Space Brief 29 Jun 2025
Today's space brief covers SpaceX's new contract with the U.S. Space Force, multiple Starlink launches, Rocket Lab's rapid launch success, and the final mission of Japan's H-IIA rocket.
SAPPHIRE (NO-45) (26932)
COSPAR: 2001-043D | Alt Name: Navy-OSCAR-45
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 30, 2001
Launch Site
KODAK
Launch Pad
LP1
Launch Vehicle
Athena-1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26932
International Designator
2001-043D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:23:52 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
67.05°
Right Ascension
209.49°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
249.17°
Period
100.61 min
Mean Motion
14.31 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SAPPHIRE (NO-45)
Alternative Name
Navy-OSCAR-45
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
USNA/STAN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 26932U 01043D 26185.05825107 .00000049 00000-0 49925-4 0 9996
2 26932 67.0538 209.4870 0006375 249.1662 110.8757 14.31298580292805
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The SAPPHIRE (NO-45) satellite, also known as Navy-OSCAR-45, was launched on September 30, 2001, from the KODAK launch site using the Athena-1 launch vehicle. It is a hexagonal prism-shaped spacecraft with dimensions of 0.5 meters in length, diameter, and span, and it has a dry mass of 16 kilograms. The satellite was built by STAN for the USNA/STAN to conduct research activities. It is equipped with experimental infrared horizon sensors, a voice synthesizer, and a digital camera. Its power system includes solar cells and batteries. The satellite's RCS (Radiation Pressure Coefficient) value is 0.2786, and it has no motor or ADCS specified in the data provided.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.5
Diameter
0.5
Span
0.5
Dry Mass
16
Launch Mass
16
Shape
Hex Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.2786
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SAPPHIRE
Purpose
Research
Mission
Research
Manufacturer
STAN
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Squirt
Configuration
hexagonal prism
Motor
None
Equipment
experimental infrared horizon sensors, voice synthesizer, digital camera
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.
Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus, Lofts ViaSat-3 F3 | KeepTrack X Report
Falcon Heavy completed its 12th flight ever on April 29, ending an 18-month stand-down by lofting the 6-ton ViaSat-3 F3 comsat to GTO.
Pentagon Orders 30,000 One-Way Drones; Sierra Space Raises $550M | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon to order 30,000 attritable drones within days via Gauntlet competition. Meanwhile, Sierra Space closes $550M Series C funding round for national security spaceplane applications.
X Report 16 Nov 2024
SpaceX preps for Starship Flight 6 while Shotwell predicts Starship's future impact. Impulse Space secures Falcon 9 launches, and potential shifts in US space policy loom.
X Report 16 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites while marking a significant milestone with the 500th Falcon 9 mission. Additionally, the company is preparing for further testing of its Starship system and has begun collaborating with Amazon on their Project Kuiper constellation.
X Report 8 Dec 2025
SpaceX faces weather challenges as it scrubs the launch of its 3,000th Starlink satellite. Meanwhile, Elon Musk discusses advancing to a Type II civilization in an engaging social media post.
X Report 24 Mar 2025
SpaceX sets a rocket re-use record, Starlink satellites continue to proliferate, and Botswana launches its first national satellite.
Space Brief 3 Nov 2024
Today focuses on Blue Origin's preparation for New Glenn's debut, SpaceX Crew-9's ISS maneuver, the importance of U.S.-China cooperation in space, and breathtaking ISS photography.