Space Brief 25 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.
SAUDISAT 1A (SO-41) (26545)
COSPAR: 2000-057A | Alt Name: Malaysia-OSCAR-46
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 26, 2000
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC109/95
Launch Vehicle
Dnepr
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26545
International Designator
2000-057A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:42:31 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
64.55°
Right Ascension
244.13°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
298.99°
Period
96.44 min
Mean Motion
14.93 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SAUDISAT 1A (SO-41)
Alternative Name
Malaysia-OSCAR-46
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
BKSA
Country
Malaysia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 26545U 00057A 26185.15453140 .00001273 00000-0 13457-3 0 9995
2 26545 64.5504 244.1335 0045448 298.9870 60.6689 14.93215800395564
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SAUDISAT 1A (SO-41), also known as Malaysia-OSCAR-46, is a microsatellite launched on September 26, 2000, from the Tsemel'nikskiy Missile Test Site using a Dnepr launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.7 meters in length and 0.4 meters in diameter, it features a box shape with an antenna and has a span of 6 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 50 kilograms and was manufactured by SSTL/ATSB for the mission purposes of Earth observation and technology demonstration. It is owned by BKSA and carries the Tiungsat-1 payload. Power is supplied through solar cells and batteries, and its radar cross-section (RCS) is 0.097 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.7
Diameter
0.4
Span
6
Dry Mass
50
Launch Mass
50
Shape
Box + Ant
Radar Cross Section
0.097
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Tiungsat-1
Purpose
Earth observation, technology
Mission
Earth observation, technology
Manufacturer
SSTL/ATSB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
UoSAT MS-70
Configuration
Microsat-70
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, 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.
X Report 19 Feb 2025
SpaceX achieves a new milestone with a Falcon 9 landing near The Bahamas, closely following Rocket Lab's successful satellite launch.
Pentagon Allocates $8B for Space-Based Moving Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon requests $8 billion for space-based moving target tracking constellation in FY2027 budget. New NORAD IDs expected as Space Force expands orbital ISR capabilities.
Space Brief 20 Dec 2025
Today's Space Brief focuses on multi-billion dollar contracts for missile-tracking satellites, developments in optical nuclear clock research, and innovative drone projects for military collaboration.
Space Brief 5 Jul 2025
Today's space highlights include China's first classified Shiyan-28B launch, Boeing's major satellite contract, new NASA budget allocations, and plans for shuttle Discovery's relocation.
X Report 17 Jan 2025
SpaceX marks another milestone and setback with Starship Flight 7, achieving a successful booster catch but losing the upper stage during ascent.
Space Brief 12 Jun 2025
Today's Space Brief covers major developments including the public debut of Voyager Technologies, advancements in defense by Sierra Space, and Pentagon's mega-constellation challenges. Also featured are new software selections by the Space Force and legislative actions on acquisition pilots.
SpaceX Launches 13th NRO Proliferated Architecture Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
Falcon 9 successfully deployed NROL-72 for National Reconnaissance Office's 13th proliferated architecture mission. Low-Earth orbit intelligence constellation expanding since 2021.