Space Brief 21 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.
Launch Date
March 2, 1991
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 44LP
NORAD ID
27662
International Designator
1991-015N
Epoch
Fri, 08 May 2026 22:13:49 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
5.42°
Right Ascension
41.12°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
234.67°
Period
365.62 min
Mean Motion
3.94 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
ARIANE 44LP DEB
Alternative Name
deb Ariane V42
Type
Status
Owner
AE
Country
France
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 27662U 91015N 26128.92626718 .00001016 00000-0 88679-3 0 9998
2 27662 5.4226 41.1180 6005185 234.6700 53.5292 3.93854725176440
Source: Celestrak
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.2652
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.
Starlink constellation size in March 2026: 9,996 satellites in orbit and 9,986 working from 11,504 launched, as SpaceX deorbits legacy V1.0 hardware.
For 56 years, April 22 has been the day the world stops to look at itself. Before that was possible, someone had to invent the view. This is the story of how we first saw Earth from the outside, from a crashed V-2 camera in the New Mexico desert to the Blue Marble that still hangs on classroom walls.
Today's space brief highlights intriguing military satellite developments, new space launch strategies to counteract observation threats, and potential European defense industry advancements.
SpaceX gears up for its 11th Starship test flight, while Starlink expands connectivity through partnerships with T-Mobile, enhancing app functionality beyond cellular coverage.
Space Force urgently rebuilds contracting workforce after civilian reductions. Pentagon defense strategy shifts focus to homeland defense. Tom Ainsworth named top Air Force space acquisition officer.
Starlink restrictions reportedly hit Moscow's drone coordination and frontline comms. SpaceX and xAI enter Pentagon's $100M drone contest. Sentinel ICBM to clear key review this year.
Today's brief covers a diverse range of topics, including reentry mission approvals, leadership changes in the Space Development Agency, and innovative military satellite communications.