The Day That Changed Spaceflight Forever
Thirty-nine years ago, the loss of Space Shuttle Challenger and its seven crew members forever transformed our approach to spaceflight safety and risk management
PROBA-1 (26958)
COSPAR: 2001-049B | Alt Name: PROBA
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 22, 2001
Launch Site
SRILR
Launch Pad
FLP
Launch Vehicle
PSLV
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26958
International Designator
2001-049B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 07:52:02 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.96°
Right Ascension
194.46°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
65.72°
Period
95.52 min
Mean Motion
15.08 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
PROBA-1
Alternative Name
PROBA
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
ESA
Country
European Space Agency
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 26958U 01049B 26185.32780961 .00002306 00000-0 15085-3 0 9995
2 26958 97.9596 194.4598 0056358 65.7233 294.9867 15.07570853346201
Source: Celestrak
Summary
PROBA-1 is a technology satellite launched by ESA on October 22, 2001, from SRILR using a PSLV launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.6 meters in length and has a diameter of 0.8 meters with the same span, operating as part of the MiniSIL Bus configuration. It weighs 94 kilograms at launch and remains the same dry mass. Equipped with CHRIS, SREM, and DEBIE equipment, PROBA-1's purpose is technology demonstration. The satellite powers itself through solar cells and batteries and has a box shape design manufactured by VERSI.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.6
Diameter
0.8
Span
0.8
Dry Mass
94
Launch Mass
94
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
PROBA
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology
Manufacturer
VERSI
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
MiniSIL
Configuration
MiniSIL Bus
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
CHRIS, SREM, DEBIE
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.
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 3 Dec 2025
SpaceX completes multiple successful launches, enhancing its Starlink constellation with new satellites while resolving personnel issues related to Crew 12.
Boeing Ramps Up Missile-Tracking Sensor Production for Military Sats | KeepTrack Space Brief
Boeing opens new facility to boost missile-tracking sensor production for military satellites. Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for national security projects. 25 Starlink sats launched.
Space Brief 28 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers defense industry dynamics, advancements in quantum sensor technology, and geopolitical challenges impacting military space operations.
X Report 8 Jan 2025
SpaceX gears up for distinctive Starship tests and milestone Starlink deployments as the new year takes off.
Crew-11 Preps for First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, Lufthansa Orders Starlink for 850 Jets | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 prepares for historic first ISS medical evacuation via Crew Dragon. Lufthansa Group to equip all 850 aircraft with Starlink. Starship infrastructure advances at Starbase and Cape Canaveral.
Starship V3 Debuts on Flight 12 May 20 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's first Starship V3 launches May 20 on Flight 12, as Starlink's 10,354 active sats force a historic carrier alliance.