Space Brief 9 May 2025
Today's briefing covers new satellite projects, military tech advancements, and insights into missile defense strategies. Discover partnerships in satellite design and exciting developments in space military technology.
UK-DMC (27942)
COSPAR: 2003-042D | Alt Name: UK-DMC
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 27, 2003
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/1
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
27942
International Designator
2003-042D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:04:17 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.08°
Right Ascension
14.70°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
146.89°
Period
96.83 min
Mean Motion
14.87 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
UK-DMC
Alternative Name
UK-DMC
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
BNSC
Country
United Kingdom
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 27942U 03042D 26185.25297537 .00001618 00000-0 18212-3 0 9998
2 27942 98.0807 14.7048 0054278 146.8871 213.5761 14.87071507225300
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The UK-DMC satellite, also known as DMC BNSCSat-1, is a Microsat-100 configuration microsatellite manufactured by SSTL for Earth Observation purposes. It was launched on September 27, 2003, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia using a Kosmos 11K65M launch vehicle from Launch Pad LC132/1. The satellite has dimensions of 0.6 meters in length and diameter with a span of 6.6 meters. It features solar cells and batteries for power supply, weighs 85.4 kilograms dry mass out of an initial launch mass of 100 kilograms, and is equipped with a 32-meter resolution imager operating in three spectral bands. The satellite's shape is described as a box with an antenna, and it has been operational beyond its planned five-year lifetime, reaching eight years in total.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.6
Diameter
0.6
Span
6.6
Dry Mass
85.4
Launch Mass
100
Shape
Box + Ant
Radar Cross Section
0.3232
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DMC BNSCSat-1
Purpose
Earth Observation
Mission
Earth Observation
Manufacturer
SSTL
Life Expectancy
5 years (8 years reached)
Bus
SSTL-100
Configuration
Microsat-100
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
32-meter resolution imager in 3 spectral bands
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 6 Oct 2025
Today's highlights include Firefly's acquisition of SciTec, DARPA's vision for a moon economy, and ESA's new deep space antenna in Australia. Stay updated on the latest in space intelligence and defense technology transformations, plus noteworthy rogue planet phenomena.
X Report 26 Sep 2025
SpaceX has been active, with successful launches of Starlink satellites and major developments at Cape Canaveral, signaling a competitive edge in satellite communication and launch capabilities.
Space Brief 6 Aug 2025
Highlights of today's Space Brief include advancements in missile defense systems, a historic lunar project by NASA, and strategic military investments in satellite technology.
X Report 30 Mar 2025
SpaceX gears up for major Starlink launch, while Starship developments continue to shape commercial spacefrontiers.
Space Brief 9 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's successful 2025 kick-off launch, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, and a significant military satellite contract competition.
US Agency Will Not Reinstate $900 Mln Subsidy for SpaceX Starlink Unit
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission reaffirms its decision to deny SpaceX's Starlink unit $885.5 million in rural broadband subsidies, impacting the company's plans for expanding internet access.
Space Brief 28 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers China's Gaofen-14 satellite launch, Europe's advancements in asteroid defense through GomSpace, and Russia's controversial Burevestnik missile test.