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RBSP A (38752)
COSPAR: 2012-046A | Alt Name: Radiation Belt Storm Probe A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 30, 2012
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 401
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
38752
International Designator
2012-046A
Epoch
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:25:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
9.55°
Right Ascension
240.72°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
299.40°
Period
94.33 min
Mean Motion
15.27 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
RBSP A
Alternative Name
Radiation Belt Storm Probe A
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
GSFC/APL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 38752U 12046A 26069.80903478 .39552342 -26527-4 85947-3 0 9996
2 38752 9.5479 240.7241 0548826 299.3995 55.2519 15.26561984150482
Source: Celestrak
Summary
RBSP A, also known as Radiation Belt Storm Probe A, is a magnetospheric research satellite with an octagonal prism shape and spin stabilization, launched by NASA on August 30, 2012. The spacecraft was designed for a two-year mission but achieved seven years of operation. It was equipped with several instruments including EXT, EMFISIS, EFW, RBSPICE, RPS, and powered by four deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries. Launched from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle, the satellite had a length of 1.3 meters, diameter of 1.8 meters, span of 101.7 meters, dry mass of 592 kg, and launch mass of 648 kg. The satellite's propulsion system consisted of eight MR-103G monopropellant thrusters, and its primary mission was to conduct magnetospheric research for the GSFC/APL.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.3
Diameter
1.8
Span
101.7
Dry Mass
592
Launch Mass
648
Shape
Oct+4 pan+8 booms
Radar Cross Section
6.8945
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
RBSP A
Purpose
Magnetospheric Research
Mission
Magnetospheric Research
Manufacturer
APL
Life Expectancy
2 years (design); 7 years (achieved)
Bus
RBSP
Configuration
Octagonal prism, spin stabilzed
Motor
8 x MR-103G monopropellant thrusters
Equipment
EXT, EMFISIS, EFW, RBSPICE, RPS
Power System
4 deployable fixed 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
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