Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The evolution from simply tracking objects in orbit to understanding the full strategic picture of who is doing what in space, and why
IBEX (33401)
COSPAR: 2008-051A | Alt Name: IBEX
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 19, 2008
Launch Site
KWAJ
Launch Pad
RW06/24
Launch Vehicle
Pegasus XL
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
33401
International Designator
2008-051A
Epoch
Sat, 26 Jul 2025 23:19:27 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
46.30°
Right Ascension
10.95°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
50.14°
Period
13151.04 min
Mean Motion
0.11 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
IBEX
Alternative Name
IBEX
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 33401U 08051A 25206.97184344 -.00002141 00000-0 00000-0 0 9999
2 33401 46.2961 10.9471 7278850 50.1397 2.4308 0.10949703 5381
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The IBEX satellite, officially designated 2008-051A and cataloged under NORAD CAT ID 33401, is a US spacecraft designed for particle imaging missions. Launched on October 19, 2008, from Kwajalein Atoll (KWAJ) using the Pegasus XL launch vehicle from Launch Pad RW06/24, IBEX has dimensions of 0.6 meters in length and a diameter and span of 1 meter each. Its dry mass is recorded at 80 kilograms, with a total launch mass of 107 kilograms. The satellite features solar cells and batteries for power generation and is equipped with the IBEX-Hi and IBEX-Lo instruments for its mission objectives. IBEX was manufactured by OSCD and is owned by GSFC. Despite an initial design lifetime of two years, it has remained active as of January 2023, showcasing a significant extension beyond its planned operational period.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.6
Diameter
1
Span
1
Dry Mass
80
Launch Mass
107
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.003
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
IBEX
Purpose
Particle imaging
Mission
Particle imaging
Manufacturer
OSCD
Life Expectancy
2 years (design), +14 years (active as of January 2023)
Bus
Microstar
Configuration
MicroStar-2
Motor
?
Equipment
IBEX-Hi, IBEX-Lo
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
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