Space Brief 14 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers the Vulcan Centaur's first mission, military space automation insights, and the retirement reflections of a Space Force leader.
MUBLCOM (25736)
COSPAR: 1999-026B | Alt Name: MUBLCOM
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 18, 1999
Launch Site
WRAS
Launch Pad
RW30/12
Launch Vehicle
Pegasus XL/HAPS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25736
International Designator
1999-026B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:13:11 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.68°
Right Ascension
43.44°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
162.48°
Period
98.82 min
Mean Motion
14.57 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MUBLCOM
Alternative Name
MUBLCOM
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
CECOM
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 25736U 99026B 26184.88415956 .00001339 00000-0 30521-3 0 9996
2 25736 97.6837 43.4374 0004561 162.4786 197.6572 14.57243011432273
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The MUBLCOM satellite, identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 25736 and OBJECT_ID 1999-026B, was launched on May 18, 1999, from the Wallops Flight Facility (WRAS) using a Pegasus XL/HAPS launch vehicle. Built by OSCG for CECOM, this MicroStar configuration satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 1 meter in diameter with a span of 4.3 meters due to its solar arrays. The satellite's dry mass is 48 kilograms, the same as its launch mass. It was designed for communication purposes and is equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply. MUBLCOM has a radar cross-section (RCS) of 1.16 square meters and has a cylindrical shape with two panels attached. The satellite's owner, payload, and mission are all designated as MUBLCOM.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
1
Span
4.3
Dry Mass
48
Launch Mass
48
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
1.16
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
MUBLCOM
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
OSCG
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Microstar
Configuration
MicroStar
Motor
?
Equipment
Unknown
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 Force Opens Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Pads to New Launch Providers | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force issues call for launch providers at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg. Vandenberg opens Space Launch Complex 14 bidding with Feb 12 deadline. Electra pitches hybrid aircraft to Pentagon.
X Report 28 Oct 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites and settled a lawsuit, while Starlink's performance faces scrutiny in Ukraine. Additionally, MTN is enhancing Starlink's business services.
X Report 24 Feb 2025
SpaceX faces challenges with a Falcon 9 reentry issue, while continuing to expand its Starlink constellation with new launches.
X Report 17 Apr 2025
Starbase expansion progresses and Germany eyes its own satellite constellation.
Starlink Update: March 2024
As of March 2024, SpaceX's Starlink has made remarkable strides in its quest to provide global broadband internet access. With an astounding number of satellites already in orbit and ambitious plans for expansion, Starlink is on track to dominate Earth's orbit in the coming years.
Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining, Clashes With Congress on R-GPS | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force sees strategic value in asteroid mining. Congress pushes back on R-GPS phase-out over jamming risks. BlackSky expands Gen 3 defense contracts.
X Report 31 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the latest GPS satellite for the U.S. military, while the FAA has initiated a mishap investigation on a recent Starship test flight. CEO Elon Musk provided updates on the future of the Starship program, indicating ambitious plans ahead.