The Day We Lost Apollo 1
Fifty-eight years ago, a tragic fire during a routine test transformed spacecraft design and created the foundation of modern spaceflight safety culture
Launch Date
November 2, 2009
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC133/3
Launch Vehicle
Rokot
NORAD ID
36036
International Designator
2009-059A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:10:27 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
98.44°
Right Ascension
11.89°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
87.05°
Period
100.02 min
Mean Motion
14.40 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
SMOS
Alternative Name
SMOS
Type
Status
Owner
ESA
Country
European Space Agency
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 36036U 09059A 26184.79893072 .00000296 00000-0 10832-3 0 9991
2 36036 98.4427 11.8905 0001308 87.0458 273.0880 14.39781805875848
Source: Celestrak
Length
2.4
Diameter
2.3
Span
12
Dry Mass
630
Launch Mass
658
Shape
Box + 2 Pan + 3 Ant
Radar Cross Section
2.8692
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
SMOS
Purpose
Earth Science
Mission
Earth Science
Manufacturer
THALES
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Proteus
Configuration
Proteus Bus
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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Fifty-eight years ago, a tragic fire during a routine test transformed spacecraft design and created the foundation of modern spaceflight safety culture
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