X Report 17 Sep 2025
Today’s highlights include successful Falcon 9 launch for MECANO ID, ongoing Starship Block 3 development, and plans for direct-to-device testing next year.
AURA (28376)
COSPAR: 2004-026A | Alt Name: Aura
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 15, 2004
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7920-10L
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28376
International Designator
2004-026A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:29:28 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.34°
Right Ascension
141.70°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
87.24°
Period
98.54 min
Mean Motion
14.61 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
AURA
Alternative Name
Aura
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 28376U 04026A 26185.10380578 .00000920 00000-0 19599-3 0 9999
2 28376 98.3424 141.6979 0001185 87.2387 272.8949 14.61355294168685
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The AURA satellite, also known as Aura, is an Earth observation spacecraft operated by GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center) and manufactured by NGST. It was launched on July 15, 2004, from the AFWTR launch site using a Delta 7920-10L launch vehicle from SLC2W launch pad. With dimensions of 6.9 meters in length, 2.5 meters in diameter, and a span of 17.4 meters, it has a dry mass of 2,978 kg and was launched with a total mass of 3,112 kg. AURA is equipped with instruments such as HIRDLS, MLS, OMI, and TES for Earth observation purposes. The satellite's power system includes deployable solar arrays and batteries. Its shape consists of a box structure with additional panels, and it has an RCS (Reaction Control System) value of 9.4421.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.9
Diameter
2.5
Span
17.4
Dry Mass
2978
Launch Mass
3112
Shape
Box + Pan
Radar Cross Section
9.4421
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
EOS Chem-1
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
NGST
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
T-330
Configuration
T330 (AB-1200)
Motor
AOCS
Equipment
HIRDLS, MLS, OMI, TES
Power System
Deployable solar array, 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 31 Jul 2025
Today's Space Brief brings updates on the U.S. Space Force's upcoming missions, in-space technology strategies, the challenges faced by new launchers, and advancements in satellite communication.
X Report 6 Dec 2025
SpaceX secures environmental approval for Starship launches at SLC-37 while Castelion, a company founded by SpaceX veterans, raises $350 million for hypersonic missile production.
Second Starlink Satellite Generates Debris; Falcon 9 Booster Flies 34th Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
Second Starlink satellite malfunctioned on orbit and generated debris within three months of prior event. Falcon 9 booster completed record 34th mission from Cape Canaveral.
X Report 21 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites using a new Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone for the company as it expands its satellite internet constellation.
X Report 9 May 2025
SpaceX makes strides in various sectors, from Starlink expanding services on United Airlines to new hardware aimed at enhancing home connectivity.
Space Brief 24 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of classified TJS-14 satellite, Boeing's defense program losses, and the fourth batch launch of Thousand Sails satellites.
Rocket Lab Neutron Targets Q4 2026 Debut, Space Brief 9 May 2026
Rocket Lab Neutron's first launch is targeted for Q4 2026 after a tank test failure, backed by a new 5-launch deal. Plus Globalstar's 1,410 km refresh.