Vulcan Grounding Threatens WGS-11 and OPIR Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan rocket grounded, imperiling Space Force WGS-11 communications satellite and Next-Gen OPIR missile warning payload. Both missions lack backup launch options.
Launch Date
December 18, 2004
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA3
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 5G+
NORAD ID
28494
International Designator
2004-049C
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:26:22 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.30°
Right Ascension
54.87°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
71.26°
Period
96.88 min
Mean Motion
14.86 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
ESSAIM-1
Alternative Name
Essaim W23
Type
Status
Owner
CNES/DGA
Country
France
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 28494U 04049C 26185.05998319 .00001298 00000-0 15400-3 0 9993
2 28494 98.3016 54.8744 0001387 71.2594 288.8770 14.86339333160791
Source: Celestrak
Length
0.6
Diameter
0.6
Span
1
Dry Mass
115
Launch Mass
120
Shape
Box + Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Essaim 1
Purpose
SIGINT
Mission
SIGINT
Manufacturer
EADSB
Life Expectancy
3 years
Bus
Myriade
Configuration
Myriade
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Deployable solar array, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
ULA's Vulcan rocket grounded, imperiling Space Force WGS-11 communications satellite and Next-Gen OPIR missile warning payload. Both missions lack backup launch options.
SpaceX continues to make strides with multiple launches, including 28 Starlink satellites and NASA's IMAP mission, highlighting its ongoing role in advancing space weather research.
Firefly Aerospace launches return-to-flight Firefly Alpha on March 10 after Flight 6 anomaly. SpaceX also launches EchoStar 25 GEO satellite and multiple Starlink batches this week.
Blue Origin lost New Glenn during static fire testing at Launch Complex 36. Vehicle sustained serious damage in anomaly. NASA Artemis timeline impacts possible.
Today's brief covers developments in space traffic management, the X-37B spaceplane's upcoming mission, and satellite interference with radio telescopes.
Today's brief covers the Army's move to create a space career field for enlisted soldiers, Terran Orbital's involvement in a Space Force tech program, advancements in missile warning systems, a first flight test by Inversion Space, and more.
NASA considers opening the Artemis 3 lander to new bids as delays surface, while SpaceX gears up for multiple Falcon 9 launches this week and secures a redevelopment nod for SLC-6.
SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites, enhancing its constellation while continuing its leadership in satellite deployment for global internet coverage.