Space Brief 19 May 2025
Today's space brief covers new ultraviolet data from the Europa Clipper, challenges in managing space debris, quantum advances in satellite technology, as well as a failed Indian satellite launch and more.
DIRECTV 8 (28659)
COSPAR: 2005-019A | Alt Name: DirecTV 8
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 22, 2005
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/39
Launch Vehicle
Proton-M/Briz-M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28659
International Designator
2005-019A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:46:03 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
0.02°
Right Ascension
38.78°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
79.78°
Period
1436.12 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DIRECTV 8
Alternative Name
DirecTV 8
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
DTV
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 28659U 05019A 26185.19865130 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 9990
2 28659 0.0198 38.7782 0003250 79.7793 116.1235 1.00269824 77248
Source: Celestrak
Summary
DIRECTV 8 (also known as DirecTV 8) is a communication satellite owned by DTV and operated for the DirecTV-8 mission. It was launched on May 22, 2005, from the TYMSC launch site using a Proton-M/Briz-M launch vehicle from LC200/39 pad. The spacecraft has dimensions of 5.6 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 31 meters due to its solar arrays. It is configured as an SSL-1300 bus manufactured by LOR, weighing 3711 kilograms at launch and 2000 kilograms dry. The satellite is powered by two deployable solar arrays along with batteries and has an RCS (Reaction Control System) area of 16.6707 square meters. Its shape is described as a box with two panels for its solar arrays. It was stabilized in orbit by May 23, 2005, and equipped with 36 Ku-band transponders alongside Ka-band transponders to provide communication services. The satellite's expected lifetime is 15 years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5.6
Diameter
2.8
Span
31
Dry Mass
2000
Launch Mass
3711
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
16.6707
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DirecTV-8
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
LOR
Life Expectancy
15 years
Bus
SSL-1300
Configuration
SSL-1300
Motor
R-4D-11-164
Equipment
36 Ku-band transponders, Ka-band transponders
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.
X Report 12 Aug 2025
SpaceX ramps up Raptor 3 testing and the launch landscape heats up with Vulcan and Ariane set to lift off before Starlink missions.
Space Brief 8 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include Russia's record-setting satellite launch, insights from NASA's AWE during Hurricane Helene, and confirmation of astronaut Suni Williams' good health aboard the ISS.
Starlink Launch Cadence: 54 Sats in One Day, X Report 13 Mar 2026
SpaceX Starlink launch cadence 2026: missions 26 and 27 lift off 37 minutes apart on March 13, with 25 and 29 satellites per Falcon 9, 54 in one morning.
SpaceX Eyes $1.75T Valuation in $75B IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets a $75B IPO valuing the company at over $1.75 trillion, while Falcon 9 chases its 200th drone ship landing at Vandenberg.
X Report 3 Jun 2025
SpaceX gears up for an exciting week with multiple launches, including a crewed mission and the rescheduled Starlink delivery. Meanwhile, ULA faces criticism from the Space Force over delays in its Vulcan rocket program.
Space Brief 6 Feb 2025
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.
Space Brief 16 Sep 2024
Highlights of the day include the Polaris Dawn mission's splashdown, advances in space traffic management, and intriguing astronomy insights from the cloud's edge.