involving Elon Musk and President Trump.