Space Brief 25 Apr 2025
Today's briefing covers the largest-ever spectrum sharing demo planned by the Pentagon, innovative strategies for drone deployment in the Air Force, and significant military procurement developments.
NIMIQ 2 (27632)
COSPAR: 2002-062A | Alt Name: Nimiq 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 29, 2002
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/24
Launch Vehicle
Proton-M/Briz-M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
27632
International Designator
2002-062A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:48:48 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
9.48°
Right Ascension
56.72°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
44.02°
Period
1436.09 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
NIMIQ 2
Alternative Name
Nimiq 2
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
TCAN
Country
Canada
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 27632U 02062A 26185.20055796 -.00000061 00000-0 00000-0 0 9994
2 27632 9.4826 56.7151 0005547 44.0231 144.4959 1.00272081 44354
Source: Celestrak
Summary
NIMIQ 2 is a communication satellite launched on December 29, 2002, from the Tyuratam Site (TYMSC), using a Proton-M/Briz-M launch vehicle. The spacecraft, identified as object ID 2002-062A with NORAD catalog number 27632, measures 4.5 meters in length and has a diameter of 1.8 meters and a span of 21 meters. It was manufactured by LM Space Systems (LMCSS) and designed for direct broadcasting operations. The satellite is equipped with 32 Ku-band transponders and 2 Ka-band transponders, and its power comes from two deployable solar arrays and batteries. NIMIQ 2 has a dry mass of 1500 kilograms and a launch mass of 3600 kilograms, with an expected operational lifetime of 12 years. The satellite was owned by TCAN (Telesat Canada) and its shape is described as Box + 2 Pan configuration.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.5
Diameter
1.8
Span
21
Dry Mass
1500
Launch Mass
3600
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
111.2871
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Nimiq 2
Purpose
Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Mission
Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Manufacturer
LMCSS
Life Expectancy
12 years
Bus
A2100AX
Configuration
A2100AX
Motor
Leros 1C
Equipment
32 Ku-band transponders (all), 2 Ka-band transponders (#2 only)
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.
Vulcan Grounding Could Last Months, Space Force Weighs Alternatives | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan Centaur faces potential months-long stand-down. Space Force actively exploring payload reassignment and satellite operational life extensions to cover critical national security missions.
Space Force Eyes 1,000 Launches by 2031, New Site Required | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force projects ~1,000 launches between FY2027–FY2031, averaging 200 annually. DAF study concludes new launch site is "probably" required to absorb cadence.
Space Brief 9 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include delayed satellite launches, SpaceX's Florida Starship expansion, a historic mission by Europe's Ariane 6, and NASA's twin missions to explore the ends of the Earth and the universe.
X Report 14 Jan 2025
SpaceX sets a new reusability record and continues its busy launch schedule with multiple Starlink missions.
The Multi-Orbit Myth? Why One Startup Thinks the Satellite Industry Got It Wrong
The satellite industry's biggest operators are betting on multi-orbit architectures that combine LEO, MEO, and GEO into unified networks. A San Francisco startup called Contrivian thinks they've overcomplicated the problem, and the physics might be on its side.
The Day That Changed How We Navigate Forever
Forty-seven years ago, an Atlas rocket carried the first GPS satellite into orbit, launching a revolution in navigation that would transform daily life across the globe
Space Brief 10 May 2025
Today's brief covers Rocket Lab's Neutron being selected for military tests, Space Force's strategic updates, Germany's SAR satellite plans, and a significant NASA nomination.