X Report 22 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the U.S. Space Force's eighth X-37B spaceplane mission while preparing for an upcoming Starship launch. Meanwhile, the company continues to expand its Starlink satellite constellation.
SKYNET 4F (26695)
COSPAR: 2001-005B | Alt Name: Skynet 4F
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 7, 2001
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 44L
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26695
International Designator
2001-005B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:51:44 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
12.14°
Right Ascension
18.36°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
210.32°
Period
1452.40 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SKYNET 4F
Alternative Name
Skynet 4F
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
MOD
Country
United Kingdom
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 26695U 01005B 26185.16093045 .00000072 00000-0 00000-0 0 9993
2 26695 12.1413 18.3584 0004951 210.3188 162.0991 0.99146390 92788
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SKYNET 4F is a military communication satellite operated by MOD (Ministry of Defence) from the UK. Launched on February 7, 2001, aboard an Ariane 44L launch vehicle from ELA2 in French Guiana, it has a dry mass of 830 kg and a launch mass of 1489 kg. The satellite is equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation, along with equipment including four SHF transponders, two UHF transponders, and two C-band transponders (#D-F). Its dimensions include a length of 1.8 meters, diameter of 1.9 meters, and span of 16.1 meters. SKYNET 4F was built by ASTUK (Airbus Defence and Space UK) on an ECS-Bus platform and is designed to last for six years in orbit.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.8
Diameter
1.9
Span
16.1
Dry Mass
830
Launch Mass
1489
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
3.9811
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Skynet 4F
Purpose
Military communication
Mission
Military communication
Manufacturer
ASTUK
Life Expectancy
6 years
Bus
ECS
Configuration
ECS-Bus
Motor
Star 30
Equipment
4 SHF transponders (all), 2 UHF transponders (all), 2 C-band transponders (#D-F)
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 28 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's rapid Starlink launches, insights into China's Mars sample return mission, and ULA's future launch plans. Also, a new Space Force general takes the reins of the U.S. missile defense program.
Starship V3 Targets May 19 Debut; FCC OKs $2.4B Spectrum Deal | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship V3's first flight from Pad 2 as the FCC approves a $2.4B EchoStar spectrum deal for Starlink D2D.
X Report 20 Nov 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides with its Starship program while successfully launching another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit, enhancing global internet coverage.
SpaceX Wins $2.29B Space Force LEO Comms Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX awarded $2.29 billion to build Space Force's LEO communications backbone, integrating with SDA Transport layer satellites for military tactical data relay through space.
Van Allen Probe A Reenters After 14 Years; NASA Designates Starliner Type A Mishap | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's 590 kg Van Allen Probe A reentered March 10 after 14 years studying Earth's radiation belts. Meanwhile, Boeing Starliner classified as Type A mishap after leaving astronauts stranded on ISS.
Space Brief 27 Jun 2025
Today's Space Brief covers potential changes in the procurement strategies for the Space Force, developments in missile detection technology, and budgetary impacts on space programs.
Space Brief 5 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers significant advancements in national security space launches, ongoing rocket developments, and critical updates from the space industry.