Space Brief 14 May 2025
Today's edition covers China's latest launches in their classified satellite programs, ongoing discussions in the U.S. Senate on missile defense, and the ever-escalating space debris crisis threatening national security.
PICOSAT 7 & 8 [TETHERED] (26904)
COSPAR: 2000-042C | Alt Name: Picosat 7
DECAYED
Image
![PICOSAT 7 & 8 [TETHERED] Satellite Image](/images/sat/26904.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 19, 2000
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC8
Launch Vehicle
Minotaur I
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26904
International Designator
2000-042C
Decay Date
7/11/2002
Basic Satellite Info
Name
PICOSAT 7 & 8 [TETHERED]
Alternative Name
Picosat 7
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
DARPA2
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
PICOSAT 7 & 8 [TETHERED] is an experimental satellite launched on July 19, 2000, from AFWTR SLC8 using a Minotaur I launch vehicle. The satellite has a configuration of two box-shaped picosats connected by a tether, with dimensions of 0.1 meters in length and diameter, and a span of 30 meters when deployed. It was manufactured by AERO for the US military branch DARPA2. PICOSAT 7 & 8 have a dry mass of 0.25 kilograms and were powered by batteries. The satellite's primary purpose is experimental, with its payload being Tethered Picosat No. 23, designed to conduct tether experiments in space. It became stable on September 7, 2001.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.1
Diameter
0.1
Span
30
Dry Mass
0.25
Launch Mass
0.25
Shape
2 Box + Tether
Radar Cross Section
0.0199
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Tethered Picosat No. 23
Purpose
Experimental
Mission
Experimental
Manufacturer
AERO
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Picosat
Configuration
Box
Motor
None
Equipment
Tether
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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