Space Brief 17 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the redeployment of decommissioned missile technologies to orbital duties, Germany's plans for a sovereign communications network, and fresh developments in hypersonic testing through Rocket Lab.
Launch Date
May 14, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Vostok 8A92M
NORAD ID
36876
International Designator
1981-043P
Decay Date
7/13/2016
Name
METEOR 2-7 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Meteor-2
Type
Status
Owner
KVR
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.0081
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's brief covers the redeployment of decommissioned missile technologies to orbital duties, Germany's plans for a sovereign communications network, and fresh developments in hypersonic testing through Rocket Lab.
Space Force allocated $26B in 2026 defense appropriations backing Golden Dome initiative. FY26 defense bill adds $8B but sidelines $28B munitions request. First Qatari-Emirati joint defense venture formed.
NASA's Van Allen Probe A (1,300 lbs) reenters today after 14 years studying Earth's radiation belts. Most debris will burn up; ocean impact statistically likely.
Thirty-nine years ago, a Proton rocket carried the core of the Mir space station into orbit, launching an unprecedented era of continuous human presence in space and international cooperation
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.
Latest updates include China's Lijian-1 launching 15 satellites, a fiery Starlink reentry, SpaceX's milestone Falcon 9 booster landing, and China's support for its commercial space sector.
SpaceX debuts Starlink's first-ever Super Bowl ad to millions of viewers. Artemis II reaches Kennedy launch pad for first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo era.
Starlink constellation size in March 2026: 9,996 satellites in orbit and 9,986 working from 11,504 launched, as SpaceX deorbits legacy V1.0 hardware.